WO2019064643A1 - Developer cartridge - Google Patents

Developer cartridge Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019064643A1
WO2019064643A1 PCT/JP2018/011011 JP2018011011W WO2019064643A1 WO 2019064643 A1 WO2019064643 A1 WO 2019064643A1 JP 2018011011 W JP2018011011 W JP 2018011011W WO 2019064643 A1 WO2019064643 A1 WO 2019064643A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
roller
developing
developing cartridge
curved surface
outer peripheral
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2018/011011
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
板橋 奈緒
Original Assignee
ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ブラザー工業株式会社 filed Critical ブラザー工業株式会社
Publication of WO2019064643A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019064643A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03GELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a developing cartridge.
  • a developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus.
  • the developing cartridge has a developing roller.
  • a conventional developing cartridge is described in, for example, Patent Document 1.
  • the developing cartridge of Patent Document 1 is mounted on a drum unit (process frame).
  • the drum unit has a photosensitive drum.
  • the developing cartridge When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, the developing cartridge is positioned on the frame of the drum unit by the shaft of the developing roller. Thereby, the developing roller is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a structure in which the developing roller can be positioned in the developing cartridge without using the shaft of the developing roller.
  • the 1st invention of this application is a case which can store a developer, and is a case which has one end and the other end in the 1st direction, and is extended in the 2nd direction.
  • a housing having a moving shaft and rotatable in a rotating direction about the rotating shaft, and an agitator capable of stirring the developer, the agitator having an agitator shaft extending in the second direction
  • a developing roller positioned closer to the one end than the agitator shaft in the first direction, the developing roller being rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction and rotatable with the housing
  • a first curved surface that curves in the rotation direction, and is further away from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and can be rotated in the rotation direction with the housing First Characterized in that it comprises a curved surface, the.
  • a second invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention, wherein a distance between the developing roller and the first curved surface in the first direction is a fixed distance.
  • a third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention or the second invention, wherein the diameter of the first curved surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
  • a fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the third invention, wherein the case includes the first curved surface.
  • a fifth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the fourth invention, wherein the developing cartridge is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the second direction, and is more than the developing roller in the first direction. It is characterized by further comprising: a first roller located apart from the agitator shaft, the first roller being rotatable in the rotation direction together with the casing and having the first curved surface.
  • a sixth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the fifth invention, wherein an interval between the developing roller and the first roller in the first direction is a fixed distance.
  • a seventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the fifth invention or the sixth invention, wherein the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
  • An eighth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the fifth invention to the seventh invention, wherein the case includes an axis of the first roller.
  • a ninth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the eighth invention, wherein the developing cartridge is mounted on a drum unit having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotating shaft extending in the second direction.
  • the first peripheral surface of the developing roller is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum
  • the curved surface is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  • a tenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the ninth invention, wherein the housing, the developing roller, and the first curved surface with respect to the drum unit in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum unit. After rotating in the rotation direction, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller contacts the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum, and the first curved surface contacts the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum.
  • the eleventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the tenth invention, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum after the first curved surface contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. It is characterized by
  • a twelfth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention, wherein the second curved surface is curved in the rotation direction, and is further away from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction. It is a second curved surface that is located and can be rotated in the rotation direction together with the housing, and further includes a second curved surface located away from the first curved surface in the second direction. .
  • a thirteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the twelfth invention, wherein a distance between the developing roller and the first curved surface in the first direction is a fixed distance, and the developing roller and the developing roller in the first direction are the same.
  • the distance between the second curved surface and the second curved surface is a constant distance.
  • a fourteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twelfth invention or the thirteenth invention, wherein the diameter of the first curved surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller, and the diameter of the second curved surface is And a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
  • a fifteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the twelfth invention to the fourteenth invention, wherein the casing includes the first curved surface and the second curved surface. .
  • a sixteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the twelfth invention to the fifteenth invention, wherein the developing cartridge is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the second direction, and is more than the developing roller in the first direction.
  • a first roller located apart from the agitator shaft, the first roller having a first curved surface and being rotatable in the pivoting direction together with the housing; and a rotation shaft extending in the second direction
  • a second roller which is rotatable in the first direction and is farther from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and is rotatable in the pivoting direction together with the housing; And a second roller having a surface.
  • a seventeenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the sixteenth invention, wherein a distance between the developing roller and the first roller in the first direction is a fixed distance, and the developing roller and the first roller in the first direction The distance between the two rollers is characterized by a fixed distance.
  • the eighteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the sixteenth invention or the seventeenth invention, wherein the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller, and the outer periphery of the first roller The diameter of the surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
  • a nineteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the sixteenth invention to the eighteenth invention, wherein the housing includes an axis of the first roller and an axis of the second roller. I assume.
  • the twentieth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the twelfth to nineteenth inventions, wherein the developing cartridge is mounted on a drum unit having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotating shaft extending in the second direction.
  • the first peripheral surface of the developing roller is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum
  • the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit.
  • the curved surface and the second curved surface are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  • a twenty-first invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twentieth invention, wherein the housing, the developing roller, and the first curved surface with respect to the drum unit in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum unit. After the second curved surface is rotated in the rotation direction, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and the first curved surface and the second curved surface are photosensitive. Contacting the outer peripheral surface of the drum.
  • a twenty-second invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-first invention, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller is the above-mentioned outer surface after the first curved surface and the second curved surface contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. It contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  • a twenty-third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the twenty-second invention, wherein the pivot shaft portion extends in the second direction from the outer surface of the housing. It is characterized by
  • a twenty-fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the twenty-third invention, wherein the pressing receiving surface is positioned closer to the other end than the pivot shaft in the first direction. And further comprising a pressing receiving surface for receiving the pressing force.
  • a twenty-fifth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-fourth invention, wherein the pressing receiving surface receives the pressing force along the rotation direction.
  • the 26th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the 9th to 11th inventions or the 20th to 22nd inventions, wherein the developing roller is provided along the rotation axis.
  • the developing roller shaft extends in the second direction, and the developing roller shaft and the drum unit are not in contact with each other.
  • a twenty-seventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the twenty-sixth invention, wherein the casing is rotated in the rotational direction about the rotational shaft according to an external force. It is characterized by being movable.
  • the developing roller it is possible to position the developing roller not by the shaft of the developing roller but by using the pivot shaft portion and the first curved surface different from the developing roller.
  • the developing roller can be positioned using the first curved surface and the second curved surface separated in the second direction from the first curved surface. Thereby, the developing roller can be positioned more accurately.
  • 1st Embodiment It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum unit.
  • First embodiment a partial exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge.
  • 1st Embodiment It is the figure which showed a mode when mounting
  • 1st Embodiment It is the figure which showed a mode when mounting
  • 1st Embodiment It is the figure which showed a mode when mounting
  • Second embodiment an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge.
  • first direction the direction in which the agitator and the developing roller are arranged
  • second direction the direction in which the rotation shaft of the developing roller extends.
  • the first direction and the second direction intersect (preferably are orthogonal to) each other.
  • the structure of the drum unit will also be described using the “first direction” and the “second direction” in the state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum unit 9 according to the first embodiment.
  • the developing cartridge 1 and the drum unit 9 are used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a laser printer and an LED printer.
  • the drum unit 9 is removable from the image forming apparatus. That is, the drum unit 9 is a replaceable cartridge.
  • the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 has four cartridge holding portions 91.
  • the drum unit 9 also has a photosensitive drum 92 for each of the cartridge holding portions 91.
  • Each photosensitive drum 92 is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the second direction.
  • Each photosensitive drum 92 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface centered on the rotation axis.
  • the developing cartridge 1 is attachable to and detachable from the cartridge holding unit 91.
  • four developing cartridges 1 are attached to one drum unit 9.
  • the four developing cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).
  • An example of the developer is toner.
  • the number of developing cartridges 1 mounted to the drum unit 9 may be one to three, or five or more.
  • FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1.
  • the developing cartridge 1 has a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a gear portion 40, a gear cover 50, and a bearing plate 60.
  • the casing 10 is a housing capable of containing a developer.
  • the casing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12.
  • the first outer surface 11 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction.
  • the second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the casing 10 in the second direction.
  • the casing 10 extends in a second direction between the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12.
  • the gear portion 40, the gear cover 50, and the bearing plate 60 are located on the first outer surface 11.
  • a storage chamber 13 is provided inside the casing 10. The developer is stored in the storage chamber 13.
  • the casing 10 also has one end 15 and the other end 16 in the first direction.
  • An opening 14 is provided in the vicinity of one end 15 of the casing 10.
  • the storage chamber 13 and the outside communicate with each other through the opening 14.
  • the agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and an agitation blade 22.
  • the agitator shaft 21 is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the second direction.
  • the stirring blade 22 spreads radially outward from the agitator shaft 21.
  • At least a part of the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 are located in the storage chamber 13.
  • One end of the agitator shaft 21 in the second direction is non-rotatably fixed to the agitator gear 42 included in the gear portion 40. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 rotate with the agitator gear 42.
  • the stirring blade 22 rotates, the developer in the storage chamber 13 is stirred.
  • the developing roller 30 is a roller that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction.
  • the developing roller 30 is located at the opening 14 of the casing 10. That is, the developing roller 30 is positioned closer to the one end 15 than the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction.
  • the developing roller 30 of the present embodiment has a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32.
  • the developing roller main body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the second direction.
  • a material of the developing roller main body 31 for example, rubber having elasticity is used.
  • the developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member penetrating the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction.
  • metal or resin having conductivity is used for the material of the developing roller shaft 32.
  • the developing roller main body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to be relatively rotatable.
  • the developing roller gear 43 included in the gear portion 40 is attached to one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the second direction. More specifically, one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the second direction is non-rotatably fixed to the developing roller gear 43. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 43 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 also rotates with the developing roller shaft 32.
  • the developing roller shaft 32 may not penetrate through the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction.
  • the pair of developing roller shafts 32 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction.
  • the developing roller shaft 32 may be bonded or welded as separate parts to both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction.
  • the developing cartridge 1 has a supply roller whose illustration is omitted.
  • the supply roller is located between the developing roller 30 and the agitator 20. Also, the supply roller is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction.
  • the developing cartridge 1 receives the driving force, the developer is supplied from the storage chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 through the supply roller. At this time, the developer is frictionally charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30.
  • a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. For this reason, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer.
  • the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade whose illustration is omitted.
  • the layer thickness regulating blade shapes the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 into a constant thickness.
  • the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 92 of the drum unit 9.
  • the developer moves from the developing roller main body 31 to the photosensitive drum 92 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the gear portion 40 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.
  • the gear portion 40 has a plurality of gears including the agitator gear 42 and the developing roller gear 43 described above, and a coupling 41.
  • the coupling 41 has a fastening hole 411.
  • the plurality of gears included in the gear portion 40 may transmit rotational force by meshing of teeth, or may transmit rotational force by friction.
  • the plurality of gears may have an outer circumferential surface made of rubber instead of the teeth.
  • the gear cover 50 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, for example, by screwing.
  • At least a portion of the plurality of gears of the gear unit 40 is covered by a gear cover 50.
  • the outer surface of the gear cover 50 has an extending portion 51 extending in the second direction.
  • a circular hole 52 is provided at the tip of the extension 51.
  • the coupling 41 fits in the circular hole 52. Therefore, the fastening hole 411 of the coupling 41 is exposed to the outside from the gear cover 50.
  • the extension portion 51 of the gear cover 50 has a first rotation shaft portion 53.
  • the first pivot shaft portion 53 protrudes from the surface of the extending portion 51 in a third direction crossing (preferably orthogonal to) the first direction and the second direction, and extends in the second direction.
  • the casing 10 has a second rotation shaft 17 at the other end in the second direction.
  • the second pivot shaft portion 17 protrudes in the third direction from the surface of the casing 10 and extends in the second direction. When viewed in the second direction, at least a portion of the first pivoting shaft portion 53 and at least a portion of the second pivoting shaft portion 17 are in an overlapping position.
  • the first pivoting shaft portion 53 and the second pivoting shaft portion 17 contact the frame 90 of the drum unit 9. Then, the casing 10, the agitator 20, the developing roller 30, the gear portion 40, the gear cover 50, and the bearing plate 60 perform the first rotation in accordance with the external force received from the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96 described later. It pivots around the shaft 53 and the second pivot shaft 17.
  • the bearing plate 60 is located between the casing 10 and the gear cover 50 in the second direction.
  • the bearing plate 60 constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1 together with the casing 10 and the gear cover 50.
  • the coupling 41 and the developing roller gear 43 described above are located between the bearing plate 60 and the gear cover 50.
  • the agitator gear 42 described above is located between the casing 10 and the bearing plate 60.
  • the bearing plate 60 has a flat portion 61 and a bearing protrusion 62.
  • the flat portion 61 spreads perpendicularly to the second direction.
  • the bearing projection 62 projects in the second direction from the flat plate portion 61 toward the gear cover 50.
  • the coupling 41 rotates while being supported by the bearing projection 62.
  • the flat portion 61 of the bearing plate 60 has a first curved surface 63.
  • the first curved surface 63 is located at one end of the bearing plate 60 in the first direction. Further, the first curved surface 63 is positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction.
  • the first curved surface 63 together with the other portions of the bearing plate 60, is pivotable about the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion 17 described above.
  • the first curved surface 63 protrudes in a pivoting direction about the first pivoting shaft portion 53 and the second pivoting shaft portion 17.
  • the first curved surface 63 is curved in an arc shape around an axis extending in the second direction.
  • the casing 10 also has a second curved surface 18 at the other end in the second direction.
  • the second curved surface 18 is located at one end of the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 in the first direction. Further, the second curved surface 18 is positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction.
  • the second curved surface 18, together with the other parts of the casing 10, is pivotable about the first pivot shaft 53 and the second pivot shaft 17 described above.
  • the second curved surface 18 protrudes in a pivoting direction about the first pivoting shaft 53 and the second pivoting shaft 17.
  • the second curved surface 18 curves in an arc shape around an axis extending in the second direction.
  • the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 are spaced apart in the second direction. However, at least a portion of the first curved surface 63 and at least a portion of the second curved surface 18 are in an overlapping position when viewed in the second direction. Moreover, the 1st curved surface 63 and the 2nd curved surface 18 have the same diameter. The diameters of the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 are smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Further, the distance between the developing roller 30 and the first curved surface 63 in the first direction is a fixed distance. Further, the distance between the developing roller 30 and the second curved surface 18 in the first direction is also a fixed distance.
  • the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 has a first contact surface 93 and a second contact surface 94 for each cartridge holding portion 91.
  • the first contact surface 93 is located at one end of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction.
  • the first contact surface 93 is a surface that intersects (preferably is orthogonal to) the third direction and extends in the second direction.
  • the second contacted surface 94 is located at the other end of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction.
  • the second contact surface 94 is a surface that intersects (preferably is orthogonal to) the third direction and extends in the first direction.
  • the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 has a first pressing portion 95 and a second pressing portion 96 for each cartridge holding portion 91.
  • the first pressing portion 95 is located at one end of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction.
  • the first contact surface 93 and the first pressing portion 95 face each other in the third direction.
  • the second pressing portion 96 is located at the other end of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction.
  • the second contact surface 94 and the second pressing portion 96 face each other in the third direction.
  • FIGS. 3 to 5 are views showing how the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91.
  • the first pressing portion 95 has a coil spring 951 and a pressing member 952.
  • the coil spring 951 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the third direction.
  • One end of the coil spring 951 in the third direction is connected to the pressing member 952.
  • the other end of the coil spring 951 in the third direction is connected to the frame 90 of the drum unit 9.
  • the coil spring 951 is compressed in the third direction than the natural length.
  • the coil spring 95 expands and contracts in the third direction between the first length and the second length shorter than the first length.
  • the pressing member 952 is disposed at the first position.
  • the pressing member 952 When the coil spring 951 has a second length, the pressing member 952 is disposed at a second position farther from the first contacted surface 93 than the first position.
  • the pressing member 952 has a pressing surface 953 that protrudes in the third direction toward the first contact surface 93.
  • the second pressing portion 96 also has a coil spring and a pressing member.
  • the first pivot shaft portion 53 of the gear cover 50 contacts the first contact surface 93 of the frame 90 as shown in FIG.
  • the second pivot shaft 17 of the casing 10 contacts the second contact surface 94 of the frame 90.
  • the surface (hereinafter referred to as the “first pressing receiving surface”) 54 opposite to the first pivot shaft portion 53 in the third direction 1 Contact the pressing portion 95.
  • the first pressing receiving surface 54 contacts the pressing surface 953.
  • the first pressure receiving surface 54 receives a pressing force in the third direction from the first pressing portion 95.
  • the surface (hereinafter referred to as the “second pressure receiving surface”) 19 opposite to the second rotation shaft 17 in the third direction is the second Contact the pressing portion 96.
  • the second pressure receiving surface 19 receives the pressing force in the third direction from the second pressing portion 96.
  • the first pressing receiving surface 54 is located closer to the other end 16 than the first pivot shaft 53 in the first direction. That is, the first pressing receiving surface 54 is at a position farther from the developing roller 30 than the first rotation shaft 53 in the first direction.
  • the second pressing receiving surface 19 is positioned closer to the other end than the second pivot shaft 17 in the first direction. That is, the second pressing receiving surface 19 is located at a position farther from the developing roller 30 than the second rotating shaft portion 17 in the first direction.
  • the pressing force received by the first pressing receiving surface 54 and the second pressing receiving surface 19 has a component of force along the rotation direction about the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 17. . Therefore, the developing cartridge 1 receives the pressing force received by the first pressing receiving surface 54 and the second pressing receiving surface 19 around the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion 17 in FIG. Rotate in the direction of the dashed arrow. Accordingly, the developing roller 30, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface 18 also pivot about the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion. As a result, the developing roller 30, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface 18 approach the photosensitive drum 92. Then, first, as shown in FIG.
  • the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 92. As a result, the position and attitude of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the photosensitive drum 92 are fixed. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 are maintained in contact with each other.
  • the developing cartridge 1 is not positioned on the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 using the developing roller shaft 32, but the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft different from the developing roller shaft 32.
  • the developing roller 30 is positioned using the pivot shaft portion 17, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface 18.
  • the developing roller shaft 32 and the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 are not in contact with each other. That is, the developing roller shaft 32 and the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 are not in direct contact with each other nor in indirect contact with other members. Therefore, the developing roller 30 can be positioned independently of the dimensional accuracy of the developing roller shaft 32.
  • positioning of the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum involved many parts. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, the bearing of the photosensitive drum provided on the frame of the drum unit, and the guide groove for the developing roller shaft provided on the frame concerned with the positioning of the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum . Further, the developing roller shaft, and in some cases, a collar attached to the developing roller shaft, a bearing of the developing roller, and an outer peripheral surface of the developing roller are also involved in the positioning of the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum.
  • the developing roller relative to the photosensitive drum 92 is constituted by the surface of the photosensitive drum 92, the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 of the bearing plate 60, and the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30.
  • 30 positioning can be performed. This reduces the number of parts involved in positioning. As a result, it is possible to suppress the positioning error caused by the tolerance of each part.
  • the guide grooves of the frame are provided along the direction in which the photosensitive drums are arranged. Therefore, in the conventional structure, it is necessary to widen the interval between the adjacent photosensitive drums. On the other hand, in the structure of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the frame 90 with the guide groove. Therefore, the distance between the adjacent photosensitive drums 92 can be made narrower than in the prior art.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the contact pressure of the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the cartridge holding portion 91 is increased.
  • the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 may contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the contact pressure of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 becomes large when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holding portion 91.
  • the contact pressure of the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 may be temporarily increased.
  • the photosensitive drum 92 and the developing roller 30 start rotating by the driving force from the image forming apparatus, whereby the developing roller 30, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface It is sufficient that all the components 18 contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 move in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 92 by the frictional force.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the developing roller 30 moves on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 because the rotational speed of the developing roller 30 is faster than the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 92. .
  • the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the first curved surface 63 is included in the bearing plate 60 that constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a member having the first curved surface 63 separately from the bearing plate 60. Thereby, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 1 can be suppressed.
  • the second curved surface 18 is included in the casing 10 that constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a member having the second curved surface 18 separately from the casing 10. Thereby, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 1 can be suppressed.
  • the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 may be provided on a member different from the housing of the developing cartridge 1.
  • the diameter of the first curved surface 63 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Further, the diameter of the second curved surface 18 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Thereby, the mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the cartridge holding portion 91 is facilitated. Further, even when the drum unit is miniaturized, the diameter of the first curved surface 63 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30, and the diameter of the second curved surface 18 is the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Since the size is smaller than this, mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the cartridge holding portion 91 is facilitated.
  • the developing cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment is different from that according to the first embodiment in that the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are provided.
  • differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and parts equivalent to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and redundant description will be omitted.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 of the second embodiment.
  • the casing 10 has a first roller shaft 711 and a second roller shaft 721.
  • the first roller shaft 711 is located at one end of the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 in the first direction. That is, the first roller shaft 711 is positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction.
  • the first roller shaft 711 is cylindrical and extends in the second direction.
  • the second roller shaft 721 is located at one end of the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 in the first direction. That is, the second roller shaft 721 is positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction.
  • the second roller shaft 721 is cylindrical and extends in the second direction.
  • the first roller 71 is a roller having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface (first curved surface).
  • the second roller 72 is a roller having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface (second curved surface).
  • the diameters of the outer peripheral surfaces of the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30.
  • the first roller 71 is supported by the first roller shaft 711 and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction.
  • the second roller 72 is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the second direction while being supported by the second roller shaft 721.
  • the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction.
  • the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are separated in the second direction. However, at least a portion of the first roller 71 and at least a portion of the second roller 72 are in an overlapping position when viewed in the second direction.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 have the same diameter.
  • the diameters of the outer peripheral surfaces of the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30.
  • the distance between the developing roller 30 and the first roller 71 in the first direction is a fixed distance.
  • the distance between the developing roller 30 and the second roller 72 in the first direction is also a fixed distance.
  • the developing cartridge 1 of the second embodiment When the developing cartridge 1 of the second embodiment is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, as in the first embodiment, developing is performed by the pressing force from the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96.
  • the cartridge 1 pivots about the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion 17.
  • the developing roller 30, the first roller 71, and the second roller 72 rotate around the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 17.
  • the developing roller 30, the first roller 71, and the second roller 72 contact the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the position and attitude of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the photosensitive drum 92 are fixed.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 are maintained in contact with each other.
  • the developing cartridge 1 further includes a third roller 73 and a fourth roller 74.
  • the third roller 73 is located at one end of the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction.
  • the third roller 73 is rotatably supported at one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the second direction.
  • the fourth roller 74 is located at the other end of the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction.
  • the fourth roller 74 is rotatably supported by the other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the second direction.
  • the developing roller 30 is positioned using the shaft portion 17, the first roller 71, and the second roller 72.
  • the developing roller shaft 32 and the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 are not in contact with each other. That is, the developing roller shaft 32 and the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 are not in direct contact with each other nor in indirect contact with other members. Therefore, the developing roller 30 can be positioned independently of the dimensional accuracy of the developing roller shaft 32.
  • the positioning of the developing roller 30 with respect to the photosensitive drum 92 can be performed with a smaller number of parts than in the prior art. For this reason, the positioning error resulting from the tolerance of each part can be suppressed.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 which is the first curved surface is rotatable around the first roller shaft 711.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 which is a second curved surface is rotatable around the second roller shaft 721. Therefore, when the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 contact the photosensitive drum 92, the space between the outer circumferential surface of the first roller 71 or the outer circumferential surface of the second roller 72 and the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 92 , Less likely to rub. In addition, it is possible to suppress the abrasion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Further, the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 92 can be reduced.
  • the first roller shaft 711 is included in the casing 10 that constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a member having the first roller shaft 711 separately from the casing 10. Thereby, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 1 can be suppressed.
  • the second roller shaft 721 is included in the casing 10 that constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. Therefore, there is no need to provide a member having the second roller shaft 721 separately from the casing 10. Thereby, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 1 can be suppressed.
  • the first roller shaft 711 and the second roller shaft 721 may be provided on a member different from the housing of the developing cartridge 1.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 make contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Thereafter, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. In this case, the contact pressure between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holding portion 91 is increased.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 after the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 .
  • the contact pressure of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 becomes large when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holding portion 91.
  • the contact pressure between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 against the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 temporarily increases. Good.
  • the photosensitive drum 92 and the developing roller 30 start rotating by the driving force from the image forming apparatus, whereby the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30, the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71, The entire outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30.
  • the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Therefore, the mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the cartridge holding portion 91 is facilitated.
  • the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30, and the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 is smaller than that of the developing roller 30. Since the diameter is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface, mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the cartridge holding portion 91 is facilitated.
  • the first roller 71 may have the first roller shaft.
  • the casing 10 may have an opening through which the first roller shaft can be inserted.
  • the second roller may have the second roller shaft. In this case, the casing 10 may have an opening through which the second roller shaft can be inserted.
  • the developing cartridge has the first pivot shaft portion and the second pivot shaft portion.
  • the number of rotation shaft portions of the developing cartridge may be one, or three or more.
  • the developing cartridge may have one rotation shaft extending from one end to the other end in the second direction.
  • the developing cartridge has the first curved surface and the second curved surface.
  • the number of curved surfaces of the developing cartridge may be one, or three or more.
  • the developer cartridge may have one curved surface extending from one end to the other end in the second direction.
  • the shape of the curved surface was circular arc shape.
  • the curved surface may be a convex curved surface, and may not necessarily be arc-shaped.
  • the shape of the curved surface may be, for example, spherical.
  • the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 has the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96 for each cartridge holding portion 91.
  • the developing cartridge 1 may have the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion. In this case, the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96 are in contact with the frame 90, and the developing cartridge 1 rotates with respect to the frame 90 according to the pressing force.
  • each part of the developing cartridge may be different from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application.
  • the elements appearing in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modification may be combined appropriately as long as no contradiction occurs.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

A developer cartridge structure is provided which allows positioning a developer roller without using the shaft of the developer roller. This developer cartridge has a housing that can house a developer. The housing has a first end and a second end in a first direction. Further, the housing has a rotation shaft part 53. The housing can rotate about the rotation shaft part 53. The developer cartridge has a first curved surface 631. In the first direction, the first curved surface 631 is positioned further away from an agitator shaft than a developer roller 30. The first curved surface 631 can rotate together with the housing. By means of this structure, it is possible to position the developer roller using not the shaft of the developer roller 30, but the first curved surface 631 and the rotation shaft part 53, which are separate from the developer roller 30.

Description

現像カートリッジDeveloper cartridge
 本開示は、現像カートリッジに関する。 The present disclosure relates to a developing cartridge.
 従来、レーザプリンタ、LEDプリンタ等の電子写真方式の画像形成装置が知られている。画像形成装置には、現像カートリッジが用いられる。現像カートリッジは、現像ローラを有する。従来の現像カートリッジは、例えば、特許文献1に記載されている。特許文献1の現像カートリッジは、ドラムユニット(プロセスフレーム)に装着される。ドラムユニットは、感光ドラムを有する。ドラムユニットに現像カートリッジが挿入されると、感光ドラムと現像ローラとが向かい合う。そして、現像カートリッジが装着されたドラムユニットが、画像形成装置の内部に収容される。 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge has a developing roller. A conventional developing cartridge is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. The developing cartridge of Patent Document 1 is mounted on a drum unit (process frame). The drum unit has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is inserted into the drum unit, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller face each other. Then, the drum unit on which the developing cartridge is mounted is accommodated inside the image forming apparatus.
特開2011-59510号公報JP 2011-59510 A
 ドラムユニットに現像カートリッジが装着されると、現像カートリッジは、現像ローラのシャフトによって、ドラムユニットのフレームに位置決めされる。これにより、感光ドラムに対して現像ローラが位置決めされる。 When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, the developing cartridge is positioned on the frame of the drum unit by the shaft of the developing roller. Thereby, the developing roller is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum.
 本発明の目的は、現像カートリッジにおいて、現像ローラのシャフトを利用することなく、現像ローラを位置決めできる構造を提供することである。 An object of the present invention is to provide a structure in which the developing roller can be positioned in the developing cartridge without using the shaft of the developing roller.
 上記課題を解決するため、本願の第1発明は、現像剤を収容可能な筐体であって、第1方向における一端部と他端部とを有する筐体であり、第2方向に延びる回動軸部を有し、前記回動軸部を中心として回動方向に回動可能な筐体と、前記現像剤を撹拌可能なアジテータであって、前記第2方向に延びるアジテータシャフトを有するアジテータと、前記第1方向において前記アジテータシャフトよりも前記一端部の近くに位置する現像ローラであって、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能であり、前記筐体と共に回動可能な現像ローラと、前記回動方向に向けて湾曲する第1湾曲面であって、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置し、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能な第1湾曲面と、を備えることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-mentioned subject, the 1st invention of this application is a case which can store a developer, and is a case which has one end and the other end in the 1st direction, and is extended in the 2nd direction. A housing having a moving shaft and rotatable in a rotating direction about the rotating shaft, and an agitator capable of stirring the developer, the agitator having an agitator shaft extending in the second direction And a developing roller positioned closer to the one end than the agitator shaft in the first direction, the developing roller being rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction and rotatable with the housing A first curved surface that curves in the rotation direction, and is further away from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and can be rotated in the rotation direction with the housing First Characterized in that it comprises a curved surface, the.
 本願の第2発明は、第1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第1湾曲面との間隔は一定距離であることを特徴とする。 A second invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention, wherein a distance between the developing roller and the first curved surface in the first direction is a fixed distance.
 本願の第3発明は、第1発明または第2発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1湾曲面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さいことを特徴とする。 A third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention or the second invention, wherein the diameter of the first curved surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
 本願の第4発明は、第1発明から第3発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記筐体は、前記第1湾曲面を含むことを特徴とする。 A fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the third invention, wherein the case includes the first curved surface.
 本願の第5発明は、第1発明から第4発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能であり、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置する第1ローラであって、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能であり、前記第1湾曲面を有する第1ローラをさらに備えることを特徴とする。 A fifth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the fourth invention, wherein the developing cartridge is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the second direction, and is more than the developing roller in the first direction. It is characterized by further comprising: a first roller located apart from the agitator shaft, the first roller being rotatable in the rotation direction together with the casing and having the first curved surface.
 本願の第6発明は、第5発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第1ローラとの間隔は一定距離であることを特徴とする。 A sixth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the fifth invention, wherein an interval between the developing roller and the first roller in the first direction is a fixed distance.
 本願の第7発明は、第5発明または第6発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1ローラの外周面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さいことを特徴とする。 A seventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the fifth invention or the sixth invention, wherein the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
 本願の第8発明は、第5発明から第7発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記筐体は、前記第1ローラの軸を含むことを特徴とする。 An eighth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the fifth invention to the seventh invention, wherein the case includes an axis of the first roller.
 本願の第9発明は、第1発明から第8発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記現像カートリッジは、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能な感光ドラムを有するドラムユニットに装着可能であり、前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触し、前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記第1湾曲面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする。 A ninth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the eighth invention, wherein the developing cartridge is mounted on a drum unit having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotating shaft extending in the second direction. In the state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, the first peripheral surface of the developing roller is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and in the state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, The curved surface is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
 本願の第10発明は、第9発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記ドラムユニットに対して、前記筐体と前記現像ローラと前記第1湾曲面とが前記回動方向に回動した後に、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触し、前記第1湾曲面が、前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする。 A tenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the ninth invention, wherein the housing, the developing roller, and the first curved surface with respect to the drum unit in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum unit. After rotating in the rotation direction, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller contacts the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum, and the first curved surface contacts the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum.
 本願の第11発明は、第10発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1湾曲面が、前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触した後に、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする。 The eleventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the tenth invention, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum after the first curved surface contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. It is characterized by
 本願の第12発明は、第1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記回動方向に向けて湾曲する第2湾曲面であって、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置し、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能な第2湾曲面であり、前記第1湾曲面から前記第2方向に離れて位置する第2湾曲面をさらに備えることを特徴とする。 A twelfth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention, wherein the second curved surface is curved in the rotation direction, and is further away from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction. It is a second curved surface that is located and can be rotated in the rotation direction together with the housing, and further includes a second curved surface located away from the first curved surface in the second direction. .
 本願の第13発明は、第12発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第1湾曲面との間隔は一定距離であり、前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第2湾曲面との間隔は一定距離であることを特徴とする。 A thirteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the twelfth invention, wherein a distance between the developing roller and the first curved surface in the first direction is a fixed distance, and the developing roller and the developing roller in the first direction are the same. The distance between the second curved surface and the second curved surface is a constant distance.
 本願の第14発明は、第12発明または第13発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1湾曲面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さく、前記第2湾曲面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さいことを特徴とする。 A fourteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twelfth invention or the thirteenth invention, wherein the diameter of the first curved surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller, and the diameter of the second curved surface is And a diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
 本願の第15発明は、第12発明から第14発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記筐体は、前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とを含むことを特徴とする。 A fifteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the twelfth invention to the fourteenth invention, wherein the casing includes the first curved surface and the second curved surface. .
 本願の第16発明は、第12発明から第15発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能であり、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置する第1ローラであって、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能であり、前記第1湾曲面を有する第1ローラと、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能であり、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置する第2ローラであって、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能であり、前記第2湾曲面を有する第2ローラと、をさらに備えることを特徴とする。 A sixteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the twelfth invention to the fifteenth invention, wherein the developing cartridge is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the second direction, and is more than the developing roller in the first direction. A first roller located apart from the agitator shaft, the first roller having a first curved surface and being rotatable in the pivoting direction together with the housing; and a rotation shaft extending in the second direction A second roller, which is rotatable in the first direction and is farther from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and is rotatable in the pivoting direction together with the housing; And a second roller having a surface.
 本願の第17発明は、第16発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第1ローラとの間隔は一定距離であり、前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第2ローラとの間隔は一定距離であることを特徴とする。 A seventeenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the sixteenth invention, wherein a distance between the developing roller and the first roller in the first direction is a fixed distance, and the developing roller and the first roller in the first direction The distance between the two rollers is characterized by a fixed distance.
 本願の第18発明は、第16発明または第17発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1ローラの外周面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さく、前記第1ローラの外周面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さいことを特徴とする。 The eighteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the sixteenth invention or the seventeenth invention, wherein the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller, and the outer periphery of the first roller The diameter of the surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
 本願の第19発明は、第16発明から第18発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記筐体は、前記第1ローラの軸と前記第2ローラの軸とを含むことを特徴とする。 A nineteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the sixteenth invention to the eighteenth invention, wherein the housing includes an axis of the first roller and an axis of the second roller. I assume.
 本願の第20発明は、第12発明から第19発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記現像カートリッジは、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能な感光ドラムを有するドラムユニットに装着可能であり、前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触し、前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とが前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする。 The twentieth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the twelfth to nineteenth inventions, wherein the developing cartridge is mounted on a drum unit having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotating shaft extending in the second direction. In the state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, the first peripheral surface of the developing roller is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and in the state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, The curved surface and the second curved surface are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
 本願の第21発明は、第20発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記ドラムユニットに対して、前記筐体と前記現像ローラと前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とが前記回動方向に回動した後に、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触し、前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とが、前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする。 A twenty-first invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twentieth invention, wherein the housing, the developing roller, and the first curved surface with respect to the drum unit in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum unit. After the second curved surface is rotated in the rotation direction, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and the first curved surface and the second curved surface are photosensitive. Contacting the outer peripheral surface of the drum.
 本願の第22発明は、第21発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とが、前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触した後に、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする。 A twenty-second invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-first invention, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller is the above-mentioned outer surface after the first curved surface and the second curved surface contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. It contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
 本願の第23発明は、第1発明から第22発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記回動軸部は、前記筐体の外表面から、前記第2方向に延出することを特徴とする。 A twenty-third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the twenty-second invention, wherein the pivot shaft portion extends in the second direction from the outer surface of the housing. It is characterized by
 本願の第24発明は、第1発明から第23発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記第1方向において前記回動軸部よりも前記他端部の近くに位置する押圧受け面であって、前記押圧力を受ける押圧受け面をさらに備えることを特徴とする。 A twenty-fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the twenty-third invention, wherein the pressing receiving surface is positioned closer to the other end than the pivot shaft in the first direction. And further comprising a pressing receiving surface for receiving the pressing force.
 本願の第25発明は、第24発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記押圧受け面は、前記回動方向に沿った前記押圧力を受けることを特徴とする。 A twenty-fifth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-fourth invention, wherein the pressing receiving surface receives the pressing force along the rotation direction.
 本願の第26発明は、第9発明から第11発明のいずれか1発明または第20発明から第22発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記現像ローラは、前記回転軸に沿って前記第2方向に延びる現像ローラシャフトを有し、前記現像ローラシャフトと前記ドラムユニットとは、非接触であることを特徴とする。  The 26th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the 9th to 11th inventions or the 20th to 22nd inventions, wherein the developing roller is provided along the rotation axis. The developing roller shaft extends in the second direction, and the developing roller shaft and the drum unit are not in contact with each other.
 本願の第27発明は、第1発明から第26発明のいずれか1発明の現像カートリッジであって、前記筐体は、外力に応じて、前記回動軸部を中心として前記回動方向に回動可能であることを特徴とする。 A twenty-seventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the twenty-sixth invention, wherein the casing is rotated in the rotational direction about the rotational shaft according to an external force. It is characterized by being movable.
 本願の第1発明~第27発明によれば、現像ローラのシャフトではなく、現像ローラとは別の回動軸部および第1湾曲面を利用して、現像ローラを位置決めできる。 According to the first to twenty-seventh aspects of the present invention, it is possible to position the developing roller not by the shaft of the developing roller but by using the pivot shaft portion and the first curved surface different from the developing roller.
 また、第12発明~第22発明によれば、第1湾曲面と、第1湾曲面から第2方向に離れた第2湾曲面とを用いて、現像ローラを位置決めできる。これにより、現像ローラをより精度よく位置決めできる。 Further, according to the twelfth invention, the developing roller can be positioned using the first curved surface and the second curved surface separated in the second direction from the first curved surface. Thereby, the developing roller can be positioned more accurately.
第1実施形態:現像カートリッジおよびドラムユニットの斜視図である。1st Embodiment: It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum unit. 第1実施形態:現像カートリッジの部分分解斜視図である。First embodiment: a partial exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge. 第1実施形態:現像カートリッジを装着するとき様子を示した図である。1st Embodiment: It is the figure which showed a mode when mounting | wearing with a developing cartridge. 第1実施形態:現像カートリッジを装着するとき様子を示した図である。1st Embodiment: It is the figure which showed a mode when mounting | wearing with a developing cartridge. 第1実施形態:現像カートリッジを装着するとき様子を示した図である。1st Embodiment: It is the figure which showed a mode when mounting | wearing with a developing cartridge. 第2実施形態:現像カートリッジの分解斜視図である。Second embodiment: an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge.
 以下、本開示の実施形態について、図面を参照しつつ説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
 以下では、アジテータと現像ローラとが並ぶ方向を「第1方向」と称する。また、現像ローラの回転軸が延びる方向を「第2方向」と称する。第1方向と第2方向とは、互いに交差(好ましくは直交)する。なお、ドラムユニットの構造も、ドラムユニットに現像カートリッジが装着された状態における「第1方向」「第2方向」を用いて、説明する。 Hereinafter, the direction in which the agitator and the developing roller are arranged will be referred to as a "first direction". Further, the direction in which the rotation shaft of the developing roller extends is referred to as a "second direction". The first direction and the second direction intersect (preferably are orthogonal to) each other. The structure of the drum unit will also be described using the “first direction” and the “second direction” in the state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit.
 <1.第1実施形態>
 <1-1.現像カートリッジおよびドラムユニットの構造>
 図1は、第1実施形態の現像カートリッジ1およびドラムユニット9の斜視図である。現像カートリッジ1およびドラムユニット9は、電子写真方式の画像形成装置に用いられる。画像形成装置の例としては、レーザプリンタやLEDプリンタが挙げられる。ドラムユニット9は、画像形成装置に対して着脱可能である。すなわち、ドラムユニット9は、交換可能なカートリッジである。図1に示すように、ドラムユニット9のフレーム90は、4つのカートリッジ保持部91を有する。また、ドラムユニット9は、カートリッジ保持部91毎に、感光ドラム92を有する。各感光ドラム92は、第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能である。また、各感光ドラム92は、回転軸を中心とする円筒状の外周面を有する。
<1. First embodiment>
<1-1. Structure of developing cartridge and drum unit>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum unit 9 according to the first embodiment. The developing cartridge 1 and the drum unit 9 are used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a laser printer and an LED printer. The drum unit 9 is removable from the image forming apparatus. That is, the drum unit 9 is a replaceable cartridge. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 has four cartridge holding portions 91. The drum unit 9 also has a photosensitive drum 92 for each of the cartridge holding portions 91. Each photosensitive drum 92 is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the second direction. Each photosensitive drum 92 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface centered on the rotation axis.
 現像カートリッジ1は、カートリッジ保持部91に対して着脱可能である。本実施形態では、1つのドラムユニット9に、4つの現像カートリッジ1が装着される。4つの現像カートリッジ1は、互いに異なる色(例えば、シアン、マゼンタ、イエロー、およびブラックの各色)の現像剤を収容する。なお、現像剤の一例は、トナーである。ただし、ドラムユニット9に装着される現像カートリッジ1の数は、1~3つであってもよく、5つ以上であってもよい。 The developing cartridge 1 is attachable to and detachable from the cartridge holding unit 91. In the present embodiment, four developing cartridges 1 are attached to one drum unit 9. The four developing cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). An example of the developer is toner. However, the number of developing cartridges 1 mounted to the drum unit 9 may be one to three, or five or more.
 図2は、現像カートリッジ1の部分分解斜視図である。図1および図2に示すように、現像カートリッジ1は、ケーシング10、アジテータ20、現像ローラ30、ギア部40、ギアカバー50、および軸受プレート60を有する。 FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the developing cartridge 1 has a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a gear portion 40, a gear cover 50, and a bearing plate 60.
 ケーシング10は、現像剤を収容可能な筐体である。ケーシング10は、第1外表面11と第2外表面12とを有する。第1外表面11は、ケーシング10の第2方向の一端に位置する。第2外表面12は、ケーシング10の第2方向の他端に位置する。ケーシング10は、第1外表面11と第2外表面12との間で第2方向に延びる。ギア部40、ギアカバー50、および軸受プレート60は、第1外表面11に位置する。また、ケーシング10の内部には、収容室13が設けられる。現像剤は、収容室13に収容される。 The casing 10 is a housing capable of containing a developer. The casing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The casing 10 extends in a second direction between the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12. The gear portion 40, the gear cover 50, and the bearing plate 60 are located on the first outer surface 11. Further, inside the casing 10, a storage chamber 13 is provided. The developer is stored in the storage chamber 13.
 また、ケーシング10は、第1方向における一端部15と他端部16とを有する。ケーシング10の一端部15の近傍には、開口部14が設けられている。収容室13と外部とは、開口部14を介して連通する。 The casing 10 also has one end 15 and the other end 16 in the first direction. An opening 14 is provided in the vicinity of one end 15 of the casing 10. The storage chamber 13 and the outside communicate with each other through the opening 14.
 アジテータ20は、アジテータシャフト21と撹拌羽根22とを有する。アジテータシャフト21は、第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能である。撹拌羽根22は、アジテータシャフト21から径方向外側へ向けて広がる。アジテータシャフト21の少なくとも一部と、撹拌羽根22とは、収容室13内に位置する。アジテータシャフト21の第2方向の一方の端部は、ギア部40に含まれるアジテータギア42に対して、相対回転不能に固定される。したがって、アジテータシャフト21および撹拌羽根22は、アジテータギア42と共に回転する。撹拌羽根22が回転すると、収容室13内の現像剤が撹拌される。 The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and an agitation blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the second direction. The stirring blade 22 spreads radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. At least a part of the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 are located in the storage chamber 13. One end of the agitator shaft 21 in the second direction is non-rotatably fixed to the agitator gear 42 included in the gear portion 40. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 rotate with the agitator gear 42. When the stirring blade 22 rotates, the developer in the storage chamber 13 is stirred.
 現像ローラ30は、第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能なローラである。現像ローラ30は、ケーシング10の開口部14に位置する。すなわち、現像ローラ30は、第1方向において、アジテータシャフト21よりも一端部15の近くに位置する。ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に現像カートリッジ1が装着されると、現像ローラ30の外周面は、感光ドラム92の外周面に接触する。 The developing roller 30 is a roller that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction. The developing roller 30 is located at the opening 14 of the casing 10. That is, the developing roller 30 is positioned closer to the one end 15 than the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
 本実施形態の現像ローラ30は、現像ローラ本体31と現像ローラシャフト32とを有する。現像ローラ本体31は、第2方向に延びる円筒状の部材である。現像ローラ本体31の材料には、例えば、弾性を有するゴムが用いられる。現像ローラシャフト32は、現像ローラ本体31を第2方向に貫通する円柱状の部材である。現像ローラシャフト32の材料には、金属または導電性を有する樹脂が用いられる。現像ローラ本体31は、現像ローラシャフト32に対して、相対回転不能に固定される。 The developing roller 30 of the present embodiment has a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller main body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the second direction. As a material of the developing roller main body 31, for example, rubber having elasticity is used. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member penetrating the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction. For the material of the developing roller shaft 32, metal or resin having conductivity is used. The developing roller main body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to be relatively rotatable.
 現像ローラシャフト32の第2方向の一方の端部には、ギア部40に含まれる現像ローラギア43が装着される。より詳細には、現像ローラシャフト32の第2方向の一方の端部は、現像ローラギア43に対して、相対回転不能に固定される。したがって、現像ローラギア43が回転すると、現像ローラシャフト32も回転し、現像ローラシャフト32と共に現像ローラ本体31も回転する。 The developing roller gear 43 included in the gear portion 40 is attached to one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the second direction. More specifically, one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the second direction is non-rotatably fixed to the developing roller gear 43. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 43 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 also rotates with the developing roller shaft 32.
 なお、現像ローラシャフト32は、現像ローラ本体31を第2方向に貫通していなくてもよい。例えば、一対の現像ローラシャフト32が、現像ローラ本体31の第2方向の両端から、第1方向にそれぞれ延びていてもよい。具体的には、現像ローラシャフト32が、現像ローラ本体31の第2方向の両端に、それぞれ別部品として接着または溶着されていてもよい。 The developing roller shaft 32 may not penetrate through the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction. For example, the pair of developing roller shafts 32 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction. Specifically, the developing roller shaft 32 may be bonded or welded as separate parts to both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction.
 また、現像カートリッジ1は、図示を省略した供給ローラを有する。供給ローラは、現像ローラ30とアジテータ20との間に位置する。また、供給ローラは、第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能である。現像カートリッジ1が駆動力を受けると、ケーシング10内の収容室13から、供給ローラを介して、現像ローラ30の外周面に、現像剤が供給される。その際、供給ローラと現像ローラ30との間において、現像剤は摩擦帯電される。一方、現像ローラ30の現像ローラシャフト32には、バイアス電圧がかけられている。このため、現像ローラシャフト32と現像剤との間の静電気力によって、現像ローラ本体31の外周面に、現像剤が引き付けられる。 Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a supply roller whose illustration is omitted. The supply roller is located between the developing roller 30 and the agitator 20. Also, the supply roller is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction. When the developing cartridge 1 receives the driving force, the developer is supplied from the storage chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 through the supply roller. At this time, the developer is frictionally charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30. On the other hand, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. For this reason, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer.
 また、現像カートリッジ1は、図示を省略した層厚規制ブレードを有する。層厚規制ブレードは、現像ローラ本体31の外周面に供給された現像剤を、一定の厚みに成形する。その後、現像ローラ本体31の外周面の現像剤は、ドラムユニット9の感光ドラム92へ供給される。このとき、現像剤は、感光ドラム92の外周面に形成された静電潜像に応じて、現像ローラ本体31から感光ドラム92へ移動する。これにより、感光ドラム92の外周面において、静電潜像が可視像化される。 Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade whose illustration is omitted. The layer thickness regulating blade shapes the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 into a constant thickness. Thereafter, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 92 of the drum unit 9. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller main body 31 to the photosensitive drum 92 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Thereby, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
 ギア部40は、ケーシング10の第1外表面11に位置する。ギア部40は、上述したアジテータギア42および現像ローラギア43を含む複数のギアと、カップリング41とを有する。カップリング41は、締結穴411を有する。現像カートリッジ1が装着されたドラムユニット9が、画像形成装置内に収納されると、画像形成装置の駆動シャフトがカップリング41の締結穴411に挿入される。そして、駆動シャフトの回転が、カップリング41を介して、アジテータギア42および現像ローラギア43を含む複数のギアに伝達される。 The gear portion 40 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The gear portion 40 has a plurality of gears including the agitator gear 42 and the developing roller gear 43 described above, and a coupling 41. The coupling 41 has a fastening hole 411. When the drum unit 9 to which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted is stored in the image forming apparatus, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is inserted into the fastening hole 411 of the coupling 41. Then, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the plurality of gears including the agitator gear 42 and the developing roller gear 43 through the coupling 41.
 図2では、ギア部40に含まれる各ギアの歯の図示が省略されている。なお、ギア部40に含まれる複数のギアは、歯の噛み合いによって回転力を伝達するものであってもよく、摩擦によって回転力を伝達するものであってもよい。例えば、複数のギアは、歯の代わりにゴム製の外周面を有するものであってもよい。 In FIG. 2, illustration of the teeth of each gear included in the gear portion 40 is omitted. The plurality of gears included in the gear portion 40 may transmit rotational force by meshing of teeth, or may transmit rotational force by friction. For example, the plurality of gears may have an outer circumferential surface made of rubber instead of the teeth.
 ギアカバー50は、ケーシング10の第1外表面11に、例えばねじ止めで固定される。ギアカバー50は、ケーシング10および軸受プレート60と共に、現像カートリッジ1の筐体の一部を構成する。ギア部40の複数のギアの少なくとも一部は、ギアカバー50に覆われる。ギアカバー50の外表面は、第2方向に延出する延出部51を有する。延出部51の先端には、円孔52が設けられている。カップリング41は、円孔52に嵌まる。したがって、カップリング41の締結穴411は、ギアカバー50から外部に露出する。 The gear cover 50 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, for example, by screwing. The gear cover 50, together with the casing 10 and the bearing plate 60, constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. At least a portion of the plurality of gears of the gear unit 40 is covered by a gear cover 50. The outer surface of the gear cover 50 has an extending portion 51 extending in the second direction. A circular hole 52 is provided at the tip of the extension 51. The coupling 41 fits in the circular hole 52. Therefore, the fastening hole 411 of the coupling 41 is exposed to the outside from the gear cover 50.
 また、ギアカバー50の延出部51は、第1回動軸部53を有する。第1回動軸部53は、延出部51の表面から、第1方向および第2方向に対して交差(好ましくは直交)する第3方向に突出し、かつ、第2方向に延びる。また、ケーシング10は、第2方向の他方の端部に、第2回動軸部17を有する。第2回動軸部17は、ケーシング10の表面から第3方向に突出し、かつ、第2方向に延びる。第1回動軸部53の少なくとも一部と、第2回動軸部17の少なくとも一部とは、第2方向に視たときに、重なる位置にある。 Further, the extension portion 51 of the gear cover 50 has a first rotation shaft portion 53. The first pivot shaft portion 53 protrudes from the surface of the extending portion 51 in a third direction crossing (preferably orthogonal to) the first direction and the second direction, and extends in the second direction. In addition, the casing 10 has a second rotation shaft 17 at the other end in the second direction. The second pivot shaft portion 17 protrudes in the third direction from the surface of the casing 10 and extends in the second direction. When viewed in the second direction, at least a portion of the first pivoting shaft portion 53 and at least a portion of the second pivoting shaft portion 17 are in an overlapping position.
 ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に現像カートリッジ1を装着するときには、ドラムユニット9のフレーム90に、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17が接触する。そして、後述する第1押圧部95および第2押圧部96から受ける外力に応じて、ケーシング10、アジテータ20、現像ローラ30、ギア部40、ギアカバー50、および軸受プレート60が、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心として回動する。 When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, the first pivoting shaft portion 53 and the second pivoting shaft portion 17 contact the frame 90 of the drum unit 9. Then, the casing 10, the agitator 20, the developing roller 30, the gear portion 40, the gear cover 50, and the bearing plate 60 perform the first rotation in accordance with the external force received from the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96 described later. It pivots around the shaft 53 and the second pivot shaft 17.
 軸受プレート60は、第2方向において、ケーシング10とギアカバー50との間に位置する。軸受プレート60は、ケーシング10およびギアカバー50と共に、現像カートリッジ1の筐体の一部を構成する。上述したカップリング41および現像ローラギア43は、軸受プレート60とギアカバー50との間に位置する。上述したアジテータギア42は、ケーシング10と軸受プレート60との間に位置する。軸受プレート60は、平板部61と軸受突起62とを有する。平板部61は、第2方向に対して垂直に広がる。軸受突起62は、平板部61からギアカバー50へ向けて、第2方向に突出する。カップリング41は、軸受突起62に支持されつつ回転する。 The bearing plate 60 is located between the casing 10 and the gear cover 50 in the second direction. The bearing plate 60 constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1 together with the casing 10 and the gear cover 50. The coupling 41 and the developing roller gear 43 described above are located between the bearing plate 60 and the gear cover 50. The agitator gear 42 described above is located between the casing 10 and the bearing plate 60. The bearing plate 60 has a flat portion 61 and a bearing protrusion 62. The flat portion 61 spreads perpendicularly to the second direction. The bearing projection 62 projects in the second direction from the flat plate portion 61 toward the gear cover 50. The coupling 41 rotates while being supported by the bearing projection 62.
 軸受プレート60の平板部61は、第1湾曲面63を有する。第1湾曲面63は、軸受プレート60の第1方向の一端部に位置する。また、第1湾曲面63は、第1方向において、現像ローラ30よりもアジテータシャフト21から離れて位置する。第1湾曲面63は、軸受プレート60の他の部分と共に、上述した第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心として、回動可能である。第1湾曲面63は、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心とする回動方向に向けて突出する。また、第1湾曲面63は、第2方向に延びる軸を中心として、円弧状に湾曲する。 The flat portion 61 of the bearing plate 60 has a first curved surface 63. The first curved surface 63 is located at one end of the bearing plate 60 in the first direction. Further, the first curved surface 63 is positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction. The first curved surface 63, together with the other portions of the bearing plate 60, is pivotable about the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion 17 described above. The first curved surface 63 protrudes in a pivoting direction about the first pivoting shaft portion 53 and the second pivoting shaft portion 17. In addition, the first curved surface 63 is curved in an arc shape around an axis extending in the second direction.
 また、ケーシング10は、第2方向の他方の端部に、第2湾曲面18を有する。第2湾曲面18は、ケーシング10の第2外表面12の第1方向の一端部に位置する。また、第2湾曲面18は、第1方向において、現像ローラ30よりもアジテータシャフト21から離れて位置する。第2湾曲面18は、ケーシング10の他の部分と共に、上述した第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心として、回動可能である。第2湾曲面18は、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心とする回動方向に向けて突出する。また、第2湾曲面18は、第2方向に延びる軸を中心として、円弧状に湾曲する。 The casing 10 also has a second curved surface 18 at the other end in the second direction. The second curved surface 18 is located at one end of the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 in the first direction. Further, the second curved surface 18 is positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction. The second curved surface 18, together with the other parts of the casing 10, is pivotable about the first pivot shaft 53 and the second pivot shaft 17 described above. The second curved surface 18 protrudes in a pivoting direction about the first pivoting shaft 53 and the second pivoting shaft 17. In addition, the second curved surface 18 curves in an arc shape around an axis extending in the second direction.
 第1湾曲面63と第2湾曲面18とは、第2方向に離れて位置する。ただし、第1湾曲面63の少なくとも一部と、第2湾曲面18の少なくとも一部とは、第2方向に視たときに、重なる位置にある。また、第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18は、同一の径を有する。第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18の径は、現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さい。また、第1方向における現像ローラ30と第1湾曲面63との間隔は、一定距離である。また、第1方向における現像ローラ30と第2湾曲面18との間隔も、一定距離である。 The first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 are spaced apart in the second direction. However, at least a portion of the first curved surface 63 and at least a portion of the second curved surface 18 are in an overlapping position when viewed in the second direction. Moreover, the 1st curved surface 63 and the 2nd curved surface 18 have the same diameter. The diameters of the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 are smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Further, the distance between the developing roller 30 and the first curved surface 63 in the first direction is a fixed distance. Further, the distance between the developing roller 30 and the second curved surface 18 in the first direction is also a fixed distance.
 <1-2.ドラムユニットに対する現像カートリッジの装着動作>
 続いて、ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に対して、現像カートリッジ1を装着するときの動作について説明する。
<1-2. Mounting operation of developing cartridge to drum unit>
Subsequently, an operation when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9 will be described.
 図1に示すように、ドラムユニット9のフレーム90は、カートリッジ保持部91毎に、第1被接触面93および第2被接触面94を有する。第1被接触面93は、カートリッジ保持部91の第2方向の一方の端部に位置する。第1被接触面93は、第3方向に対して交差(好ましくは直交)し、かつ、第2方向に延びる面である。第2被接触面94は、カートリッジ保持部91の第2方向の他方の端部に位置する。第2被接触面94は、第3方向に対して交差(好ましくは直交)し、かつ、第1方向に延びる面である。 As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 has a first contact surface 93 and a second contact surface 94 for each cartridge holding portion 91. The first contact surface 93 is located at one end of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction. The first contact surface 93 is a surface that intersects (preferably is orthogonal to) the third direction and extends in the second direction. The second contacted surface 94 is located at the other end of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction. The second contact surface 94 is a surface that intersects (preferably is orthogonal to) the third direction and extends in the first direction.
 図1に示すように、ドラムユニット9のフレーム90は、カートリッジ保持部91毎に、第1押圧部95および第2押圧部96を有する。第1押圧部95は、カートリッジ保持部91の第2方向の一方の端部に位置する。第1被接触面93と第1押圧部95とは、第3方向において互いに向かい合う。第2押圧部96は、カートリッジ保持部91の第2方向の他方の端部に位置する。第2被接触面94と第2押圧部96とは、第3方向において互いに向かい合う。 As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 has a first pressing portion 95 and a second pressing portion 96 for each cartridge holding portion 91. The first pressing portion 95 is located at one end of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction. The first contact surface 93 and the first pressing portion 95 face each other in the third direction. The second pressing portion 96 is located at the other end of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction. The second contact surface 94 and the second pressing portion 96 face each other in the third direction.
 図3~図5は、カートリッジ保持部91に対して現像カートリッジ1を装着するときの様子を示した図である。図3~図5に示すように、第1押圧部95は、コイルばね951と押圧部材952とを有する。コイルばね951は、第3方向に伸縮可能な弾性部材である。コイルばね951の第3方向の一端は、押圧部材952に接続される。コイルばね951の第3方向の他端は、ドラムユニット9のフレーム90に接続される。コイルばね951は、自然長よりも第3方向に圧縮されている。また、コイルばね95は、第1長さと、第1長さよりも短い第2長さとの間で、第3方向に伸縮する。コイルばね951が第1長さのときには、押圧部材952は、第1位置に配置される。コイルばね951が第2長さのときには、押圧部材952は、第1位置よりも第1被接触面93から離れた第2位置に配置される。押圧部材952は、第1被接触面93に向けて第3方向に突出する押圧面953を有する。 FIGS. 3 to 5 are views showing how the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first pressing portion 95 has a coil spring 951 and a pressing member 952. The coil spring 951 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the third direction. One end of the coil spring 951 in the third direction is connected to the pressing member 952. The other end of the coil spring 951 in the third direction is connected to the frame 90 of the drum unit 9. The coil spring 951 is compressed in the third direction than the natural length. In addition, the coil spring 95 expands and contracts in the third direction between the first length and the second length shorter than the first length. When the coil spring 951 has the first length, the pressing member 952 is disposed at the first position. When the coil spring 951 has a second length, the pressing member 952 is disposed at a second position farther from the first contacted surface 93 than the first position. The pressing member 952 has a pressing surface 953 that protrudes in the third direction toward the first contact surface 93.
 なお、第2押圧部96も、第1押圧部95と同様に、コイルばねと押圧部材とを有する。 Similarly to the first pressing portion 95, the second pressing portion 96 also has a coil spring and a pressing member.
 カートリッジ保持部91に現像カートリッジ1が挿入されると、図3のように、まず、ギアカバー50の第1回動軸部53が、フレーム90の第1被接触面93に接触する。同様に、ケーシング10の第2回動軸部17が、フレーム90の第2被接触面94に接触する。 When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holding portion 91, first, the first pivot shaft portion 53 of the gear cover 50 contacts the first contact surface 93 of the frame 90 as shown in FIG. Similarly, the second pivot shaft 17 of the casing 10 contacts the second contact surface 94 of the frame 90.
 続いて、ギアカバー50の延出部51の外表面のうち、第3方向において第1回動軸部53とは反対側の面(以下「第1押圧受け面」と称する)54が、第1押圧部95に接触する。具体的には、第1押圧受け面54が、押圧面953に接触する。これにより、コイルばね951の長さが、第1長さから第2長さへ収縮する。そして、第1押圧受け面54は、第1押圧部95から第3方向の押圧力を受ける。また、ケーシング10の第2方向の他方の端部においても、第3方向において第2回動軸部17とは反対側の面(以下「第2押圧受け面」と称する)19が、第2押圧部96に接触する。これにより、第2押圧受け面19は、第2押圧部96から第3方向の押圧力を受ける。 Subsequently, of the outer surface of the extending portion 51 of the gear cover 50, the surface (hereinafter referred to as the “first pressing receiving surface”) 54 opposite to the first pivot shaft portion 53 in the third direction 1 Contact the pressing portion 95. Specifically, the first pressing receiving surface 54 contacts the pressing surface 953. Thereby, the length of the coil spring 951 contracts from the first length to the second length. The first pressure receiving surface 54 receives a pressing force in the third direction from the first pressing portion 95. Further, also at the other end of the casing 10 in the second direction, the surface (hereinafter referred to as the “second pressure receiving surface”) 19 opposite to the second rotation shaft 17 in the third direction is the second Contact the pressing portion 96. Thereby, the second pressure receiving surface 19 receives the pressing force in the third direction from the second pressing portion 96.
 なお、第1押圧受け面54は、第1方向において、第1回動軸部53よりも他端部16の近くに位置する。すなわち、第1押圧受け面54は、第1方向において、第1回動軸部53よりも現像ローラ30から離れた位置にある。また、第2押圧受け面19は、第1方向において、第2回動軸部17よりも他端部の近くに位置する。すなわち、第2押圧受け面19は、第1方向において、第2回動軸部17よりも現像ローラ30から離れた位置にある。 The first pressing receiving surface 54 is located closer to the other end 16 than the first pivot shaft 53 in the first direction. That is, the first pressing receiving surface 54 is at a position farther from the developing roller 30 than the first rotation shaft 53 in the first direction. Further, the second pressing receiving surface 19 is positioned closer to the other end than the second pivot shaft 17 in the first direction. That is, the second pressing receiving surface 19 is located at a position farther from the developing roller 30 than the second rotating shaft portion 17 in the first direction.
 この第1押圧受け面54および第2押圧受け面19が受ける押圧力は、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心とする回動方向に沿った力の成分を有する。このため、第1押圧受け面54および第2押圧受け面19が受ける押圧力によって、現像カートリッジ1は、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心として、図4中の破線矢印の向きに回動する。したがって、現像ローラ30、第1湾曲面63、および第2湾曲面18も、第1回動軸部53および2回動軸部を中心として回動する。これにより、現像ローラ30、第1湾曲面63、および第2湾曲面18が、感光ドラム92に接近する。そして、まず、図4のように、感光ドラム92の外周面に、第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18が接触する。その後、図5のように、感光ドラム92の外周面に、現像ローラ30の外周面が接触する。その結果、感光ドラム92に対する現像カートリッジ1の位置および姿勢が固定される。そして、感光ドラム92の外周面と、現像ローラ30の外周面とが、互いに接触した状態に維持される。 The pressing force received by the first pressing receiving surface 54 and the second pressing receiving surface 19 has a component of force along the rotation direction about the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 17. . Therefore, the developing cartridge 1 receives the pressing force received by the first pressing receiving surface 54 and the second pressing receiving surface 19 around the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion 17 in FIG. Rotate in the direction of the dashed arrow. Accordingly, the developing roller 30, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface 18 also pivot about the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion. As a result, the developing roller 30, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface 18 approach the photosensitive drum 92. Then, first, as shown in FIG. 4, the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 92. As a result, the position and attitude of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the photosensitive drum 92 are fixed. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 are maintained in contact with each other.
 このように、本実施形態の現像カートリッジ1は、ドラムユニット9のフレーム90に現像ローラシャフト32を用いて位置決めするのではなく、現像ローラシャフト32とは別の第1回動軸部53、第2回動軸部17、第1湾曲面63、および第2湾曲面18を利用して、現像ローラ30を位置決めする。現像ローラシャフト32とドラムユニット9のフレーム90とは、非接触である。すなわち、現像ローラシャフト32とドラムユニット9のフレーム90とは、直接的な接触もしておらず、他の部材を介した間接的な接触もしていない。このため、現像ローラシャフト32の寸法精度に依存することなく、現像ローラ30を位置決めできる。 As described above, the developing cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment is not positioned on the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 using the developing roller shaft 32, but the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotating shaft different from the developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller 30 is positioned using the pivot shaft portion 17, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface 18. The developing roller shaft 32 and the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 are not in contact with each other. That is, the developing roller shaft 32 and the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 are not in direct contact with each other nor in indirect contact with other members. Therefore, the developing roller 30 can be positioned independently of the dimensional accuracy of the developing roller shaft 32.
 従来、感光ドラムに対する現像ローラの位置決めには、多数の部品が関わっていた。具体的には、感光ドラムの外周面、ドラムユニットのフレームに設けられた感光ドラムの軸受、当該フレームに設けられた現像ローラシャフトのためのガイド溝が、感光ドラムに対する現像ローラの位置決めに関わっていた。また、現像ローラシャフト、場合によっては現像ローラシャフトに取り付けられたカラー、現像ローラの軸受、および現像ローラの外周面も、感光ドラムに対する現像ローラの位置決めに関わっていた。これに対し、本実施形態の構造では、感光ドラム92の表面と、軸受プレート60の第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18と、現像ローラ30の外周面とによって、感光ドラム92に対する現像ローラ30の位置決めを行うことができる。このため、位置決めに関わる部品点数が減少する。その結果、各部品の公差に起因する位置決めの誤差を、抑えることができる。 Conventionally, positioning of the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum involved many parts. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, the bearing of the photosensitive drum provided on the frame of the drum unit, and the guide groove for the developing roller shaft provided on the frame concerned with the positioning of the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum . Further, the developing roller shaft, and in some cases, a collar attached to the developing roller shaft, a bearing of the developing roller, and an outer peripheral surface of the developing roller are also involved in the positioning of the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum. On the other hand, in the structure of the present embodiment, the developing roller relative to the photosensitive drum 92 is constituted by the surface of the photosensitive drum 92, the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 of the bearing plate 60, and the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. 30 positioning can be performed. This reduces the number of parts involved in positioning. As a result, it is possible to suppress the positioning error caused by the tolerance of each part.
 また、従来、フレームの上記ガイド溝は、感光ドラムが並ぶ方向に沿って設けられていた。このため、従来の構造では、隣り合う感光ドラムの間隔を広くとる必要があった。これに対し、本実施形態の構造では、フレーム90にガイド溝を設ける必要がない。したがって、隣り合う感光ドラム92の間隔を、従来よりも狭くすることができる。 Also, conventionally, the guide grooves of the frame are provided along the direction in which the photosensitive drums are arranged. Therefore, in the conventional structure, it is necessary to widen the interval between the adjacent photosensitive drums. On the other hand, in the structure of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the frame 90 with the guide groove. Therefore, the distance between the adjacent photosensitive drums 92 can be made narrower than in the prior art.
 なお、上記の通り、第1実施形態では、感光ドラム92の外周面に、第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18が接触した後に、感光ドラム92の外周面に、現像ローラ30の外周面が接触する。この場合、現像カートリッジ1がカートリッジ保持部91に装着されたときの、感光ドラム92の外周面に対する第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18の接触圧が大きくなる。 As described above, in the first embodiment, after the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Contact. In this case, the contact pressure of the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the cartridge holding portion 91 is increased.
 しかしながら、感光ドラム92の外周面に、現像ローラ30の外周面が接触した後に、感光ドラム92の外周面に、第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18が接触してもよい。この場合、現像カートリッジ1がカートリッジ保持部91に装着されたときの、感光ドラム92の外周面に対する現像ローラ30の外周面の接触圧が大きくなる。なお、現像カートリッジ1がカートリッジ保持部91から取り外されるときに、感光ドラム92の外周面に対する第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18の接触圧が、一時的に大きくなってもよい。 However, after the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92, the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 may contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. In this case, the contact pressure of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 becomes large when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holding portion 91. When the developing cartridge 1 is removed from the cartridge holding portion 91, the contact pressure of the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 may be temporarily increased.
 また、ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に現像カートリッジ1を挿入した直後においては、必ずしも、現像ローラ30、第1湾曲面63、および第2湾曲面18の全てが、感光ドラム92の外周面に接触していなくてもよい。画像形成装置にドラムユニットが挿入された後、画像形成装置からの駆動力によって、感光ドラム92および現像ローラ30が回転を開始することにより、現像ローラ30、第1湾曲面63、および第2湾曲面18の全てが、感光ドラム92の外周面に接触すればよい。 Further, immediately after the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, all of the developing roller 30, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface 18 necessarily contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. You do not have to. After the drum unit is inserted into the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 92 and the developing roller 30 start rotating by the driving force from the image forming apparatus, whereby the developing roller 30, the first curved surface 63, and the second curved surface It is sufficient that all the components 18 contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
 例えば、ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に現像カートリッジ1を挿入した後、第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18が、感光ドラム92の外周面に接触しているが、現像ローラ30の外周面が感光ドラム92の外周面に接触していない場合、感光ドラム92が回転することで生じる感光ドラム92と第1湾曲面63との摩擦力、および、感光ドラム92と第2湾曲面18との摩擦力それぞれによって、第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18が、感光ドラム92の回転方向に移動する。これにより、現像ローラ30の外周面が感光ドラム92の外周面に接触してもよい。 For example, after the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. When the photosensitive drum 92 is not in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 92, the frictional force between the photosensitive drum 92 and the first curved surface 63 caused by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 92 and the photosensitive drum 92 and the second curved surface 18. The first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 move in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 92 by the frictional force. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
また、例えば、ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に現像カートリッジ1を挿入した後、現像ローラ30の外周面が感光ドラム92の外周面に接触しているが、第1湾曲面63、および第2湾曲面18が、感光ドラム92の外周面に接触していない場合、現像ローラ30の回転速度が、感光ドラム92の回転速度よりも速いため、現像ローラ30が、感光ドラム92の外周面を移動する。これにより、第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18が、感光ドラム92の外周面に接触してもよい。 In addition, for example, after the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. When the surface 18 is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92, the developing roller 30 moves on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 because the rotational speed of the developing roller 30 is faster than the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 92. . Thereby, the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
 本実施形態では、現像カートリッジ1の筐体の一部を構成する軸受プレート60に、第1湾曲面63が含まれている。このため、軸受プレート60とは別に、第1湾曲面63を有する部材を設ける必要がない。これにより、現像カートリッジ1の部品点数を抑制できる。また、本実施形態では、現像カートリッジ1の筐体の一部を構成するケーシング10に、第2湾曲面18が含まれている。このため、ケーシング10とは別に、第2湾曲面18を有する部材を設ける必要がない。これにより、現像カートリッジ1の部品点数を抑制できる。ただし、第1湾曲面63および第2湾曲面18は、現像カートリッジ1の筐体とは別の部材に設けられていてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the first curved surface 63 is included in the bearing plate 60 that constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a member having the first curved surface 63 separately from the bearing plate 60. Thereby, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 1 can be suppressed. Further, in the present embodiment, the second curved surface 18 is included in the casing 10 that constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a member having the second curved surface 18 separately from the casing 10. Thereby, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 1 can be suppressed. However, the first curved surface 63 and the second curved surface 18 may be provided on a member different from the housing of the developing cartridge 1.
 また、本実施形態では、第1湾曲面63の径が、現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さい。また、第2湾曲面18の径が、現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さい。これにより、カートリッジ保持部91への現像カートリッジ1の装着が容易となる。また、ドラムユニットが小型化された場合であっても、第1湾曲面63の径が現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さく、第2湾曲面18の径が現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さいため、カートリッジ保持部91への現像カートリッジ1の装着が容易となる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the diameter of the first curved surface 63 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Further, the diameter of the second curved surface 18 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Thereby, the mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the cartridge holding portion 91 is facilitated. Further, even when the drum unit is miniaturized, the diameter of the first curved surface 63 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30, and the diameter of the second curved surface 18 is the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Since the size is smaller than this, mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the cartridge holding portion 91 is facilitated.
 <2.第2実施形態>
 続いて、第2実施形態の現像カートリッジ1について、説明する。
<2. Second embodiment>
Subsequently, the developing cartridge 1 of the second embodiment will be described.
 第2実施形態の現像カートリッジ1は、第1ローラ71および第2ローラ72を有する点が、第1実施形態と相違する。以下では、第1実施形態との相違点を中心に説明し、第1実施形態と同等の部分については、第1実施形態と同一の符号を付して、重複説明を省略する。 The developing cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment is different from that according to the first embodiment in that the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are provided. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and parts equivalent to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and redundant description will be omitted.
 図6は、第2実施形態の現像カートリッジ1の分解斜視図である。図6では、ギアカバー50の図示が省略されている。図6に示すように、第2実施形態では、ケーシング10が、第1ローラシャフト711および第2ローラシャフト721を有する。第1ローラシャフト711は、ケーシング10の第1外表面11の第1方向の一端部に位置する。すなわち、第1ローラシャフト711は、第1方向において、現像ローラ30よりもアジテータシャフト21から離れて位置する。また、第1ローラシャフト711は円柱状であり、第2方向に延びる。第2ローラシャフト721は、ケーシング10の第2外表面12の第1方向の一端部に位置する。すなわち、第2ローラシャフト721は、第1方向において、現像ローラ30よりもアジテータシャフト21から離れて位置する。また、第2ローラシャフト721は円柱状であり、第2方向に延びる。 FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 of the second embodiment. The illustration of the gear cover 50 is omitted in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, in the second embodiment, the casing 10 has a first roller shaft 711 and a second roller shaft 721. The first roller shaft 711 is located at one end of the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 in the first direction. That is, the first roller shaft 711 is positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction. The first roller shaft 711 is cylindrical and extends in the second direction. The second roller shaft 721 is located at one end of the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 in the first direction. That is, the second roller shaft 721 is positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction. The second roller shaft 721 is cylindrical and extends in the second direction.
 第1ローラ71は、円筒状の外周面(第1湾曲面)を有するローラである。第2ローラ72は、円筒状の外周面(第2湾曲面)を有するローラである。第1ローラ71および第2ローラ72の外周面の径は、現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さい。第1ローラ71は、第1ローラシャフト711に支持されつつ、第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能である。第2ローラ72は、第2ローラシャフト721に支持されつつ、第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能である。第1ローラ71および第2ローラ72は、第1方向において、現像ローラ30よりもアジテータシャフト21から離れて位置する。ケーシング10が、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心として回動すると、第1ローラ71および第2ローラ72も、ケーシング10と共に、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心として回動する。 The first roller 71 is a roller having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface (first curved surface). The second roller 72 is a roller having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface (second curved surface). The diameters of the outer peripheral surfaces of the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. The first roller 71 is supported by the first roller shaft 711 and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction. The second roller 72 is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the second direction while being supported by the second roller shaft 721. The first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are positioned farther from the agitator shaft 21 than the developing roller 30 in the first direction. When the casing 10 pivots about the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion 17, the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 also cooperate with the casing 10 with the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the first pivot shaft portion 53. 2 Pivot about the pivot shaft portion 17.
 第1ローラ71と第2ローラ72とは、第2方向に離れて位置する。ただし、第1ローラ71の少なくとも一部と、第2ローラ72の少なくとも一部とは、第2方向に視たときに、重なる位置にある。また、第1ローラ71の外周面および第2ローラ72の外周面は、同一の径を有する。第1ローラ71および第2ローラ72の外周面の径は、現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さい。また、第1方向における現像ローラ30と第1ローラ71との間隔は、一定距離である。第1方向における現像ローラ30と第2ローラ72との間隔も、一定距離である。 The first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are separated in the second direction. However, at least a portion of the first roller 71 and at least a portion of the second roller 72 are in an overlapping position when viewed in the second direction. The outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 have the same diameter. The diameters of the outer peripheral surfaces of the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 are smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Further, the distance between the developing roller 30 and the first roller 71 in the first direction is a fixed distance. The distance between the developing roller 30 and the second roller 72 in the first direction is also a fixed distance.
 ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に、第2実施形態の現像カートリッジ1が装着されるときには、第1実施形態と同じように、第1押圧部95および第2押圧部96からの押圧力によって、現像カートリッジ1が、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心として、回動する。このとき、ケーシング10と共に、現像ローラ30、第1ローラ71、および第2ローラ72も、第1回動軸部53および第2回動軸部17を中心として、回動する。これにより、現像ローラ30、第1ローラ71、および第2ローラ72が、感光ドラム92に接触する。その結果、感光ドラム92に対する現像カートリッジ1の位置および姿勢が固定される。そして、感光ドラム92の外周面と、現像ローラ30の外周面とが、互いに接触した状態に維持される。 When the developing cartridge 1 of the second embodiment is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, as in the first embodiment, developing is performed by the pressing force from the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96. The cartridge 1 pivots about the first pivot shaft portion 53 and the second pivot shaft portion 17. At this time, together with the casing 10, the developing roller 30, the first roller 71, and the second roller 72 rotate around the first rotation shaft 53 and the second rotation shaft 17. As a result, the developing roller 30, the first roller 71, and the second roller 72 contact the photosensitive drum 92. As a result, the position and attitude of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the photosensitive drum 92 are fixed. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 and the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 are maintained in contact with each other.
 また、現像カートリッジ1は、第3ローラ73と第4ローラ74とを備える。第3ローラ73は、第2方向における現像ローラ本体31の一端部に位置する。第3ローラ73は、第2方向における現像ローラシャフト32の一端部に回転可能に支持される。また、第4ローラ74は、第2方向における現像ローラ本体31の他端部に位置する。第4ローラ74は、第2方向における現像ローラシャフト32の他端部に回転可能に支持される。これにより、現像ローラ本体31の外周面が、感光ドラム92の外周面に過度に押圧された場合であっても、第3ローラ73と第4ローラ74とが感光ドラム92の表面に接触する。したがって、感光体ドラム92の外周面に対する 現像ローラ本体31の押圧力を適切に調整することができる。 The developing cartridge 1 further includes a third roller 73 and a fourth roller 74. The third roller 73 is located at one end of the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction. The third roller 73 is rotatably supported at one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the second direction. The fourth roller 74 is located at the other end of the developing roller main body 31 in the second direction. The fourth roller 74 is rotatably supported by the other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the second direction. As a result, even when the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 is excessively pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92, the third roller 73 and the fourth roller 74 contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Therefore, the pressing force of the developing roller main body 31 against the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 can be appropriately adjusted.
 以上ように、この第2実施形態でも、ドラムユニット9のフレーム90に現像ローラシャフト32を用いて位置決めするのではなく、現像ローラシャフト32とは別の第1回動軸部53、第2回動軸部17、第1ローラ71、および第2ローラ72を利用して、現像ローラ30を位置決めする。現像ローラシャフト32とドラムユニット9のフレーム90とは、非接触である。すなわち、現像ローラシャフト32とドラムユニット9のフレーム90とは、直接的な接触もしておらず、他の部材を介した間接的な接触もしていない。このため、現像ローラシャフト32の寸法精度に依存することなく、現像ローラ30を位置決めできる。 As described above, also in the second embodiment, instead of positioning using the developing roller shaft 32 to the frame 90 of the drum unit 9, the first pivoting shaft 53 and the second pivot different from the developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller 30 is positioned using the shaft portion 17, the first roller 71, and the second roller 72. The developing roller shaft 32 and the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 are not in contact with each other. That is, the developing roller shaft 32 and the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 are not in direct contact with each other nor in indirect contact with other members. Therefore, the developing roller 30 can be positioned independently of the dimensional accuracy of the developing roller shaft 32.
 この第2実施形態でも、感光ドラム92に対する現像ローラ30の位置決めを、従来よりも少ない部品点数で行うことができる。このため、各部品の公差に起因する位置決めの誤差を、抑えることができる。 Also in the second embodiment, the positioning of the developing roller 30 with respect to the photosensitive drum 92 can be performed with a smaller number of parts than in the prior art. For this reason, the positioning error resulting from the tolerance of each part can be suppressed.
 特に、本実施形態では、第1湾曲面である第1ローラ71の外周面が、第1ローラシャフト711を中心として回転可能である。また、第2湾曲面である第2ローラ72の外周面が、第2ローラシャフト721を中心として回転可能である。このため、第1ローラ71および第2ローラ72が、感光ドラム92に接触したときに、第1ローラ71の外周面または第2ローラ72の外周面と、感光ドラム92の外周面との間に、擦れが生じにくい。また、感光ドラム92の表面の削れを抑制できる。また、感光ドラム92の回転トルクを低減できる。 In particular, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 which is the first curved surface is rotatable around the first roller shaft 711. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 which is a second curved surface is rotatable around the second roller shaft 721. Therefore, when the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 contact the photosensitive drum 92, the space between the outer circumferential surface of the first roller 71 or the outer circumferential surface of the second roller 72 and the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 92 , Less likely to rub. In addition, it is possible to suppress the abrasion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Further, the rotational torque of the photosensitive drum 92 can be reduced.
 また、本実施形態では、現像カートリッジ1の筐体の一部を構成するケーシング10に、第1ローラシャフト711が含まれている。このため、ケーシング10とは別に、第1ローラシャフト711を有する部材を設ける必要がない。これにより、現像カートリッジ1の部品点数を抑制できる。また、本実施形態では、現像カートリッジ1の筐体の一部を構成するケーシング10に、第2ローラシャフト721が含まれている。このため、ケーシング10とは別に、第2ローラシャフト721を有する部材を設ける必要がない。これにより、現像カートリッジ1の部品点数を抑制できる。ただし、第1ローラシャフト711および第2ローラシャフト721は、現像カートリッジ1の筐体とは別の部材に設けられていてもよい。 Further, in the present embodiment, the first roller shaft 711 is included in the casing 10 that constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a member having the first roller shaft 711 separately from the casing 10. Thereby, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 1 can be suppressed. Further, in the present embodiment, the second roller shaft 721 is included in the casing 10 that constitutes a part of the housing of the developing cartridge 1. Therefore, there is no need to provide a member having the second roller shaft 721 separately from the casing 10. Thereby, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 1 can be suppressed. However, the first roller shaft 711 and the second roller shaft 721 may be provided on a member different from the housing of the developing cartridge 1.
 ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に、第2実施形態の現像カートリッジ1が装着されるときには、例えば、感光ドラム92の外周面に、第1ローラ71の外周面および第2ローラ72の外周面が接触した後に、感光ドラム92の外周面に、現像ローラ30の外周面が接触する。この場合、現像カートリッジ1がカートリッジ保持部91に装着されたときの、感光ドラム92の外周面に対する第1ローラ71の外周面および第2ローラ72の外周面の接触圧が大きくなる。 When the developing cartridge 1 of the second embodiment is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 make contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Thereafter, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. In this case, the contact pressure between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holding portion 91 is increased.
 しかしながら、感光ドラム92の外周面に、現像ローラ30の外周面が接触した後に、感光ドラム92の外周面に、第1ローラ71の外周面および第2ローラ72の外周面が接触してもよい。この場合、現像カートリッジ1がカートリッジ保持部91に装着されたときの、感光ドラム92の外周面に対する現像ローラ30の外周面の接触圧が大きくなる。なお、現像カートリッジ1がカートリッジ保持部91から取り外されるときに、感光ドラム92の外周面に対する第1ローラ71の外周面および第2ローラ72の外周面の接触圧が、一時的に大きくなってもよい。 However, the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 after the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 . In this case, the contact pressure of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 becomes large when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holding portion 91. When the developing cartridge 1 is removed from the cartridge holding portion 91, the contact pressure between the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 against the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 temporarily increases. Good.
 また、ドラムユニット9のカートリッジ保持部91に現像カートリッジ1を挿入した直後においては、必ずしも、現像ローラ30、第1ローラ71、および第2ローラ72の全てが、感光ドラム92の外周面に接触していなくてもよい。画像形成装置にドラムユニットが挿入された後、画像形成装置からの駆動力によって、感光ドラム92および現像ローラ30が回転を開始することにより、現像ローラ30の外周面、第1ローラ71の外周面、および第2ローラ72の外周面の全てが、感光ドラム92の外周面に接触すればよい。 Immediately after the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holding portion 91 of the drum unit 9, all of the developing roller 30, the first roller 71, and the second roller 72 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. It does not have to be. After the drum unit is inserted into the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 92 and the developing roller 30 start rotating by the driving force from the image forming apparatus, whereby the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30, the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71, The entire outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.
 また、本実施形態では、第1ローラ71の外周面の径が、現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さい。また、第2ローラ72の外周面の径が、現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さい。これにより、カートリッジ保持部91への現像カートリッジ1の装着が容易となる。また、ドラムユニットが小型化された場合であっても、第1ローラ71の外周面の径が現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さく、第2ローラ72の外周面の径が現像ローラ30の外周面の径よりも小さいため、カートリッジ保持部91への現像カートリッジ1の装着が容易となる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Further, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30. Thereby, the mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the cartridge holding portion 91 is facilitated. Further, even when the drum unit is miniaturized, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 71 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30, and the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 72 is smaller than that of the developing roller 30. Since the diameter is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface, mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the cartridge holding portion 91 is facilitated.
 なお、ケーシング10が第1ローラシャフト711を有する代わりに、第1ローラ71が第1ローラシャフトを有してもよい。この場合、ケーシング10は、第1ローラシャフトが挿入可能な開口を有していればよい。また、ケーシング10が第2ローラシャフトを有する代わりに、第2ローラが第2ローラシャフトを有していてもよい。この場合、ケーシング10は、第2ローラシャフトが挿入可能な開口を有していればよい。 Instead of the casing 10 having the first roller shaft 711, the first roller 71 may have the first roller shaft. In this case, the casing 10 may have an opening through which the first roller shaft can be inserted. Also, instead of the casing 10 having the second roller shaft, the second roller may have the second roller shaft. In this case, the casing 10 may have an opening through which the second roller shaft can be inserted.
 <3.変形例>
 以上、第1実施形態および第2実施形態について説明したが、本発明は上記の実施形態に限定されるものではない。
<3. Modified example>
As mentioned above, although 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment were described, this invention is not limited to said embodiment.
 上記の実施形態では、現像カートリッジが、第1回動軸部と第2回動軸部とを有していた。しかしながら、現像カートリッジが有する回動軸部の数は、1つであってもよく、3つ以上であってもよい。例えば、現像カートリッジは、第2方向の一端から他端まで延びる1つの回動軸部を有していてもよい。また、上記の実施形態では、現像カートリッジが、第1湾曲面と第2湾曲面とを有していた。しかしながら、現像カートリッジが有する湾曲面の数は、1つであってもよく、3つ以上であってもよい。例えば、現像カートリッジは、第2方向の一端から他端まで延びる1つの湾曲面を有していてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the developing cartridge has the first pivot shaft portion and the second pivot shaft portion. However, the number of rotation shaft portions of the developing cartridge may be one, or three or more. For example, the developing cartridge may have one rotation shaft extending from one end to the other end in the second direction. Also, in the above embodiment, the developing cartridge has the first curved surface and the second curved surface. However, the number of curved surfaces of the developing cartridge may be one, or three or more. For example, the developer cartridge may have one curved surface extending from one end to the other end in the second direction.
 また、上記の実施形態では、湾曲面の形状が円弧状であった。しかしながら、湾曲面は、凸状の湾曲した面であればよく、必ずしも円弧状でなくてもよい。湾曲面の形状は、例えば、球面状であってもよい。 Moreover, in said embodiment, the shape of the curved surface was circular arc shape. However, the curved surface may be a convex curved surface, and may not necessarily be arc-shaped. The shape of the curved surface may be, for example, spherical.
 また、上記の実施形態では、ドラムユニット9のフレーム90が、カートリッジ保持部91毎に、第1押圧部95および第2押圧部96を有していた。しかしながら、フレーム90が第1押圧部95および第2押圧部96を有する代わりに、現像カートリッジ1が、第1押圧部および第2押圧部を有していてもよい。この場合、フレーム90に、第1押圧部95および第2押圧部96が接触し、この押圧力に応じて、現像カートリッジ1が、フレーム90に対して回動する。 In the above embodiment, the frame 90 of the drum unit 9 has the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96 for each cartridge holding portion 91. However, instead of the frame 90 having the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96, the developing cartridge 1 may have the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion. In this case, the first pressing portion 95 and the second pressing portion 96 are in contact with the frame 90, and the developing cartridge 1 rotates with respect to the frame 90 according to the pressing force.
 また、現像カートリッジの各部の形状については、本願の各図に示された形状と相違していてもよい。また、上記の第1実施形態、第2実施形態、および変形例に登場した各要素を、矛盾が生じない範囲で、適宜に組み合わせてもよい。 Further, the shape of each part of the developing cartridge may be different from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application. In addition, the elements appearing in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modification may be combined appropriately as long as no contradiction occurs.
 1 現像カートリッジ
 9 ドラムユニット
 10 ケーシング
 11 第1外表面
 12 第2外表面
 13 収容室
 14 開口部
 15 一端部
 16 他端部
 17 第2回動軸部
 18 第2湾曲面
 19 第2押圧受け面
 20 アジテータ
 21 アジテータシャフト
 22 撹拌羽根
 30 現像ローラ
 31 現像ローラ本体
 32 現像ローラシャフト
 40 ギア部
 41 カップリング
 42 アジテータギア
 43 現像ローラギア
 50 ギアカバー
 51 延出部 52 円孔
 53 第1回動軸部
 54 第1押圧受け面
 60 軸受プレート
 61 平板部
 62 軸受突起
 63 第1湾曲面
 71 第1ローラ
 72 第2ローラ
 73 第3ローラ
 74 第4ローラ
 90 フレーム
 91 カートリッジ保持部
 92 感光ドラム
 93 第1被接触面
 94 第2被接触面
 95 第1押圧部
 96 第2押圧部
 411 締結穴
 711 第1ローラシャフト
 721 第2ローラシャフト
 951 コイルばね
 952 押圧部材
 953 押圧面
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 developing cartridge 9 drum unit 10 casing 11 1st outer surface 12 2nd outer surface 13 accommodation chamber 14 opening part 15 one end part 16 other end part 17 2nd rotation axial part 18 2nd curved surface 19 2nd press receiving surface 20 agitator Reference Signs List 21 agitator shaft 22 stirring blade 30 developing roller 31 developing roller main body 32 developing roller shaft 40 gear portion 41 coupling 42 agitator gear 43 developing roller gear 50 gear cover 51 extending portion 52 circular hole 53 first rotation shaft portion 54 first pressure Receiving surface 60 Bearing plate 61 Flat portion 62 Bearing protrusion 63 First curved surface 71 First roller 72 Second roller 73 Third roller 74 Fourth roller 90 Frame 91 Cartridge holder 92 Photosensitive drum 93 First contact surface 94 Second Contact surface 95 first pressing portion 96 second pressing portion 11 fastening hole 711 second roller shaft 951 coil spring 952 pressing member 953 pressing surface first roller shaft 721

Claims (27)

  1.  現像剤を収容可能な筐体であって、第1方向における一端部と他端部とを有する筐体であり、第2方向に延びる回動軸部を有し、前記回動軸部を中心として回動方向に回動可能な筐体と、
     前記現像剤を撹拌可能なアジテータであって、前記第2方向に延びるアジテータシャフトを有するアジテータと、
     前記第1方向において前記アジテータシャフトよりも前記一端部の近くに位置する現像ローラであって、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能であり、前記筐体と共に回動可能な現像ローラと、
     前記回動方向に向けて湾曲する第1湾曲面であって、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置し、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能な第1湾曲面と、
    を備えることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    A housing capable of containing a developer, the housing having one end and the other end in the first direction, and having a pivot shaft extending in the second direction, the center of the pivot shaft As a pivotable housing in the rotational direction,
    An agitator capable of agitating the developer, the agitator having an agitator shaft extending in the second direction;
    A developing roller positioned closer to the one end than the agitator shaft in the first direction, the developing roller being rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction, and rotatable with the housing;
    A first curved surface that curves in the rotation direction, and is located farther from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and can be rotated in the rotation direction with the housing. With 1 curved surface,
    A developer cartridge comprising:
  2.  請求項1に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第1湾曲面との間隔は一定距離であることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein
    A developing cartridge characterized in that a distance between the developing roller and the first curved surface in the first direction is a fixed distance.
  3.  請求項1または請求項2に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1湾曲面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さいことを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
    The diameter of the first curved surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
  4.  請求項1から請求項3のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記筐体は、前記第1湾曲面を含むことを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
    The developer cartridge, wherein the housing includes the first curved surface.
  5.  請求項1から請求項4のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能であり、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置する第1ローラであって、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能であり、前記第1湾曲面を有する第1ローラ
    をさらに備えることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
    A first roller which is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction and which is located farther from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and rotates in the rotation direction together with the housing A developer cartridge, further comprising: a first roller having the first curved surface;
  6.  請求項5に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第1ローラとの間隔は一定距離であることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ
    The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein
    A developing cartridge characterized in that an interval between the developing roller and the first roller in the first direction is a fixed distance.
  7.  請求項5または請求項6に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1ローラの外周面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さいことを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to claim 5 or 6, wherein
    The diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
  8.  請求項5から請求項7のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記筐体は、前記第1ローラの軸を含むことを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein
    A developer cartridge including the shaft of the first roller;
  9.  請求項1から請求項8のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記現像カートリッジは、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能な感光ドラムを有するドラムユニットに装着可能であり、
     前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触し、
     前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記第1湾曲面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
    The developing cartridge can be mounted on a drum unit having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotating shaft extending in the second direction,
    When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum,
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first curved surface is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit.
  10.  請求項9に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記ドラムユニットに対して、前記筐体と前記現像ローラと前記第1湾曲面とが前記回動方向に回動した後に、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触し、前記第1湾曲面が、前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to claim 9, wherein
    In a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller after the housing, the developing roller, and the first curved surface rotate in the rotation direction with respect to the drum unit Is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and the first curved surface is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  11.  請求項10に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1湾曲面が、前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触した後に、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    11. The developing cartridge according to claim 10, wherein
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller contacts the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum after the first curved surface contacts the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum.
  12.  請求項1に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記回動方向に向けて湾曲する第2湾曲面であって、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置し、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能な第2湾曲面であり、前記第1湾曲面から前記第2方向に離れて位置する第2湾曲面
    をさらに備えることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein
    A second curved surface that curves in the rotation direction, and is further away from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and can be rotated in the rotation direction with the housing. 2. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a second curved surface which is a two-curved surface and is separated from said first curved surface in said second direction.
  13.  請求項12に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第1湾曲面との間隔は一定距離であり、
     前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第2湾曲面との間隔は一定距離であることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ
    The developing cartridge according to claim 12, wherein
    The distance between the developing roller and the first curved surface in the first direction is a constant distance,
    A developing cartridge characterized in that a distance between the developing roller and the second curved surface in the first direction is a fixed distance.
  14.  請求項12または請求項13に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1湾曲面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さく、
     前記第2湾曲面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さいことを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, wherein
    The diameter of the first curved surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller,
    The diameter of the second curved surface is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
  15.  請求項12から請求項14のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記筐体は、前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とを含むことを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein
    The developer cartridge, wherein the housing includes the first curved surface and the second curved surface.
  16.  請求項12から請求項15のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能であり、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置する第1ローラであって、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能であり、前記第1湾曲面を有する第1ローラと、
     前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能であり、前記第1方向において前記現像ローラよりも前記アジテータシャフトから離れて位置する第2ローラであって、前記筐体と共に前記回動方向へ回動可能であり、前記第2湾曲面を有する第2ローラと、
    をさらに備えることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein
    A first roller which is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction and which is located farther from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and rotates in the rotation direction together with the housing A first roller having the first curved surface, which is possible;
    A second roller that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the second direction and is located farther from the agitator shaft than the developing roller in the first direction, and rotates in the rotation direction together with the housing A second roller, which is possible, having the second curved surface;
    The developer cartridge further comprising:
  17.  請求項16に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第1ローラとの間隔は一定距離であり、
     前記第1方向における前記現像ローラと前記第2ローラとの間隔は一定距離であることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ
    17. The developing cartridge according to claim 16, wherein
    The distance between the developing roller and the first roller in the first direction is a constant distance,
    A developing cartridge characterized in that a distance between the developing roller and the second roller in the first direction is a fixed distance.
  18.  請求項16または請求項17に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1ローラの外周面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さく、
     前記第1ローラの外周面の径は、前記現像ローラの外周面の径よりも小さいことを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to claim 16 or 17, wherein
    The diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller,
    The diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first roller is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller.
  19.  請求項16から請求項18のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記筐体は、前記第1ローラの軸と前記第2ローラの軸とを含むことを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein
    The developer cartridge, wherein the housing includes an axis of the first roller and an axis of the second roller.
  20.  請求項12から請求項19のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記現像カートリッジは、前記第2方向に延びる回転軸について回転可能な感光ドラムを有するドラムユニットに装着可能であり、
     前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触し、
     前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とが前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developer cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein
    The developing cartridge can be mounted on a drum unit having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotating shaft extending in the second direction,
    When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum,
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first curved surface and the second curved surface are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit.
  21.  請求項20に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記ドラムユニットに前記現像カートリッジが装着された状態において、前記ドラムユニットに対して、前記筐体と前記現像ローラと前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とが前記回動方向に回動した後に、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触し、前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とが、前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    21. The developing cartridge according to claim 20, wherein
    In the state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum unit, after the housing, the developing roller, the first curved surface, and the second curved surface rotate in the rotation direction with respect to the drum unit, An outer peripheral surface of the developing roller contacts an outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and the first curved surface and the second curved surface contact an outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  22.  請求項21に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1湾曲面と前記第2湾曲面とが、前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触した後に、前記現像ローラの外周面が前記感光ドラムの外周面に接触することを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    22. The developing cartridge according to claim 21, wherein
    A developing cartridge, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the developing roller contacts an outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum after the first curved surface and the second curved surface contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  23.  請求項1から請求項22のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記回動軸部は、前記筐体の外表面から、前記第2方向に延出することを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft extends from the outer surface of the housing in the second direction.
  24.  請求項1から請求項23のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記第1方向において前記回動軸部よりも前記他端部の近くに位置する押圧受け面であって、前記押圧力を受ける押圧受け面
    をさらに備えることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressing receiving surface positioned closer to the other end than the pivot shaft in the first direction, the pressing receiving surface receiving the pressing force.
  25.  請求項24に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記押圧受け面は、前記回動方向に沿った前記押圧力を受けることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    25. The developing cartridge according to claim 24, wherein
    The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the pressing receiving surface receives the pressing force along the rotation direction.
  26.  請求項9から請求項11のいずれか1項または請求項20から請求項22のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記現像ローラは、
      前記回転軸に沿って前記第2方向に延びる現像ローラシャフト
    を有し、
     前記現像ローラシャフトと前記ドラムユニットとは、非接触であることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 9 to 11 or any one of claims 20 to 22.
    The developing roller is
    A developing roller shaft extending in the second direction along the rotation axis;
    A developing cartridge characterized in that the developing roller shaft and the drum unit are not in contact with each other.
  27.  請求項1から請求項26のいずれか1項に記載の現像カートリッジであって、
     前記筐体は、外力に応じて、前記回動軸部を中心として前記回動方向に回動可能であることを特徴とする現像カートリッジ。
    The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein
    3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the housing is pivotable in the pivoting direction about the pivot shaft according to an external force.
PCT/JP2018/011011 2017-09-29 2018-03-20 Developer cartridge WO2019064643A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2017-189517 2017-09-29
JP2017189517A JP2019066576A (en) 2017-09-29 2017-09-29 Developer cartridge

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019064643A1 true WO2019064643A1 (en) 2019-04-04

Family

ID=65901208

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2018/011011 WO2019064643A1 (en) 2017-09-29 2018-03-20 Developer cartridge

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (2) JP2019066576A (en)
WO (1) WO2019064643A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2011059510A (en) * 2009-09-11 2011-03-24 Brother Industries Ltd Image forming apparatus and tandem type photoreceptor unit
JP2017116827A (en) * 2015-12-25 2017-06-29 ブラザー工業株式会社 Development cartridge
JP2017167350A (en) * 2016-03-16 2017-09-21 ブラザー工業株式会社 Development cartridge
JP2017173619A (en) * 2016-03-24 2017-09-28 ブラザー工業株式会社 Developing cartridge

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2650469B2 (en) * 1990-06-08 1997-09-03 富士通株式会社 Image forming device
JP5206781B2 (en) * 2010-12-24 2013-06-12 ブラザー工業株式会社 Process unit and development unit
JP6289125B2 (en) * 2014-01-29 2018-03-07 キヤノン株式会社 DEVELOPING DEVICE UNIT, DEVELOPING DEVICE USING THE SAME, AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2011059510A (en) * 2009-09-11 2011-03-24 Brother Industries Ltd Image forming apparatus and tandem type photoreceptor unit
JP2017116827A (en) * 2015-12-25 2017-06-29 ブラザー工業株式会社 Development cartridge
JP2017167350A (en) * 2016-03-16 2017-09-21 ブラザー工業株式会社 Development cartridge
JP2017173619A (en) * 2016-03-24 2017-09-28 ブラザー工業株式会社 Developing cartridge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP7417876B2 (en) 2024-01-19
JP2019066576A (en) 2019-04-25
JP2022092049A (en) 2022-06-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6582972B2 (en) Developer cartridge
JP6604197B2 (en) Developer cartridge
WO2017110143A1 (en) Developing cartridge
JP7306009B2 (en) developer cartridge
WO2018131224A1 (en) Development cartridge
US11099516B2 (en) Drawer including photosensitive drum and frame having guide roller
JP7428206B2 (en) developer cartridge
US11947310B2 (en) Developing cartridge including first and second inclined surfaces, elastic member, and first protrusion
JP2022117103A (en) Developing cartridge
JP2019204134A (en) Development cartridge
JP7417876B2 (en) developer cartridge
JP7235067B2 (en) developer cartridge
WO2020195289A1 (en) Developing cartridge
JP2021005112A (en) Image forming apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 18862428

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 18862428

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1