Developing device

[0080] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. In the reference drawings, figure 1 It is a side sectional view showing a laser printer having a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, figure 2 It is a side sectional view showing the developing cartridge. In addition, in the following description, the overall structure of the laser printer is first briefly described, and then the details of the characteristic parts of the present invention are described.

[0081] In addition, in the following description, the direction based on the user when the laser printer 1 is used is used as the description. That is, in figure 1 In the middle, the right side is called the "front side (front side)", the left side is called the "back side (rear side)", the back side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is called the "right side", and the vertical paper surface The front side in the direction is called "left side". In addition, as for the up-down direction, the illustrated direction coincides with the direction when the user uses it, so it is simply referred to as the “up-down direction”.

[0082]

[0083] Such as figure 1 As shown, the laser printer 1 includes a paper feeding section 4 for feeding paper 3 into the main body casing 2, an image forming section 5 for forming an image on the paper 3 and the like.

[0084]

[0085] The paper feeding unit 4 includes a paper feeding tray 6 detachably installed in the main body casing 2 and a paper pressing plate 7 provided in the paper feeding tray 6. In addition, the paper feeding unit 4 also includes various rollers 11 for conveying the paper 3 and removing paper dust. In the paper feeding section 4, the paper 3 in the paper feeding tray 6 is moved upward by the paper pressing plate 7 and conveyed to the image forming section 5 by various rollers 11.

[0086]

[0087] The image forming section 5 includes a scanning unit 16, a process cartridge 17, a fixing section 18, and the like.

[0088]

[0089] The scanning unit 16 is provided in the upper part of the main body housing 2 and includes a laser emitting part (not shown), a polygon mirror 19, lenses 20, 21, mirrors 22, 23, 24, etc., which are rotationally driven. In the scanning unit 16, the laser beam passes through the path indicated by the dashed line in the figure, and scans and irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 27 at high speed.

[0090]

[0091] The process cartridge 17 can be detachably attached to the main body casing 2 by appropriately opening the front cover 2 a provided on the front side of the main body casing 2. The process cartridge 17 mainly includes a developing cartridge 28 and a drum unit 39 as an example of a developing device.

[0092] The developing cartridge 28 is detachably attachable to and detachable from the main body casing 2 in a state of being mounted on the drum unit 39. In addition, the developing cartridge 28 may be configured to be detachably attached to the drum unit 39 fixed to the main body casing 2. Such as figure 2 As shown, the developing cartridge 28 mainly includes a developing roller 31 as an example of a developer carrier, a layer thickness regulating blade 32, a supply roller 33, and a toner storage chamber 34.

[0093] In the developing cartridge 28, the toner, which is an example of the developer in the toner storage chamber 34, is agitated by the agitator 34A, and then supplied to the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. At this time, the supply roller 33 and The developing roller 31 is frictionally charged positively. The toner supplied to the developing roller 31 enters between the layer thickness limiting blade 32 and the developing roller 31 as the developing roller 31 rotates, is further triboelectrically charged, and is carried on the developing roller 31 as a thin layer of a certain thickness. In addition, the details of the developing cartridge 28 will be described in detail later.

[0094] The drum unit 39 mainly includes: a photosensitive drum 27, a grid-controlled corona charger 29, and a transfer roller 30. In the drum unit 39, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 27 is also positively charged by a grid-controlled corona charger 29, and then exposed by high-speed scanning of a laser beam from the scanning unit 16. Thereby, the potential of the exposed part is lowered, and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed.

[0095] Next, by the rotation of the developing roller 31, the toner carried on the developing roller 31 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 27, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 27. Then, by conveying the paper 3 between the photosensitive drum 27 and the transfer roller 30, the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 27 is transferred to the paper 3.

[0096]

[0097] Such as figure 1 As shown, the fixing unit 18 includes a heating roller 41 and a pressure roller 42 that is opposed to the heating roller 41 and pressurizes the heating roller 41. In the fixing unit 18 configured in this way, the toner transferred on the paper 3 is thermally fixed while the paper 3 passes between the heating roller 41 and the pressure roller 42. In addition, the paper 3 thermally fixed in the fixing unit 18 is conveyed to a paper discharge roller 45 arranged on the downstream side of the fixing unit 18 and sent from the paper discharge roller 45 to a paper discharge tray 46.

[0098]

[0099] Next, the detailed structure of the developing cartridge 28 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the reference drawings, image 3 It is a perspective enlarged view showing the structure around the supply port, Figure 4 It is a front view schematically showing the structure around the supply port. In addition, Figure 5A Yes Figure 4 X-X section view, Figure 5B Yes Figure 4 Y-Y section view. Figure 6A~Figure 6D It shows the operation of filling the filler in the gap surrounded by the lower film, the side seal member, the support portion, and the side seal sticking surface. In addition, Figure 7A~Figure 7C Represents the role of the side seal member that positions the side surface of the surface member inside the side surface of the base material, Figure 8A with Figure 8B It shows the role of the side seal member that makes the surface member and the side surface of the base material lie on the same plane.

[0100] In addition, the developing cartridge 28 has a symmetrical structure, so image 3 Only the parts on either side of the left and right are shown, and the parts on the other side are omitted. And, in image 3 In the figures, the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are detached.

[0101] Such as image 3 As shown, in addition to the developing roller 31 and the like, the developing cartridge 28 also includes a developing device frame 50 that rotatably supports the developing roller 31, a side sealing member 61 that is in sliding contact with both ends of the developing roller 31, and a sheet. The sealing member 62 and the low-position film 63 as an example of a long sealing member. In addition, the developing roller 31 rotates in the arrow direction shown in the figure, that is, rotates in a state of sliding contact with the lower film 63, the side seal member 61, and the sheet seal member 62 in this order.

[0102] The developing frame 50 is mainly formed with a bearing portion 51 that rotatably supports the developing roller 31, a supply port 52 for supplying toner to the developing roller 31 from the toner accommodating chamber 34 inside, and a sticking side The side seal sticking surface 53 of the sealing member 61 and the support portion 54 that supports the low film 63 are sealed. The supply port 52 is formed in a rectangular long hole shape along the axial direction of the developing roller 31, and a layer thickness regulating blade 32 is fixed to the upper part thereof.

[0103] Such as figure 2 As shown, the layer thickness limiting blade 32 includes: a metal plate 32A; reinforcing plates 32B and 32C that are reinforced by sandwiching the upper part of the metal plate 32A; and a rubber pressing portion 32D, which is fixed to the lower end of the metal plate 32A (Tip part) and the left-right width is smaller than the metal plate 32A. The layer thickness regulating blade 32 is fixed to the developer frame 50 on the upper part of the metal plate 32A sandwiched by the reinforcing plates 32B and 32C, and the pressing member 32D at the top end receives the force from the metal plate 32A and interacts with the developer. The roller 31 is in sliding contact. In addition, in image 3 In the middle, the state where the outer reinforcement plate 32C is removed from the metal plate 32A is shown.

[0104] Between the layer thickness regulating blade 32 and the developer frame 50, a U-shaped blade back side seal 64 is arranged. Specifically, such as Figure 4 A simplified representation of is formed in a U-shape surrounding the upper part of the supply port 52, and both ends of which are bonded to the upper part of the side seal bonding surface 53.

[0105] The blade back side seal 64 is formed to be longer than the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) of the layer thickness regulating blade 32, and is arranged so that its both end portions 64A protrude from both end portions 32E of the layer thickness regulating blade 32. Thus, when the back side seal 64 of the blade is pressed to fix the layer thickness limiting blade 32 on the developer frame 50, as Figure 5B As shown, the both ends 64A of the back side seal 64 of the blade that are not compressed are covered by the thickness of the left and right end edges of the blade 32. Therefore, the small gap G1 formed between the compressed backside seal 64 of the blade and the stepped portion of the layer thickness limiting blade 32 (the step formed by the metal plate 32A and the inner reinforcing plate 32B) is formed by the backside of the blade Both end portions 64A of the seal 64 are blocked to suppress toner leakage.

[0106] Such as image 3 As shown, the side seal sticking surface 53 is a substantially arc-shaped surface in a side view, and is formed on the left and right sides of the supply port 52. On the side seal sticking surface 53, a positioning wall 55 is protrudingly formed for positioning the side seal member 61 in the left-right direction, and abutting (adjacent to) the lateral outer side surface of the side seal member 61, and for sealing the opposite side. The protrusion 56 is positioned in the front-rear direction of the member 61 and abuts against the side surface of the side seal member 61 on the rear side.

[0107] The positioning wall 55 is a long wall extending along the rotation direction of the developing roller 31 (refer to Figure 4 ) Is formed to be lower in height than the side seal member 61.

[0108] Such as Figure 6A As shown, the protrusion 56 and the supporting portion 54 are formed at a predetermined interval (narrow interval). Thereby, it is possible to suppress the filler F filled in the gap G2 surrounded by the lower film 63, the side seal member 61, the support portion 54, and the side seal sticking surface 53 (reference Figure 6D ) Spread to the outside in the left-right direction. Here, for example, the predetermined interval can be set to half or less of the left and right width of the side seal member 61.

[0109] Furthermore, a part (rear part) of the surface of the protrusion 56 facing the support portion 54 is an inclined surface 56A that slopes toward the support portion 54 closer to the sealing member 61. Thus, as Figure 6B As shown in ~D, the nozzle N for injecting the filler F is guided into the gap G2 by the inclined surface 56A.

[0110] The support portion 54 protrudes toward the developing roller 31 side than the side seal sticking surface 53 and is formed to extend in the axial direction of the developing roller 31.

[0111] Such as image 3 As shown, the side seal members 61 are provided between the both ends of the developing roller 31 and the side seal sticking surfaces 53 adjacent to the left and right sides of the supply port 52 of the developing device frame 50. In detail, the side seal member 61 is arranged to be adjacent to the top end (lower end) of the layer thickness regulating blade 32 in the rotation direction of the developing roller 31.

[0112] The side sealing member 61 includes an elastic base material 61A and a surface member 61B laminated on the surface of the base material 61A on the developing roller 31 side. The base 61A is formed of an elastic body such as an elastically deformable urethane sponge that is softer than the surface member 61B, and is attached to the side seal attachment surface 53 of the developer housing 50 with a double-sided tape or an adhesive. More specifically, the base 61A is arranged so that its side surface is in contact with the positioning wall 55, the protrusion 56 and the supporting portion 54. Here, the "side surface" refers to a surface orthogonal to the boundary surface between the surface member 61B and the base material 61A.

[0113] The surface member 61B is made of a material such as felt and formed thinner than the base 61A, and is attached to the base 61A with a double-sided tape or the like. The surface member 61B has a side surface formed in a shape arranged on the inner side of the side surface of the base material 61A so as to be separated from the positioning wall 55, the protrusion 56 and the support portion 54.

[0114] Thus, as Figure 7A with Figure 7B As shown, when the side sealing member 61 is pressed from above, the deformation in the lateral direction (front, rear, left, and right) of the base material 61A is suppressed by, for example, the adjacent positioning wall 55, and the base material 61A moves upward from between the surface member 61B and the positioning wall 55 prominent. So like Figure 7C As shown, when the developing roller 31 is pressed on the entire side seal member 61, the base material 61A protruding from between the surface member 61B and the positioning wall 55 spreads toward the gap between the positioning wall 55 and the developing roller 31, thereby, It is sandwiched between the developing roller 31 and the positioning wall 55 substantially without compression. Thereby, the load applied from the base material 61A to the developing roller 31 is reduced.

[0115] On the contrary, such as Figure 8A As shown, if the side surface of the surface member 61B' is formed on the same surface as the side surface of the base material 61A', when the developing roller 31 is pressed on the entire side sealing member 61', as Figure 8B As shown, the base material 61A' can only diffuse from the narrow gap between the surface member 61B' and the positioning wall 55, and is compressed between the hard surface member 61B' and the positioning wall 55. As a result, the load applied to the developing roller 31 from the hard surface member 61B' near the positioning wall 55 is increased.

[0116] Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the side surface of the surface member 61B is arranged at a position separated from the positioning wall 55, the protrusion 56 and the support portion 54, so that the load applied to the developing roller 31 can be reduced and the developing roller 31 can be suppressed. Damage.

[0117] Such as image 3 As shown, the sheet sealing member 62 is provided at the both ends of the layer thickness regulating blade 32 in a state in close contact with the left and right end edges of the pressing member 32D of the layer thickness regulating blade 32 so as to be in the rotation direction of the developing roller 31 It is adjacent to the side sealing member 61. Such as Figure 5A As shown, the sheet sealing member 62, similar to the side sealing member 61, is formed by bonding a base material 62A and a surface member 62B thinner than the base material 62A by a double-sided tape or the like, and the base material 62A is pasted by a double-sided tape or the like. On the layer thickness limiting blade 32, it is fixed on the layer thickness limiting blade 32.

[0118] The surface member 62B is formed to be longer than the base material 62A in the direction of rotation of the developing roller 31, and is arranged so that only the surface member 62B is bent from the top end of the layer thickness regulating blade 32 (metal plate 32A) and goes around from the surface to the back surface . Thus, the peeling of the sheet sealing member 62 caused by the rotation of the developing roller 31 is prevented.

[0119] Furthermore, in this way, only the surface member 62B wraps around the back surface of the layer thickness regulating blade 32, so that the step formed between the back surface of the layer thickness regulating blade 32 and the thin surface member 62B can be suppressed to be very small. Therefore, the blade back side seal 64 disposed on the back side of the layer thickness regulating blade 32 can be deformed to imitate a small step surface, and the toner leakage from the vicinity of the step can be suppressed.

[0120] In addition, the bent portion of the surface member 62B is in contact with the upper end of the adjacent side seal member 61 (the base material 61A and the surface member 61B). Thereby, it is possible to reliably suppress toner leakage from between the side seal member 61 and the blade seal member 62.

[0121] Such as Figure 4 As shown, the low-level film 63 is a sheet-like member made of resin such as dimethyl ester, which extends along the axial direction of the developing roller 31 and is in sliding contact with substantially the entirety of the developing roller 31. The lower film 63 is formed to be longer than the support part 54 in the left-right direction, and its both ends are exposed from the support part 54 in the state of being pasted on the support part 54, overlapping with the side seal member 61, and with the side seal sticking surface 53 relative. Thus, the gap G2 is formed (refer to FIG. 6).

[0122] And, as image 3 As shown, on the rear side of the side seal member 61 (the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 31), a concave developer receiving portion 70 that opens only upward is formed. Specifically, the developer receiving portion 70 is composed of a side seal and affixing surface 53, a support portion 54, an outer wall portion 73 located on the outer side of the side seal and affixing surface 53 in the left-right direction, a side seal member 61, and a portion along the developer frame 50 A flexible sealing member 75 pasted to the rear end is constituted. Therefore, if the toner on the sheet sealing member 62 is captured by the developing roller 31 and transported to the side sealing member 61, it peels off at the edge of the side sealing member 61, even in this case, it can be received by the developer. The portion 70 receives toner, and therefore can suppress toner leakage from the developing cartridge 28.

[0123] With the above-mentioned structure, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0124] When the filler F is filled in the gap G2 surrounded by the lower film 63, the side seal member 61, the support portion 54, and the side seal and sticking surface 53, the filler F that diffuses and flows along the side seal and sticking surface 53 is projected by 56 block. Therefore, the filler F does not diffuse randomly on the side seal sticking surface 53, and the consumption of the filler F can be reduced.

[0125] The side seal member 61 is positioned by contacting the side seal member 61 with the protrusion 56 that suppresses the diffusion of the filler F. Therefore, the structure can be simplified compared to a structure in which a positioning protrusion is separately provided.

[0126] The surface (inclined surface 56A) of the protrusion 56 that suppresses the diffusion of the filler F facing the support portion 54 is inclined toward the support portion 54 closer to the side sealing member 61, so that the nozzle N for injecting the filler F can be reliably installed. The ground is guided to the gap G2.

[0127] The sheet sealing member 62 is arranged so as to bend from the top end of the layer thickness regulating blade 32 and wrap around from the surface to the back. Therefore, the sheet sealing member 62 does not peel off due to the rotation of the developing roller 31, thereby suppressing the toner leakage.

[0128] Only the surface member 62B of the sheet sealing member 62 is wound around the back surface of the layer thickness regulating blade 32, so that the step formed by the wound portion (surface member 62B) and the back surface of the layer thickness regulating blade 32 can be suppressed to be extremely small. Therefore, it is difficult to form a gap between the peripheral edge of the portion (surface member 62B) that wraps around to the back surface and the blade back side seal 64 disposed on the back side of the layer thickness regulating blade 32, so that toner leakage can be suppressed.

[0129] Since the bent portion of the surface member 62B of the sheet sealing member 62 is in contact with the end of the side sealing member 61, it is possible to reliably suppress toner leakage from between the side sealing member 61 and the sheet sealing member 62.

[0130] The blade back side seal 64 is formed to be longer than the length of the layer thickness restriction blade 32 in the longitudinal direction, and protrudes from both ends 32E of the layer thickness restriction blade 32, so that both ends of the blade back side 64 can be sealed 64A blocks the tiny gap G1 formed between the compressed blade backside seal 64 and the stepped portion of the layer thickness regulating blade 32, thereby reliably suppressing toner leakage.

[0131] The side surface of the surface member 61B of the side seal member 61 is arranged on the inner side of the side surface of the base 61A to be separated from the positioning wall 55 and other walls. Therefore, when the developing roller 31 is pressed against the side seal member 61, it can be softened. The base material 61A protrudes from the gap between the surface member 61B and the positioning wall 55 and so on to come into elastic contact with the developing roller 31, so that damage to the developing roller 31 can be suppressed.

[0132] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be utilized in various forms as illustrated below.

[0133] In the above-mentioned embodiment, as the developing device, the developing cartridge 28 integrally provided with the toner storage chamber 34 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cartridge with a toner cartridge attached and detached may be used as the developing device. The toner cartridge has a toner storage chamber.

[0134] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the side sealing member 61 having a two-layer structure is used as the side sealing member. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a side sealing member having a one-layer structure or a three-layer structure or more may be used.

[0135] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the resin-made low-position film 63 is used as the long sealing member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sheet-shaped urethane sponge or the like may be used.

[0136] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a part of the surface of the protrusion 56 facing the support portion 54 is made the inclined surface 56A, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all of the facing surfaces may be made the inclined surface.

[0137] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the sheet sealing member 62 having a two-layer structure is used as the sheet sealing member. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sheet sealing member having a one-layer structure or a three-layer structure or more may be used.

[0138] In the above-mentioned embodiment, only the surface member 62B of the sheet sealing member 62 is wound to the back surface of the layer thickness regulating blade 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the length of the base 61A and the surface member 62B may be the same. The base material 61A and the surface member 62B are wound to the back surface together, and the base material 61A may be formed to be longer than the surface member 62B so that only the base material 61A is wound to the back surface.

[0139] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the side sealing member 61 has a structure in which the side surface of the surface member is located inside the side surface of the base material. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sheet sealing member 62 may have the above-mentioned structure. That is, the side surface of the surface member 62B on the pressing member 32D side may be positioned inwardly from the side surface of the base material 62A on the pressing member 32D side.

[0140] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. In the reference drawings, Picture 9 Is a side sectional view showing a laser printer with a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, Picture 10 It is a side sectional view showing the developing cartridge. In addition, in the following description, the overall structure of the laser printer is first briefly described, and then the details of the characteristic parts of the present invention are described.

[0141] In addition, in the following description, the direction based on the user when the laser printer 1001 is used is used as the description. That is, in Picture 9 In the middle, the right side is called the "front side (front side)", the left side is called the "back side (rear side)", the back side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is called the "right side", and the vertical paper surface The front side in the direction is called "left side". In addition, as for the up-down direction, the illustrated direction coincides with the direction when the user uses it, so it is simply referred to as the “up-down direction”.

[0142]

[0143] Such as Picture 9 As shown, the laser printer 1001 includes a paper feeding section 1004 for feeding paper 1003 into the main body housing 1002, an image forming section 1005 for forming an image on the paper 1003, and the like.

[0144]

[0145] The paper feeding unit 1004 includes a paper feeding tray 1006 detachably installed at the bottom of the main body housing 1002, and a paper pressing plate 1007 provided in the paper feeding tray 1006. In addition, the paper feeding unit 1004 also includes various rollers 1011 for conveying the paper 1003 and removing paper dust. In the paper feed section 1004, the paper 1003 in the paper feed tray 1006 is moved upward by the paper pressing plate 1007, and is conveyed to the image forming section 1005 through various rollers 1011.

[0146]

[0147] The image forming section 1005 includes a scanning unit 1016, a process cartridge 1017, a fixing section 1018, and the like.

[0148]

[0149] The scanning unit 1016 is arranged at the upper part of the main body housing 1002, and includes a laser emitting part (not shown), a rotating polygon mirror 1019, lenses 1020, 1021, mirrors 1022, 1023, 1024, and the like. In the scanning unit 1016, the laser beam passes through the path indicated by the dashed-dotted line in the figure, and scans and irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 1027 at high speed.

[0150]

[0151] The process cartridge 1017 can be detachably attached to the main body casing 1002 by appropriately opening the front cover 1002a provided on the front side of the main body casing 1002. The process cartridge 1017 mainly includes a developing cartridge 1028 and a drum unit 1039 as an example of a developing device.

[0152] The developing cartridge 1028 is detachably attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 1002 in a state of being mounted on the drum unit 1039. In addition, the developing cartridge 1028 may be configured to be detachably attached to the drum unit 1039 fixed to the main body housing 1002. Such as Picture 10 As shown, the developing cartridge 1028 mainly includes a developing roller 1031 as an example of a developer carrier, a layer thickness regulating blade 1032, a supply roller 1033, and a toner storage chamber 1034.

[0153] In the developing cartridge 1028, the toner, which is an example of the developer in the toner storage chamber 1034, is stirred by the agitator 1034A, and then supplied to the developing roller 1031 by the supply roller 1033. At this time, the toner is supplied to the developing roller 1031 through the supply roller 1033. The developing roller 1031 is frictionally charged positively. The toner supplied to the developing roller 1031 enters between the layer thickness limiting blade 1032 and the developing roller 1031 as the developing roller 1031 rotates, is further triboelectrically charged, and is carried on the developing roller 1031 as a thin layer of a certain thickness. In addition, the details of the developing cartridge 1028 will be described in detail later.

[0154] The drum unit 1039 mainly includes: a photosensitive drum 1027, a grid-controlled corona charger 1029, and a transfer roller 1030. In the drum unit 1039, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1027 is also positively charged by a grid-controlled corona charger 1029, and then exposed by high-speed scanning of a laser beam from the scanning unit 1016. Thereby, the potential of the exposed part is lowered, and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed.

[0155] Next, by the rotation of the developing roller 1031, the toner carried on the developing roller 1031 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1027 to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1027. Then, by conveying the paper 1003 between the photosensitive drum 1027 and the transfer roller 1031, the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1027 is transferred to the paper 1003.

[0156]

[0157] Such as Picture 9 As shown, the fixing unit 1018 includes a heating roller 1041 and a pressure roller 1042 that is opposed to the fixing roller 1041 and pressurizes the heating roller 1041. In the fixing unit 1018 configured in this way, the toner transferred on the paper 1003 is thermally fixed while the paper 1003 passes between the heating roller 1041 and the pressure roller 1042. In addition, the paper 1003 thermally fixed in the fixing unit 1018 is conveyed to a paper discharge roller 1045 arranged on the downstream side of the fixing unit 1018, and sent from the paper discharge roller 1045 to a paper discharge tray 1046.

[0158]

[0159] Next, the detailed structure of the developing cartridge 1028 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the reference drawings, Figure 11A Is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure around the side seal member, Figure 11B Is a cross-sectional view showing the side seal member in detail, Figure 11C Means Figure 11A An enlarged perspective view of the X part, Figure 11D Means Figure 11A An enlarged perspective view of part Y. Picture 12 It is a front view showing the angle between the toner conveying direction formed by the upstream side seal and the downstream side seal and the both end edges of the lower film. In addition, the developing cartridge 1028 is a symmetrical structure, so in Figure 11 and Picture 12 Only the left part is shown in, and the right part is omitted. And, in Figure 11 and Picture 12 In the figure, the state where the developing roller 1031 and the supply roller 1033 are removed is shown.

[0160] Such as Figure 11A As shown, in addition to the developing roller 1031 and the like, the developing cartridge 1028 also includes: a developing device frame 1050 that rotatably supports the developing roller 1031, a side sealing member 1060 that is in sliding contact with both ends of the developing roller 1031, as A low-position film 1063 which is an example of a long sealing member.

[0161] The developing device frame 1050 mainly includes a bearing portion 1051 that rotatably supports the developing roller 1031 and a supply port 1052 for supplying toner from the inner toner storage chamber 1034 to the developing roller 1031 is formed in the supply port 1052 The side views of the left and right sides of the ellipse are arc-shaped mounting surfaces 1053. The supply port 1052 is formed in a rectangular long hole shape along the axial direction of the developing roller 1031. In the lower part of the supply port 1052, a support portion 1054 for supporting the low-level film 1063 is formed to protrude toward the developing roller 1031 side than the mounting surface 1053, and a layer thickness regulating blade 1032 is fixed to the upper part of the supply port 1052.

[0162] The layer thickness regulating blade 1032 mainly includes: a metal plate 1032A fixed to the developer frame 1050 at its upper end, and a rubber pusher as an example of a pressing part fixed to the lower edge (tip edge) of the metal plate 1032A Pressure member 1032B. The metal plate 1032A is formed to have a length protruding outward in the left-right direction from the end edges on the left and right sides of the supply port 1052, and the upper corners of the two ends are fixed to the developer frame 1050 with screws S. The pressing member 1032B protrudes to the outside in the left and right direction compared to the end edges on the left and right sides of the supply port 1052, and is formed so that the end edges of the metal plate 1032A are located inwardly in the left and right direction compared to the ends on the left and right sides of the metal plate 1032A (reference Picture 12 ). The pressing member 1032B receives a force from the metal plate 1032A, and is in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 1031.

[0163] The side seal member 1060 is provided between the two ends of the developing roller 1031 and the mounting surfaces 1053 adjacent to the left and right sides of the supply port 1052 of the developing device frame 1050, and mainly includes an upstream seal 1061 and a downstream seal 1062.

[0164] Such as Figure 11B As shown, the upstream side seal 1061 includes a base 1061A having elasticity, and a surface member 1061B provided on the surface of the base 1061A on the side of the developing roller 1031. The base 1061A is formed of an elastic body such as urethane sponge, and is directly attached to the mounting surface 1053 of the developer housing 1050 with a double-sided tape T.

[0165] Such as Figure 11C As shown, the surface member 1061B is formed by implanting a plurality of hairs C on the base sheet BS, and is adhered to the base 1061A by the double-sided tape T. Specifically, the surface member 1061B is constituted by arranging a plurality of hair bundles CB at predetermined intervals. The hair bundle CB is constituted by bundling a plurality of hairs C. Each hair bundle CB is configured to be closer to the rotation direction of the developing roller. The downstream side of (the arrow shown by the thick line in the figure) is in a state of falling down in the oblique direction approaching the supply port 1052 side. More specifically, it is configured to provide a plurality of rows, which are configured by arranging a plurality of bristle bundles CB along the above-mentioned inclined direction at intervals, and arranging the rows at intervals. Thereby, in the surface member 1061B, the 1st guide path G1 which conveys the toner in the above-mentioned oblique direction is formed between each bristle bundle CB. Such as Picture 12 As shown, the upstream side seal 1061 configured in this way has a width that is larger than the left and right width of the downstream side seal 1062 in a state of protruding toward the supply port 1052 side compared to the downstream side seal 1062.

[0166] In addition, the surface member 1061B is formed by implanting a plurality of bristle bundles CB in a sheet of sealing material, and then the respective bristle bundles CB are pushed down in a predetermined direction for a predetermined period of time, and then the sealing material is cut into a plurality of substrates vertically and horizontally. BS is formed. Therefore, compared with the method in which the above-mentioned sealing material is cut into a plurality of substrates BS and then the respective hair bundles CB are shaped, it can be formed so that the hair tips are not exposed from the substrate BS. If the hair tips are not exposed from the base sheet BS, the toner will not be scratched on the developing roller 1031 due to the hair tips exposed from the base sheet BS into the supply port 1052, so that the image forming range on the developing roller 1031 can be good. To support the toner.

[0167] In addition, in Figure 11 and Picture 12 Here, for the convenience of description, the length of the implanted hair C and the interval between each hair bundle CB are shown to be large. Therefore, for example, the length of the bristle C may be shorter than that in the figure, and each bristle bundle CB may be arranged at a narrow interval on the entire surface.

[0168] The downstream side seal 1062 is provided on the downstream side of the rotation direction of the developing roller 1031 relative to the upstream side seal 1061, such as Figure 11B As shown, a base 1062A having elasticity and a surface member 1062B provided on the surface of the base 1062A on the side of the developing roller 1031 are included. The base 1062A is formed of an elastic body such as urethane sponge, and is attached to the metal plate 1032A with a double-sided tape T in a state exposed to the upstream side of the metal plate 1302A of the layer thickness regulating blade 1032.

[0169] Such as Figure 11D As shown, the surface member 1062B includes a plurality of bristles CB and a substrate BS that are the same as the surface member 1061B of the upstream side seal 1061, and each of the bristles CB falls in a direction opposite to the surface member 1061B of the upstream side seal 1061. That is, the surface member 1062B has a plurality of rows at intervals along the axial direction of the developing roller 1031, and the row is composed of a plurality of hair bundles CB arranged at intervals along the rotation direction of the developing roller 1031, and each hair bundle The CB is configured to be in a state of being reversed to the downstream side along the rotation direction of the developing roller 1031. As a result, in the surface member 1062B, the second guide passage G2 for conveying the toner to the downstream side in the rotation direction is formed between the respective bristle bundles CB.

[0170] And, as Figure 11B As shown, the surface member 1062B is formed to be longer in the rotation direction than the base 1062A in a state of protruding to the upstream side in the rotation direction compared to the base 1062A. The part of the surface member 1062B that is exposed to the upstream side in the rotation direction from the substrate 1062A is arranged between the substrate 1061A of the upstream seal 1061 and the surface member 1061B, thereby becoming the surface member of the downstream seal 1062 On 1062B, the surface member 1061B of the upstream side seal 1061 is overlapped.

[0171] Such as Picture 12 As shown, the downstream side seal 1062 (base material 1062A and surface member 1062B) configured in this way is installed on the layer thickness regulating blade 1032 in a state in close contact with the left and right end edges BE of the pressing member 1032B of the layer thickness regulating blade 1032 on. In addition, such as Figure 11B As shown, between the layer thickness regulating blade 1032 (metal plate 1032A) and the mounting surface 1053 of the developer frame 1050, another sealing material SM different from the side sealing member 1060 is provided.

[0172] Before attaching the layer thickness regulating blade 1032 to the developer frame 1050, the side sealing member 1060 configured as described above is attached to the layer thickness regulating blade 1032 (metal plate 1032A) in a suspended state. Therefore, only by fixing the layer thickness regulating blade 1032 to the developing device frame 1050 with screws S, and attaching the substrate 1061A of the upstream side seal 1061 to the mounting surface 1053 of the developing device frame 1050, the layer The thickness restriction blade 1032 and the side sealing member 1060 are simply mounted on the developer frame 1050.

[0173] Such as Figure 11A As shown, the low-level film 1063 is a sheet-shaped member made of resin such as dimethyl ester, which extends along the axial direction of the developing roller 1031 and is in sliding contact with substantially the entire developing roller 1031. The lower film 1063 is formed to be longer than the support portion 1054 in the left-right direction, and its both ends are exposed from the support portion 1054 in a state of being stuck to the support portion 1054 and overlap the upstream seal 1061 (side seal member 1060).

[0174] Such as Picture 12 As shown, the end edges 1063A (hereinafter also referred to as "both end edges 1063A") at both ends of the low-level film 1063 overlapping the upstream side seal 1061 are along the downstream side closer to the rotation direction of the developing roller 1031. It is formed in an oblique direction approaching the supply port 1052. More specifically, the angle β of the both end edges 1063A of the low-level film relative to the arrow RD (rotation direction of the developing roller 1031) in the figure is greater than the angle α() relative to the arrow RD in the direction of conveying toner through the upstream seal 1061 The angle of the hair bundle CB) is large. Thereby, the toner moving on the upstream side seal 1061 does not stay at the both end edges 1063A of the lower film 1063, and can return to the supply port 1052. In addition, in Picture 12 Here, the shape of the lower film 1063 and the direction of the hair bundle CB are simply expressed so that the angle β of the end edges 1063A of the lower film 1063 and the angle α of the hair bundle CB can be easily distinguished.

[0175] And, as Figure 11A As shown, on the rear side of the upstream side seal 1061 (the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 1031), a concave developer receiving portion 1070 that opens only upward is formed. Specifically, the developer receiving portion 1070 is composed of a mounting surface 1053, a supporting portion 1054, an outer wall portion 1073 located on the outer side of the mounting surface 1053 in the left-right direction, an upstream seal 1061, and pasting along the rear end of the developer frame 1050 The flexible sealing member 1075 constitutes. Therefore, if the toner on the downstream side seal 1062 is captured by the developing roller 1031 and transported to the upstream side seal 1061, the edge of the upstream side seal 1061 peels off, even in this case, it can be received by the developer. The portion 1070 receives toner, and therefore can suppress toner leakage from the developing cartridge 1028.

[0176] Next, the function of the side seal member 1060 of this embodiment will be described.

[0177] Such as Figure 11A As shown, during the rotation of the developing roller 1031, when the toner invades the upstream seal 1061, such as Picture 12 As shown, the toner on the upstream seal 1061 is pushed by the rotating developing roller 1031, and follows the first guide path G1 (or one of the plurality of hairs C constituting the hair bundle CB) between the obliquely fallen tufts CB. Between) move. At this time, the toner moves smoothly to the supply port 1052 on both end edges 1063A of the lower film 1063 and returns to the supply port 1052.

[0178] Furthermore, when the toner intrudes into the downstream side seal 1062, the toner on the downstream side seal 1062 is pushed by the rotating developing roller 1031, and falls in the direction of rotation to the second between the downstream tufts CB. The guide passage G2 (or between the plurality of hairs C constituting the hair bundle CB) moves to the downstream side. As a result, the toner is carried by the developing roller 1031 while moving on the downstream side seal 1062 to the downstream side in the rotational direction, and the toner returns to the upstream side seal 1061. Then, as described above, the toner advances obliquely on the upstream side seal 1061 and returns to the supply port 1052.

[0179] With the above-mentioned structure, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0180] Even if toner enters the surface of the upstream side seal 1061, the upstream side seal 1061 that conveys the toner obliquely returns the toner to the supply port 1052, so that toner leakage can be suppressed. In addition, since toner does not stay on the both end edges 1063A of the lower film 1063, it is possible to suppress toner leakage and damage to the developing roller 1031 caused by the toner staying on the both end edges 1063A of the lower film 1063.

[0181] The angle β of the both end edges 1063A of the lower film 1063 with respect to the direction of rotation (arrow RD) is larger than the angle α of the direction in which the toner is conveyed through the upstream seal 1061 with respect to the direction of rotation, so the toner can be suppressed more reliably Stay on both end edges 1063A of the lower film 1063.

[0182] Even when the toner invades the downstream side seal 1062, the toner is carried by the developing roller 1031 while moving on the downstream side seal 1062 to the downstream side in the rotational direction, and the toner returns to the upstream side seal 1061 Therefore, the toner can be returned to the supply port 1052 by the upstream seal 1061, and toner leakage can be suppressed.

[0183] The surface member 1061B of the upstream side seal 1061 is arranged to overlap the surface material 1062B of the downstream side seal 1062, so that the downstream side seal 1062 can be prevented from being lifted by the rotation of the developing roller 1031.

[0184] The downstream side seal 1062 is in close contact with the left and right end edges BE of the pressing member 1032B of the layer thickness regulating blade 1032, so that the toner can be prevented from leaking between them.

[0185] The upstream side seal 1061 protrudes toward the supply port 1052 side compared to the downstream side seal 1062. Therefore, the protruding portion of the upstream side seal 1061 can prevent the toner from flowing from the supply port 1052 to the left and right end edges BE of the pressing member 1032B and The downstream side seals between 1062.

[0186] A concave developer receiving portion 1070 is formed on the upstream side of the upstream side seal 1061. Therefore, if the toner conveyed from the downstream side seal 1062 by the developing roller 1031 peels off the edge of the upstream side seal 1061, even this In this case, toner can also be received by the developer receiving portion 1070, and therefore, toner leakage from the developing cartridge 1028 can be suppressed.

[0187] The large width guide passages G1 and G2 are formed between the bristle bundles CB that fall in a predetermined direction, so that the toner can be smoothly conveyed in a predetermined direction. In addition, it is preferable that each hair bundle CB is formed to a length such that the tip of the hair comes into contact with the root of the adjacent hair bundle CB. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toner from flowing out of one guide passage to the adjacent guide passage, so that the flow of the toner can be smoothed, and the toner can be returned to the supply port 1052 more satisfactorily.

[0188] The substrate 1062A of the downstream side seal 1062 is stuck in a state exposed to the upstream side of the metal plate 1032A of the layer thickness regulating blade 1032. Therefore, it is possible to prevent toner from flowing from the upstream side seal 1061 to the substrate 1061A and downstream side seal 1062. Leak between the surface members 1062B.

[0189] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be utilized in various forms as illustrated below.

[0190] In the above-mentioned embodiment, it is configured to transport the toner in a predetermined direction by turning the bristle bundle CB in a predetermined direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to provide a plurality of rows in which a plurality of tufts standing perpendicular to the substrate are arranged in a state close to a predetermined direction (the oblique direction or the direction toward the downstream side along the rotation direction), As a result, the toner is conveyed in a predetermined direction. Furthermore, it may be configured such that the threads on the woven fabric exposed to the developing roller 1031 are woven in a predetermined direction (the oblique direction or the direction toward the downstream side along the rotation direction), so that the toner is arranged in a predetermined direction. Direction delivery.

[0191] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the surface member 1062B of the downstream side seal 1062 is exposed to the upstream side from the substrate 1062A, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be formed such that the surface member 1061B of the upstream side seal 1061 is exposed from the substrate. 1061A is exposed to the downstream side. Even in this case, since the surface member 1061B of the upstream side seal 1061 can be overlapped on the surface member 1062B of the downstream side seal 1062, the downstream side seal 1062 can be prevented from being lifted up due to the rotation of the developing roller 1031.

[0192] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the downstream side seal 1062 is attached to the metal plate 1032A of the layer thickness regulating blade 1032, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the metal plate 1032A of the layer thickness regulating blade 1032 is formed with the same size in the left-right direction as the pressing member 1032B, the downstream side seal 1062 may be directly pasted on the developer frame 1050.

[0193] In the above embodiment, as the developing device, the developing cartridge 1028 integrally provided with the toner storage chamber 1034 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cartridge with a toner cartridge attached and detached may be used as the developing device. The toner cartridge has a toner storage chamber.

[0194] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the toner is configured to transport the toner in the guide passages G1, G2 formed between the plurality of bristle bundles CB that fall in a predetermined direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to A large number of densely packed hairs on the entire surface of the base sheet fall in a prescribed direction, thereby conveying toner along each hair.

[0195] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a resin-made low film 1063 is used as the long sealing member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a sheet-shaped urethane sponge or the like may be used.

[0196] Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. In the reference drawings, Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a color printer as an example of an image forming apparatus having a developing device of the present invention, Figure 14 It is an enlarged view of the process box.

[0197] In addition, in the following description, the direction will be described based on the user using the color printer. That is, in Figure 13 The left side facing the paper is the "front" side, the right side facing the paper is the "back" side, the back side facing the paper is the "left" side, and the front side facing the paper is the " Right. Moreover, the up-down direction toward the paper surface is referred to as the "up-down" direction.

[0198]

[0199] Such as Figure 13 As shown, the color printer 2001 includes a paper feed section 2020 that feeds paper P, an image forming section 2030 that forms an image on the fed paper P, and a paper ejection that feeds the paper P on which the image is formed. 部2090.

[0200] On the upper part of the main body frame 2010, there is provided a top cover 2012 formed so that the rear side is a fulcrum and can be opened and closed up and down. The upper surface of the top cover 2012 serves as a paper discharge tray 2013 for storing paper P fed from the main body frame 2010, and a plurality of LED holding parts 2014 for holding the LED unit 2040 are provided on the lower surface.

[0201] The paper supply unit 2020 mainly includes: a paper supply tray 2021, which is provided in the lower part of the main body frame 2010, and is detachably mounted to the main body frame 2010; a paper supply mechanism 2022, which transfers the paper P from the paper supply tray 2021 to the image The forming part 2030 is supplied. In the paper feeding section 2020, the paper P stored in the paper feeding tray 2021 is separated one by one by the paper feeding mechanism 2022 and fed to the image forming section 2030.

[0202] The image forming section 2030 mainly includes: four LED units 2040, four process cartridges 2050, a transfer unit 2070, and a fixing unit 2080.

[0203] The LED unit 2040 is configured to be disposed oppositely above the photosensitive drum 2053 and expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 2053. The LED unit 2040 is fixed to the top cover 2012 by the LED holding portion 2014, so it can move together with the top cover 2012.

[0204] The process cartridge 2050 is arranged side by side in the front-rear direction between the top cover 2012 and the paper feed section 2020, and when the top cover 2012 is opened, it is detachably attached to the main body frame 2010 through the formed opening. The process cartridge 2050 includes a photoreceptor unit 2051, a developing cartridge 2061 that is an example of a developing device that is detachably attached to the photoreceptor unit 2051. Each process cartridge 2050 is only used as the toner container 2066 of the developing cartridge 2061 (reference Figure 14 ) The color of the toner in an example of the contained developer is different, and the structure is the same.

[0205] Such as Figure 14 As shown, the photoreceptor unit 2051 mainly includes a photoreceptor cartridge 2052, a photoreceptor drum 2053, and a charger 2054. In the photoreceptor cartridge 2052, a developing cartridge 2061 is installed so that an exposure hole 2055 facing the photoreceptor drum 2053 from the outside is formed. In the exposure hole 2055, the LED unit 2040 is relatively inserted above the photoreceptor drum 2053.

[0206] The developing cartridge 2061 mainly includes a developing housing 2062, a developing roller 2063 as an example of a developer carrier, a supply roller 2064, a layer thickness regulating blade 2500, and a toner accommodating portion 2066 accommodating toner. The details of the developing cartridge 2061 will be described in detail later.

[0207] back to Figure 13 The transfer unit 2070 is provided between the paper feeding unit 2020 and each process cartridge 2050, and mainly includes: a driving roller 2071, a driven roller 2072, a conveying belt 2073, and a transfer roller 2074. The driving roller 2071 and the driven roller 2072 are arranged in parallel to be separated from the front and rear, and an endless conveyor belt 2073 is drawn between them. Conveyor belt 2073, the outer surface of which is in contact with each photoreceptor drum 2053, four transfer rollers 2074 are arranged opposite to each photoreceptor drum 2053 on its inner side, and are sandwiched between the transfer roller 2074 and the photoreceptor drum 2053 Conveyor belt 2073. At the time of transfer, a transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 2074.

[0208] The fixing unit 2080 is arranged behind each of the process cartridges 2050 and the transfer unit 2070, and includes a heating roller 2081 and a pressure roller 2082 that opposes the heating roller 2081 and pressurizes the heating roller 2081.

[0209] In the image forming unit 2030, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 2053 is similarly charged by the charger 2054, and the light emitted from the LED unit 2040 is exposed to light, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image based on the image data on the photoreceptor drum 2053. Furthermore, the toner in the toner accommodating portion 2066 is supplied from the supply roller 2064 to the developing roller 2063, enters between the developing roller 2063 and the layer thickness regulating blade 2500, and is carried on the developing roller 2063 as a thin layer of a certain thickness. .

[0210] The toner carried on the developing roller 2063 is supplied from the developing roller 2063 to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 2053. Thus, the electrostatic latent image is visualized and a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 2053. Then, the paper P supplied on the conveying belt 2073 passes between the photoreceptor drum 2053 and the transfer roller 2074 arranged inside the conveying belt 2073, thereby sequentially superposing and transferring the toner images formed on the photoreceptor drums 2053 to On paper P. The paper P passes between the heating roller 2081 and the heating roller 2082, so that the toner image transferred on the paper P is thermally fixed.

[0211] The paper discharge section 2090 mainly includes: a paper discharge side conveying path 2091 formed to extend upward from the exit of the fixing unit 2080 and change the direction to the front; and a plurality of conveying rollers 2092 that convey the paper P. The paper P on which the toner image has been thermally fixed is conveyed on the paper discharge side conveying path 2091 by the conveying roller 2092, and is fed to the outside of the main body frame 2010 and accumulated on the paper discharge tray 2013.

[0212]

[0213] Next, the detailed structure of the developing cartridge 2061 will be described. Figure 15 Shows the perspective view of the developing cartridge, Figure 16 Is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge, Figure 17 Is a perspective view of the lower frame, Figure 18 It is a perspective view of the upper frame seen from below. In addition, Figure 19 It is a partial perspective view showing the frame seal and the back side seal of the blade installed on the developer housing, Picture 20 It is a view of the frame seal and the back side seal of the wiper from above, Figure 21 Yes Picture 20 X-X section view. In addition, Figure 22 It is an exploded perspective view of the layer thickness limiting blade, Figure 23 It is a cross-sectional view of the layer thickness regulating blade fixed on the developer housing.

[0214] In addition, in the following description, the direction will be Figure 15 The illustrated state of the developing cartridge 2061 placed sideways is the reference direction for description. That is, in Figure 15 In this case, taking the developing housing 2062 as a reference, the side where the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 is installed is referred to as the "upper" side, the opposite side is referred to as the "lower" side, and the side where the developing roller 2063 is arranged is referred to as the "front" side. The opposite side is referred to as the "rear" side. In addition, the left-right direction determined on the basis of the up-down front-rear direction defined in this way is referred to as the "left-right" direction.

[0215] Such as Figure 15 with Figure 16 As shown, the developer cartridge 2061 includes: a lower frame 2200 as an example of a first frame constituting the developer housing 2062, an upper frame 2100 as an example of a second frame, and a frame seal 2300 (reference Figure 19 ), the back side seal of the wiper 2400 (reference Figure 19 ), layer thickness limit scraper 2500.

[0216] [The structure of the lower frame]

[0217] Such as Figure 17 As shown, the lower frame 2200 includes a left side wall 2201 and a right side wall 2202 as an example of a pair of side walls, a bottom wall 2203 and a rear side wall 2204 as an example of a connecting wall.

[0218] The left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 face each other in the left-right direction, and their lower ends are connected by the bottom wall 2203. Moreover, the rear ends of the left side wall 2201, the right side wall 2202, and the bottom wall 2203 are connected by the rear side wall 2204. The upper surface 2205 of the left side wall 2201, the right side wall 2202, and the rear side wall 2204 are formed in the same plane.

[0219] In detail, the upper surface 2205 is composed of a first upper surface portion 2205A protruding inward from the inner surfaces of the left side wall portion 2201 and the right side wall portion 2202, the upper surfaces of the left side wall portion 2201 and the right side wall portion 2202, that is, the second The upper surface of the second upper surface portion 2205B and the upper surface of the rear side wall portion 2204, namely, the third upper surface portion 2205C are constituted.

[0220] The front side of the first upper surface portion 2205A is used as a fixing portion to which the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 is fixed, and the rear end of the first upper surface portion 2205A, the second upper surface portion 2205B, and the third upper surface portion 2205C are used as welding It is used with the welded part of the upper frame 2100. That is, in this embodiment, the fixing portion to which the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 is fixed and the welding portion to which the upper frame 2100 is welded are provided on the same plane.

[0221] On the front side of the second upper surface portion 2205B, a boss 2206 as an example of a convex portion for positioning the upper frame 2100 with respect to the lower frame 2200 is formed. Furthermore, on the first upper surface portion 2205A, a bottomed cylindrical mounting boss 2207 for mounting the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 is formed.

[0222] The inner upper part of the projecting parts of the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 constituting the first upper surface portion 2205A is formed with a seal mounting portion 2210 notched downward. The frame seal 2300 described later is attached to the seal attachment portion 2210.

[0223] A partition wall 2208 protruding upward is formed at approximately the center of the bottom wall 2203 in the front-to-rear direction. The space sandwiched between the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100 is partitioned into an opening 2120 (reference Figure 19 ) Side and the opposite side of the opening 2120. In the approximate center of the top end of the partition wall portion 2208, an engagement groove 2209 that engages with the support portion 2105 of the upper frame 2100 described later is formed.

[0224] On the front side of the partition wall portion 2208, a supply roller 2064 is adjacently provided, and a developing roller 2063 is adjacently provided above the front side of the supply roller 2064. Thus, the developing roller 2063 faces the opening 2120 (reference Figure 19 ) Is exposed outside.

[0225] [Structure of the upper frame]

[0226] Such as Figure 16 As shown, the upper frame 2100 includes a main body portion 2101 formed in a plate shape, and a beam-shaped portion 2102 protruding downward from the front end of the main body portion 2101. By combining the upper frame 2100 and the lower frame 2200, the left side wall 2201, the right side wall 2202, the bottom wall portion 2203 of the lower frame 2200, and the beam portion 2102 of the upper frame 2100 form an opening 2120 (refer to Figure 19 ).

[0227] On the left and right ends of the front side of the main body portion 2101, there are formed boss holes 2103 as an example of the recesses. The boss holes 2103 engage with the bosses 2206 of the lower frame 2200 to make the upper frame 2100 relative to the lower frame 2200. Positioning. Furthermore, between the portion where the boss hole 2103 of the main body portion 2101 is formed and the beam-shaped portion 2102, a relief portion 2104 that avoids the mounting boss 2207 of the lower frame 2200 by recessing rearward is formed.

[0228] Such as Figure 18 As shown, in the approximate center of the lower surface of the beam-shaped portion 2102, a support portion 2105 protruding to the side (downward) of the lower frame 2200 is formed. The support portion 2105 includes a cylindrical base portion 2106 and an engagement piece portion 2107 protruding downward from the lower end of the base portion 2106.

[0229] The base 2106 is located at the screw mounting hole 2108 (reference Figure 16 ) On the bottom surface.

[0230] The engaging piece portion 2107 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a side view, and an engaging groove 2209 (reference to the partition wall portion 2208 of the lower frame 2200) is formed at the top end. Figure 16 ) The engagement slot 2109 for engagement. The upper frame 2100 and the lower frame 2200 are combined, and the engaging groove 2109 of the engaging piece portion 2107 is engaged with the engaging groove 2209 of the partition wall portion 2208, so that the beam of the upper frame 2100 is connected through the support portion 2105 and the partition wall portion 2208 The shaped portion 2102 is supported by the bottom wall portion 2203.

[0231] Also, around the lower surface of the main body portion 2101, there are formed upper surfaces 2205 (refer to the left side wall portion 2201, the right side wall portion 2202 and the rear side wall portion 2204 of the lower frame 2200). Figure 17 ) Welding rib 2111 which is an example of a welded welding part.

[0232] [Structure of frame seal and back side seal of wiper]

[0233] Such as Figure 19 As shown, the frame seal 2300 is disposed between the left side wall 2201 and the left end surface of the beam portion 2102, and the right wall portion 2202 and the beam portion 2102 in the state after the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100 are assembled. Between the right end faces (in Figure 19 Among them, only the right side wall 2202 side is shown). In addition, the blade back seal 2400 is pasted so as to straddle the front surfaces of the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 of the lower frame 2200 and the front surface of the beam 2102 of the upper frame 2100. In addition, the front surfaces of the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202, and the front surface of the beam-shaped portion 2102 are configured to form substantially the same plane by assembling the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100.

[0234] Hereinafter, only the structure of the right side wall 2202 will be described in detail, and the description of the left side wall 2201 having the same structure will be omitted.

[0235] Such as Picture 20 As shown, the frame seal 2300 mainly includes an elastic layer 2310 made of a soft material such as sponge, and a double-sided tape layer 2320 as an example of an adhesive substrate provided on the surface of the elastic layer 2310 on the lower frame 2200 side.

[0236] The elastic layer 2310 includes a first elastic portion 2311 sandwiched between the right side wall 2202 of the lower frame 2200 and the beam portion 2102 of the upper frame 2100, sealing the end of the blade back side 2400 to the outside (right side) The second elastic portion 2312 formed by bending. A first double-sided tape layer 2321 is provided on the surface of the first elastic portion 2311 on the side in contact with the lower frame 2200, and a second double-sided tape layer is provided on the surface of the second elastic portion 2312 on the side in contact with the lower frame 2200 Layer 2322.

[0237] In this embodiment, first, in a state where the front end side of the sheet frame seal 2300, which is substantially rectangular in plan view, protrudes forward from the front surface of the right side wall 2202, the first double-sided tape layer 2321 The rear end side of the frame seal 2300 is stuck to the seal mounting portion 2210 of the right side wall 2202. Next, after bending the front end side of the frame seal 2300 to the outside, the second double-sided tape layer 2322 is attached to a part of the front surface of the right side wall 2202 to form the first elastic portion 2311 and the second elastic portion 2311. 部2312.

[0238] In this way, after the frame seal 2300 is pasted on the lower frame 2200, the upper frame 2100 is assembled to the lower frame 2200. At this time, the frame seal 2300 is slightly compressed by the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100, so the first elastic portion 2311 is elastically deformed to block the gap between the right wall portion 2202 and the beam portion 2102. And, as Picture 20 with Figure 21 As shown, when the upper frame 2100 is assembled to the lower frame 2200, the part of the welding rib 2111 provided on the upper frame 2100 on the opening 2120 side (front side) is sealed with the frame 2300 (first elastic portion 2311) The upper surface of the rear end of the fusion is welded together.

[0239] Such as Figure 19 with Picture 20 As shown, the blade backside seal 2400 mainly includes: an elastic layer 2410 formed in a substantially U-shape in plan view and made of a soft material such as sponge; as a bonding substrate provided on the surfaces of the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100 An example of the double-sided tape layer 2420.

[0240] After the upper frame 2100 is assembled to the lower frame 2200 to which the frame seal 2300 is pasted, the wiper back side sealing sheet is pasted on the right side wall 2202, the beam 2102, and the left side wall 2201. Thereby, the second elastic portion 2312 of the frame seal 2300 contacts the blade back side seal 2400. When the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 is pushed to the blade back side seal 2400 and fixed, the second elastic portion 2312 and the elastic layer 2410 of the blade back side seal 2400 are elastically deformed to each other, so the frame seal 2300 (second elastic portion 2312 ) Closely adhere to the back side seal 2400 of the blade.

[0241] [Structure of layer thickness limiting blade]

[0242] Such as Figure 16 with Figure 22 As shown, the layer thickness limiting blade 2500 includes: a blade metal plate 2510, a blade holder 2520, and a blade reinforcing plate 2530.

[0243] The blade metal plate 2510 includes: a rectangular thin metal plate-shaped member 2511; a rubber-like pressing member 2512. The pressing member 2512 is on the lower end side of the plate-shaped member 2511 and is provided to protrude toward the developing roller 2063 side (front side) , And directly sliding contact with the developing roller 2063. On the upper end side of the plate-shaped member 2511, a total of three positioning openings 2513 are formed at both ends and the center in the left-right direction, and the positioning openings 2513 are inserted into the protrusions 2523 of the squeegee 2520 described later.

[0244] The blade holder 2520 is formed by bending a metal plate at a substantially right angle, and includes a clamping portion 2521 as an example of a first plate-shaped portion extending in the vertical direction, which is bent and extended from the clamping portion 2521 in a substantially right angle direction. The mounting portion 2522 is an example of the second plate-shaped portion.

[0245] The clamping portion 2521 is a portion that clamps the scraper metal plate 2510 together with the clamping portion 2531 of the blade reinforcing plate 2530 described later. At both ends and the center in the left and right direction of the front surface, a total of three protrusions 2523 are formed , The protrusion 2523 is inserted into the positioning opening 2513 of the scraper metal plate 2510.

[0246] The mounting portion 2522 is a portion fixed to the lower frame 2200 at both ends, and is formed to extend along the upper surface 2205 (first upper surface portion 2205A) of the lower frame 2200 and the upper surface of the beam portion 2102 of the upper frame 2100 Planar.

[0247] At both ends of the mounting portion 2522, a mounting hole 2524 for screwing the lower frame 2200 is formed, respectively. A pair of screw mounting holes 2525 for fixing the blade holder 2520 and the blade reinforcing plate 2530 to each other is formed between the pair of mounting holes 2524. Furthermore, between the pair of screw mounting holes 2525 (approximately the center of the mounting portion 2522), an insertion hole 2526 corresponding to the screw mounting hole 2108 formed in the beam portion 2102 of the upper frame 2100 is formed.

[0248] The blade reinforcement plate 2530 is formed by bending a metal plate at a substantially right angle, and includes a clamping portion 2531 extending in the vertical direction, and a mounting portion 2532 extending from the clamping portion 2521 to a substantially right angle.

[0249] The clamping portion 2531 is the portion that clamps the scraper metal plate 2510 together with the clamping portion 2521 of the scraper frame 2520. At the left and right ends and the center of the front surface, a total of three approximately semicircular cuts are formed. The notch 2533 is used for avoiding the protrusion 2523 provided on the blade holder 2520.

[0250] The mounting portion 2532 is formed with a pair of mounting holes 2524, a pair of screw mounting holes 2525, and an insertion hole 2526 of the blade holder 2520 corresponding to a pair of mounting holes 2534, a pair of screw mounting holes 2535, and an insertion hole. 2536.

[0251] With the layer thickness limiting blade 2500 constructed in this way, the blade metal plate 2510 is clamped between the holding portion 2521 of the blade holder 2520 and the holding portion 2531 of the blade reinforcing plate 2530, and the screw N is removed from the blade The reinforcing plate 2530 side is screwed into the screw mounting holes 2525 and 2535 and assembled.

[0252] Then like Figure 16 with Figure 15 As shown, the layer thickness limiting blade 2500 has its mounting holes 2524 and 2534 fitted on the mounting bosses 2207 formed on the first upper surface portion 2205A of the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 of the lower frame 2200 Both ends of the mounting portions 2522, 2532 are fixed on the mounting boss 2207 by screws not shown, so as to be fixed on the lower frame 2200. In addition, a screw not shown is inserted from the insertion holes 2526 and 2536, and the screw is screwed into the screw mounting hole 2108 formed on the beam portion 2102 of the upper frame 2100, thereby restricting the layer thickness of the blade 2500 and the beam The shaped portion 2102 (upper frame 2100) is fixed.

[0253] Such as Figure 23 As shown, in the state where the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 spreads over the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 of the lower frame 2200 and the beam portion 2102 of the upper frame 2100, the beam portion of the upper frame 2100 is fixed. 2102 is located below the mounting parts 2522, 2532. At this time, the blade back side seal 2400 is clamped in a slightly compressed state between the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 (the clamping portion 2521) and the beam portion 2102. Therefore, the blade back side seal 2400 is elastically deformed. The gap between the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 and the beam 2102 is blocked.

[0254]

[0255] Next, an assembling method of the developing cartridge 2061 configured as described above will be described.

[0256] First, the part of the sheet-shaped frame seal 2300 that becomes the first elastic part 2311 is pasted on the seal mounting parts 2210 of the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 of the lower frame 2200, which will serve as the second elastic part 2312. Bend it outward and stick it on the front surface of the left wall 2201 and the right wall 2202 (reference Figure 19 ).

[0257] Then, the boss hole 2103 of the upper frame 2100 is fitted to the boss 2206 of the lower frame 2200, and the upper frame 2100 is positioned relative to the lower frame 2200, and the assembly is performed. At this time, the top end (engaging groove 2109) of the supporting portion 2105 formed on the beam portion 2102 of the upper frame 2100 is engaged with the engaging groove 2209 of the partition wall portion 2208 formed on the bottom wall portion 2203 of the lower frame 2200 , So the beam-shaped portion 2102 is supported by the bottom wall portion 2203 (reference Figure 16 ).

[0258] Next, by welding the welding rib 2111 of the upper frame 2100, the upper frame 2100 is fixed to the lower frame 2200. At this time, the front part of the welding rib 2111 and the upper surface of the rear end of the frame seal 2300 are welded together. After welding, the supply roller 2064 is mounted on the lower frame 2200, and well-known sealing members are appropriately installed on the lower frame 2200 at positions corresponding to both ends and the lower part of the developing roller 2063, and then the developing roller 2063 is mounted on the lower frame 2200 (refer to Figure 19 ).

[0259] Then, the back side seal 2400 of the blade is pasted across the front surface of the left side wall 2201, the beam portion 2102 and the right side wall 2202, and then the mounting holes 2524, 2534 of the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 are fitted to the bottom On the mounting boss 2207 of the frame 2200, two ends of the layer thickness limiting blade 2500 are fixed on the mounting boss 2207 with screws. Finally, insert screws into the screw mounting holes 2108 of the upper frame 2100 from the insertion holes 2526 and 2536 of the layer thickness limiting blade 2500, and fix the beam 2102 on the layer thickness limiting blade 2500 by the screws, thereby completing the developing cartridge 2061 assembly (reference Figure 15 , 16 ).

[0260] With the above-mentioned structure, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0261] One end of the frame seal 2300 is bent so that the elastic layer 2310 (the second elastic portion 2312) is in close contact with the blade backside seal 2400, so that the generation of gaps can be suppressed. Furthermore, on the side of the lower frame 2200 of the bent portion (the second elastic portion 2312), that is, on the side opposite to the blade backside seal 2400 sandwiching the second elastic portion 2312, a second double-sided tape layer is provided 2322, therefore, the second elastic portion 2312 and the blade back side seal 2400 can be reliably brought into close contact with each other, thereby suppressing the generation of gaps. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the generation of a gap between the frame seal 2300 and the blade backside seal 2400, and therefore it is possible to suppress toner leakage.

[0262] Between the beam portion 2102 and the bottom wall portion 2203, a support portion 2105 for supporting the beam portion 2102 with the bottom wall portion 2203 is provided, so that the rigidity of the front side of the upper frame 2100 can be improved. Furthermore, the support portion 2105 protruding downward from the beam-shaped portion 2102 is configured to engage with the top end (engagement groove 2209) of the partition wall portion 2208 protruding upward from the bottom wall portion 2203, so that the support portion 2105 can be shortened. The rigidity of the support part 2105 itself can be improved. In this way, the rigidity is increased and the deformation of the upper frame 2100 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of gaps between the upper frame 2100 and each member in contact with the upper frame 2100, and more reliably suppress toner leakage.

[0263] The layer thickness limiting blade 2500 has a mounting portion 2522 formed by bending from the clamping portion 2521 along the upper surface of the upper frame 2100. Therefore, the mounting portion 2522 (and the mounting portion 2532) can protect the beam-shaped portion 2102 from avoiding the beam-shaped portion 2102. Subject to the force applied to it. As a result, the deformation of the upper frame 2100 can be suppressed, so the gap can be suppressed, and toner leakage can be suppressed more reliably.

[0264] The layer thickness limiting blade 2500 has both ends fixed to the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202. Therefore, the layer thickness limiting blade 2500 connects the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 to improve the lower frame 2200 的rigidity. As a result, the deformation of the lower frame 2200 is suppressed, and therefore it is possible to suppress the generation of gaps between the lower frame 2200 and each member in contact with the lower frame 2200, thereby more reliably suppressing toner leakage.

[0265] The layer thickness regulating blade 2500 is fixed on the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 at both ends of the mounting portions 2522, 2532 formed by bending from the clamping portion 2521 and the clamping portion 2531. Therefore, compared with The structure in which the layer thickness regulating blade 2500 is fixed to the lower frame 2200 on the same plane as the blade metal plate 2510 (the clamping portions 2521, 2531) can shorten the vertical length of the layer thickness regulating blade 2500. As a result, the size of the lower frame 2200 in the vertical direction is reduced, and therefore the rigidity of the lower frame 2200 can be increased, and deformation of the lower frame 2200 can be suppressed, thereby more reliably suppressing toner leakage.

[0266] The wiper back side seal 2400 is provided across the left side wall 2201, the right side wall 2202, and the beam portion 2102. Therefore, together with the frame seal 2300, it can block the gap between the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100. The toner leakage from this portion is more reliably suppressed.

[0267] By engaging the bosses 2206 formed on the upper surface 2205 (first upper surface portion 2205A) of the lower frame 2200 with the boss holes 2103 formed on the left and right ends of the upper frame 2100, the lower frame 2200 and Since the upper frame 2100 is positioned, it is possible to suppress displacement during welding. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of a gap between the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100, and therefore it is possible to more reliably suppress toner leakage.

[0268] The front part of the welding rib 2111 is welded to the upper surface of the rear end of the frame seal 2300, so it is possible to more reliably prevent toner from flowing from the left side wall 2201 and the right side wall 2202 of the lower frame 2200 The gap with the upper frame 2100 leaks.

[0269] The beam portion 2102 is fixed to the layer thickness regulating blade 2500, and therefore, the rigidity of the front side of the upper frame 2100 can be further improved. As a result, the deformation of the upper frame 2100 is suppressed, so the generation of gaps can be suppressed, and toner leakage can be suppressed more reliably.

[0270] The mounting portion 2522 to which the layer thickness limiting blade 2500 is fixed, and the fixing portion of the mounting portion 2532 and the welding portion on which the upper frame 2100 is welded are set on the same plane (upper surface 2205), so it is the same as the fixing portion and welding Compared with a structure in which the parts are provided on a different plane (a structure having a step), the structure can be simplified. As a result, the shape of the gap between the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100 can be simplified, and therefore the gap can be easily blocked, and toner leakage can be suppressed more reliably.

[0271] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The specific structure can be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0272] In the above-described embodiment, the sheet-shaped frame seal 2300 is stuck to the lower frame 2200 to form a bent portion (the second elastic portion 2312), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a frame seal formed in advance in an L-shape in plan view may be used. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is shown in which the front end side of the frame seal 2300 is bent outward to form the second elastic portion 2312, but it is not limited to this, and it may be passed inward (beam 2102 side). By bending, the second elastic portion 2312 is formed.

[0273] In the above-mentioned embodiment, as the frame seal, the frame seal 2300 having the bent portion (the second elastic portion 2312) is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 24 As shown, the frame seal 2600 has a generally rectangular sheet shape in plan view, and includes an elastic layer 2610 and a double-sided tape layer 2620 provided on the surface of the elastic layer 2610 on the right side wall 2202 of the lower frame 2200.

[0274] The front end of the elastic layer 2610 is located on the front side compared to the double-sided tape layer 2620. Specifically, it protrudes forward from the front surface of the right side wall 2202, and becomes stuck on the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100. The state of the back side seal 2400 of the blade. Furthermore, the double-sided tape layer 2620 has a length shorter in the front-rear direction than the elastic layer 2610. Specifically, the double-sided tape layer 2620 is provided so that its front end does not touch the back side seal 2400 of the blade.

[0275] With such a structure, the elastic layer 2610 protrudes to the front side compared to the double-sided tape layer 2620, and only the elastic layer 2610 sinks into the blade back side seal 2400. Therefore, the elastic layer 2610 and the blade back side seal 2400 can be brought into close contact with each other to suppress The generation of gaps. Furthermore, since the double-sided tape layer 2620 does not sink into the blade back side seal 2400, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of gaps caused by the double-sided tape layer 2620 pressing the blade back side seal 2400. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of a gap between the frame seal 2600 and the blade backside seal 2400, and therefore it is possible to suppress toner leakage.

[0276] In addition, the gap between the double-sided tape layer 2620 and the blade back side seal 2400 is blocked by the entry of the elastic layer 2610, so that toner leakage from this portion can be suppressed. And, in Figure 24 , Shows an example in which the front end of the double-sided tape layer 2620 does not touch the length of the blade back side seal 2400, but it is not limited to this, and the front end of the double-sided tape layer 2620 and the blade back side seal 2400 can be light Set the length of the light touch.

[0277] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is shown in which a double-sided tape layer 2420 (bonding base material) is provided on the surfaces of the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100 of the blade backside seal 2400, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 25A with Figure 25B As shown, a double-sided tape layer 2420 can also be provided on the side of the blade backside seal 2400 that is in contact with the layer thickness limiting blade 2500. At this time, the back side seal 2400 of the blade is pasted on the layer thickness limiting blade 2500 in advance, and then installed on the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100 together with the layer thickness limiting blade 2500.

[0278] With this structure, the elastic layers 2310 and 2610 of the frame seals 2300 and 2600 are in direct contact with the elastic layer 2410 of the blade back side seal 2400, so that the frame seals 2300 and 2600 and the blade back side seal 2400 can be in close contact. As a result, toner leakage can be suppressed more reliably.

[0279] In the above embodiment, the double-sided tape layers 2320, 2420, and 2620 are exemplified as an example of the bonding substrate. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be harder than the material of the elastic layer after curing. The binder.

[0280] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which the support portion 2105 protruding from the beam portion 2102 engages with the tip of the partition wall portion 2208 protruding from the bottom wall portion 2203 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a support portion protruding upward from the top end of the partition wall portion 2208 may support the beam-shaped portion 2102, or a structure in which the support portion protruding from the beam-shaped portion 2102 directly abuts the bottom wall portion 2203.

[0281] In the above embodiment, the boss 2206 (convex part) is formed on the lower frame 2200, and the boss hole 2103 (concave part) is formed on the upper frame 2100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a concave part may be formed on the lower frame 2200. A convex portion is formed on the upper frame 2100.

[0282] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the developing device (developing cartridge 2061) of the present invention is applied to the color printer 2001 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can also be used for copiers, multifunction machines, monochrome printers, etc.

[0283] In addition, the up-and-down arrangement of the lower frame 2200 and the upper frame 2100 may be opposite to the above-mentioned embodiment.