Positioning component, holding device, process cartridge, and image forming device

Abstract

The positioning component (40) specifies the facing distance between the first rotating body (11) and the second rotating body (13a), and the positioning component includes a fitting portion (40a), a groove (40b) and a limiting component (41, 45, 46). The fitted portion (11a) of the first rotating body is rotatably embedded in the fitting portion. The groove has a groove shape extending from the opening portion to the abutting portion in a predetermined direction. The shaft portion (13a10) of the second rotating body is slidably movable in the groove. In the groove, when the shaft portion abuts against the abutting portion, the limiting component limits the movement of the shaft portion in the predetermined direction. The limiting component is detachably arranged in the groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a positioning component that specifies a facing distance between two rotating bodies, a holding device that rotatably holds each of the two rotating bodies, a processing card cartridge that is detachably arranged relative to an image forming device body, and an image forming device such as a copier, a printer, a fax machine, a multi-function peripheral, or the like. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a processing cartridge installed in an image forming apparatus such as a copier or printer, in order to accurately set the gap (facing distance) between a developing roller (developer carrier) and a photosensitive drum (image carrier), a known technique (e.g., see Patent Document 1) is to provide a panel (positioning component) that allows the shaft portion of the developing roller and the shaft portion of the photosensitive drum to fit together.

[0003] Specifically, the panel (positioning member) disclosed in Patent Document 1 and other publications is provided with a through-hole that engages with the shaft of the developing roller of the developing device and a through-hole that engages with the shaft of the photosensitive drum. The shaft of the developing roller and the shaft of the photosensitive drum are then engaged with the two through-holes of the panel, respectively, to define the interaxial distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, thereby setting the gap between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum with high precision.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6202387 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-139654) Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] In conventional process cartridges, maintenance or replacement of the developer carrier (second rotating body) requires removing the multiple screws securing the positioning member (panel) to the process cartridge, removing the positioning member from the process cartridge, and then separating the image carrier (first rotating body) and the developing device from the positioning member. Consequently, maintenance and replacement of the developer carrier requires significant time and effort.

[0009] The present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a positioning member, a holding device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus that reduce the time and labor involved in maintenance and replacement.

[0010] Solutions to the Problem

[0011] The positioning component of the present invention defines the facing distance between a first rotating body and a second rotating body, and includes an engaging portion, a groove, and a limiting component. The engaged portion of the first rotating body is rotatably engaged with the engaging portion. The groove has a slot shape extending from an opening to an abutting portion in a predetermined direction. The shaft portion of the second rotating body is slidably movable in the groove. Within the groove, when the shaft portion abuts against the abutting portion, the limiting component limits movement of the shaft portion in the predetermined direction. The limiting component is detachably disposed in the groove.

[0012] Effects of the present invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a positioning member, a holding device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus that reduce the time and labor involved in maintenance and replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting its scope. Unless explicitly noted, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. In addition, in all the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar parts.

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 1 is a sectional view of a main portion of a process cartridge taken along a longitudinal direction of the process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 Shown is a diagram showing a state in which the developing device is mounted on the process cartridge.

[0019] Figure 5 Shown is a diagram showing a state in which the developing device is removed from the process cartridge.

[0020] Figure 6A Schematic diagram of the state where the developing device is installed on the panel of the process cartridge. Figure 6B The diagram shows a state where the developing device is removed from the panel of the process cartridge.

[0021] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of a positioning member in a process cartridge according to a first modified example of the embodiment shown.

[0022] Figure 8 Yes Figure 3An enlarged view of a positioning member in a process cartridge according to a second modified example of the embodiment shown.

[0023] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Shown is Figure 8 A top view of the main parts of the positioning component, Figure 9A The diagram shows the state without installing the leaf spring. Figure 9B The figure shows the state where the leaf spring is installed.

[0024] Figure 10 1 is a sectional view of a main portion of a process cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention, taken along a longitudinal direction of the process cartridge.

[0025] Figure 11 Shown is a diagram showing a state in which the developing device is mounted on the process cartridge.

[0026] Figure 12 Shown is a diagram showing a state in which the developing device is removed from the process cartridge.

[0027] Figure 13 Shown is a perspective view of the main parts of the process cartridge.

[0028] Figure 14 FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a process cartridge along the longitudinal direction according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 15A and Figure 15B yes Figures 10 to 13 This is a schematic front view of a main portion of a process cartridge according to a third modified example of the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 16A and Figure 16B yes Figures 10 to 13 This is a schematic plan view of a main portion of a process cartridge according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 17 Shown is Figures 10 to 13 A diagram showing a positioning member according to a fifth modified example of the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 18 Shown is Figures 10 to 13 A diagram showing a main portion of a process cartridge according to a sixth modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The words used herein are only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In describing the embodiments shown in the drawings, specific words are used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific words selected, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have similar functions, operate in a similar manner, and achieve similar results.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and redundant descriptions are summarized or omitted.

[0036] First, refer to Figure 1 , the overall structure and operation of the image forming apparatus 1 are described. Figure 1 In the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color copier as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a document conveying unit 3 that conveys a document to a document reading unit 4, a document reading unit 4 that reads image data of the document, and a writing unit (exposure unit) 6 that irradiates a laser beam based on the input image data. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeding unit 7 that stores a sheet material P, such as a sheet material; process cartridges (holding devices) 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK that are image forming devices corresponding to different colors, namely, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black; an intermediate transfer belt 17 that transfers toner images of multiple colors in an overlapping manner; and a secondary transfer roller 18 that transfers the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17 onto the sheet material P. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a fixing device 20 that fixes an unfixed image onto a sheet P, a toner container 28 that supplies toners of respective colors to the developing devices of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK, and a waste toner container 30 that collects waste toner.

[0037] Here, each of the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK (image forming apparatus and holding means) is made by integrating a photosensitive drum 11 as an image bearing body, a charging device 12, a developing device 13, and a cleaning device 15 (see FIG. Figure 2 ). Then, when each process cartridge 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK reaches the end of its life, it is replaced with a new process cartridge. On the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) in each process cartridge 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK, a toner image of each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) is formed.

[0038] The following describes the operation of the image forming apparatus when forming a typical color image. First, a document is transported from a document tray by the transport rollers of the document transport unit 3 and placed on the contact glass of the document reading unit 4. The document reading unit 4 then optically reads the image data of the document placed on the contact glass. Image data for each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) is then transmitted to the writing unit 6. Laser beams (exposure beams) based on the image data for each color are then emitted from the writing unit 6 toward the photosensitive drums 11 of the corresponding process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK.

[0039] On the other hand, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment, the four photosensitive drums 11 rotate in a clockwise direction. Figure 2 First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged at a position facing the charging device 12 (charging roller) (charging step). As a result, a charged potential is formed on the photosensitive drum 11. Subsequently, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 reaches the irradiation position of each laser beam. In the writing unit 6, a laser beam L corresponding to the image signal is emitted from the light source according to each color. The laser beam L is incident on the polygonal reflector, is reflected, and then passes through multiple lenses. The laser beam after passing through multiple lenses passes through different optical paths according to the respective color components of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (exposure step).

[0040] The laser beam corresponding to the yellow component is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the process cartridge 10Y, starting from the leftmost side of the paper. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow component is formed on the photosensitive drum 11, which has been charged by the charging roller 12a. Similarly, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the process cartridge 10C, which is the second from the left side of the paper, is irradiated with the laser beam corresponding to the cyan component, forming an electrostatic latent image of the cyan component. The surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the process cartridge 10M, which is the third from the left side of the paper, is irradiated with the laser beam corresponding to the magenta component, forming an electrostatic latent image of the magenta component. The surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the process cartridge 10BK, which is the fourth from the left side of the paper, is irradiated with the laser beam corresponding to the black component, forming an electrostatic latent image of the black component.

[0041] Subsequently, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11 on which the electrostatic latent images of the respective colors are formed arrive at positions facing the developing devices 13 (see FIG. Figure 2). Then, the toner of each color is supplied from each developing device 13 to the photosensitive drum 11 to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 (developing step). Subsequently, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after the developing step reaches a position facing the intermediate transfer belt 17 (intermediate transfer section) serving as an image carrier. Here, the primary transfer roller 14 is installed at each opposing position so as to abut against the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, at the position of the primary transfer roller 14, the colorant image of each color formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is sequentially superimposed and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 17 (primary transfer step).

[0042] Then, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11 after the primary transfer step respectively reach positions facing the cleaning devices 15 (see FIG. Figure 2 Then, the untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is recovered by the cleaning device 15 (cleaning step). In addition, the untransferred toner collected in the cleaning device 15 is transported by the conveying screw 15b (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is transported in the transport pipe 16 and recovered as waste toner into the waste toner container 30. Subsequently, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 passes through the position of the discharge device, and a series of image forming processes on the photosensitive drum 11 is completed.

[0043] On the other hand, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 onto which the images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 11 are transferred in an overlapping manner is along the Figure 1 The intermediate transfer belt 17 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow and reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller 18. Then, the full-color image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is secondarily transferred to the sheet P at the position of the secondary transfer roller 18 (secondary transfer step). Subsequently, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer belt cleaning section 9 (cleaning device). Then, the untransferred colorant on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning section 9, and a series of transfer processes on the intermediate transfer belt 17 are completed. In addition, the untransferred colorant collected in the intermediate transfer belt cleaning section 9 is removed by the conveying screw 15b (see Figure 2 ) is transported in the transport pipe 16 and recovered as waste toner into the waste toner container 30.

[0044] Here, the sheet P at the position of the secondary transfer roller 18 is conveyed from the sheet supply section 7 via a conveyance guide, a registration roller 19, and the like. Specifically, the sheet P is fed by the supply roller 8 from the sheet supply section 7, which stores the sheet P, and then guided to the registration roller 19 after passing through the conveyance guide. The sheet P that has reached the registration roller 19 is conveyed toward the position of the secondary transfer roller 18 in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17.

[0045] Subsequently, the sheet P to which the full-color image has been transferred is guided to the fixing device 20. In the fixing device 20, the color image is fixed to the sheet P at the nip between the fixing roller and the pressure roller. Then, the sheet P after the fixing process is discharged as an output image to the outside of the apparatus main body 1 by the output roller pair 29 and then stacked on the sheet discharge unit 5, thereby completing a series of image forming processes.

[0046] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image forming device of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail. Figure 2 The other three process cartridges 10Y, 10M and 10C are configured substantially the same as the process cartridge 10BK for black except that the colors of toners used in the image forming process are different, and therefore illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, in the process cartridge 10BK serving as a holding device, primarily, a photosensitive drum 11 serving as an image carrier, a developing device 13, a charging device 12, and a cleaning device 15 are integrally housed in a cartridge housing 50 (casing). The cleaning device 15 includes a cleaning blade 15a and a conveying screw 15b that come into contact with the photosensitive drum 11.

[0048] The developing device 13 mainly includes a developing roller 13a as a developer carrier facing the photosensitive drum 11 and forming a developing area, a first conveying screw 13b1 (first conveying component) facing the developing roller 13a, a second conveying screw 13b2 (second conveying component) facing the first conveying screw 13b1 via a partition component 13e, a scraper 13c (developer regulating component) facing the developing roller 13a and regulating the amount of developer carried on the developing roller 13a, and the like.

[0049] A developer (two-component developer) including a toner and a carrier is accommodated in the developing device 13. The developing roller 13a is arranged to be Figure 3 ) faces the photosensitive drum 11 to form a developing area. Figure 3 As shown, the developing roller 13a includes a magnet 13a1 fixed inside and forming a plurality of poles (magnetic poles) on the outer peripheral surface of the roller, and a sleeve 13a2 rotating around the magnet 13a1.

[0050] The conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 as conveying members convey the developer contained in the developing device 13 in the longitudinal direction and form a circulation path (by Figure 3Circulation path indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG). That is, the circulation path of the developer is formed by the first conveying path B1 passing through the first conveying screw 13b1 and the second conveying path B2 passing through the second conveying screw 13b2. The first conveying path B1 and the second conveying path B2 are separated by a partition member 13e (wall portion), and the two conveying paths B1 and B2 are connected to each other at both ends in the longitudinal direction via the communication ports 13f and 13g. Specifically, referring to Figure 3 The upstream end of the first conveying path B1 communicates with the downstream end of the second conveying path B2 via the first communication port 13f. Furthermore, the downstream end of the first conveying path B1 communicates with the upstream end of the second conveying path B2 via the second communication port 13g. Specifically, the partition member 13e is positioned at locations other than the longitudinal ends. The first conveying screw 13b1 (first conveying path B1) is positioned facing the developing roller 13a, while the second conveying screw 13b2 (second conveying path B2) is positioned facing the first conveying screw 13b1 (first conveying path B1) via the partition member 13e. The first conveying screw 13b1 supplies developer toward the developing roller 13a while conveying it longitudinally and collects the developer separated from the developing roller 13a after the development step. The second conveying screw 13b2 stirs and mixes the post-development developer conveyed from the first conveying path B1 and the fresh developer supplied from the toner supply inlet 13d while conveying them longitudinally. In this embodiment, two conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 (conveying members) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Each of the two conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 is a threaded portion wound around a shaft portion.

[0051] The above-mentioned image forming process will be described in more detail centering on the developing step. Figure 2 Rotate in the direction of the arrow. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, by the rotation of the first conveying screw 13b1 and the second conveying screw 13b2 with the partition member 13e interposed therebetween in the direction indicated by the arrow, the developer in the developing device 13 circulates in the long side direction (in the direction indicated by the arrow) while being stirred and mixed with the toner supplied from the toner container 70 via the toner supply path 27 through the toner supply inlet 13d (inlet). Figure 3 ). Furthermore, in association with the attachment / detachment of the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK) to / from the image forming apparatus main body 1, the toner supply inlet 13 d of the developing device 13 is connected to and disconnected from the toner supply path 27 of the image forming apparatus main body 1.

[0052] Then, the toner that is frictionally charged and attracted to the carrier is drawn onto the developing roller 13a together with the carrier by the toner drawing electrode formed on the developing roller 13a. The developer carried on the developing roller 13a is drawn along the developing roller 13a. Figure 2 The developer is transported in the direction indicated by the arrow in the middle and reaches a position facing the scraper 13c. Then, after the amount of developer on the developing roller 13a is adjusted to an appropriate amount at this position, the developer is transported to a position facing the photosensitive drum 11 (developing area). Then, the toner is attracted to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by the electric field formed in the developing area. Subsequently, the developer remaining on the developing roller 13a reaches above the first transport path B1 as the sleeve rotates and separates from the developing roller 13a at this position. Here, the electric field in the developing area is formed by a predetermined voltage (developing bias) applied to the developing roller 13a by a power supply for development and a surface potential (latent image potential) formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by the charging step and the exposure step.

[0053] In addition, the toner in the toner container 70 is appropriately supplied to the developing device 13 from the toner supply inlet 13d as the toner in the developing device 13 is consumed. The consumption of the toner in the developing device 13 is detected by a toner concentration sensor that magnetically detects the toner concentration (toner ratio in the developer) of the developer in the developing device 13. In addition, the toner supply inlet 13d is provided along the longitudinal direction ( Figure 3 At one end portion of the second conveying screw 13b2 (in the horizontal direction) and above the second conveying screw 13b2 (the second conveying path B2).

[0054] Below, we will refer to Figures 3 to 6B The panel 40 as the positioning member is described in detail in FIG. 4 , and the panel 40 is a feature of the process cartridge 10BK according to this embodiment. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As described above, the process cartridge 10BK is a unit that is detachably mounted relative to the image forming apparatus main body 1. Furthermore, the process cartridge 10BK includes a photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) that serves as a rotatable image carrier, a developing roller 13a (second rotating body) that serves as a rotatable developer carrier facing the photosensitive drum 11, and the like. The developing roller 13a (developer carrier) is rotatably held by the developing device 13. Furthermore, the developing device 13 is configured to accommodate developer therein and is detachably mounted relative to the process cartridge 10BK.

[0055] Here, refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4In the process cartridge 10BK according to the present embodiment, a panel 40 (first panel) serving as a positioning member for regulating the facing distance H (developing gap) between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a is detachably mounted on one end portion in the direction of the rotation axis (longitudinal direction). Figure 3 ). In addition, in the process cartridge 10BK, a panel 41 (second panel) as a second positioning member for regulating the facing distance H (developing gap) between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a is detachably mounted on the other end portion in the direction of the rotation axis ( Figure 3 on the right side of the ).

[0056] As described above, in the process cartridge 10BK according to this embodiment, the panels 40 and 41 are attached to each of the two ends in the direction of the rotation axis. First, the panel 40 (first panel), which serves as a positioning member and is attached to one end in the direction of the rotation axis, will be described. The panel 40 serves as a positioning member that defines the facing distance H between the photosensitive drum 11 (the first rotating member) and the developing roller 13a (the second rotating member).

[0057] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the panel 40 (positioning member) is provided with a through hole 40a and a notched groove 40b as an engaging portion. The through hole 40a serves as an engaging portion, and the drum shaft 11a of the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) as the image carrier is rotatably engaged. The through hole 40a is formed so that the diameter of the through hole is substantially the same as the axial diameter of the drum shaft 11a. The groove 40b is formed in a predetermined direction ( Figure 4 The groove 40b extends from the opening portion 40b1 (one end) to the abutment portion 40b2 (the other end) in the direction in which the imaginary line S1 extends, and is configured so that the shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a (developer carrier) as the second rotating body can move slidably. The groove 40b is formed so that the groove width is basically consistent with the axial diameter of the shaft portion 13a10. In addition, the abutment portion 40b2 of the groove 40b has an arc-shaped surface portion having a diameter substantially the same as the axial diameter (outer diameter) of the shaft portion 13a10. In addition, the center of the arc-shaped abutment portion 40b2 is formed in a manner passing through the imaginary line S1 obtained by extending the center lines of the two faces of the groove 40b facing each other, so that the shaft portion 13a10 is clamped in the extending direction of the groove 40b. In addition, in this embodiment, the direction in which the groove 40b extends ("predetermined direction") is the direction extending from the imaginary line S1 passing through the center of the through hole 40a serving as the fitting portion (the center of the drum shaft 11a) and the center of the abutment portion 40b2 (the center of the shaft portion 13a10).

[0058] Then, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5In the panel 40 (positioning component) involved in this embodiment, the limiting component 45 is installed so as to be detachable. The limiting component 45 limits the movement of the shaft portion 13a10 in a predetermined direction (the direction in which the imaginary line S1 extends) when the shaft portion 13a10 is inserted into the groove 40b from the opening portion 40b1 and abuts against the abutting portion 40b2. Specifically, the limiting component 45 is a roughly elongated rectangular parallelepiped component formed of a resin material, and a snap-fit ​​portion is formed at its front end portion, which is detachably fitted into the groove 40b. Then, as Figure 4 As shown, the limiting member 45 is embedded in the groove 40b to determine the position of the shaft portion 13a10 in the groove 40b so that the shaft portion 13a10 (of the developing roller 13a) does not fall off from the groove 40b. Figure 5 As shown, the restricting member 45 is removed from the groove 40b, and the shaft portion 13a10 is now able to slide within the groove 40b. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the restricting member 45 is provided with a snap-fit ​​mechanism and is removably mounted on the panel 40. However, the method of mounting the restricting member 45 is not limited to this. For example, the restricting member 45 can be removably mounted on the panel 40 by screw fastening.

[0059] By configuring the panel 40 as described above, the position of the photosensitive drum 11 (drum shaft 11a) is determined by the through hole 40a, and the position of the developing roller 13a (shaft portion 13a10) is determined by the groove 40b. Specifically, the developing roller 13a is held by the restricting member 45 so that the shaft portion 13a10 is in close contact with the abutment portion 40b2. As a result, the interaxial distance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a is regulated, and the developing gap H (see Figure 3 ) is accurately set to the target value. In particular, when the developer carried on the developing roller 13a contacts the photosensitive drum 11, even if the developing roller 13a receives pressure (reaction force) from the developer, the developing gap H does not change, and a good developing step is performed.

[0060] Then, in this embodiment, a groove 40b of the panel 40 is provided with a Figure 5 The opening portion 40b1 is open obliquely downward on the left side of the groove 40b, so that the shaft portion 13a10 can be inserted into and removed from the groove 40b. That is, in the groove 40b, a curved wall portion (composed of an inner peripheral surface having substantially the same diameter as the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 13a10) is formed at the abutting portion 40b2, against which the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 13a10 abuts. On the other hand, in the groove 40b, the opening portion 40b1 is not provided with a wall portion abutting against the shaft portion 13a10, and is open obliquely downward with the groove width of the groove 40b. As a result, the shaft portion 13a10 can be inserted into and removed from the groove 40b. Figure 5The shaft portion 13a10 can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow to leave the groove 40b, or the shaft portion 13a10 can be moved in the opposite direction to be inserted into the groove 40b. In addition, the shaft portion 13a10 can move (slide) along the groove 40b.

[0061] By forming the groove 40b in the panel 40 in this manner, the time and effort required for maintaining and replacing the developing roller 13a is reduced compared to a case where a positioning through-hole is formed in place of the groove 40b. Specifically, when performing maintenance or replacement of the developing roller 13a (of the developing device 13), the developing roller 13a (of the developing device 13) can be installed and removed from the panel 40 without requiring the time and effort required to disengage the photosensitive drum 11 from the panel 40. In particular, in this embodiment, to enhance the removability of the developing roller 13a (of the developing device 13) from the process cartridge 10BK, the groove 40b is formed along an imaginary line S1 (an imaginary line connecting the center of the drum shaft 11a and the center of the shaft portion 13a10). Therefore, when maintenance personnel remove the developing device 13, the developing device moves away from the photosensitive drum 11, thereby preventing the developing device 13 from damaging the photosensitive drum 11. In addition, even when the worker installs the developing device 13 , the worker pays attention to the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing device 13 by bringing the developing device 13 directly close to the photosensitive drum 11 , thereby suppressing the problem of inadvertent damage to the photosensitive drum 11 .

[0062] Here, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, a panel 40, serving as a positioning member, is detachably connected to the developer cartridge 13r and the cartridge case 50 of the developing device 13 (in this embodiment, fastened by screws). The cartridge case 50 is a housing of the process cartridge 10BK, separate from the developer cartridge 13r, and holds the charging device 12 and the cleaning device 15 in addition to the photosensitive drum 11. In addition to the developing roller 13a, the developer cartridge 13r also holds two conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 and a scraper 13c.

[0063] Specifically, the panel 40 has three screw through holes into which the screws 60 can be inserted. In addition, a female thread portion is formed on the side of the developing cartridge body 13r, and two female thread portions are formed on the side of the cartridge body 50. Then, the screw 60 is screwed into one female thread portion of the developing cartridge body 13r through the screw through hole of the panel 40, and the screw 60 is screwed into both female thread portions of the cartridge body 50. As a result, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in the process cartridge 10BK, the developing device 13 is joined via a panel 40 and integrated as a unit. In addition, the interaxial distance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a is defined by the panel 40, and the developing gap H (see FIG. 1 ) is defined by the panel 40. Figure 3 ) is accurately set as the target value.

[0064] Here, in a state in which the panel 40 is released from the developer box body 13r (in a state in which one screw 60 is removed), the developing device 13 is configured to be detachable along with the developing roller 13a by moving the shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a between the opening portion 40b1 and the abutment portion 40b2 relative to the panel 40 in a state in which the connection with the cartridge box body 50 is released (in a state in which two screws 60 are screwed in).

[0065] Specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, in order to perform maintenance, replacement, etc. of the developing device 13, when the developing device 13 is detached from the process cartridge 10BK coupled to the developing device 13 via the panel 40 by the screw 60, the process cartridge 10BK is first taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 1. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, in the removed process cartridge 10BK, the screws 60 (one is installed in each of the two panels 40 and 41 at both ends) that connect the developing device 13 are removed. At this time, the photosensitive drum 11 is connected to the cartridge body 50 through the panel 40 by the screws 60. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the limiting member 45 is removed from the panel 40. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, with the screw fastening to the panel 40 (after the restricting member 45 has been removed) released, the developing device 13 is moved obliquely downward along the groove 40b of the panel 40 to remove the developing device 13 from the process cartridge 10BK. Specifically, the shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a is moved obliquely downward along the groove 40b to remove the developing device 13 from the process cartridge 10BK. At this time, components other than the developing device 13 (the photosensitive drum 11, the charging device 12, and the cleaning device 15) of the process cartridge 10BK remain retained within the cartridge body 50. Furthermore, when installing the developing device 13 into the process cartridge 10BK, the steps for removal are reversed.

[0066] As described above, by forming the groove 40b in the panel 40, the time and effort required for maintaining and replacing the developing device 13 is reduced compared to a case where a through hole for positioning is formed in place of the groove 40b. Specifically, when performing maintenance or replacement of the developing device 13, the developing device 13 can be installed or removed from the panel 40 while the photosensitive drum 11 is engaged with the panel 40, without requiring the time and effort to release the engagement between the photosensitive drum 11 and the panel 40.

[0067] In addition, refer to Figure 3 , one panel 40 of the two panels 40 and 41 ( Figure 3 The first panel on the left side) is used to hold the non-rotating shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a (the shaft portion for determining the posture of the magnet 13a1 in the rotation direction). On the other hand, the other panel 41 ( Figure 3 The second panel on the right side is used to hold the rotatable shaft portion 13a20 of the developing roller 13a (the shaft portion for rotating the sleeve 13a2).

[0068] In this embodiment, the panel 41 as the second panel is not provided with the groove 40b like the panel 40 (positioning member) as the first panel, but is configured as a second positioning member without the groove 40b. Figure 3 , Figure 5, Modification Example and Figure 6B , the panel 41 (second panel) serving as the second positioning member has a through hole 41a and a positioning through hole 41b serving as an engaging portion. Similar to the first panel 40, the drum shaft 11a (engaged portion) of the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably engaged with the through hole 41a serving as the engaging portion. On the other hand, in the positioning through hole 41b, the shaft portion 13a20 of the developing roller 13a (developer carrier) is engaged via a removable bearing 65 (a ball bearing in this embodiment). That is, in the second panel 41, instead of the groove 40b of the first panel 40, a positioning through hole 41b is formed.

[0069] With this configuration, as shown in the fifth modification and Figure 6B As shown, by removing the bearing 65 mounted on the second panel 41 in the direction indicated by the arrow, a large gap is formed between the shaft portion 13a20 at the other end of the developing roller 13a and the positioning through hole 41b, and the positioning of the developing device 13 by the second panel 41 is released, so that the developing device 13 can move vertically and horizontally to a certain extent. Figure 5As described above, when removing the developing device 13 from the process cartridge 10BK while moving the developing roller 13a along the groove 40b of the first panel 40, the threaded fastening between the second panel 41 and the developing device 13 is released, and the bearing 65 is removed, allowing the second panel 41 to remain attached to the process cartridge 10BK. Specifically, when moving the developing device 13 in the direction of the rotation axis or diagonally downward with the bearing 65 removed, the developing device 13 is removed from the process cartridge 10BK while simultaneously moving the developing roller 13a along the groove 40b of the first panel 40. By forming the second panel 41 in this manner, the time and effort required for maintaining and replacing the developing device 13 are reduced. Specifically, when performing maintenance or replacement of the developing device 13, the developing device 13 can be attached to and removed from the two panels 41 and 42 while the photosensitive drum 11 is engaged, without the time and effort required to disengage the two panels 41 and 42.

[0070] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in the fifth modification and Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 6 , the second panel 41 (second positioning member) is provided with a through hole 41c (tapered portion) having a tapered shape, the aperture of which gradually increases in diameter from the positioning through hole 41b toward one end portion in the direction of the rotation axis (left side in FIG. 6 ). As a result, the movable range of the developing roller 13a (shaft portion 13a20) is further expanded when the bearing 65 is removed from the second panel 41. Therefore, the developing device 13 can be easily attached and detached while the panels 40 and 41 remain attached to the process cartridge 10BK.

[0071] First Modification

[0072] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, in Figure 3 In the panel 40 (first panel) of the positioning member of the first modified example of the embodiment shown, the shape of the abutment portion 40b2 of the groove 40b is similar to that of the first panel. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Specifically, in Figure 7A In the panel 40 shown, the abutment portion 40b2 of the groove 40b has a face portion (fitting portion) formed in an arc shape with the rotation center of the through hole 40a as the center. That is, the abutment portion 40b2 is formed in a convex curved surface on the side of the opening portion 40b1. With this structure, even if there is a gap (play) between the groove 40b (two faces facing each other with the shaft portion 13a10 interposed therebetween) and the shaft portion 13a10 and the position of the shaft portion 13a10 abutting against the abutment portion 40b2 is not fixed, the interaxial distance between the drum shaft 11a (of the photosensitive drum 11) and the shaft portion 13a10 (of the developing roller 13a) will not change, and the developing gap H (see Figure 3) is accurately set to the target value. Figure 7B In the panel 40 shown, the abutment portion 40b2 of the groove 40b has two face portions whose facing distance therebetween gradually decreases toward the through hole 40a (fitting portion). That is, the abutment portion 40b2 is formed into a roughly concave "<" (less than symbol) shape on the side of the opening portion 40b1. With such a configuration, even in the case where a gap (play) is provided between the groove 40b (two face portions facing each other with the shaft portion 13a10 interposed therebetween) and the shaft portion 13a10, the shaft portion 13a10 can abut against the abutment portion 40b2 to determine the position. Therefore, the interaxial distance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a is specified, and the developing gap H (see Figure 3 ) is accurately set to the target value.

[0073] Second Modification

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, in Figure 3 In the panel 40 of the second modified example of the embodiment shown, as a limiting member for limiting the movement of the shaft portion 13a10 in the groove 40b, a leaf spring 46 is used as an elastic member for urging the shaft portion 13a10 toward the drum shaft 11a (the engaged portion). The leaf spring 46 (limiting member) as the elastic member is a metal plate formed into a roughly L shape and having electrical conductivity and spring properties. On the other hand, referring to Figure 8 、 Figure 9A and Figure 9B , an insertion through hole 40e, a fixing portion 40f, a flat portion 40d, etc. are formed on the panel 40. The insertion through hole 40e is a through hole into which the pressing portion 46b of the leaf spring 46 (a portion other than the fifth modified example of the bending portion 4) can be elastically deformed and is cross-connected with the groove 40b. The fixing portion 40f is a portion into which the front end portion of the pressing portion 46b of the leaf spring 46 passing through the groove 40b is inserted and fixed. The flat portion 40d is a portion that abuts against the fifth modified example of the bending portion 4 of the leaf spring 46 in a surface contact manner. In the case where the shaft portion 13a10 does not exist in the abutting portion 40b2 (not in an elastically deformed state), as Figure 8 As shown by the dotted line in FIG, the leaf spring 46 enters the range where the shaft portion 13a10 is to be installed (within the outer diameter range of the shaft portion 13a10). Then, in the state where the shaft portion 13a10 is installed in the abutment portion 40b2, the leaf spring 46 is as shown in FIG. Figure 8 The developing roller 13a is elastically deformed as shown by the solid line in the figure, and the shaft portion 13a10 (of the developing roller 13a) is urged toward the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, the shaft portion 13a10 abuts against the abutment portion 40b2 in a close contact manner, and the axial distance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a is regulated, and the developing gap H (see FIG. Figure 3) is accurately set to the target value. In particular, in the leaf spring 46 of the second modified example, the curved portion 46 is fixed by the flat portion 40d, and the tip of the pressing portion 46b is detachably inserted into the fixing portion 40f. This makes it easier to ensure that the pressing portion 46b applies force to the shaft portion 13a10. Consequently, the aforementioned effect of closely contacting the shaft portion 13a10 with the contact portion 40b2 is easily achieved.

[0075] Here, refer to Figure 8 , the processing cartridge 10BK in the second modified example is configured to apply a developing bias to the shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a via the leaf spring 46 (limiting member) of the panel 40 (positioning member). Specifically, the leaf spring 46 is configured to be electrically connected and non-electrically connected to the power supply 90 installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1 in conjunction with the movement of installing and removing the developing device 13 (processing cartridge 10BK) to which the panel 40 is installed relative to the image forming apparatus main body 1. Then, in a state where the developing device 13 (processing cartridge 10BK) is installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1, in a normal imaging process, as described above with reference to Figure 2 As described above, a predetermined developing bias is applied from the power source 90 to the developing roller 13a via the leaf spring 46, and the developing step is performed. By making the leaf spring 46 also function as an electrode for applying the developing bias in this manner, the size and cost of the device can be reduced compared to the case where such an electrode is specially installed. Figure 8 As shown, in the leaf spring 46 of the second modified example, a protrusion 46b1 is formed on the pressing portion 46b, which is capable of making point contact with the shaft portion 13a10 located at the abutting portion 40b2. In this way, by configuring the pressing portion 46b (protrusion 46b1) to make point contact with the shaft portion 13a10, the contact state of the pressing portion 46b with the shaft portion 13a10 is more easily stabilized than in a case where the pressing portion 46b is configured to make surface contact with the shaft portion 13a10, and thus the application of the development bias to the developing roller 13a is also stabilized. In addition, the shaft portion 13a10 in the second modified example does not rotate as described above, but when the shaft portion 13a10 is configured to rotate, by configuring the pressing portion 46b (convex portion 46b1) to be in point contact with the shaft portion 13a10, the sliding friction caused by the sliding contact between the pressing portion 46b and the shaft portion 13a10 can be reduced compared to the case where the pressing portion 46b is configured to be in surface contact with the shaft portion 13a10. Figure 9A and Figure 9B The convex portion 40e10 formed on the insertion port 40e1 of the panel 40 (an opening for inserting the pressing portion 46b of the leaf spring 46 into the insertion through hole 40e) is used to prevent interference with the convex portion 46b1 when the leaf spring 46 is mounted on the panel 40.

[0076] As described above, the panel 40 in this embodiment is a positioning component that specifies the facing distance H between the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) and the developing roller 13a (second rotating body), and includes a through hole 40a (engaging portion) in which the drum shaft 11a (engaged portion) of the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably engaged, and a groove 40b formed in a groove shape so as to extend from the opening 40b1 to the abutment portion 40b2 in a predetermined direction, and in which the shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a can slide. Then, the limiting component 45 that limits movement in the specified direction is installed so as to be removable relative to the shaft portion 13a10 in a state of abutting against the abutment portion 40b2 in the groove 40b. As a result, the time and labor spent on maintenance and replacement are reduced.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the through hole 40a as the engaging portion of the panel 40 (positioning component) is configured to engage with the drum shaft 11a as the engaged portion of the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier). However, the combination of the engaged portion of the image carrier and the engaging portion of the positioning component is not limited to this. For example, the convex component as the engaging portion of the panel 40 (positioning component) can be configured to engage with the concave flange as the engaged portion of the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier). In the present embodiment, the through hole 40a and the groove 40b of the panel 40 are formed so that the drum shaft 11a and the shaft portions 13a10 and 13a20 pass through the through hole 40a and the groove 40b, respectively. On the other hand, at least one of the through hole 40a and the groove 40b of the panel 40 can be formed so that the drum shaft 11a and the shaft portions 13a10 and 13a20 do not pass through and the outer side in the direction of the rotation axis is blocked. In this embodiment, the groove 40b is formed along the imaginary line S1 (the imaginary line connecting the center of the drum shaft 11a and the center of the shaft portion 13a10), but the direction in which the groove 40b extends is not limited to this. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the groove 40b is formed to extend in an oblique direction, but the direction in which the groove 40b extends is not limited to this. As long as the opening 40b1 is configured so as not to face the photosensitive drum 11, for example, the groove 40b may be formed to extend horizontally. This also achieves substantially the same effects as described above.

[0078] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied only to the panel 40 (first panel) mounted on one end of the processing cartridge 10BK, and the present invention (groove 40b and limiting component 45) is not applied to the panel 41 (second panel) mounted on the other end. However, the positioning component (panel 40) involved in the present invention only needs to be detachably mounted on at least one end in the direction of the rotation axis, and the present invention (groove 40b and limiting component 45) can also be applied to the panel mounted on the other end. In this case, the positioning components (panel 40) of the present invention respectively mounted at the two ends in the direction of the rotation axis are symmetrical to each other with respect to the direction of the rotation axis. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the positioning component (panel 40) that specifies the facing distance H between the photosensitive drum 11 as the first rotating body and the developing roller 13a as the second rotating body. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to all positioning components as long as the positioning component specifies the facing distance between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. This case also obtains an effect basically the same as the above-mentioned effect.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a process cartridge 10BK comprising a photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier), a developing device 13, a charging device 12, and a cleaning device 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this process cartridge and is applicable to any process cartridge that includes at least a photosensitive drum (image carrier) and a developing device (developer carrier). This also achieves substantially the same effects as described above. Furthermore, in this application, a "process cartridge" is defined as a unit in which at least one of a charging device for charging the image carrier, a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a cleaning device for cleaning the image carrier is integrated with the image carrier and configured to be removable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0080] The positioning of the shaft portion of the developing roller 13a described above serves as the positioning of the developing roller 13a in the process cartridge 10BK and can be said to correspond to the primary reference for the developing device 13. Meanwhile, a secondary reference (for positioning relative to the rotational direction of the developing roller 13a) can be formed on at least one of the ends of the cartridge body 50 or the panels 40, 41. When the primary reference is formed by a groove, the secondary reference is preferably formed by a groove similar to that of the panels 40, 41. In particular, by forming the secondary reference groove parallel to the groove of the panels, the risk of damage to the photosensitive drum 11 when the developing device 13 is installed or removed can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, by providing a portion in at least a portion of the secondary reference groove that is inclined relative to the groove of the panels 40, 41, a portion is intentionally provided that prevents the developing device 13 from smoothly falling off, thereby making it less likely that the developing device 13 will fall off from the process cartridge 10BK when the restricting member is removed. Particularly preferably, the sub-reference groove is formed parallel to the grooves of the panels 40 and 41 within a predetermined range of the sub-reference groove on the photosensitive drum side (the rear side in the attachment and detachment direction of the developing device 13), and an inclined portion may be provided on a portion of the side away from the photosensitive drum 11 (the front side in the attachment and detachment direction of the developing device 13). As a result, while the developing device 13 is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 without damaging the photosensitive drum 11, the developing device 13 can be prevented from falling out of the process cartridge 10BK.

[0081] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 13 The characteristic structure and operation of the process cartridge 10BK as the holding device in this embodiment are described in detail. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As described above, the process cartridge 10BK is a unit that is detachably mounted relative to the image forming apparatus main body 1. The process cartridge 10BK includes a photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) that is a rotatable image carrier, a developing roller 13a (second rotating body) that is a rotatable developer carrier facing the photosensitive drum 11, and the like. Specifically, the process cartridge 10BK functions as a holding device that rotatably holds the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) and the developing roller 13a (second rotating body).

[0082] In addition, the photosensitive drum 11, which serves as the first rotating body, is rotatably supported by the cartridge case 50, which serves as a housing. Specifically, a through hole is formed in the cartridge case 50, and the through hole serves as an engaging portion, and the drum shaft 11a of the engaged portion of the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body), which serves as the image carrier, is rotatably engaged. On the other hand, the developing roller 13a (developer carrier), which serves as the second rotating body, is rotatably held by the developing device 13. In addition, the developing device 13 is configured to be able to accommodate developer therein and is provided so as to be detachable relative to the process cartridge 10BK.

[0083] Here, refer to Figure 10 、 Figure 11 In the process cartridge 10BK according to this embodiment, a panel 40, which is a positioning member that abuts against the shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a (the shaft portion of the non-rotating magnet 13a1) and defines the facing distance H (developing gap) between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a, is detachably mounted on the cartridge body 50 (housing) at both ends in the direction of the rotation axis (longitudinal direction). The two panels 40 are essentially identical in structure except that they are formed symmetrically with each other. This relationship between the two panels 40 mounted at the two ends in the direction of the rotation axis is the same for the limiting member 41 and the two wall portions 50a, 50b (limiting portions) to be described later.

[0084] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the panel 40 (positioning member) is formed so that the abutting portion 40a against which the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) abuts is oriented toward the side of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) ( Figure 11 In addition, in the present embodiment, the panel 40 is detachably mounted on the cartridge body 50 by screwing a plurality of screws 60. The aperture of the through hole for the threaded hole in the panel 40 is set to be larger than the thread diameter of the screw 60. As a result, by adjusting the relative position of the panel 40 with respect to the cartridge body 50, the developing gap H can be finely adjusted. Figures 11 to 13 In the figure, the shaft portion is marked with the reference numeral "shaft portion 13a10 (13a20)". Figure 14 As described above, as another embodiment of the present embodiment, in addition to the non-rotatable shaft portion 13 a 10 , a configuration in which the rotation shaft portion 13 a 20 can be positioned by the panel 40 is also considered.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, the two panels 40 installed at both ends in the direction of the rotation axis are configured to abut against the shaft portion of the non-rotating magnet 13a1. Figure 14 As shown, the non-rotating shaft portion 13a10 and the rotatable shaft portion 13a20 of the developing roller 13a may be configured to be held by two panels 40, respectively. In this case, one panel 40 ( Figure 14 The left panel) is configured to abut against the non-rotating shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a (the shaft portion for determining the posture of the magnet 13a1 in the rotation direction), and the other panel 40 ( Figure 14The panel on the right side) is constructed to abut against the rotatable shaft portion 13a20 of the developing roller 13a (the shaft portion for rotating the sleeve 13a2). However, in this case, the bearing portion (panel) that receives the rotatable shaft portion 13a20 of the developing roller 13a does not need to be a bearing portion having a characteristic structure like the panel 40 in the present embodiment (provided with the limiting component 41 described later, etc.), and a known panel provided with a ball bearing for rotatably holding the shaft portion 13a20 can be used. Even in the case where the characteristic panel 40 of the present embodiment (provided with the limiting component 41 described later, etc.) is used only at one end portion in the direction of the rotation axis, the effect of the present invention described later can be exerted. Specifically, the ball bearing is specifically, after the fixation of the panel 40 on one end portion in the direction of the rotation axis to the developing device 13 is released, the shaft portion 13a20 inserted into the ball bearing of the developing device 13 can be removed in a pulling manner by tilting the developing device 13 relative to the drum shaft. This is because, even if a known panel including the aforementioned ball bearing is mounted on the other end portion in the direction of the rotation axis, the developing device 13 can be slightly tilted due to the warping of the panel and the cartridge case 50 and the play of the ball bearing. However, in this case, the panel 40 on one end portion in the direction of the rotation axis (provided with a limiting member 41, etc., which will be described later) is preferably formed to have a small outer shape compared to the known panel including the aforementioned ball bearing. With this configuration, the amount of tilting required to remove the developing device 13 from the cartridge case 50 can be reduced. Therefore, defects such as damage and plastic deformation of the panel and the cartridge case 50 on the other end portion in the direction of the rotation axis are also reduced.

[0086] Here, as Figures 11 to 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the process cartridge 10BK (holding device) of this embodiment, the restriction member 41 is detachably mounted in the cartridge case 50 (housing). The restriction member 41 is a member that restricts the movement of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) away from the panel 40 (positioning member) in a predetermined direction (in the case of FIG. 1 ). Figure 11 That is, the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) is urged by the limiting member 41 to abut against the panel 40 (movement in the separation direction is limited), and the axial distance between the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) and the photosensitive drum 11 positioned in the cartridge case 50 is regulated.

[0087] Here, if Figure 11 As shown, in the limiting member 41 of this embodiment, a substantially hemispherical contact portion 41a is formed that protrudes toward the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20). Figure 14In the process cartridge 10BK of another embodiment described, the shaft portion 13a10 on one end portion does not rotate, but the shaft portion 13a20 on the other end portion rotates, thereby reducing the sliding friction of the restriction member 41 caused by the sliding contact with the shaft portion 13a20 due to the point contact of the abutment portion 41a. Figure 14 In the process cartridge 10BK according to another embodiment, by making the restricting member 41 a material that wears more easily than the panel 40, a difference in the progression of wear is generated, and wear of the panel 40 can be reduced. Therefore, fluctuations in the developing gap H caused by wear of the panel 40 can be suppressed. In order to further reduce the sliding friction of the restricting member 41, the restricting member 41 may be made of a sliding resin, or a lubricant such as grease may be applied to the contact portion between the restricting member 41 and the shaft portion 13a20.

[0088] Here, if Figures 11 to 13 As shown, in the card box body 50 serving as a shell, two wall portions 50a and 50b serving as limiting portions are provided to limit the movement of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) in a direction intersecting the specified direction limited by the panel 40 (positioning component) and the limiting component 41 (a direction intersecting the horizontal direction). The two wall portions 50a and 50b (limiting portions) are opposed to each other in such a manner as to sandwich the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20), and are formed into a beak shape (a cutout shape) at the front end portion of the card box body 50. The facing distance between the two wall portions 50a and 50b is set to be consistent with (or slightly larger than) the axial diameter of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20). Therefore, the up, down, left, and right movements of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) are positioned by being limited by the limiting component 41, the panel 40, and the two wall portions 50a and 50b. In addition, as Figure 12 As shown, in a state where the restriction member 41 is removed, the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) can slide along the two wall portions 50a, 50b.

[0089] More specifically, both of the wall portions 50a, 50b (restriction portions) are formed in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) relative to the cartridge case 50 (housing). Figure 12 In addition, the two wall portions 50a, 50b have a root portion (a portion connected to the main body of the cartridge case 50, which is the bottom of the cutout) located closer to the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) than the portion 40a of the panel 40 abutting against the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20). That is, Figure 12In the embodiment, the bases of the two wall portions 50a and 50b are located further to the right than the abutment portion 40a. With this configuration, the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) does not abut the bases of the two wall portions 50a and 50b, but abuts the abutment portion 40a of the panel 40. Therefore, the facing distance H (development gap) between the developing roller 13a and the photosensitive drum 11 is accurately set by the panel 40.

[0090] In addition, refer to Figures 11 to 13 In this embodiment, one end portion (upper portion) of the limiting member 41 is held by one wall portion 50a of the two wall portions 50a and 50b, and the other end portion (lower portion) is fitted into a recess 50b1 formed in the other wall portion 50b, so as to limit movement in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body). Figure 11 Specifically, a screw through hole is formed in the upper portion of the limiting member 41. A female threaded portion is formed in the upper wall portion 50a at a position facing the screw through hole of the limiting member 41. A recessed portion 50b1 ( Figure 12 The width of the opening in the left-right direction is set to be larger than the thickness of the limiting component 41). Then, with the lower portion of the limiting component 41 embedded in the recess 50b1, the screw 61 is screwed into the female threaded portion of the upper wall portion 50a via the threaded hole of the limiting component 41. As a result, the limiting component 41 is fixed (positioned) to the cartridge case 50, effectively achieving the function of limiting the movement of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) in the departure direction of the limiting component 41. When removing the limiting component 41 from the cartridge case 50, the operation can be easily performed by releasing the screwing of one screw 61. In addition, in the present embodiment, the limiting component 41 is detachably mounted on the panel 40 by threaded fastening. However, the method of installing the limiting component 41 is not limited to this. For example, the limiting component 41 can also be detachably mounted on the panel 40 by snap-fitting.

[0091] Here, the interval between the contact portion 41a and the abutting portion 40a is preferably set to be slightly narrower than the diameter of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20). With such a structure, the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) is forced toward the abutting portion 40a of the panel 40 by the limiting component 41, and the position of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) relative to the panel 40 (abutting portion 40a) can be easily determined. In addition, an elastic component can also be installed on the contact portion 41a, and the elastic force of the elastic component can be used to force the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) toward the abutting portion 40a of the panel 40. Even in this case, the position of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) relative to the panel 40 (abutting portion 40a) can be easily determined.

[0092] In the processing cartridge 10BK (holding device) constructed as described above, the position of the developing roller 13a (shaft portions 13a10, 13a20) relative to the photosensitive drum 11 (drum shaft 11a) is determined by the panel 40. In particular, the developing roller 13a is held by the limiting member 41 so that the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) is in close contact with the panel 40 (abutting portion 40a). In addition, the developing roller 13a is restricted so that the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) is interposed between the two wall portions 50a and 50b, thereby also accurately setting the posture (inclination and angle) relative to the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, the interaxial distance and positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a are regulated, and the developing gap H (see Figure 10 ) is accurately set to the target value. In particular, when the developer carried on the developing roller 13a contacts the photosensitive drum 11, even if the developing roller 13a receives pressure (reaction force) from the developer, the developing gap H does not change, and a good developing step is performed.

[0093] In this embodiment, the two wall portions 50a and 50b are Figure 12 The shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) is opened to the left in the middle so that the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) can be inserted and removed relative to the two wall portions 50a, 50b (card box body 50). As a result, the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) can be inserted and removed in the middle. Figure 12 The shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow to be removed from the cartridge case body 50, and the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) can be moved in the opposite direction to be attached to the cartridge case body 50. In addition, the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) can move (slide) along the two wall portions 50a, 50b.

[0094] As described above, the process cartridge 10BK according to this embodiment reduces the time and effort involved in maintaining and replacing the developing roller 13a. Specifically, when performing maintenance or replacement of the developing roller 13a (of the developing device 13), the developing roller 13a (of the developing device 13) can be installed or removed from the process cartridge 10BK (cartridge housing 50) while the photosensitive drum 11 and the face plate 40 are already installed, without the time and effort required to remove the photosensitive drum 11 and the face plate 40 from the process cartridge 10BK (cartridge housing 50).

[0095] In particular, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12In this embodiment, when viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body), both wall portions 50a, 50b (restricting portions) are formed parallel to an imaginary line S1 passing through the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 11 and the rotation center of the developing roller 13a. As a result, the attachability and detachability of the developing roller 13a (of the developing device 13) relative to the process cartridge 10BK are improved. On the other hand, the developing roller 13a receives pressure from the photosensitive drum 11 side, and the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) easily moves along the wall portions 50a and 50b. However, this movement of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) is effectively restricted by the restricting member 41.

[0096] Here, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the present embodiment, the panel 40 serving as a positioning component is detachably connected to the cartridge body 50 (in the present embodiment, threaded fastening is adopted). The cartridge body 50 is a shell of the processing cartridge 10BK that is different from the developer cartridge body 13r, and holds a charging device 12 and a cleaning device 15 in addition to the photosensitive drum 11. In addition to the developing roller 13a, the developer cartridge body 13r also holds two conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 and a scraper 13c. Specifically, the panel 40 has three screw through holes into which the screws 60 can be inserted. In addition, three female threaded portions are formed on the side of the cartridge body 50. Then, the screws 60 are screwed into the three female threaded portions of the cartridge body 50 respectively through the screw through holes of the panel 40.

[0097] Here, in a state where the connection of the limiting part 41 to the cartridge case body 50 is released (one screw 61 is removed), the developing device 13 is formed to be detachably mounted on the cartridge case body 50 (processing cartridge 10BK) together with the developing roller 13a by moving the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) of the developing roller 13a between the two wall portions 50a and 50b.

[0098] Specifically, if Figure 11 As shown, in order to perform maintenance, replacement, etc. of the developing device 13, when the developing device 13 is detached from the process cartridge 10BK to which the developing device 13 is coupled via the restricting member 41, the process cartridge 10BK is first removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown, in the removed process cartridge 10BK, remove the screws 61 (one each in the two panels 40 at both ends) that connect the limiting member 41. At this time, the photosensitive drum 11 and the panel 40 remain connected to the cartridge body 50. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown in FIG. 1 , in a state where the regulating member 41 is removed, the developing device 13 is moved in the horizontal direction along the walls 50a and 50b of the cartridge case 50, and the developing device 13 is removed from the process cartridge 10BK. At this time, in the process cartridge 10BK, components other than the developing device 13 (the photosensitive drum 11, the charging device 12, and the cleaning device 15) continue to be retained in the cartridge case 50. When the developing device 13 is mounted to the process cartridge 10BK, the operation is performed in the reverse order of the above-described removal procedure.

[0099] By configuring the process cartridge 10BK in this manner, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for maintaining and replacing the developing device 13. Specifically, when performing maintenance or replacement of the developing device 13, the developing device 13 can be mounted on and removed from the cartridge case 50 without requiring the time and effort required to remove the photosensitive drum 11 and the panel 40 from the cartridge case 50.

[0100] In the process cartridge 10BK of this embodiment, the angle of the developing roller 13a relative to the photosensitive drum 11 is determined not by a panel but by two walls 50a and 50b (restricting portions) provided in the cartridge body 50 (wall portion). As a result, the angle of the developing roller 13a relative to the photosensitive drum 11, which could deviate from the target value due to the accumulation of dimensional errors among multiple related components, is less likely to occur. Furthermore, the panel 40 of this embodiment has only the function of defining the developing gap H, and does not have the function of defining the angle of the developing roller 13a relative to the photosensitive drum 11. Therefore, compared to a panel that has the function of defining both the developing gap H and the angle, component yield is improved (manufacturing can be simplified).

[0101] Third Modification

[0102] like Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B As shown, Figures 10 to 13 The two wall portions 50a, 50b (restriction portions) in the third modification of the embodiment shown are formed to have a thickness thinner than the thickness of the cartridge case 50 (housing). Specifically, in order to reduce the contact area with the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20), Figure 15A The upper and lower wall portions 50 a, 50 b shown are both formed to have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the cassette case body 50 . Figure 15B The upper and lower walls 50a and 50b are formed spaced apart in the direction of the rotation axis, thereby contacting the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) at two locations. By reducing the thickness (width in the direction of the rotation axis) of the walls 50a and 50b in this manner, the area required for dimensional control during manufacturing can be reduced, making it easier to set the dimensions of the walls 50a and 50b to the target values. Furthermore, when the shaft portion 13a20 rotates, sliding friction with the shaft portion 13a20 can be reduced.

[0103] Fourth Modification

[0104] like Figure 1 As shown in the fifth modification, Figures 10 to 13 The panel 40 (positioning member) in the fourth modified example of the embodiment shown is formed so that the abutting portion 40a protrudes toward the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) and abuts against the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20). In addition, the restricting member 41 is formed so that the abutting portion 41a protrudes toward the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) and abuts against the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20). In addition, the abutting portion 40a and the abutting portion 41a are configured so that the positions of the abutting portion and the abutting portion in the direction of the rotation axis ( Figure 1 Fifth Modification and Figure 16B With this configuration, compared with a case where the abutting portion 40a and the abutting portion 41a are configured to be widely separated in the direction of the rotation axis, a rotational moment is less likely to occur in the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) sandwiched between the abutting portion 40a (panel 40) and the abutting portion 41a (limiting member 41), and a defect of twisting of the developing roller 13a is less likely to occur. Therefore, the developing gap H is accurately set in the direction of the rotation axis. As long as it is within the range where the developing roller 13a does not twist, as Figure 16B As shown, the abutting portion 40 a and the contact portion 41 a may be arranged to be slightly offset in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0105] Fifth Modification

[0106] like Figure 17 As shown, Figures 10 to 13 The panel 40 (positioning member) in the fifth modification of the embodiment shown is also installed in the cartridge 50 (housing), so that the facing distance H between the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) and the developing roller 13a (second rotating body) can be adjusted. Here, the panel 40 in the fifth modification is installed in the cartridge housing 50 so as to be able to be adjusted along the rotation center (drum shaft 11a) of the photosensitive drum 11. Figure 17. Furthermore, the panel 40 is provided with a plurality of abutting portions 40a1 to 40a3 arranged in parallel at different distances R1 to R3 (radii) from the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 11. With this configuration, by changing the rotational orientation of the panel 40 (by rotating the panel around the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 11), the abutting portions 40a1 to 40a3 against which the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) abuts can be switched, thereby adjusting the developing gap H to a desired value. Specifically, the above-mentioned distances R1 to R3 have a relationship of R1>R2>R3. When the first abutting portion 40a1 abuts against the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20), the developing gap H is widest, when the second abutting portion 40a2 abuts against the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20), the developing gap H is intermediate, and when the third abutting portion 40a3 abuts against the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20), the developing gap H is narrowest. In the fifth modified example, the above-mentioned distances R1 to R3 are set to decrease in increments of 0.01 mm, and the developing gap H can be adjusted in increments of 0.01 mm. In the modified example, the abutting portions 40a1 to 40a3 of the panel 40 are formed in a stepped shape, so that the developing gap H can be increased and decreased in a multi-stage manner. On the other hand, the abutting portion of the panel 40 can be formed in a cam surface shape, so that the developing gap H can be continuously increased or decreased.

[0107] Sixth Modification

[0108] like Figure 18 As shown, in Figures 10 to 13 In the wall portions 50a, 50b (restriction portion) of the sixth modified example of the embodiment shown, as a restriction member for restricting the movement of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20), a leaf spring 42 is used as a member for moving the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) toward the panel 40 side ( Figure 18 The leaf spring 42 (limiting component) as the elastic component is a metal plate formed into a roughly L-shape and having electrical conductivity and spring properties. On the other hand, an insertion through-hole 50e is formed in the wall portions 50a, 50b (limiting portions), so that the leaf spring 42 can be inserted elastically deformed by abutting against the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20). The insertion through-hole 50e is a through-hole through which the pressing portion (the portion other than the bent portion) of the leaf spring 42 can be elastically deformed and inserted, and passes through the upper wall portion 50a. The lower wall portion 50b is the portion into which the front end portion of the leaf spring 42 is inserted. The bent portion of the leaf spring 42 abuts against the upper surface of the upper wall portion 50a in a manner that allows for surface contact. In the absence of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) (not in an elastically deformed state), as Figure 18 As shown by the dotted line in FIG, the leaf spring 42 enters the range where the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) is to be installed (within the outer diameter range of the shaft portion). Then, in the state where the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) is installed, the leaf spring 42 is as follows. Figure 18 The shaft portion 13a10 is elastically deformed as shown by the solid line in the figure, and the shaft portion (developing roller 13a) is urged toward the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, the shaft portion 13a10 abuts against the abutting portion 40a (panel 40) in a close contact manner, and the interaxial distance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a is regulated, and the developing gap H (see FIG. Figure 10 ) is accurately set to the target value. In particular, the tip of the leaf spring 42 in the sixth modification is detachably inserted into the recess 50f, making it easier to ensure a force applied to the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20). Consequently, the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) can more easily achieve the effect of closely contacting the contact portion 40a.

[0109] Here, refer to Figure 18 The process cartridge 10BK in the sixth modification is configured to apply a developing bias to the shaft portion 13a10 of the developing roller 13a via the leaf spring 42 (restricting member). Specifically, the leaf spring 42 is configured to be electrically and non-electrically connected to the power supply 90 installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1 in conjunction with the movement of installing and removing the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK) relative to the image forming apparatus main body 1. Then, in a state where the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK) is installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1, in a normal imaging process, as described above with reference to Figure 2 As described above, a predetermined developing bias is applied from the power source 90 to the developing roller 13a via the leaf spring 42, and the developing step is performed. By making the leaf spring 42 also function as an electrode for applying the developing bias in this manner, the size and cost of the device can be reduced compared to the case where such an electrode is specially installed.

[0110] As described above, the processing cartridge 10BK in this embodiment is a holding device that rotatably holds the photosensitive drum 11 (first rotating body) and the developing roller 13a (second rotating body), in which a cartridge case body 50 (shell) that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 11 is installed. In addition, the panel 40 (positioning component) that abuts against and defines the facing distance H between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 13a is installed in the cartridge case body 50. In addition, the limiting component 41 that limits the movement of the shaft portion 13a10 (13a20) in a state of abutting against the panel 40 in a specified direction away from the panel 40 is installed on the cartridge case body 50 so as to be able to be loaded and unloaded. Here, as Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the cartridge housing 50 is provided with two walls 50a and 50b (restriction portions) to restrict the movement of the shaft 13a10 (13a20) in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction restricted by the panel 40 and the restriction member 41. As a result, the time and labor for maintenance and replacement can be reduced.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the drum shaft 11a, which is the engaged portion of the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier), is configured to be embedded in the through hole of the engaged portion of the cartridge case 50 (shell). However, the combination of the engaged portion of the image carrier and the engaged portion of the shell is not limited to this. For example, the concave flange of the engaged portion of the photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) can be configured to engage with the convex part of the engaged portion of the shell. In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably held by the cartridge case 50 (shell), but the photosensitive drum 11 can be rotatably held by the panel 40. In the present embodiment, the two wall portions 50a, 50b are formed along the direction in which the imaginary line S1 (the imaginary line connecting the center of the drum shaft 11a and the center of the shaft portion 13a10) extends, but the direction in which the two wall portions 50a, 50b extend is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the two walls 50a and 50b are formed to extend in the horizontal direction, but the extending direction of the two walls 50a and 50b is not limited thereto as long as the opening is arranged not to face the photosensitive drum 11. In this case, the same effect as described above is obtained.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the present invention (panel 40, limiting component 41 and two wall portions 50a, 50b) is applied to the positioning units at both ends of the processing cartridge 10BK. However, even if the positioning unit involved in the present invention is only installed on one end in the direction of the rotation axis, in the case where the developing device 13 can be removed from the processing cartridge 10BK by removing only the limiting component 41 on the one end, there is no need to apply the positioning unit involved in the present invention to the positioning unit on the other end. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the processing cartridge 10BK (holding device) that rotatably holds the photosensitive drum 11 as the first rotating body and the developing roller 13a as the second rotating body. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as the holding device rotatably holds the first rotating body and the second rotating body, the present invention can be applied to the holding device, the first rotating body and the second rotating body as a whole. This case also obtains an effect that is basically the same as the above-mentioned effect.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a process cartridge 10BK comprising a photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier), a developing device 13, a charging device 12, and a cleaning device 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this process cartridge and is applicable to any process cartridge that includes at least a photosensitive drum (image carrier) and a developing device (developer carrier). This also achieves substantially the same effects as described above. Furthermore, in this application, a "process cartridge" is defined as a unit in which at least one of a charging device for charging the image carrier, a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a cleaning device for cleaning the image carrier is integrated with the image carrier and configured to be removable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0114] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, in light of the above teachings, many additional modifications and variations are possible. For example, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and / or substituted for each other within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components are not limited to the present embodiment and may be any number, position, shape, etc. suitable for practicing the present invention.

[0115] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-152338 filed in the Japan Patent Office on September 10, 2020, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-157218 filed in the Japan Patent Office on September 18, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

Claims

1. A positioning component configured to define a facing distance between a first rotating body and a second rotating body, the positioning component comprising: an engaging portion rotatably engaged with the engaged portion of the first rotating body; a groove having a slot shape extending from the opening portion to the abutting portion in a predetermined direction, wherein the shaft portion of the second rotating body is slidably movable in the groove; as well as In the groove, when the shaft portion abuts against the abutting portion, a limiting member is provided for limiting movement of the shaft portion in the predetermined direction. Wherein, the limiting component is detachably arranged on the groove, The limiting member is an elastic member configured to bias the shaft portion toward the engaged portion. The elastic member is a substantially L-shaped leaf spring, and Wherein, the positioning component includes: The pressing portion of the leaf spring excluding the bent portion is elastically deformable and inserted into an insertion through-hole intersecting and communicating with the groove, and The bent portion of the leaf spring abuts against the flat portion in a surface-contact manner.

2. The positioning component according to claim 1, in, The abutting portion of the groove has an arc-shaped surface portion having substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the shaft portion.

3. The positioning component according to claim 1, in, The contact portion of the groove has a surface portion formed in an arc shape with the rotation center of the fitting portion as a center.

4. The positioning component according to claim 1, in, The abutting portion of the groove has two facing surfaces whose distance gradually decreases toward the fitting portion.

5. The positioning component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The predetermined direction is a direction in which an imaginary line passing through the center of the fitting portion and the center of the abutting portion extends.

6. The positioning component according to claim 1, in, The leaf spring has a convex portion configured to make point contact with the shaft portion provided on the abutting portion.

7. The positioning component according to claim 1, in, The positioning member has a fixing portion into which a front end portion of the pressing portion of the leaf spring has been inserted through the groove and fixed.

8. A process cartridge detachably mounted relative to a main body of an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge comprising: an image carrier serving as the first rotating body, and a developing device rotatably holding a developer carrying body as the second rotating body, wherein the developing device is detachably mounted in the processing cartridge, and The positioning member according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is detachably provided on at least one end portion of the developing device in the direction of the rotation axis.

9. A process cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising another positioning member for regulating a facing distance between said image carrier and said developer carrier, said another positioning member being detachably provided at the other end portion in the direction of said rotation axis, in, The other positioning component comprises: an engaging portion rotatably engaged with the engaged portion of the image carrier, and The shaft portion of the developer carrier is fitted with a positioning through-hole via a detachable bearing. Wherein, the positioning component is arranged at one end portion in the direction of the rotation axis, and The other positioning member is detachably arranged at the other end portion in the direction of the rotation axis.

10. The process cartridge according to claim 8 or 9, in, A developing bias is applied to the shaft portion of the developer bearing member via the regulating member of the positioning member.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising: The positioning member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the positioning member is detachably provided in the image forming apparatus; or A process cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the process cartridge is detachably provided in the image forming apparatus.

Images