Processing box

Abstract

A process cartridge includes: a drum unit including a driving member and a photosensitive drum; a frame body having an opening through which a portion of the drum unit is exposed; a shutter member that shields the photosensitive drum exposed through the opening; and a link member connecting the frame body and the shutter member. The shutter member is movable from a shielding position to an open position. A joint between the link member and the baffle member is disposed on a portion of the baffle member. The link member has a first portion extending from the joint toward an outer side of the baffle member. In the shielding position, at least a portion of the first portion overlaps the driving member in the drum axis direction, and at least a portion of the first portion overlaps the driving member in a view in an opening direction of the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process cartridge. Background Art

[0002] In a process cartridge (which is attachable to and removable from a device body of an image forming apparatus and includes a photosensitive drum and a driving member (e.g., a gear) for inputting a driving force to the photosensitive drum), scratches or dents formed on the photosensitive drum or the driving member may have an adverse effect on the produced image. In order to solve the problem, a structure for protecting the process cartridge has been disclosed so that the photosensitive drum and the driving member are not scratched or dented even when the process cartridge is removed from the image forming apparatus.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent No. 3290597 discloses a structure for protecting a photosensitive member and an electrical contact by using a shutter member for protecting a link member and a photosensitive drum.

[0004] According to Japanese Patent No. 3290597, since the shutter member protects not only the photosensitive drum but also the driving member for driving the photosensitive drum, the shutter member needs to be large in size so as to cover the photosensitive drum and the driving member. As a result, the process cartridge itself may need to be increased in size. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide protection for a cartridge while suppressing an increase in size.

[0006] The present invention is a process cartridge that can be attached to and removed from a device main body of an image forming device, the process cartridge comprising:

[0007] a drum unit including: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to a first direction; and a driving member provided at an end portion of the photosensitive drum in the first direction;

[0008] a frame body that rotatably supports the drum unit and has an opening that opens in a second direction that intersects the first direction, the opening exposing a portion of the drum unit in a circumferential direction thereof;

[0009] a shutter member arranged downstream of the portion of the photosensitive drum exposed through the opening in the second direction and shielding a surface of the photosensitive drum, which is the portion of the drum unit exposed through the opening,

[0010] a link member supported on the frame body in a manner rotatable in a third direction, the third direction being a direction of rotation about an axis parallel to the first direction and intersecting the second direction, and connecting the frame body and a baffle member attached to the link member, wherein

[0011] The shutter member is rotated by the rotation of the link member and is movable in the third direction between a shielding position shielding the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum and an open position not shielding the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum,

[0012] The side of the photosensitive drum along the first direction on which the driving member is provided is a driving side, the side of the photosensitive drum not provided with the driving member is a non-driving side, and the direction in which the baffle member moves from the shielding position toward the opening position within the movable range of the baffle member is a positive direction along the third direction,

[0013] The link member is rotatably supported on a portion of the frame body on the driving side in the first direction and is attached to a portion of the baffle member on the driving side in the first direction,

[0014] When the shutter member is in the shielding position, the joint between the link member and the shutter member is located on a portion of the shutter member on the positive direction side in the third direction.

[0015] The link member has a first portion extending from the joint toward the exterior of the baffle member in a first direction from the non-driving side toward the driving side, and

[0016] When the shutter member is in the shielding position, at least a portion of the first portion overlaps the drive member in the first direction, and at least a portion of the first portion overlaps the drive member in a view along the second direction.

[0017] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1A is a bottom view of the process cartridge, wherein the baffle unit is in a shielding position;

[0019] Figure 1B is a side view of the process cartridge with the shutter unit in a shielding position;

[0020] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 is a front view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of aa in FIG.

[0023] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of bb in;

[0024] Figure 6 is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of cc in;

[0025] Fig. 7A is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment;

[0026] Figure 7B is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment;

[0027] Fig. 8A is a side view showing a developing unit in contact with a photosensitive drum;

[0028] Figure 8B is a side view showing the developing unit separated from the photosensitive drum;

[0029] Fig. 9 is a front view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment;

[0030] Fig.10 is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of dd in;

[0031] Fig.11 is along Fig. 9 The cross-sectional view of ee in;

[0032] Fig. 12A is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment;

[0033] Fig. 12B is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment;

[0034] Fig.13A is a bottom view of the process cartridge, wherein the baffle unit is in a shielding position;

[0035] Fig. 13B is a side view of the process cartridge with the shutter unit in a shielding position;

[0036] Fig.14 is a perspective view of the baffle unit;

[0037] Fig.15A is a side view of the process cartridge with the shutter unit in a shielding position;

[0038] Fig. 15B is a schematic diagram showing a projection of the protruding portion and the drum gear onto an imaginary plane perpendicular to the second direction, wherein the baffle unit is in a shielding position;

[0039] Fig.16A is a bottom view of the process cartridge with the shutter unit in an open position;

[0040] Fig. 16B is a side view of the process cartridge with the shutter unit in an open position;

[0041] Fig.17A is a bottom view of the process cartridge with the shutter unit in an open position;

[0042] Fig. 17B is a side view of the process cartridge with the shutter unit in an open position; and

[0043] Fig.18 is a side view of the process box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The exemplary embodiments for implementing the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The size, material, shape and relative positioning of the components described in the embodiments may be appropriately changed based on the structure of the device to which the present invention is applied or based on various conditions, and the embodiments described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0045] The embodiments described below relate to an imaging device that forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic system. Examples of electrophotographic imaging devices include an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (e.g., an LED printer or a laser beam printer), a fax machine, and a word processor. In the electrophotographic imaging device, an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image bearing member is uniformly charged. Then, the charged photosensitive member is selectively exposed to form an electrostatic image on the photosensitive member. Then, the electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive member is developed into a visible image as a toner image using a toner as a developer. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive member is transferred to a recording medium (e.g., recording paper or a plastic sheet). Then, the toner image is fixed by applying heat and pressure to the toner image that has been transferred to the recording medium, thereby recording the image on the recording medium.

[0046] Generally, such an image forming apparatus has various processing units that require maintenance. In order to facilitate the maintenance of these various processing units, a processing cartridge is used. The processing cartridge is a cartridge including the above-mentioned elements, such as a photosensitive member, a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit, which are integrated into a frame body and are arranged to be removable from the device body of the image forming apparatus. With such a processing cartridge, an image forming apparatus having excellent usability can be provided.

[0047] First embodiment

[0048] The following will refer to Figure 1A and 1B 18 to 18 are used to describe the first embodiment. Figure 2 The overall configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment is described.

[0049] Imaging equipment

[0050] The image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment is an electrophotographic laser printer. Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 200 includes an apparatus body (printer body) A, a process cartridge B as an image forming unit, and a toner cartridge C. Components such as a laser scanner 101, a sheet conveyor 102, a sheet feeder 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing unit 105, a sheet discharge unit 110, and a reverse conveyor 111 are installed in the apparatus body A. The process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C are removably arranged inside the apparatus body A, and will be described in more detail later. In order to make these cartridges removable, the apparatus body A has a door 107.

[0051] The process box B includes: a photosensitive drum 11, which serves as an image bearing member and a photosensitive member; a charging roller 12, which is a charging member; a developing unit 15; and a cleaning blade 17, which is a cleaning member. Above the process box B, a laser scanner 101 serving as an exposure unit is provided.

[0052] The charging roller 12 is arranged to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and charges the photosensitive drum 11 with a voltage applied from the apparatus body A. When the photosensitive drum 11 rotates, the charging roller 12 is driven to rotate. The developing unit 15 has a developing roller 16, which is a developer carrier for carrying and conveying a toner (the toner is a developer). The developing roller 16 is arranged to face the photosensitive drum 11.

[0053] The cleaning blade 17 is an elastic member arranged to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The front end portion of the cleaning blade 17 elastically contacts the photosensitive drum 11, thereby removing residual toner from the photosensitive drum 11 after a sheet S (described later) passes between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104.

[0054] The sheet feeder 103 includes a cassette 103a and a pickup roller 103b for feeding the uppermost sheet S stored in the cassette 103a. The sheet feeder 103 further includes a separation roller 103c and a separation pad 103d for separating the sheets S fed by the pickup roller 103b one at a time. The sheet conveyor 102 includes a conveying roller pair 102a and a registration roller pair 102b for conveying the sheet S fed from the sheet feeder 103. The registration roller pair 102b conveys the sheet S to the transfer unit between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104 at a timing synchronized with the arrival of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0055] The fixing unit 105 includes a fixing roller 105a, which is heated by a heat source (e.g., a heater); and a pressure roller 105b, which forms a fixing nip with the fixing roller 105a (between which the sheet is held). The sheet S having the toner image transferred in the transfer unit is conveyed to the fixing unit 105, and is heated and pressed in the fixing nip. Thus, the toner image is fixed on the sheet S.

[0056] The sheet discharge unit 110 includes a discharge roller pair 110a, and discharges the sheet S having the fixed toner image onto the discharge tray 106 using the discharge roller pair 110a. The reverse conveyor 111 has a reverse conveyor roller pair 111a, and in a setting for forming images on both sides of the sheet S, reverses the sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 105, and conveys the sheet S toward the registration roller pair 102b.

[0057] The following will refer to Figure 2 The operation of the image forming apparatus 200 is described. The charging roller 12 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 11, which is driven to rotate by a driving source (motor) not shown, to a predetermined potential. Then, the laser scanner 101 exposes the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 based on image information and removes the charge from the exposed portion, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 16 then supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 and visualizes the image as a toner image.

[0058] In parallel with this toner image forming operation, the sheet feeder 103 feeds the sheet S. The sheet S fed by the sheet feeder 103 is conveyed to the transfer unit by the registration roller pair 102b at a timing synchronized with the timing of arrival of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11. When the sheet S passes through the transfer unit, the apparatus body A applies a voltage to the transfer roller 104 so as to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 onto the sheet S as an unfixed image. The sheet S with the transferred toner image is then conveyed to the fixing unit 105, and the unfixed image on the sheet S is heated and pressurized, thereby being fixed on the surface of the sheet S. The sheet discharge unit 110 then discharges the sheet S with the fixed toner image, and stacks the sheet S on the discharge tray 106. When images are to be formed on both sides of the sheet S, the sheet S is conveyed to the reverse conveyor 111 , and a toner image is formed on the back side of the sheet S in the same manner as described above.

[0059] Processing box

[0060] The following will refer to Figures 3 to 8A 8B illustrate the process box B. Figures 3 to 5As shown, the process cartridge B includes a cleaning unit (first unit) 10 including a photosensitive drum 11 and a cleaning blade 17; and a developing unit (second unit) 15 including a developing roller 16. The cleaning unit 10 has a cleaning frame body 20, and the developing unit 15 has a developing frame body 24. In addition to the cleaning frame body 20 and the developing frame body 24, the cartridge frame body 75 forming the process cartridge B also includes supporting members 4 and 5 and a side cover 7, which will be described later. The cleaning unit 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11, a cleaning blade 17, a charging roller 12, a charging roller cleaner 14, a waste toner primary storage 10a, a first waste toner conveying passage 10b, and a second waste toner conveying passage 10c. The charging roller cleaner 14 is a member for cleaning the charging roller 12. The toner (waste toner) removed from the photosensitive drum 11 by the cleaning blade 17 is conveyed from the waste toner primary storage 10 a into the toner cartridge C through the first waste toner conveying passage 10 b and the second waste toner conveying passage 10 c .

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the developing unit 15 includes a developing roller 16, a supply roller 13, a developing blade 18, a developing chamber 151, a developer storage chamber 152, and a toner receiving chamber 153. The developing roller 16 is arranged inside the developing chamber 151. The developer storage chamber 152 supplies toner into the developing chamber 151. The toner receiving chamber 153 receives the toner supplied from the toner cartridge C. The developing roller 16 rotates so as to carry the toner and supply the toner to the developing area of ​​the photosensitive drum 11. The developing roller 16 then develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 with the toner. The supply roller 13 supplies the toner inside the developing chamber 151 to the developing roller 16. The supply roller 13 is arranged in such a manner that the direction of its rotation axis is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 16, and has an elastic layer on the outer peripheral surface, such as a layer made of sponge, to facilitate the conveyance of the developer. The developing blade 18 restricts the amount of toner attached (carried) on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 16 by contacting the circumferential surface of the developing roller 16. The developing blade 18 also frictionally charges the toner.

[0062] The developer storage chamber 152 is communicated with the developing chamber 151, and stores the toner to be supplied to the developing chamber 151. The toner stored in the developer storage chamber 152 is sent to the developing chamber 151, and is supplied to the developing roller 16 by the rotation of the stirring member 154. The amount of the remaining toner in the developer storage chamber 152 is detected by a remaining toner detector not shown. Once the amount of toner in the developer storage chamber 152 drops to a level equal to or lower than a predetermined level, the toner in the toner cartridge C is supplied to the process cartridge B.

[0063] The toner receiving chamber 153 communicates with the developer storage chamber 152, and supplies the toner received from the toner cartridge C to the developer storage chamber 152. The toner is supplied from the toner cartridge C to the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge B through the supply port 21c of the holder 21, the toner receiving chamber 153, and the passage port 21d, and is stored in the developer storage chamber 152.

[0064] The following will refer to Figure 4 , 7A , 7B, 8A and 8B describe in detail the structure of the process cartridge B. As described above, the cleaning unit 10 includes the photosensitive drum 11, the charging roller 12 and the cleaning blade 17. The developing unit 15 includes the developing roller 16, the developing blade 18, the developing chamber 151, the developer storage chamber 152 and the toner receiving chamber 153.

[0065] like Fig. 7A and 7B As shown, the cleaning unit 10 includes a cleaning frame body 20, a bracket 21, and a side cover 7, and the cleaning frame body 20 forms a part of the box frame body 75. The cleaning frame body 20 supports the cleaning blade 17, the charging roller 12, and the charging roller cleaner 14. Figure 7B As shown, one side of the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably supported by a drum pin 22 attached to the cleaning frame body 20 , and the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 11 is supported by a photosensitive drum supporting portion 7 b provided on the side cover 7 .

[0066] like Fig. 7A and 7B As shown, the support member 4 and the support member 5 are arranged at the respective ends of the developing roller 16 in the direction of the rotation axis. The developing unit 15 is coupled to the cleaning unit 10 in a manner that can pivot around a swing axis 8, which is defined by a line including an axis 8a and an axis 8b. The swing axis 8 is arranged to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0067] The structure for supporting the developing unit 15 on the cleaning unit 10 will be described in detail below. Fig. 7A As shown, the cylindrical portion 5a of the support member 5 (the cylindrical portion 5a is a component forming the cartridge frame body 75 of the cleaning unit 10) is supported in a cylindrical hole 7a provided in the side cover 7, which is also a component forming the cartridge frame body 75. The shaft 8a is defined by a common axis shared between the cylindrical hole 7a of the side cover 7 and the cylindrical portion 5a of the support member 5. A developing coupling 155 is provided at the rotation center of the cylindrical portion 5a of the support member 5, and the developing coupling 155 is a drive input member to which the driving force from the apparatus body A is input.

[0068] Moreover, if Figure 7BAs shown, the pin 6 is inserted into the cylindrical hole 20a provided on the cleaning frame body 20 of the cleaning unit 10 and the cylindrical hole 4a provided on the supporting member 4 (the supporting member 4 forms a part of the box frame body 75) in a manner that spans the cylindrical holes 20a and 4a. The shaft 8b is determined by the common axis shared between the pin 6 and the cylindrical hole 4a of the supporting member 4. The shaft 8a and the shaft 8b are arranged substantially coaxially, and the swing axis 8 is defined by a line including the shaft 8a and the shaft 8b, as described above.

[0069] In the above-described manner, the developing unit 15 is supported on the cleaning unit 10 in a manner pivotable about the swing axis 8. The pressing springs 19a, 19b as elastic members apply a force that biases the developing unit 15 against the photosensitive drum 11 in the cleaning unit 10, and the developing roller 16 is thus held in contact with the photosensitive drum 11.

[0070] The following will refer to Fig. 8A and 8B An operation for releasing the contact between the developing unit 15 and the cleaning unit 10 is described. Fig. 8A and 8B 1 is an explanatory diagram with the side cover 7 removed, thereby showing the separation mechanism 100 of the device body A. Fig. 8A As shown, the protruding portion 5b is provided on the supporting member 5 at a position facing the separating mechanism 100. In the first embodiment, the separating mechanism 100 is provided below the developing unit 15 in the orientation in which the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus body A. The protruding portion 5b is provided on the bottom end portion of the supporting member 5. The separating mechanism 100 is provided on the apparatus body A and can be swung substantially up and down around a swing axis 100a by a driving source (e.g., a motor not shown).

[0071] like Fig. 8A As shown, when the protruding portion 5b is in a position not in contact with the separating mechanism 100, the developing roller 16 is kept in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 by the biasing force of the pressing springs 19a, 19b. This position is an image forming position, at which the developing roller 16 can develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0072] like Figure 8B As shown, the separation mechanism 100 provided on the apparatus body A swings about the swing axis 100a and contacts the protruding portion 5b. By the force thus applied from the separation mechanism 100 to the protruding portion 5b, the developing unit 15 is pivoted about the swing axis 8 in the direction of the arrow R2. As a result, the developing roller 16 overcomes the biasing force of the pressing springs 19a, 19b and is separated from the photosensitive drum 11. This position is a non-image forming position (to which the developing roller 16 retreats from the image forming position).

[0073] When the separation mechanism 100 is Figure 8BThe position shown (separated position, non-imaging position) is returned to the initial position. Fig. 8A When the developing unit 15 is in the position shown (contact position, imaging position), the separating mechanism 100 moves away from the protruding portion 5b. Then, the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 11 again by the biasing force of the pressing springs 19a, 19b. In the above manner, in the first embodiment, the separating mechanism 100 can switch the position of the developing unit 15 between the contact position (imaging position) and the separating position (non-imaging position). In other words, the orientation of the developing unit 15 can be switched between the contact position and the separating position relative to the photosensitive drum 11 inside the processing box B. Therefore, the deterioration of the toner and the unnecessary consumption of the toner during the non-imaging time can be suppressed.

[0074] As described above, the developing unit 15 pivots about the swing axis 8 so as to move between the contact position and the separation position relative to the cleaning unit 10. Therefore, when the developing unit 15 moves between the contact position and the separation position relative to the cleaning unit 10, the displacement of the developing coupling 155 can be kept very small, for example, at a level equivalent to the assembly clearance. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 5a of the supporting member 5 engages with the cylindrical hole 7a of the side cover 7 with an assembly clearance of 0.13 mm or less ( Fig. 7A ). Therefore, when the developing unit 15 moves between the contact position and the separation position, the resulting displacement of the developing coupling 155 does not exceed the assembly play.

[0075] Toner Cartridge

[0076] The following will refer to Figures 9 to 12A 12B and 12C illustrate the toner cartridge C. Fig. 9 As shown, the toner cartridge C is provided with a toner supply unit 30 and a waste toner storage unit 40. The toner cartridge C can be removed from the apparatus body A together with the process cartridge B, and can also be removed from the process cartridge B. The toner supply unit 30 can supply toner to the process cartridge B. The waste toner storage unit 40 can store waste toner collected by the process cartridge B.

[0077] Toner supply unit

[0078] like Fig.10As shown, the toner supply unit 30 includes: a toner supply container 31, which is a first storage container for storing toner; and a toner discharge port 31a, through which the toner in the toner supply container 31 is discharged to the outside. The toner supply container 31 includes a supply unit frame body 32a forming a toner storage 30a and a supply unit cover 32b. The supply unit frame body 32a is provided with the toner discharge port 31a, through which the toner in the toner storage 30a is discharged. The supply unit frame body 32a is also provided with a baffle member 34 capable of opening and closing the toner discharge port 31a. The baffle member 34 opens and closes the toner discharge port 31a by rotating in the direction of arrow R1 in a manner linked to the operation of attaching or detaching the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. The baffle member 34 is arranged outside the supply unit frame body 32a.

[0079] The toner storage 30a has a toner storage screw member 35 for conveying toner toward the toner discharge port 31a as a toner conveying member for conveying toner to the toner discharge port 31a. The toner storage 30a also has a toner storage stirring conveying unit 36 ​​for conveying toner toward the toner storage screw member 35.

[0080] like Fig. 12A and 12B As shown, the toner delivered to the toner discharge port 31a is discharged to the outside of the toner discharge port 31a by changing the capacity of the pump 37a provided on the pump unit 37. The pump unit 37 includes: a pump 37a whose capacity is changed by expansion and contraction; a cam 37b which rotates so that the pump 37a expands and contracts; and a link arm 37c. Fig. 8A , 8B , 12A and 12B, the toner supply unit 30 also includes a stirring driving force input unit 38 and a pump / screw driving force input unit 39 as a toner conveying driving unit for driving the toner conveying unit. The stirring driving force input unit 38 drives the toner storage stirring conveying unit 36, and the pump / screw driving force input unit 39 drives the pump unit 37 and the toner storage screw member 35. The rotational driving force from the device body A is input to the pump / screw driving force input unit 39 through the pump / screw coupling part 39a with a convex shape. The cam 37b and the connecting rod arm 37c convert the rotational driving force into a reciprocating motion. Utilizing this reciprocating motion, the pump 37a with a bellows shape is expanded and contracted.

[0081] Waste toner storage unit

[0082] like Fig.11As shown, the waste toner storage unit 40 has: a waste toner receiving port 42 for receiving waste toner from the process cartridge B; and a waste toner storage container 41, which is a second storage container for storing waste toner received through the waste toner receiving port 42.

[0083] The waste toner storage container 41 includes a waste toner storage frame body 41a forming the waste toner storage 40a and a waste toner storage cover 41b. The waste toner storage cover 41b has a waste toner receiving port 42 through which the collected waste toner is received from the process cartridge. The waste toner storage cover 41b has a waste toner baffle member 43 that opens and closes the waste toner receiving port 42. The waste toner baffle member 43 is arranged along the waste toner receiving port 42 in conjunction with the attachment and detachment operation of the toner cartridge C relative to the apparatus body A. Fig.11 Open or close in the direction of arrow R3.

[0084] like Fig.11 and 12A As shown, a partition member 46, a first waste toner storage screw 44, and a second waste toner storage screw 45 (which serve as a waste toner conveying member for conveying waste toner inside the waste toner storage 40a) are provided inside the waste toner storage unit 40. The partition member 46 divides the internal space of the waste toner storage unit 40 into a plurality of storages. The first waste toner storage screw 44 conveys the waste toner dropped through the waste toner receiving port 42 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C. The second waste toner storage screw 45 receives the driving force from the first waste toner storage screw 44, and conveys the waste toner conveyed by the first waste toner storage screw 44 obliquely upward.

[0085] like Fig. 12A and 12B As shown, the toner storage stirring conveying unit 36 ​​transmits the driving force received from the stirring driving force input unit 38 to the non-driving side of the toner supply unit 30, and transmits it to the non-driving side toner storage stirring member gear 38a. Then, the driving force of the non-driving side toner storage stirring member gear 38a is transmitted to the first waste toner storage screw 44 through the waste toner storage gear train 47. The driving side toner box side cover 50 is attached to the toner supply unit 30 side; the non-driving side toner box side cover 600 is attached to the waste toner storage unit 40 side.

[0086] With the above-described configuration, the agitation driving force input unit 38 can be driven even when the pump / screw driving force input unit 39 is not driven. In other words, even when the toner supply unit 30 does not supply toner into the process cartridge B, by driving the first waste toner storage screw 44 and the second waste toner storage screw 45, waste toner can be kept collected in the waste toner storage unit 40.

[0087] Furthermore, since the driving force of the apparatus body A can be input to one end of the toner cartridge C, it is possible to simplify the gear train in the apparatus body A. Furthermore, by transmitting the driving force from one end of the supply unit frame body 32a to the other end with the toner storage agitation conveying unit 36, it is possible to transmit the driving force to the waste toner storage unit 40 without increasing the number of components for transmitting the driving force. Based on the above, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the toner cartridge C and the apparatus body A in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 due to the presence of the device for driving the toner cartridge C, while allowing the waste toner to be stored in the toner cartridge C.

[0088] Description of the baffle unit

[0089] The following will refer to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 The structure of the baffle unit 60 is described. In the following description, the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 will be referred to as the first direction X. The side provided with the developing coupling 155 will be referred to as the driving side, and the side opposite thereto will be referred to as the non-driving side. The driving side will be referred to as the upstream in the first direction, and the non-driving side will be referred to as the downstream in the first direction. Figure 1A is a bottom view of the drive side of the process box B, wherein the baffle unit 60 is in the shielding position, Figure 1B is a side view of the process cartridge B as viewed from the driving side, with the shutter unit 60 in the shielding position. Fig.13A is a bottom view of the non-driving side of the process box B, wherein the baffle unit 60 is in the shielding position, Fig. 13B 1 is a side view of the process cartridge B as viewed from the non-driving side, with the shutter unit 60 in the shielding position. Fig.14 is a perspective view of the baffle unit 60 .

[0090] like Figure 1A , 1B, 13A, 13B, 14 and 16A, the drum unit 70 includes a photosensitive drum 11 and a drum gear 71. The photosensitive drum 11 is rotatable about a first direction X as a rotation axis direction. The drum gear 71 is a driving member provided at a driving side end portion (an upstream end along the first direction X) of the photosensitive drum 11. Along the first direction X, the driving side is a side where the drum gear 71 (the drum gear 71 is a driving member of the photosensitive drum 11) is provided, and the non-driving side is a side where the drum gear 71 is not provided. The drum unit 70 has a non-driving side end portion rotatably supported by a drum pin 22, which is attached to the cleaning frame body 20 (see Figure 7B ), and the drum unit 70 has a photosensitive drum supporting portion 7b (see Figure 7B ) is rotatably supported on the driving side, and the photosensitive drum supporting portion 7b is provided on the side cover 7. The drum gear 71 receives a driving force from a drum driving gear (not shown) provided on the apparatus body A, thereby rotating the photosensitive drum 11.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, the cartridge frame body 75 has an opening 23 which opens in a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. The cartridge frame body 75 is configured so that a circumferential portion (a portion in a rotational direction about the first direction X) of the drum unit 70 including the photosensitive drum 11 and the drum gear 71 is exposed through the opening 23. Therefore, a portion of the photosensitive drum 11 and the drum gear 71 in the circumferential direction is exposed through the opening 23. The outer side opposite to the inner side of the cartridge frame body 75 (with the opening 23 therebetween) will be referred to as a downstream side in the Y direction.

[0092] The shutter unit 60 includes a link member 61 , a shutter member 62 , and an arm member 63 .

[0093] In the photosensitive drum 11 and the drum gear 71 exposed through the opening 23, the baffle member 62 is located downstream of the photosensitive drum 11 in the second direction Y and shields the surface of the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 11. In the photosensitive drum 11 and the drum gear 71 exposed through the opening 23, the baffle member 62 does not shield the surface of the drum gear 71. The box frame body 75 rotatably supports the link member 61 around a rotation axis E parallel to the first direction. The baffle member 62 is attached to the link member 61 so that the box frame body 75 and the baffle member 62 are connected to the link member 61. The baffle member 62 rotates around an axis parallel to the first direction X by the rotation of the link member 61. Thus, the baffle member 62 is arranged to be movable in a shielding position ( ) for shielding the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 11 (the exposed portion exposed through the opening 23). Figure 1A , 1B , 13A, 13B and 15) and an open position ( Fig.16A , 16B, 17A and 17B). In the range in which the baffle member 62 can move between the shielding position and the open position, the direction moving from the shielding position to the open position will be referred to as the positive direction along the third direction R4. In the movable range of the baffle member 62, the side having the shielding position will be referred to as the upstream side along the third direction R4, and the side having the open position will be referred to as the downstream side along the third direction R4. The third direction R4 is a direction that rotates around the first direction X and intersects the second direction Y (in the first embodiment, is perpendicular to the second direction Y).

[0094] The link member 61 includes a first link portion 611, a second link portion 612, and a connecting portion 61a, which is a connecting portion connecting the first link portion 611 and the second link portion 612. The first link portion 611 rotates together with the second link portion 612. The first link portion 611 is supported by a link member support portion 5c (see FIG. 5 ) provided on the support member 5. Figure 1B ) is rotatably supported by the supporting member 5, which is a part of the box frame body 75 on the driving side (upstream side) along the first direction X. The second link portion 612 is a second link member rotatably supported by the link member supporting portion 4c provided on the supporting member 4, which is a part of the box frame body 75 on the non-driving side (downstream side) of the developing unit 15 along the first direction X. The connecting portion 61a extends in a direction parallel to the first direction X. The link member supporting portion 4c of the supporting member 4 and the link member supporting portion (not shown) of the supporting member 5 are in the same position in the view along the first direction X. Therefore, the link member 61 can rotate around the rotation axis E.

[0095] The baffle member 62 extends in the first direction X. The first link portion 611 is attached to a portion of the baffle member 62 on the driving side (upstream side) along the first direction X. The second link portion 612 is attached to a portion of the baffle member 62 on the non-driving side (downstream side) along the first direction X. When the baffle member 62 is located at the shielding position, the joint 62a between the link member 61 and the baffle member 62 is located on a portion of the baffle member 62 on the side (downstream side) closer to the open position (in the positive direction of the third direction R4). The connecting portion 61a of the link member 61 is rotatably connected to the joint 62a of the baffle member 62. In other words, the baffle member 62 is rotatably connected to the link member 61.

[0096] The arm member 63 is a third link member rotatably supported by the arm member supporting portion 4b of the supporting member 4, which is a portion of the cartridge frame body 75 on the non-driving side (downstream side) in the first direction X. The arm member 63 is linked to an arm member joint 62b provided on a portion (non-driving side end portion) of the shutter member 62 on the non-driving side (downstream side) in the first direction X. The arm member joint 62b forming a joint between the arm member 63 and the shutter member 62 is provided at a position deviated from a joint 62a between the second link portion 612 of the link member 61 and the shutter member 62 in the negative direction (on the upstream side) of the third direction R4.

[0097] The shutter member joint 63a is provided at one end of the arm member 63, and the cartridge frame body joint 63b is provided at the other end. The cartridge frame body joint 63b is rotatably supported by an arm member supporting portion 4b of the supporting member 4 provided on a portion of the developing unit 15 on the non-driving side in the first direction X. The shutter member joint 63a is rotatably supported by an arm member joint 62b provided on the shutter member 62.

[0098] The arm member joint 62b is provided at a position deviated from the joint 62a in the negative direction (on the upstream side) of the third direction R4, and the arm member support portion 4b is provided at a position deviated from the link member support portion 4c in the negative direction (on the upstream side) of the third direction R4. Therefore, the arm member 63 is provided at a position deviated from the link member 61 in the negative direction (on the upstream side) of the third direction R4. The arm member 63 has a function for establishing the orientation of the baffle member 62 (which is rotatably connected to the link member 61).

[0099] The following will refer to Figure 1A , 1B as well as Fig.13A and 13B 1 to 18 illustrate the configuration of the shutter unit 60 in the shielding position and the open position. Fig.15A 1 is a side view of the process cartridge B viewed from the driving side along the first direction X, with the shutter unit 60 in the shielding position. Fig. 15B 2 is a schematic diagram showing the projection of the protruding portion 61 b ​​and the drum gear 71 onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the second direction Y when the shutter unit 60 is in the shielding position. Fig.16A 1 is a bottom view of a portion of the process cartridge B viewed from the driving side along the first direction X, with the shutter unit 60 in the open position. Fig. 16B 2 is a side view of the process cartridge B viewed from the driving side in the first direction X, with the shutter unit 60 in the open position. Fig.17A 1 is a bottom view of a portion of the process cartridge B viewed from the non-driving side along the first direction X, with the shutter unit 60 in the open position. Fig. 17B 2 is a side view of the process cartridge B viewed from the non-driving side along the first direction X, with the shutter unit 60 in the open position. Fig.18 1 is a schematic diagram showing the shutter unit 60 in the shielding position and the shutter unit 60 in the open position in an overlapping manner, and is a side view of the process box B with the side cover 7 omitted, viewed from the driving side along the first direction X.

[0100] As the link member 61 and the arm member 63 rotate, the shutter member 62 can move along the third direction R4 between a shielding position for covering the photosensitive drum 11 and an open position in which the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed. Within the movable range of the shutter member 62, the direction from the shielding position toward the open position will be referred to as the positive direction along the third direction R4. Fig. 16B As shown, the movable range of the baffle member 62 is the range through which the baffle member 62 rotates clockwise from the shielding position to the open position. The clockwise direction in the view along the first direction X corresponds to the positive direction along the third direction R4, and the counterclockwise direction corresponds to the negative direction along the third direction R4.

[0101] The following will refer to Figure 1A , 1B , 13A and 13B illustrate the configuration of the baffle member 62 in the shielding position. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1 , when the shutter member 62 is in the shielding position, the shutter member 62 is in a position to cover the photosensitive drum 11. At this time, the drum gear 71 disposed at the driving side end portion of the photosensitive drum 11 in the first direction X is not covered by the shutter member 62. Moreover, at least a portion of the drum gear 71 overlaps at least a portion of the protruding portion 5b of the supporting member 5 in the first direction X, and the driving side end portion of the shutter member 62 is disposed on the inner side of the protruding portion 5b of the supporting member 5 in the first direction X.

[0102] The link member 61 has a first portion 61f extending from the joint 62a toward the outside of the baffle member 62 in the first direction X in the direction from the non-driving side toward the driving side (toward the upstream side). The first portion 61f has a portion 61e extending in the first direction X and a protruding portion 61b protruding from the portion 61e extending in the first direction X in the negative direction of the third direction R4 (toward the upstream side). Fig.15A and 15B As shown, when the shutter member 62 is in the shielding position, the projection S1 of the protruding portion 61b on the imaginary plane V perpendicular to the second direction Y overlaps at least a portion of the projection S2 of the drum gear 71 on the imaginary plane V. In other words, Fig. 15BAs shown, the protruding portion 61b is disposed at a position at least partially overlapping with the drum gear 71 in the first direction X and at least partially overlapping with the drum gear 71 in a view along the second direction Y. The protruding portion 61b protrudes from the joint 62a in the negative direction of the third direction R4 (toward the upstream side). Thus, the protruding portion 61b protrudes in such a direction that the photosensitive drum 11 is covered by the protruding portion 61b when the baffle member 62 is in the shielding position. Therefore, when the baffle member 62 is in the shielding position, the protruding portion 61b is disposed so as to cover a portion of the drum gear 71.

[0103] Moreover, if Fig.13A and 13B As shown, a biasing member 64 is provided at the support member 4 on the non-driving side along the first direction X, and the biasing member 64 biases the baffle unit 60 toward the negative direction side (towards the shielding position) along the third direction R4. The biasing member 64 applies a force for causing the link member 61 to move the baffle member 62 along the negative direction of the third direction R4 (towards the shielding position). In the first embodiment, the biasing member 64 is a torsion coil spring, and a biasing force is applied to the baffle member 62 along the negative direction of the third direction R4 (towards the shielding position) by applying a biasing force to the link member 61 along the negative direction of the third direction R4 (towards the shielding position). Thus, when the process box B is not attached to the device body A, the baffle member 62 is maintained in the shielding position. It should be noted that by arranging the biasing member 64 on the same side as the side of the arm member 63, the stable operation of the baffle member 62 can be guaranteed.

[0104] The following will refer to Fig.15A and 15BThe structure of the process box B removed from the device body A is described. In the view along the first direction X, when the baffle member 62 is in the shielding position, the portion of the protruding portion 61b that protrudes the farthest to the negative direction side (toward the upstream side) along the third direction R4 will be referred to as the farthest protruding portion 61d. The distance between the line L connecting the farthest protruding portion 61d and the side cover 7 and the drum gear 71 is d1. If the process box B with such a structure is arranged on a surface (such as a desktop) with the baffle member 62 facing downward, the protruding portion 61b (the farthest protruding portion 61d) and the side cover 7 will contact the surface (such as the desktop). That is, the drum gear 71 will remain separated from the surface (such as the desktop) by a distance d1 and will not contact the surface (such as the desktop). It can also be considered that the line L is an imaginary plane including the downstream end of the protruding portion 61b along the second direction Y and the downstream end of the portion of the cartridge frame body 75 outside the passing area through which the baffle member 62 passes along the first direction X along the second direction Y. Since the imaginary plane is separated from the drum gear 71 in the second direction Y, even when the process cartridge B is placed on a surface (e.g., a desktop), the drum gear 71 not covered by the baffle member 62 can be prevented from contacting the surface (e.g., a desktop). Fig.15A As shown, the second direction Y will be a vertically downward direction, or a direction including a vertically downward component.

[0105] The following will refer to Fig.16A , 16B , 17A and 17B illustrate the shutter member 62 in the open position. In the process of attaching the process cartridge B to the apparatus body A, the link member 61 engages with the engaging portion 300 (see FIG. 14 ) provided on the apparatus body A. Figure 2 ) is engaged. As a result, a force is applied to rotate the link member 61 and the arm member 63, and the baffle member 62 is moved in the positive direction of the third direction R4. As a result, the baffle member 62 moves to the open position. The trajectory of the movement is from a position where the baffle member 62 does not overlap with the support member 5 in the view along the first direction X (see Figure 1B ) to a position where the baffle member 62 overlaps with the supporting member 5. In other words, the trajectory of the opening or closing movement of the baffle member 62 between the shielding position and the open position crosses the supporting member 5, and the protruding portion 5b of the supporting member 5 remains protruding outside the trajectory of opening or closing the baffle member 62. In the above manner, a portion of the cartridge frame body 75 outside the passing area along the first direction X through which the baffle member 62 passes includes a portion overlapping with the passing area in a view along the first direction X. However, the dimension of the baffle member 62 along the first direction X is equal to or smaller than the dimension of the photosensitive drum 11 along the first direction X in the elements of the drum unit 70, and the driving side end portion of the baffle member 62 is disposed on the inner side of the protruding portion 5b of the supporting member 5 along the first direction X. Therefore, the baffle member 62 does not interfere with the supporting member 5.

[0106] At this time, the protruding portion 61b of the link member 61 overlaps with the protruding portion 5b of the supporting member 5 along the first direction X. The distance a3 between the rotation center 61c of the link member 61 and the protruding portion 5b is greater than the distance a1 between the rotation center 61c and the joint 62a and the connecting portion 61a of the link member 61. Because the rotation radius of the joint 62a and the connecting portion 61a is smaller than the distance a3 between the rotation center 61c and the protruding portion 5b, the joint 62a and the connecting portion 61a are in a positional relationship that interferes with the protruding portion 5b. However, because the driving side end of the baffle member 62 along the first direction X is arranged on the inner side of the protruding portion 5b of the supporting member 5, as described above, the baffle member 62 does not interfere with the supporting member 5, and the joint 62a and the connecting portion 61a do not interfere with the protruding portion 5b. The protruding portion 61b of the link member 61 is arranged at a position that overlaps with the protruding portion 5b of the supporting member 5 along the first direction X, as described above. Figure 1A and 16A As shown. However, because the protruding portion 61b protrudes toward the negative direction side (toward the upstream side) along the third direction R4, the distance a2 between the rotation center 61c and the protruding portion 61b is greater than the distance a1 between the rotation center 61c and the joint 62a and the connecting portion 61a. Thus, when the baffle member 62 moves from the shielding position to the open position (or from the open position to the shielding position), the rotation radius of the protruding portion 61b is greater than the rotation radius of the joint 62a or the connecting portion 61a. Moreover, the protruding portion 61b is set at such a position that the distance a2 between the protruding portion 61b and the rotation center 61c is greater than the distance a3 between the rotation center 61c and the protruding portion 5b. In this way, because the rotation radius of the protruding portion 61b is greater than the distance a3 between the rotation center 61c and the protruding portion 5b, interference between the protruding portion 61b and the protruding portion 5b of the support member 5 along the trajectory of opening or closing the baffle member 62 can be avoided.

[0107] Moreover, as described above, when the baffle member 62 is in the shielding position, the joint 62a is provided on the portion of the baffle member 62 on the positive direction side (downstream side) in the third direction R4. In the present embodiment, the joint 62a is provided on the end portion of the baffle member 62 on the positive direction side (downstream side) in the region of the baffle member 62 on the positive direction side in the third direction R4. Fig.18As shown, when the shutter member 62 is in the shielding position, in the view along the first direction X, the joint 62a is located on the side closer to the line segment L1 connecting the rotation center 61c of the link member 61 and the rotation center 70a of the drum unit 70. In other words, when the shutter member 62 is in the shielding position, the intersection of the line passing through the rotation center 61c of the link member 61 and the rotation center 70a of the drum unit 70 and the vertical line drawn from the joint 62a to the line is located at a position between the rotation center 61c and the rotation center 70a. The joint 62a is also positioned in a manner that the line segment L2 is longer than the line segment L3. Here, the line segment L2 is a line segment connecting the joint 62a and the rotation center 61c of the link member 61, wherein the shutter member 62 is in the shielding position. The line segment L3 is a line segment connecting the joint 62a and the rotation center 70a of the drum unit 70, wherein the shutter member 62 is in the shielding position. With this configuration, when the shutter member 62 moves between the shielding position and the open position, the trajectory D1 followed by the joint 62 a in the opening or closing operation can be kept short.

[0108] As a comparative example, a configuration will be described in which, when the baffle member 62 is in the shielding position, the joint 62a is provided on a portion of the baffle member 62 on the negative direction side (upstream side) in the third direction R4. An example of such a configuration is a configuration in which the joint 62a is provided on the end portion of the baffle member 62 on the negative direction side (upstream side) in the third direction R4. Fig.18 , a trajectory D2 is shown, and the opening or closing operation of the joint 62a having such a configuration follows the trajectory D2 when the baffle member 62 moves between the shielding position and the open position. During the opening or closing operation, the radius of the trajectory D2 is greater than the radius of the trajectory D1 (D2>D1). In contrast to this configuration, in the present embodiment, the trajectory D1 of opening or closing the baffle member 62 can be kept short, so that the size of the product can be kept small. Moreover, in the configuration in which the joint 62a is provided on a portion of the positive direction side of the baffle member 62 along the third direction R4, when the joint 62a moves between the shielding position and the open position, the joint 62a moves a shorter distance (compared with the configuration in which the joint 62a is provided on a portion of the negative direction side along the third direction R4). Thus, a stable operation of the baffle member 62 can be achieved. Moreover, by setting the line segment L2 to be longer than the line segment L3, the joint 62a is provided at a position closer to the photosensitive drum 11. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 11 can be covered by a smaller baffle member 62. Therefore, the baffle member 62 and the product can be advantageously reduced in size.

[0109] With the above-described configuration, the drum gear 71, which is a driving member for driving the photosensitive drum 11, can be protected by the protruding portion 61b of the link member 61. Specifically, since the protruding portion 61b covers a portion of the drum gear 71 when the shutter member 62 is in the shielding position, it is possible to prevent a user from contacting the drum gear 71. Therefore, it is possible to prevent scratches or dents from being formed on the drum gear 71.

[0110] Furthermore, the line L (see FIG. 1 ) connecting the farthest protruding portion 61 d and the cartridge frame body 75 (side cover 7 ) is Fig.15A and 15B ) is at a position separated from the drum gear 71 by a distance d1 in a view along the first direction X. Thus, even when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus body A and arranged on a surface (e.g., a table), the drum gear 71 does not contact the surface (e.g., a table). Therefore, the formation of scratches or dents due to the contact of the drum gear 71 with the surface (e.g., a table) can be suppressed.

[0111] The above-described configuration is a configuration in which the protection of the drum gear 71 is provided by the protruding portion 61b of the link member 61, which is necessary for the shutter member 62 to operate (the shutter member 62 also provides protection for the photosensitive drum 11). Therefore, the protection of the drum gear 71 can be provided without providing a separate member for protecting the drum gear 71, so that cost reduction can be achieved.

[0112] Moreover, in the view along the first direction X, the joint 62a is located on the side closer to the line segment L1 connecting the rotation center 61c of the link member 61 and the rotation center 70a of the drum unit 70. In other words, when the shutter member 62 is in the shielding position, the intersection of the line passing through the rotation center 61c of the link member 61 and the rotation center 70a of the drum unit 70 and the perpendicular line from the joint 62a to the line is at a position between the rotation center 61c and the rotation center 70a. Moreover, the joint 62a is positioned so that the line segment L2 connecting the joint 62a and the rotation center 61c of the link member 61 is longer than the line segment L3 connecting the joint 62a and the rotation center 70a of the drum unit 70 (L2>L3). With this configuration, the trajectory followed by opening or closing the shutter member 62 can be kept short, thereby enabling the process cartridge B to be reduced in size. Furthermore, since the joint 62a is provided at a position near the photosensitive drum 11, the photosensitive drum 11 can be covered with a smaller shutter member 62. Therefore, the shutter member 62 and the process cartridge B can be reduced in size.

[0113] Furthermore, the drum gear 71 is protected by the link member 61, not by the shutter member 62 that provides protection for the photosensitive drum 11. Thus, grease or the like used on the drum gear 71 can be prevented from traveling along the shutter member 62 and attaching to the photosensitive drum 11.

[0114] Furthermore, the first embodiment can also be applied to any apparatus body that makes the process cartridge detachable, and can achieve the same type of advantageous effects.The functions, materials, shapes and relative positioning of the components described in the first embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the invention thereto unless otherwise specified.

[0115] According to the present disclosure, the case can be protected while suppressing an increase in size.

[0116] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A process cartridge attachable to and removable from a device main body of an image forming device, the process cartridge comprising: a drum unit comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to a first direction; and a driving member provided on an end portion of the photosensitive drum in the first direction; a frame body that rotatably supports the drum unit and has an opening that opens in a second direction that intersects the first direction, the opening exposing a portion of the drum unit in a circumferential direction thereof; a shutter member arranged downstream of a portion of the photosensitive drum exposed through the opening in a second direction and shielding a surface of the photosensitive drum, the surface being the portion of the drum unit exposed through the opening, a link member supported on the frame body in a manner rotatable in a third direction, the third direction being a direction of rotation about an axis parallel to the first direction and intersecting the second direction, and the link member connecting the frame body and a baffle member attached to the link member, wherein The shutter member is rotated by the rotation of the link member and is movable in a third direction between a shielding position shielding the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum and an open position not shielding the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum, A side of the photosensitive drum along the first direction on which the driving member is provided is a driving side, a side of the photosensitive drum not provided with the driving member is a non-driving side, and a direction in which the baffle member moves from the shielding position toward the opening position within the movable range of the baffle member is a positive direction along the third direction, The link member is rotatably supported on a portion of the frame body on the driving side in the first direction, and is attached to a portion of the baffle member on the driving side in the first direction, When the shutter member is in the shielding position, the joint between the link member and the shutter member is located on a portion of the shutter member on the positive direction side in the third direction. The link member has a first portion extending from the joint toward the exterior of the baffle member in a first direction from the non-driving side toward the driving side, and When the shutter member is in the shielding position, at least a portion of the first portion overlaps the drive member in a first direction, and at least a portion of the first portion overlaps the drive member in a view along a second direction.

2. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: When the shutter member is located at the shielding position, the first portion has a portion extending in the first direction and a portion protruding from the portion extending in the first direction and protruding toward the negative direction side in the third direction.

3. The process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A second link member is rotatably supported on a portion of the frame body on the non-driving side in the first direction and is attached to a portion of the shutter member on the non-driving side in the first direction.

4. The process cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising: A connecting portion connecting the link member and the second link member, wherein: The link member rotates together with the second link member.

5. The process cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising: a third link member rotatably supported on a portion of the frame body on the non-driving side in the first direction and attached to a portion of the baffle member on the non-driving side in the first direction, wherein In a state where the shutter member is at the shielding position, the joint between the third link member and the shutter member is at a position offset from the joint between the second link member and the shutter member in the negative direction of the third direction.

6. A process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: a dimension of the shutter member in a first direction being equal to or smaller than a dimension of the photosensitive drum in the first direction, the photosensitive drum being included in the drum unit; and A portion of the frame body outside a passage region through which the baffle member passes in the first direction includes a portion overlapping the passage region in a view in the first direction.

7. A process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the baffle member is in the shielding position, an imaginary plane including the downstream end of the first part along the second direction and the downstream end of a part of the frame body along the first direction outside the passing area of ​​the baffle member along the second direction is positioned to deviate from the driving member along the second direction.

8. A process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the view along the first direction, when the baffle member is in the shielding position, the intersection of a line passing through the rotation center of the connecting rod member and the rotation center of the drum unit and a vertical line drawn from the joint between the connecting rod member and the baffle member to the line is located at a position between the rotation center of the connecting rod member and the rotation center of the drum unit.

9. A process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A line segment connecting the rotation center of the link member and the joint between the link member and the shutter member when the shutter member is in the shielding position is longer than a line segment connecting the rotation center of the drum unit and the joint when the shutter member is in the shielding position.

10. A process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In attaching the process cartridge to the apparatus main body, the link member receives a force for moving the shutter member from the shielding position to the opening position by engaging with an engaging portion provided in the apparatus main body.

11. The process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A biasing member applies a force to the link member so that the shutter member moves toward a negative direction along the third direction.

Images