Developer container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A developer accommodating container includes a first member and a second member, and a first seal and a second seal. The first member includes one end portion and the other end portion in the first direction. At least a portion of the one end portion of the first seal is sandwiched between the first member and the second member in a state of being stacked on the second seal. The one end of the first seal includes a first ridge line, a second ridge line, a third ridge line, and a fourth ridge line. At least one of a first corner formed by the first ridge line and the second ridge line and a second corner formed by the third ridge line and the fourth ridge line is sandwiched between the first member and the second member so as to be elastically deformed in a state of being stacked on the second seal. The invention also relates to an image forming apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer container for use with an imaging device using an electrophotographic type or an electrostatic recording type (such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunctional machine having various functions of these machines), and an imaging device including the developer container. Background Art

[0002] An imaging device using an electrophotographic type obtains a product (printed matter) by transferring a developer image formed on an image bearing member by a developer to a recording material such as paper and then fixing the developer image on the recording material. In such an imaging device, the developer is temporarily accommodated (including the passage of the developer) in a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image, a cleaning device for removing the developer remaining on the image bearing member after the developer image is transferred from the image bearing member to a transfer receiving member, a developer supply container for accommodating the developer supplied to the developing device, a developer collection container for accommodating the developer collected from the cleaning device, and a developer accommodating device (such as a developer conveyance section, etc.) located between the cleaning device and the developer collection container. A unit including the developer supply container and the developing device, a unit including the cleaning device, and the developer collection container, etc. are in many cases made into cartridges (cartridge type) that can be detachably mounted to the main assembly of the imaging device.

[0003] In an imaging device adopting the cartridge type, it is desired to suppress the deposition of the developer on the operator and the scattering of the developer due to the leakage of the developer accommodated inside the cartridge to the outside of the cartridge during the process of mounting and dismounting the cartridge with respect to the main assembly of the imaging device, etc. For this purpose, in such an imaging device, the outflow of the developer from the cartridge is suppressed by providing a sealing member between the frames or parts constituting the cartridge. Further, even in an imaging device adopting the cartridge type, when the developer flows out from a unit accommodating the developer in the imaging device to the outside, it is also possible to contaminate the inside of the imaging device and have an adverse effect on imaging. For this purpose, similar to the above, a sealing member is provided between the frames or parts constituting the unit, and thus the outflow of the developer from the unit is suppressed.

[0004] In many cases, an elastic member such as polyurethane foam (sponge), soft rubber, or elastomeric resin is used as the sealing member. Further, the sealing member is provided in the joint (connection) portion between the frames or parts and is compressed and deformed with a predetermined amount of extrusion. Thereby, the sealing member fills and seals the gap between the frames or parts (members), and thus the outflow of the developer through the gap can be suppressed.

[0005] In order to seal the area where the developer exists as described above, in many cases, a structure is used in which a sealing member is provided to enclose the area and is compressed and deformed. At this time, when the area where the developer exists is enclosed by a single sealing member, the sealing member itself becomes large or waste is likely to occur in terms of material consumption, so in some cases, the cost of the sealing member increases. For this reason, in order to seal the area where the developer exists, for example, in some cases, a structure in which the area is enclosed by a plurality of sealing members is used, and each sealing member has a rectangular cross-section.

[0006] Here, in a structure in which a plurality of sealing members enclose the area where the developer exists, due to manufacturing errors (such as adhesion errors of the sealing members) or tolerances of the sealing members themselves, when a gap is generated between the plurality of sealing members, the developer may flow out through the gap. Therefore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) 2016-45268, a structure in which the ends of a plurality of sealing members overlap each other is proposed.

[0007] However, as described in JP-A 2016-45268, in a structure in which the sealing members overlap each other, in some cases, the sealing member (on which another sealing member is stacked between itself and the sealing member pressing member (frame, parts, etc.)) cannot sufficiently follow the sealing member pressing member. In such a case, a gap is generated between the sealing members in a portion where the sealing member cannot follow the sealing member pressing member, so that the developer may flow out to the outside through the gap.

[0008] In particular, when the life of the cartridge or the imaging device is extended, the cumulative amount of the developer that has flowed out tends to increase, so it is necessary to strictly suppress the developer from flowing out from the area where the developer exists to the outside. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of the sealing performance in a structure in which a plurality of sealing members are used to seal the area where the developer exists.

[0010] This object is achieved by a developer accommodating container and an imaging device according to the present invention.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer accommodating container, comprising: a first member configured to form an accommodating portion for accommodating a developer; a second member mounted to the first member and configured to form the accommodating portion; a first seal extending along a first direction at a periphery of the accommodating portion and configured to be clamped between the first member and the second member to elastically deform to seal between the first member and the second member; and a second seal extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction at the periphery of the accommodating portion and configured to be clamped between the first member and the second member to elastically deform to seal between the first member and the second member, wherein the first seal includes one end and the other end with respect to the first direction, wherein at least a part of the one end of the first seal is clamped between the first member and the second member in a state of being stacked on the second seal to elastically deform, wherein the one end of the first seal includes a first ridge line extending along the first direction, a second ridge line extending from the first ridge line in a direction intersecting the first ridge line to be spaced apart from the accommodating portion in the second direction, a third ridge line extending from the second ridge line in a direction intersecting the second ridge line, and a fourth ridge line extending from the third ridge line in a direction intersecting the third ridge line to be spaced apart from the accommodating portion in the second direction, wherein a first angle formed by the first ridge line and the second ridge line is positioned closer to the other end of the first seal than a second angle formed by the third ridge line and the fourth ridge line, wherein a distance between the first angle and the second angle in the first direction is shorter than a width of a region where the first seal is stacked on the second seal in the first direction, and wherein at least one of the first angle and the second angle is clamped between the first member and the second member in a state of being stacked on the second seal to elastically deform.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus including the developer accommodating container.

[0013] Additional features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging unit.

[0016] Figure 3It is a perspective view of the appearance of the drum unit.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit.

[0018] Figure 5 Parts (a) and (b) thereof are a perspective view and a front view respectively of a part of a drum unit equipped with a conventional side seal.

[0019] Figure 6 Parts (a) and (b) thereof are a perspective view and a front view respectively of a part of a drum unit equipped with a conventional side seal.

[0020] Figure 7 Parts (a) and (b) thereof are an enlarged front view and a cross-sectional view near the conventional side seal of a drum unit equipped with a conventional side seal.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a front view of the side seal in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 Parts (a) and (b) thereof are front views of a part of the drum unit, which show the states when the installation positions of the side seals are different.

[0023] Figure 10 Each of parts (a) and (b) thereof is a front view near the side seal, which is used to show the sealing effect of the side seal in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 Parts (a) and (b) thereof are front views each showing an improved embodiment of the side seal.

[0025] Figure 12 Parts (a) to (d) thereof are front views each showing an improved embodiment of the side seal.

[0026] Figure 13 Parts (a) and (b) thereof are front views each showing an improved embodiment of the side seal.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a front view showing an improved embodiment of the side seal.

[0028] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the toner delivery unit in Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 16 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toner delivery unit in Embodiment 2.

[0030] Figure 17 It is a schematic perspective view of a part of the toner delivery unit, which shows the sealing structure in Embodiment 2.

[0031] Figure 18 Front view of a part of the toner delivery section, showing the sealing structure in Embodiment 2.

[0032] Figure 19 Front view showing an improved embodiment of the side seal.

[0033] Figure 20 Parts (a), (b), and (c) are front views each showing an improved embodiment of the side seal. Detailed Description

[0034] Hereinafter, the developer container and the imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Embodiment 1]

[0035] 1. Overall Structure and Operation of the Imaging Apparatus

[0036] First, the overall structure and operation of the imaging apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment (showing a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 described later). The imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a tandem type copying machine (having functions of a copying machine, a printer, and a fax machine), and the tandem type copying machine can form a full-color image using an electrophotographic type and adopts an intermediate transfer type. For example, the imaging apparatus 1 can form an image on a sheet-like recording material (transfer material, sheet, recording medium) P such as paper according to an image signal (image information) transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer.

[0037] Here, regarding the imaging apparatus and its elements, in Figure 1 the front side of the drawing is referred to as the "front (front surface) side", and the rear side of the drawing is referred to as the "rear (rear surface) side". The front-rear direction connecting the front side and the rear side is substantially parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12. Further, regarding the imaging apparatus 1 and its elements, the up-down direction refers to the up-down direction of the gravity direction (vertical direction), but does not mean directly above and directly below, and includes the upper side and the lower side that are closer to the horizontal plane passing through the mentioned elements or positions.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 1 includes four image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK as a plurality of image forming units (stations), which are respectively used to form images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Except for the color of the toner used, the configurations and operations of these image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK are substantially the same. Incidentally, regarding elements that are set for the respective colors and have the same or corresponding functions or configurations, the suffixes Y, M, C, and K of the reference numerals or symbols of the elements are shown for one of the related colors in each color and are omitted and described collectively in some cases. Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a single image forming unit S as a representative. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit S includes a photosensitive drum 12 (12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K), a charging roller 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K), an exposure device 23 (23Y, 23M, 23C, 23K), a developing device 20 (20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K), a cleaning device 18 (18Y, 18M, 18C, 18K), a cleaning roller 15 (15Y, 15M, 15C, 15K), and the like.

[0039] In the image forming unit S, a photosensitive drum 12 is provided, which is a rotatable drum-shaped (cylindrical) photosensitive member (electrophotographic photosensitive member) as a first image carrier member. By transmitting a driving force from a drum driving unit (not shown) as a driving device to the photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotationally driven in the Figure 2 direction of arrow R1 (clockwise direction) in FIG. The surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 12 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity (negative polarity in the present embodiment) and a predetermined potential by a charging roller 13, which is a roller-shaped charging member as a charging device. The charging roller 13 is provided in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 and rotates as the photosensitive drum 12 rotates. During charging, a predetermined charging voltage (charging bias) is applied to the charging roller 13 by a charging power source (high voltage power source) as a voltage applying unit (not shown). As a result, discharge occurs between the charging roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 12 to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0040] The charged surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is exposed by an exposure device 23 as an exposure device (electrostatic imaging device) to form an electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) on the photosensitive drum 12. In the present embodiment, the exposure device 23 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 with light emitted from an LED as a light source according to an image signal. Incidentally, the exposure device 23 may be a laser scanning device or the like, and may also be configured as a single unit for exposing, for example, four photosensitive drums 12.

[0041] The electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is developed (visualized) by supplying toner from a developing device 20 as a developing unit, so as to form a toner image (toner picture, developer image) on the photosensitive drum 12. In the present embodiment, the developing device 20 uses a two-component developer including toner (non-magnetic toner particles) as a developer and a carrier (magnetic carrier particles). The developing device 20 includes a developing sleeve 21 as a developer carrying member and a developing container 22 for accommodating the developer. The developing sleeve 21 carries the developer in the developing container 22 and transports the developer to a developing position, which is a portion opposite to the photosensitive drum 12. During development, for example, by transmitting a driving force from a drum driving unit to the developing sleeve, the developing sleeve 21 is rotationally driven. Further, during development, a predetermined developing voltage (developing bias voltage) is applied to the developing sleeve 21 by a developing power supply (high voltage power supply) as a developing voltage applying unit (not shown). Thereby, the toner as the developer carried on the developing sleeve 21 is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 according to the electrostatic image, so as to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 12. In the present embodiment, on the exposed portion (image portion) of the photosensitive drum 12 whose absolute potential is reduced after being uniformly charged and then exposed, toner charged to the same polarity as the charge polarity of the photosensitive drum 12 (negative polarity in the present embodiment) is deposited (reverse development type). In the present embodiment, the normal charge polarity of the toner (which is the main charge polarity of the toner during development) is negative polarity. The toner is supplied to the developing device 20 from a toner cartridge 40 (40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K) as a developer supply container via a developer transport unit (transport path) not shown.

[0042] As a second image bearing member, an intermediate transfer belt 30 as an intermediate transfer member formed of a rotatable endless belt is provided to face the four photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is formed in an annular shape of a dielectric resin such as polyimide. The intermediate transfer belt 30 extends around a driving roller 32, a tension roller 33, an upstream auxiliary roller 34, and a pre-secondary transfer roller 35 as a plurality of stretching rollers (support rollers), and is stretched with a predetermined tension. By transmitting a driving force from a belt driving unit as a driving device (not shown) to the driving roller, the driving roller 32 is rotationally driven. The driving force is input from the driving roller 32 to the intermediate transfer belt 30, so that the intermediate transfer belt 30 is in Figure 1Rotate (cycle and move) in the direction of arrow R2 (counterclockwise) in []. The tension roller 33 applies a predetermined tension to the intermediate transfer belt 30. The upstream auxiliary roller 34 is disposed upstream of the primary transfer portion N1, which will be described later, with respect to the rotation direction (surface movement direction, conveyance direction) of the intermediate transfer belt 30, and cooperates with the secondary transfer pre-roller 35 to form an image transfer surface disposed substantially horizontally. With respect to the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30, the secondary transfer pre-roller 35 forms the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 near the upstream position of the secondary transfer portion N2, which will be described later. The drive roller 32 also functions as a secondary transfer opposing roller (internal secondary transfer roller), which is a member (opposing electrode) opposing the secondary transfer roller 36, which will be described later. On the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 30, corresponding to the photosensitive drums 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, primary transfer rollers 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are respectively provided, which are roller-shaped primary transfer members as primary transfer devices. The primary transfer roller 31 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 12 and contacts the photosensitive drum 12 via the intermediate transfer belt 30, and forms a primary transfer portion (primary transfer clamping portion) N1 (N1Y, N1M, N1C, N1K), which is the contact portion between the photosensitive drum 12 and the intermediate transfer belt 30. The stretching rollers other than the drive roller 32 and the primary transfer roller 31 rotate as the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates.

[0043] The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is transferred (primary transfer) to the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotating as a toner image receiving member by the action of the primary transfer roller 31 in the primary transfer portion N1. During the primary transfer, a primary transfer voltage (primary transfer bias), which is a DC voltage having a polarity (positive polarity) opposite to the normal charge polarity of the toner, is applied to the primary transfer roller 31 by a primary transfer power source (high voltage power source) as a primary transfer voltage applying portion (not shown). For example, during full-color imaging, the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 12 are successively and superposed transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0044] On the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 30, at a position opposing the drive roller 32, a secondary transfer roller (external secondary transfer roller) 36 is provided, which is a roller-shaped secondary transfer member (rotatable transfer member) as a secondary transfer device. The secondary transfer roller 36 is pressed against the drive roller 32 and contacts the drive roller 32 via the intermediate transfer belt 30, and forms a secondary transfer portion (secondary transfer clamping portion) N2, which is the contact portion between the intermediate transfer belt 30 and the secondary transfer roller 36. In the present embodiment, the secondary transfer roller 36 rotates as the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates. Incidentally, the secondary transfer roller 36 may also be configured to be rotationally driven.

[0045] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 is transferred (secondary transfer) to the recording material P as a toner image receiving member in the secondary transfer section N2 by the action of the secondary transfer roller 36. The recording material is clamped and conveyed by the intermediate transfer belt 30 and the secondary transfer roller 36. During the secondary transfer, a secondary transfer voltage (secondary transfer bias), which is a DC voltage having a polarity opposite to the normal charge polarity of the toner (positive polarity), is applied to the secondary transfer roller 36 by a secondary transfer power source (high-voltage power source) as a secondary transfer voltage application section (not shown). The drive roller (secondary transfer counter roller) 32 is electrically grounded (connected to the ground). Incidentally, a secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the normal charge polarity is applied to the inner roller corresponding to the drive roller 32, and the outer roller corresponding to the secondary transfer roller 36 in this embodiment may be electrically grounded. The recording material P is accommodated in the cassette 50 of each feeding section (recording material accommodation section). The recording material P is fed one by one from the associated cassette 50 by a pair of feeding rollers 51 or the like as a feeding member, and is conveyed to a pair of registration rollers 60 as a recording material conveying member. The recording material P is aligned in posture by the pair of registration rollers 60, and is then conveyed toward the secondary transfer section N2 at a predetermined timing selected according to the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0046] The recording material P onto which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 70 as a fixing device. The fixing device 70 heats and presses the recording material P on which the unfixed toner image is formed, and thereby fixes (melts and adheres) the toner image to the surface of the recording material P. The recording material P onto which the toner image is fixed is discharged (output) by a pair of discharge rollers 80 as a discharge section to a discharge tray 90 as a discharge section, which is provided outside the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "main assembly") 1a.

[0047] On the other hand, the cleaning device 18, which is a cleaning member, removes and collects the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 12 after primary transfer (primary transfer residual toner) from the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. The cleaning device 18 scrapes the primary transfer residual toner from the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 12 by a cleaning blade 14, which is a cleaning member and is arranged to be in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 12, and stores the primary transfer residual toner in the toner collection portion 19. Details of the cleaning device 18 will be described later. Further, on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 30, at a position opposite to the tension roller 33 via the intermediate transfer belt 30, a belt cleaning device 37, which is an intermediate transfer member cleaning device, is provided. The belt cleaning device 37 removes and collects deposited substances such as the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30 after secondary transfer (secondary transfer residual toner) and the paper powder deposited on the intermediate transfer belt 30 from the recording material P. Further, the surface of the charging roller 13 is cleaned by a cleaning roller 15, which is a rotatable roller-shaped charging member cleaning member and is arranged to be in contact with the surface of the charging roller 13.

[0048] In the present embodiment, in each imaging unit S, the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller 13, the cleaning roller 15, and the cleaning device (cleaning unit) 18 are integrally formed as a drum cartridge 10 that is detachably mounted to the main unit 1a of the apparatus. Further, in the present embodiment, in each imaging unit S, the developing device (developing unit) 20 is substantially separately formed as a developing cartridge that is detachably mounted to the main unit 1a of the apparatus.

[0049] In the present embodiment, as an example of the sealing structure for sealing the developer presence area, the sealing structure of the drum cartridge 10 will be described. The drum cartridge 10 (or the cleaning device 18) in the present embodiment is an example of a developer storage device including a developer storage portion that at least temporarily stores the developer (including the developer passing through the developer storage portion).

[0050] 2. Drum Cartridge

[0051] Next, with reference to Figure 3 and 4 , the drum cartridge 10 in the present embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of the drum cartridge 10 in the present embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge 10 in the present embodiment (showing a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12). In Figure 3 , the drum cartridge 10 is shown such that its rear side is on the left side of the drawing and its front side is on the right side of the drawing. Further, in Figure 4 , a cross-section of the drum cartridge 10 at a substantially central portion with respect to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 is shown.

[0052] The drum cartridge 10 is configured such that the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller 13, the cleaning blade 14, the cleaning roller 15, etc. are held by the drum cartridge container (drum cartridge frame) 11. The drum cartridge 10 is configured to be detachably mounted to the main device assembly 1a and can be replaced during maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when the photosensitive drum 12 reaches the end of its life or in a similar situation, the drum cartridge 10 is replaced with a new one.

[0053] The drum cartridge container 11 is rotatably supported via bearings (not shown). By transmitting a driving force from the drum driving unit provided in the main device assembly 1a to the photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotationally driven. The photosensitive drum 12 rotates in the Figure 4 direction of arrow R1 (clockwise direction) in

[0054] Further, in the drum cartridge container 11, the charging roller 13 is rotatably supported via bearings (not shown). The charging roller 13 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 12 by a pressing spring (not shown) via the bearing of the charging roller, and the pressing spring is a pressing member as a pressing device. The charging roller 13 rotates as the photosensitive drum 12 rotates.

[0055] Further, in the drum cartridge container 11, the cleaning roller 15 is rotatably supported via bearings (not shown). The cleaning roller 15 is pressed against the charging roller 13 by a pressing spring (not shown) via the bearing of the cleaning roller, and the pressing spring is a pressing member as a pressing device. The cleaning roller 15 rotates as the charging roller 13 rotates.

[0056] Incidentally, the rotational axis directions of the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller 13, and the cleaning roller 15 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0057] Further, as will be specifically described later, the drum cartridge 10 is provided with a cleaning device 18, which is composed of a collection toner accommodating portion 19 formed by the drum cartridge container 11, etc.

[0058] 3. Cleaning Device

[0059] Next, with reference to Figure 4 the cleaning device 18 in this embodiment will be described.

[0060] The cleaning device 18 is composed of the cleaning blade 14, the blade support member 141, the collection toner accommodating portion 19 formed by the drum cartridge container 11, the conveying coil 16, etc.

[0061] The cleaning blade 14 is formed of a rubber such as polyurethane rubber, which is an elastic member. The cleaning blade 14 is a plate-shaped (scraper-shaped) member having a predetermined length and a predetermined thickness in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 and in a lateral (short) direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The length of the cleaning blade 14 is equal to the length of the photosensitive drum 12 in the rotation axis direction. For example, the length of the cleaning blade 14 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the photosensitive drum 12 in the rotation axis direction (i.e., the length range of the cleaning blade 14 falls within the length range of the photosensitive drum 12). The length of the cleaning blade 14 in the longitudinal direction is at least longer than the imaging area (toner image formable area) on the photosensitive drum 12 in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 (i.e., the length range of the imaging area falls within the length range of the cleaning blade 14).

[0062] The cleaning blade 14 is fixed to the blade support member 141 at the lower end surface thereof on the side opposite to the photosensitive drum 12 with respect to the lateral (short) direction. Further, the blade support member 141 is mounted to the drum cartridge container 11 such that the cleaning blade 14 is fixed to the drum cartridge container 11.

[0063] The blade support member 141 is formed of a plate-shaped member (metal plate) made of metal (SUS (stainless steel) in this embodiment). The blade support member 141 includes a blade fixing portion 142, which is a flat plate portion extending along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0064] The blade support member 141 is mounted to the drum cartridge container 11 by being fixed to the drum cartridge container 11 at its blade fixing portion 142 using a screw 143 as a fixing device. Further, the cleaning blade 14 is fixed to the surface on the photosensitive drum 12 side of the blade fixing portion 142 of the blade support member 141 by bonding as a fixing means. The length of the blade fixing portion 142 of the blade support member 141 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the cleaning blade 14 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the length range of the cleaning blade 14 falls within the length range of the blade support member 141). Incidentally, in this embodiment, the blade support member 141 is constituted by including the above-described blade fixing portion 142 and a protruding portion 144 formed by bending a metal plate so as to have a substantially L-shaped cross section in a direction substantially parallel to the blade fixing portion 142.

[0065] The cleaning blade 14 is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 such that the edge of its upper end portion with respect to the lateral direction is aligned in the rotation axis direction.

[0066] The cleaning blade 14 is arranged such that its free end (which is the upper end of the cleaning blade with respect to the lateral direction) is positioned on the upstream side of the fixed end (which is the lower end) with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 12, and contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. That is, the cleaning blade 14 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0067] The cleaning blade 14 removes the primary transfer residual toner by scraping the primary transfer residual toner from the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 12, and accommodates the primary transfer residual toner in the toner collection portion 19 formed by the drum cartridge container 11. Near the cleaning blade 14 in the toner collection portion 19 (near the bottom of the toner collection portion 19), the conveying coil 16 as a conveying member is arranged along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 (along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning blade 14). For example, the conveying coil 16 is rotationally driven by transmitting a driving force from the belt driving portion as a driving device provided in the main device assembly 1a to the conveying coil. The toner accommodated in the toner collection portion 19 (the collected toner) is conveyed by the conveying coil 16 arranged in the toner collection portion 19 along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 toward the rear side, for example. Then, the toner conveyed by the conveying coil 16 passes through a discharge opening (not shown) provided in the drum cartridge container 11, and is discharged to the outside of the drum cartridge 10 (drum cartridge container 11). The toner discharged from the drum cartridge 10 passes through a conveying portion (conveying path) not shown provided in the main device assembly 1a, and is thus conveyed toward a toner collection box (not shown) as a developer collection container (collection portion) provided in the main device assembly 1a.

[0068] Therefore, the cleaning device 18 is configured such that the collected toner removed from the photosensitive drum 12 by the cleaning blade 14 remains at least temporarily in the toner collection portion 19.

[0069] 4. Overview of the Sealing Structure

[0070] Next, referring to Figure 4 、 5 and 6, the sealing structure of the drum cartridge 10 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 Part (a) of Figure 6 and part (a) of Figure 5 are perspective views of the drum cartridge 10, which are used to show the sealing structure of the drum cartridge 10 when viewed from the photosensitive drum 12 side. In part (a) of Figure 6 and part (a) of Figure 5 , the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller 13, the cleaning roller 15, the cleaning blade 14, and the blade support member 141 are omitted from the illustration. In addition, Figure 6Part (b) is a front view of the drum cartridge 10, showing the sealing structure of the drum cartridge 10 when viewed from the side of the photosensitive drum 12. In Figure 5 Part (b) and Figure 6 In part (b), the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller 13, and the cleaning roller 15 are omitted from the illustration. Figure 5 And 6 show the states when the bonding positions of the side seals described later are different. Further, in Figure 5 And 6 , for ease of explanation, a side seal 2 having a conventional shape is shown. The side seal 4 having the shape according to the present invention in the present embodiment will be described later with reference to Figure 8 And 9 .

[0071] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the sealing structure of the drum cartridge 10 is substantially symmetric with respect to a plane that passes through the center of the photosensitive drum 2 in the direction of the rotation axis and is substantially parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12. Therefore, the description will be made by focusing on the structure on one (rear) end side of the photosensitive drum 12 with respect to the direction of the rotation axis.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the region where the toner exists (hereinafter, also referred to as "toner region") T is sealed by the following sealing structure, and this region is the collected toner storage portion 19 that stores the toner scraped from the photosensitive drum 12 by the cleaning blade 14.

[0073] First, the anti-scattering piece 17 is fixed to the wall surface 111 of the drum cartridge container 11 ( Figure 4), the wall surface forms the upper edge portion of the toner collection and storage portion 19 and faces the photosensitive drum 12. The anti-scattering piece 17 is disposed in a substantially entire area of the photosensitive drum 12 (an area longer than the length of the cleaning blade 14 in the longitudinal direction) with respect to the rotational axis direction. The anti-scattering piece 17 is formed of a flexible resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The anti-scattering piece 17 is a sheet-like (thin plate-like) member having a predetermined length and a predetermined thickness in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 and in a lateral direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the sheet-like member has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The anti-scattering piece 17 is fixed to the wall surface 111 of the drum cartridge container 11 at the surface of the upper end portion with respect to the lateral direction on the side opposite to the photosensitive drum 12. In the present embodiment, the anti-scattering piece 17 is fixed to the wall surface 111 of the drum cartridge container 11 by a double-sided tape as a fixing device. Further, the anti-scattering piece 17 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 in a part of the area of the lower end portion with respect to the lateral direction. The anti-scattering piece 17 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 by being arranged such that the free end portion (which is the lower end portion with respect to the lateral direction) is positioned downstream of the upper end portion with respect to the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 12. The anti-scattering piece 17 seals the gap between the wall surface 111 of the drum cartridge container 11 and the photosensitive drum 12.

[0074] Further, a blade back seal 3 as a sealing member is fixed to a wall surface 112 of a drum cartridge container 11, the wall surface constituting a lower edge portion of a toner collection portion 19 and facing a photosensitive drum 12. The blade back seal 3 is disposed in a substantially entire region of the photosensitive drum 12 (a region longer than the length of the cleaning blade 14 in the longitudinal direction and shorter than the length of a blade fixing portion 142 of a blade support member 141 in the longitudinal direction) with respect to the rotational axis direction. In the present embodiment, the blade back seal 3 is formed of polyurethane foam (sponge), which is an elastic foam member as an elastic member. The blade back seal 3 is a prismatic member that is disposed along (substantially parallel to, in the present embodiment) the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 and has a substantially rectangular shape (substantially square shape) in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. An upper end portion of the blade support member 141 extends above the lower edge portion of the toner collection portion 19 with respect to the lateral direction. Further, the blade back seal 3 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the blade support member 141 and the wall surface 112 of the drum cartridge container 11. The blade back seal 3 is fixed to the wall surface 112 of the drum cartridge container 11 at a surface on a side opposite to the blade support member 141. In the present embodiment, the blade back seal 3 is fixed to the wall surface 112 of the drum cartridge container 11 by a double-sided tape as a fixing device. A surface of the blade back seal 3 on a side opposite to the drum cartridge container 11 contacts a surface of the blade fixing portion 142 of the blade support member 141 on a side opposite to the photosensitive drum 12. The blade back seal 3 seals a gap between the wall surface 112 of the drum cartridge container 11 and the blade support member 141.

[0075] Further, a side seal 2 as a sealing member is fixed to a wall surface 113 of a drum cartridge container 11, the wall surface constituting an edge portion of an end portion of a toner collection portion 19 in a direction of a rotation axis of a photosensitive drum 12 and facing the photosensitive drum 12. The side seal 2 is provided in a region that overlaps with a flake-off prevention piece 17 at an upper end portion in a direction intersecting (substantially perpendicular in this embodiment) with the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12 and overlaps with a blade back seal 3 at a lower end portion in the direction. In this embodiment, the side seal 2 is formed of a polyurethane foam (sponge), which is an elastic foam member as an elastic member. The side seal 2 is a prismatic member that is provided to intersect (substantially perpendicular in this embodiment) with the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12, and the prismatic member has a substantially rectangular shape (substantially rectangular shape with a longer side along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12) in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The side seal 2 is provided such that at least a part of an upper end portion thereof is clamped between the flake-off prevention piece 17 and the wall surface 113 of the drum cartridge container 11. Further, the side seal 2 is provided such that at least a part of a lower end portion thereof is clamped between a blade support member 141 and the blade back seal 3, and such that at least another part thereof is clamped between the blade support member 141 and the wall surface 113 of the drum cartridge container 11. Further, the side seal 2 is fixed to the wall surface 113 of the drum cartridge container 11 at a surface on a side opposite to the photosensitive drum 12. In this embodiment, the side seal 2 is fixed to the wall surface 113 of the drum cartridge container 11 by a double-sided tape as a fixing device.

[0076] At least a part of an upper end portion of the side seal 2 on the photosensitive drum 12 side contacts a surface on a side opposite to the photosensitive drum 12 of the flake-off prevention piece 17. Further, in a lower end portion of the side seal 2, at least a part of a surface of the side seal 2 on a side opposite to the photosensitive drum 12 contacts the blade back seal 3. Further, in a lower end portion of the side seal 2, at least a part of a surface of the side seal 2 on the photosensitive drum 12 side contacts a surface on a side opposite to the photosensitive drum 12 of a blade fixing portion 142 in the blade support member 141. Further, a central region of the side seal 2 with respect to the vertical direction (a region between a region overlapping with the flake-off prevention piece 17 and a region overlapping with the blade support member 141) contacts a surface on a side opposite to the photosensitive drum 12 of an end portion of the photosensitive drum 12 or the cleaning blade 14 with respect to the longitudinal direction. The side seal 2 seals a gap between the wall surface 113 of the drum cartridge container 11 and the blade support member 141, a gap between the wall surface 113 of the drum cartridge container 11 and the flake-off prevention piece 17, a gap between the wall surface 113 of the drum cartridge container 11 and an end portion of the cleaning blade 4 with respect to the longitudinal direction, and a gap between the wall surface 113 of the drum cartridge container 11 and the photosensitive drum 12.

[0077] Here, as described above, each of the back seal 3 and the side seal 2 of the blade fills the gap between the associated members by being compressed and deformed between the associated members in the region clamped between the associated members, and thereby suppresses the outflow of toner to the outside through the gap.

[0078] Further, as described above, the cleaning blade 14 fixed to the blade support member 141 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0079] Thus, the toner region T (toner collection container 19) is sealed by being enclosed by the anti-scattering piece 17, the back seal 3, the side seal 2, the blade support member 141, and the cleaning blade 14. In other words, the region enclosed by the anti-scattering piece 17, the back seal 3, the side seal 2, the blade support member 141, and the cleaning blade 4 is the toner region T (toner collection container 19).

[0080] 5. Sealing structure at the end of the toner region

[0081] Next, the sealing structure at the end of the toner region T (toner collection container 19) in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 will be further described.

[0082] Here, the longitudinal direction of the side seal 2 provided along the direction crossing (substantially perpendicular in this embodiment) the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 (the lateral direction of the toner region T) is referred to as the "X direction (first direction)". Further, the longitudinal direction of the back seal 3 provided along (substantially parallel to in this embodiment) the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 is referred to as the "Y direction (second direction)". In this embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction are substantially perpendicular to each other. Further, in this embodiment, the X direction is substantially parallel to the gravitational direction. Incidentally, Figure 5 part (b) of Figure 6 and each of part (b) of Figure 5 and 6 are front views of the drum cartridge 10 when viewed from the photosensitive drum 12 side along a direction substantially perpendicular to each of the X direction and the Y direction. As described above, in

[0083] As Figure 5 shown in part (a) of Figure 5As shown in part (b), the lower end portion 420 of the side seal 2 with respect to the X direction is provided on the back side of the blade support member 141, and fills the gap between the drum cartridge container (first member) 11 and the blade support member (second member) 141.

[0084] Incidentally, a configuration using an integral seal member including a portion corresponding to the side seal 2 and a portion corresponding to the blade back seal 3 can be considered. However, in the case of adopting such a configuration, for example, waste is likely to occur in terms of the material consumption of the seal member, and in some cases, the cost increases. For this reason, as in the present embodiment, the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3 can preferably be constituted by separate seal members.

[0085] Furthermore, as Figure 5 As shown by the hatched portion in part (b), the side seal 2 is adhered to the drum cartridge container 11 such that its lower end portion 420 with respect to the X direction and the blade back seal 3 overlap each other. This is to prevent a gap from being generated between the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3 due to the adhesion error and the part deviation of the seal member itself when the seal member is adhered to the drum cartridge container 11. In the present embodiment, the side seal 2 is adhered to the blade back seal 3 in an overlapping manner such that the side seal 2 is positioned closer to the blade support member 141 side than the blade back seal 3.

[0086] In the case of using a side seal 2 having a conventional shape, as Figure 5 shown in parts (a) and (b), it is set such that the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3 overlap each other.

[0087] However, for example, when an operator assembling a product adheres a seal member to a fixed object, there is an adhesion deviation of about 1 mm with respect to the adhesion reference in some cases. For example, the relative distance deviation between the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3 in the X direction includes deviations with respect to the "approach direction" (which is the direction in which these seal members approach each other) and the "separation direction" (which is the direction in which these seal members separate from each other). As described above, in the case where each seal member causes an adhesion deviation of about 1 mm, there are errors with respect to the "approach direction" and the "separation direction" in some cases. Therefore, in the "approach state" where the relative distance deviation between the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3 occurs in the "approach direction", there is a possibility of forming the following state. That is, as Figure 6 shown in parts (a) and (b), there is a possibility that, in the X direction, the lower end of the side seal 2 is positioned below the lower end of the blade back seal 3. That is, there is a possibility that the side seal 2 is adhered so as to straddle the blade back seal 3.

[0088] This state will be further described. Figure 7 Part (a) of Figure 6 is a magnified view near the side seal 2 in a state where the side seal 2 shown in part (b) of Figure 6 is adhered to the blade back seal 3 in a spanning manner, when viewed in the same direction as part (b) of Figure 7 Part (b) of Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A line of part (a) of

[0089] As Figure 7 shown in part (b) of Figure 7 , the distance of the gap between the drum cartridge container 11 and the blade support member 141 is constant. On the other hand, in the region where the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3 overlap each other ( Figure 7 the hatched portions in parts (a) and (b) of

[0090] ), a sealing member that needs to be compressed to a width thicker than the region where only the blade back seal 3 is squeezed is required. Generally, as a sealing member for preventing toner leakage, an elastic member having a certain degree of elasticity, such as polyurethane foam (sponge), soft rubber, elastomer, etc., is used. In this embodiment, as the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3, polyurethane foam (sponge) is used, and in the region where the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3 overlap each other, the blade back seal 3 is squeezed by the side seal 2. For this reason, between the region where the side seal 2 and the blade back seal 3 overlap and the region where the side seal 2 and the blade back seal do not overlap, the blade back seal 3 cannot sufficiently follow the blade support member 141, thereby forming a gap portion B ( Figure 5 the cross-hatched portions in parts (a) and (b) of

[0091] 6. Shape of the side seal in this embodiment

[0092] Next, the configuration of the side seal 4 for suppressing the outflow of the toner from the toner region T to the outside in the present embodiment will be described.

[0093] Figure 8 is a front view of the side seal 4 in the present embodiment when viewed from the photosensitive drum 12 side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X and Y directions. Figure 9 Parts (a) and (b) of are front views of the drum cartridge 10 equipped with the side seal 4 in the present embodiment when viewed from the photosensitive drum 12 side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X and Y directions. In Figure 9 Parts (a) and (b) of, the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller 13, the cleaning roller 15, the cleaning blade 14, and the blade support member 141 are omitted from the illustration. Further, Figure 9 Part (a) of shows the above-mentioned "separated state", while Figure 9 Part (b) of shows the above-mentioned "proximity state".

[0094] In the present embodiment, the side seal 4 has the shape shown in Figure 8 . When the side seal 4 is viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X and Y directions, the overlapping end 420 (which is one end with respect to the X direction) includes: (a) a first ridge line 401 that contacts the toner region T and extends along the X direction, (b) a second ridge line 402 that is connected to the first ridge line 401 and extends in a direction intersecting the first ridge line 401 so as to be spaced apart from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction, (c) a third ridge line 403 that is connected to the second ridge line 402 and extends along the X direction, and (d) a fourth ridge line 404 that is connected to the third ridge line 403 and extends in a direction intersecting the third ridge line 403 so as to be spaced apart from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction. Incidentally, in the X direction, the fourth ridge line 404 is positioned closer to the end side of the overlapping end 420 than the second ridge line 402.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the first ridge line 401 and the third ridge line 403 extend substantially parallel to the X direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction. That is, in the present embodiment, each of the angles (corner portions 407) formed by the first ridge line 401 and the second ridge line 402, the angles (corner portions) 408 formed by the second ridge line 402 and the third ridge line 403, and the angles (corner portions) 409 formed by the third ridge line 403 and the fourth ridge line 404 has a substantially right-angled shape.

[0096] Refer to Figure 9In parts (a) and (b), the sealing of the toner area T by the side seal 4 and the blade back seal 3 in the "separated state" and the "approaching state" when using the side seal 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0097] As Figure 9 shown in part (a), in the "separated state", in the X direction, the lower end of the side seal 4 is positioned on the blade back seal 3. In this case, due to the above reasons, a gap portion B ( Figure 9 the hatched portion in part (a)) is formed, but the third ridge line 403 and the fourth ridge line 404 of the side seal 4 are present on the blade back seal 3. Thus, the blade back seal 3 forms a toner seal portion 301 by closely contacting the blade support member 141 in at least a part of the area facing the fourth ridge line 404 in the X direction. For this reason, the toner that enters the gap portion B formed by the third ridge line 403 from the toner area T and moves in the X direction is blocked by this toner seal portion 301.

[0098] As Figure 9 shown in part (b), in the "approaching state", in the X direction, the lower end of the side seal 4 is positioned below the lower end of the blade back seal 3. Also in this case, due to the above reasons, a gap portion B ( Figure 9 the hatched portion in part (b)) is formed, but the first ridge line 401 and the second ridge line 402 of the side seal 4 are present on the blade back seal 3. Thus, the blade back seal 3 forms a toner seal portion 301 by closely contacting the blade support member 141 in at least a part of the area facing the second ridge line 402 in the X direction. For this reason, the toner that enters the gap portion B formed by the first ridge line 401 from the toner area T and moves toward the fourth ridge line 404 is blocked by this toner seal portion 301.

[0099] Incidentally, in Figure 9 the state of part (b), the third ridge line 403 crosses the lower end of the blade back seal 3, such that when the third ridge line 403 forms the gap portion B, it can be considered that the toner passes through the gap portion B and flows to the outside. However, according to the side seal 4 in this embodiment, the outflow of the toner from the toner area T to the outside is suppressed by the following actions. Figure 10 Part (a) is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the toner in the "approaching state" when using a side seal 2 having a conventional shape. In this case, as shown by arrow A1, the toner passes through the gap portion B that directly linearly connects the toner area T and its outside, and then flows from the toner area T to the outside.

[0100] On the other hand, Figure 10Part (b) shows a schematic diagram of the behavior of toner in the "proximity state" when using the side seal 4 having the shape in this embodiment. In this case, as shown by arrow A2, due to the action of the toner seal portion 301 formed as described above, the toner that enters the gap portion B formed by the first ridge line 401 from the toner region T bends in the traveling direction along the direction of the second ridge line 402. Therefore, by bending the traveling direction of the toner, the toner is not easily moved, so that even when the gap portion B is formed by the third ridge line 403, it is not easy for the toner to flow out through the gap portion B. In particular, in this embodiment, the X direction is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, and thus, as shown in part (a) below, when using the side seal 2 having a conventional shape, due to the action of gravity, the toner can slide and flow out from the toner region T to the outside. On the other hand, as shown in part (b) below, when using the side seal 4 having the shape in this embodiment, the traveling direction of the toner bends in a direction crossing (substantially perpendicular in this embodiment) the direction of gravity. Therefore, even when the toner tends to move downward due to the action of gravity, the traveling (movement) of the toner can be suppressed. Figure 10 In the case of using the side seal 2 having a conventional shape as shown in part (a) below, due to the action of gravity, the toner can slide and flow out from the toner region T to the outside. On the other hand, as shown in part (b) below, Figure 10 In the case of using the side seal 4 having the shape in this embodiment, the traveling direction of the toner bends in a direction crossing (substantially perpendicular in this embodiment) the direction of gravity. Therefore, even when the toner tends to move downward due to the action of gravity, the traveling (movement) of the toner can be suppressed.

[0101] Here, when observing the side seal 4 and the blade back seal 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, in the direction substantially perpendicular to the Y direction (the X direction in this embodiment), the distance D between the second ridge line (sealing ridge line) 402 and the fourth ridge line (sealing ridge line) 404 is set to be smaller than the width W of the blade back seal 3.

[0102] Specifically, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the Y direction (in this embodiment, the X direction), the distance D between the position of the second ridge line 402 (in this embodiment, substantially the entire second ridge line 402) on the most distal side in the X direction of the overlapping end portion 420 and the position of the fourth ridge line 404 (in this embodiment, substantially the entire fourth ridge line 404) on the most distal side in the X direction of the overlapping end portion 420 is set to be less than the width W of the blade back seal 3 in the region where the side seal 4 is overlapped on the blade back seal 3. Thus, in either the "approaching state" or the "separating state", when observing the overlapping end portion 420 of the side seal 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, at least a part of at least one of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 (in this embodiment, substantially the entire ridge line) is clamped between the blade back seal 3 and the blade support member 141 in a state where the part is positioned on the blade back seal 3. Even in a state between the "approaching state" and the "separating state", by setting the distance D to be less than the width W as described above, the toner sealing portion 301 is formed by at least one region of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404. Thus, in any state from the "approaching state" to the "separating state", the outflow of toner from the toner region T to the outside can be suppressed.

[0103] Incidentally, the side seal 4 is not limited to the shape of the corners 407, 408, and 409 being substantially right-angled, but may have a ridge line in a direction different from that in this embodiment. The toner sealing portion 301 only needs to be able to be formed such that the toner traveling direction bends in a direction different from the direction of the gap portion B, which is formed at least by the first ridge line 401 or the third ridge line 403 and is substantially parallel to the first ridge line 401 or the third ridge line 403. Thus, the outflow of toner from the toner region T to the outside can be suppressed. Some modified embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14 Describe some modified embodiments. Figures 11 to 14 Are front views of the side seal 4 in related modified embodiments as observed along a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, respectively.

[0104] For example, as Figure 11As shown in part (a), at least one of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 can be inclined so as to be positioned on the side opposite to the end of the overlapping end 420 in the X direction as the distance from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction increases. That is, for example, in the case where the X direction is set along (substantially parallel to in this embodiment) the direction of gravity and the overlapping end 420 of the side seal 4 is the lower end in the direction of gravity, at least one of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 can be inclined so as to be positioned at an upper position in the direction of gravity as the distance from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction increases. Thus, the toner sealing portion 301 is formed such that it is at an upper position in the direction of gravity as the distance from the toner region T increases, and thus the sealing performance can be improved. However, for example, as Figure 11 shown in part (b), at least one of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 can be inclined so as to be on the end side of the overlapping end 420 in the X direction as the distance from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction increases. For example, in the case where the X direction is set to intersect the direction of gravity or in a similar case, for example, at least one of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 can be inclined corresponding to the angle of the Y direction with respect to the X direction. Further, as the directions of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404, the directions in this embodiment and the directions in the above modified embodiment can be used in any combination.

[0105] Further, as Figure 12 shown in part (a), at least one of the corners 407, 408, and 409 of the side seal 4 can have an R-shaped (curved) shape. The same applies to the other corners of the side seal 4. Further, in addition to the side seal 4 having the Figure 8 shape shown, the same applies to the side seal 4 having other shapes (such as the Figure 11 shapes shown in parts (a) and (b)).

[0106] Further, as Figure 12 shown in part (b), the third ridge line 403 can be inclined with respect to the X direction. Further, the shape of the third ridge line 403 is not limited to a straight line shape. For example, as Figure 12 shown in parts (c) and (d), the shape of the third ridge line 403 can be a curved shape. In the side seal 4 shown in part (c) of Figure 12 , the third ridge line 403 has a curved shape protruding inward, while in the side seal 4 shown in part (d) of Figure 12 , the third ridge line 403 has a curved shape protruding outward.

[0107] Similarly, the shapes of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 are not limited to a straight shape. For example, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 13 , at least one of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 may have a curved shape. In the side seal 4 shown in part (a) of Figure 13 , the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 have a curved shape protruding outward, while in the side seal 4 shown in part (b) of Figure 13 , the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 have a curved shape protruding inward. Further, as the shapes of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404, the shapes in this embodiment and the shapes in the above modified embodiment can be used in any combination.

[0108] Here, "substantially parallel" not only means "completely parallel", but also includes cases where it deviates from "parallel" within a certain error range (for example, about ±15 degrees). Similarly, "substantially perpendicular" not only means "completely perpendicular", but also includes cases where it deviates from "perpendicular" within a certain error range (for example, about ±15 degrees). Further, in addition to the direction parallel to the predetermined direction, the "direction along the predetermined direction" also includes, for example, a direction having an angle of less than 30 degrees (usually, less than 15 degrees) with respect to the predetermined direction. Further, in addition to the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the "direction intersecting the predetermined direction" also includes, for example, a direction having an angle of 30 degrees or more (typically, 45 degrees or more).

[0109] In the side seal 4 shown in Figures 11 to 13 , by setting the distance D between the position of the second ridge line 402 on the most distal side in the X direction of the overlapping end 420 and the position of the fourth ridge line 404 on the most distal side in the X direction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the Y direction to be less than the width W of the squeegee back seal 3 in the region where the side seal 4 overlaps the squeegee back seal 3, an effect similar to the above effect can be obtained. Further, in other words, by setting the distance D in the X direction between the angle 407 formed by the first ridge line 401 and the second ridge line 402 and the angle 409 formed by the third ridge line 403 and the fourth ridge line 404 ( Figure 11 , part (a)) to be less than the width W of the squeegee back seal 3 in the gap where the side seal 4 overlaps the squeegee back seal 3, an effect similar to the above effect can be obtained.

[0110] Furthermore, the side seal 4 is not limited to having two sealing shapes, which include the sealing shape formed by the first ridge line 401 and the second ridge line 402 and the sealing shape formed by the third ridge line 403 and the fourth ridge line 404. The side seal 4 can have three or more such sealing shapes. For example, as Figure 14 shown, when observing the side seal 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, the overlapping end 420, which is one end of the side seal 4 in the X direction, includes: (a) the first ridge line 401, which contacts the toner region T and extends along the X direction, (b) the second ridge line 402, which is connected to the first ridge line 401 and extends in a direction intersecting the first ridge line 401 in a manner spaced apart from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction, (c) the third ridge line 403, which is connected to the second ridge line 402 and extends along the X direction, (d) the fourth ridge line 404, which is connected to the third ridge line 403 and extends in a direction intersecting the third ridge line 403 in a manner spaced apart from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction, (e) the fifth ridge line 405, which is connected to the fourth ridge line 404 and extends along the X direction, and the sixth ridge line 406, which is connected to the fifth ridge line 405 and extends in a direction intersecting the fifth ridge line 405 in a manner spaced apart from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction. Incidentally, in the X direction, the fourth ridge line 404 is positioned closer to the end side of the overlapping end 420 than the second ridge line 402, and the sixth ridge line 406 is positioned closer to the end side of the overlapping end 420 than the fourth ridge line 404.

[0111] In Figure 14 the embodiment, each of the first ridge line 401, the third ridge line 403, and the fifth ridge line 405 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the X direction. Further, in this embodiment, each of the second ridge line 402, the fourth ridge line 404, and the sixth ridge line 406 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction. That is, in this embodiment, each of the angles 407 formed by the first ridge line 401 and the second ridge line 402, the angle 408 formed by the second ridge line 402 and the third ridge line 403, the angle 409 formed by the third ridge line 403 and the fourth ridge line 404, the angle 410 formed by the fourth ridge line 404 and the fifth ridge line 405, and the angle 411 formed by the fifth ridge line 405 and the sixth ridge line 406 has a substantially right-angled shape. The shapes of the first to sixth ridge lines and the respective angles can be arbitrarily changed, similar to those described with reference to Figures 11 to 13 described.

[0112] In addition, in Figure 14In the side seal 4 shown in [description], by setting the distance D to be less than the width W for each seal shape, an effect similar to the above can be obtained. That is, when observing the side seal 4 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the X and Y directions, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the Y direction, the distance D1 between the second ridge line (seal ridge line) 402 and the fourth ridge line (seal ridge line) 404 and the distance D2 between the fourth ridge line (seal ridge line) 404 and the sixth ridge line (seal ridge line) 406 only need to be set to be less than the width W of the blade back seal 3. By increasing the number of seal-shaped portions, for example, even when the adhesion error between the side seal 4 and the blade back seal 3 is relatively large compared to the width of the blade back seal 3 or in a similar situation, regardless of the adhesion position, toner outflow from the toner area T to the outside can be suppressed. However, in many cases, it can be said that the number of seal-shaped portions is ten or less (typically, 5 or less) is sufficient.

[0113] It should be noted that the content in [description] in the translation needs to be filled with the actual relevant description according to the original text context.Therefore, in the present embodiment, the developer accommodating device (cleaning device) 18 includes a first member (drum cartridge container) 11 and a second member (blade support member) 141 that form a developer accommodating portion (toner collection accommodating portion) 19, a first sealing member (side sealing member) 4 that extends in a first direction and seals the developer accommodating portion 19, and a second sealing member (blade back seal) 3 that extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and seals the developer accommodating portion 19. The first sealing member 4 is arranged such that at least a part of the overlapping end portion 420, which is an end portion in the first direction X, is clamped between the first member 11 and the second member 141 in a state of being overlapped on the second member 3. When observing the overlapping end portion 420 of the first sealing member 4 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the overlapping end portion 420 includes: (a) a first ridge line 401 that contacts the developer accommodating portion 19 and extends along the first direction X, (b) a second ridge line 402 that is connected to the first ridge line 401 and extends in a direction intersecting the first ridge line 401 in a manner spaced apart from the developer accommodating portion 19 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X, (c) a third ridge line 403 that is connected to the second ridge line 402 and extends along the first direction X, and (d) a fourth ridge line 404 that is connected to the third ridge line 403 and extends in a direction intersecting the third ridge line 403 in a manner spaced apart from the developer accommodating portion 19 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X. The fourth ridge line 404 is positioned closer to the end side of the overlapping end portion 420 than the second ridge line 402 in the first direction X. When observing the overlapping end portion 420 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction Y, the distance D between the position of the second ridge line 402 on the most end side of the overlapping end portion 420 and the position of the fourth ridge line 404 on the most end side of the overlapping end portion 420 is less than the width W of the second sealing member 3 in the region where the first sealing member 4 is overlapped on the second sealing member 3. When observing the overlapping end portion 420 of the first sealing member 4 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, at least a part of at least one of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 is clamped between the second sealing member 3 and the second member 141 in a state of being overlapped on the second sealing member 3. In the present embodiment, with such a configuration, when observing the second sealing member 3 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the second sealing member closely contacts the second member 141 in at least a part of the region (toner sealing portion) 301 that faces the at least one ridge line in the first direction X. In the present embodiment, each of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X.Further, in the present embodiment, the developer accommodating device 18 is arranged such that the first direction X extends along the direction of gravity, and the stacked end portion 420 is the lower end portion with respect to the direction of gravity. For example, in such a case, at least one of the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 may be inclined so as to be located in a more upper position with respect to the direction of gravity as the distance from the developer accommodating portion 19 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X increases. Further, in the present embodiment, the first direction X and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0114] In other words, when observing the stacked end portion 420 of the first sealing member 4 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the stacked end portion 420 includes a plurality of sealing ridge lines (the second ridge line 402 and the fourth ridge line 404 or the second ridge line 402, the fourth ridge line 404, and the sixth ridge line 406), the plurality of sealing ridge lines being ridge lines extending in a direction intersecting the first direction X and connected from the ridge line 401 (the first ridge line), the ridge line 401 being a ridge line of the first sealing member 4 extending along the first direction X and contacting the developer accommodating portion 19. Further, the sealing ridge lines are located on the end side of the stacked end portion 420 in the first direction X as the distance from the developer accommodating portion 19 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X increases. When observing the stacked end portion 420 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction Y, the distance (D1, D2) between the positions of the respective adjacent sealing ridge lines on the outermost end side of the stacked end portion 420 is smaller than the width W of the second sealing member 3 in the region where the first sealing member 4 is stacked on the second sealing member 3. When observing the stacked end portion 420 of the first sealing member 4 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, at least a part of at least one sealing ridge line is clamped between the second sealing member 3 and the second member 141 in a state of being stacked on the second sealing member 3. In the present embodiment, with such a configuration, when observing the second sealing member 3 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the second sealing member is in close contact with the second member 141 in at least a part of the region 301 facing the at least one sealing ridge line along the first direction X. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of sealing ridge lines extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X. Further, for example, when the developer accommodating device 18 is arranged such that the first direction X extends along the direction of gravity and the stacked end portion 420 is the lower end portion with respect to the direction of gravity, at least one sealing ridge line may be inclined so as to be located in a more upper position with respect to the direction of gravity as the distance from the developer accommodating portion 19 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X increases.

[0115] Further, in the present embodiment, the developer accommodating device is the cleaning device 18, which includes a cleaning member (cleaning blade) 14 for removing the developer from the image carrier member (photosensitive drum) 12 carrying the developer image, a container (drum cartridge container) 11 constituting the above-mentioned first member, and a support member (blade support member) 141 for supporting the cleaning member 14 and constituting the above-mentioned second member. And the cleaning device accommodates the developer removed from the image carrier member 12 by the cleaning member 14 in the developer accommodating portion 19. Further, according to the present embodiment, the imaging device 1 includes a developer accommodating device 18 having the above-described configuration.

[0116] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the configuration in which at least two sealing members seal the corners of the region where the developer exists in order to seal the region, the reliability of the sealing performance can be enhanced. That is, according to the present embodiment, in the configuration in which a plurality of sealing members are used to seal the region where the developer exists, the reliability of the sealing performance can be enhanced by suppressing the outflow of the toner from the gap between the sealing members, while simplifying the manufacturing conditions more. [Embodiment 2]

[0117] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 1, as an example of the sealing structure for sealing the region where the developer exists, the sealing condition of the drum cartridge 10 was described. In the present embodiment, as another example of the sealing structure, the sealing condition of the toner conveyance portion (toner conveyance path) in the imaging device will be described.

[0118] Incidentally, the overall configuration and operation of the imaging device are the same as those in Embodiment 1. However, in the imaging device of the present embodiment, by adding the same reference numerals or symbols as those in Embodiment 1, the elements having the same or corresponding functions or configurations as the elements of the imaging device in Embodiment 1 will be omitted in the detailed description.

[0119] In the imaging device 1, for example, the toner to be supplied to the developing device 20 is conveyed from the toner cartridge 40 to the developing device 20, or the toner discharged from the cleaning device 18 is conveyed to the toner collection box. Further, in the toner conveyance portion for this purpose, the toner is conveyed between units or between members by free fall or a conveyance member. For this reason, also in the toner conveyance portion, the outflow of the toner is suppressed by using a sealing member for filling the gap between parts.

[0120] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the appearance of the toner conveyance portion 9 in the present embodiment. Figure 16It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toner conveyance unit 9 in the present embodiment. The toner conveyance unit 9 in the present embodiment forms a part of, for example, the toner conveyance path from the toner cartridge 40 to the developing device 20. The toner conveyance unit 9 in the present embodiment is an example of a developer accommodating device that includes a developer accommodating portion for at least temporarily accommodating a developer (including the passage of the developer).

[0121] As Figure 15 and 16 shown in, the toner conveyance unit 9 includes a cap member 5 and a toner guide portion 6. The cap member 5 is a plate-like member in which a rectangular opening 502 is formed, and includes a fixing portion 501 located at the periphery of the opening 502. The toner guide portion 6 includes a hollow tube portion 602 having a rectangular cross-section and a rectangular flange portion 601 provided at one end of the hollow tube portion 602 with respect to the longitudinal direction. Further, the toner is conveyed by free fall through the opening 502 of the cap member 5 and the space inside the hollow tube portion 602 of the toner guide portion 6. In the present embodiment, the area through which the toner passes (which is the opening 502 of the cap member 5 and the space inside the hollow tube portion 602 of the toner guide portion 6) is the toner area T.

[0122] Figure 17 It is a schematic perspective view showing the sealing structure of the toner conveyance unit 9 (wherein the cap member 5 is omitted from the illustration). On an adhesion portion 611 that is the upper surface of a flange portion 601 provided at the end of the toner guide portion 6, a pair of lateral seals 7 as sealing members and a pair of vertical seals 8 as sealing members are provided. In the present embodiment, each of these sealing members is formed of a polyurethane foam (sponge), which is a foam elastic member as an elastic member. Further, from the side opposite to the adhesion portion 611 of the toner guide portion (first member) 6, the cap member (second member) is adhered by the sealing member so that the sealing member is compressed and deformed by being clamped between the adhesion portion 611 and the fixing portion 501. The cap member 5 is fixed to the toner guide portion 6 by any fixing means (not shown). Thus, the gap between the cap member 5 and the toner guide portion 6 can be filled by the corresponding sealing member. Incidentally, the toner conveyance unit 9 may have a structure in which, instead of the cap member 5, hollow tube members 6 having the same structure are connected to each other via the sealing members 7 and 8.

[0123] Therefore, in the toner conveyance unit 9, a plurality of sealing members are provided to enclose the toner region T and seal the toner region T. This is because when an integral sealing member is used to enclose the toner region T as described in the first embodiment, waste is likely to occur in the material consumption of the sealing member, and thus cost increases in some cases. Additionally, also in the toner conveyance unit 9 of the present embodiment, in the case of using a conventional sealing structure, similar to that described in the first embodiment, since a gap portion B is generated in the overlapping region between the sealing members, there is a possibility that toner flows out (scatters) from the toner region T to the outside. Therefore, also in the toner conveyance unit 9 of the present embodiment, the structure of the overlapping region between the ends of the sealing members is made to have the same structure as that in the first embodiment, so that the reliability of the sealing performance can be improved.

[0124] In the toner conveyance unit 9 of the present embodiment, each of the pair of lateral seals 7 and the pair of vertical seals 8 is a prismatic member, which is substantially rectangular in a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each of the lateral seals 7 and 8 (a substantially rectangular shape, with the side along the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tube portion 602 being longer). Further, the pair of lateral seals 7 are respectively fixed to a pair of opposite sides of the adhesion portion 611 of the toner guide portion 6. Further, the pair of vertical seals 8 are respectively fixed to the other pair of opposite sides of the adhesion portion 611 of the toner guide portion 6, such that the two ends of each seal 8 overlap the relevant ends of the seal 7 from the cap member 5 side. In the present embodiment, each of these sealing members is adhered to the adhesion portion 611 of the toner guide portion 6 by a double-sided tape as a fixing device.

[0125] Here, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the pair of vertical seals 8 (herein, referred to as the "X direction (first direction)") is provided along (substantially parallel to in the present embodiment) a pair of opposite sides of the adhesion portion 611.

[0126] Further, the longitudinal direction of the pair of lateral seals 7 (herein, referred to as the "Y direction (second direction)") is provided along (substantially parallel to in the present embodiment) the other pair of opposite sides of the adhesion portion 611. In the present embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction are substantially perpendicular to each other. Further, in the present embodiment, each of the X direction and the Y direction is substantially perpendicular to the gravitational direction.

[0127] In this embodiment, similar to the squeegee back seal 3 in Embodiment 1, the pair of lateral seals 7 are prismatic members having substantially identical cross-sections. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the pair of vertical seals 8 are configured such that the two ends of each vertical seal 8 with respect to the longitudinal direction are overlapping ends 820, similar to the overlapping ends 420 of the side seal 4 in Embodiment 1, and each overlapping end 820 has a sealing shape according to the present invention.

[0128] Figure 18 is a front view of the toner conveyance portion 9 as viewed from the side of the cap member 5 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X and Y directions (the cap member 5 is omitted from the drawing). Refer Figure 18 , the sealing effect of the sealing members in this embodiment will be described. Since the pair of vertical seals 8 are constructed identically, the description will be made by focusing on one vertical seal 8 (the one Figure 18 on the left side in Figure 18 . Further, in the example shown in Figure 18 , in the upper left overlapping region (the Figure 18 hatched portion) between the sealing members, the "separated state" described in Embodiment 1 is formed, and in the lower left overlapping region (the

[0129] hatched portion) between the sealing members, the "proximate state" described in Embodiment 1 is formed. Similar to the overlapping ends 420 of the side seal 4 in Embodiment 1, each of the overlapping ends 820, which are the opposite ends of the vertical seal 8 in the X direction, is provided with first to fourth ridge lines 801, 802, 803, and 804. That is, each overlapping end 820 has two sealing shapes. In the upper left overlapping end 820 in the "separated state" in Figure 18 , with respect to the gap portion B (the Figure 18 cross-hatched portion) extending in the X direction from the toner region T, a toner sealing portion 701 is formed at a position opposite to the fourth ridge line 804 in the X direction. The toner sealing portion is a ridge line along which the lateral seal 7 and the cap member 5 are in close contact with each other. Thus, the toner entering the gap portion B from the toner region T is blocked by the toner sealing portion 701, and accordingly, the outflow of toner from the toner region T to the outside is suppressed. Further, in the lower left overlapping end 820 in the "proximate state" in Figure 18 , with respect to the gap portion B (the Figure 18(in the cross-hatched portion), a toner seal portion 701 is formed at a position opposite to the second ridge line 802 in the X direction. The toner seal portion is a ridge line along which the side seal 7 and the cap member 5 are in close contact with each other. Thus, the toner entering the gap portion B from the toner region T is blocked by the toner seal portion 701, and therefore, the outflow of the toner from the toner region T to the outside is suppressed. Further, as described in Embodiment 1, by setting the distance D to be smaller than the width W, at least one of the second ridge line (sealing ridge line) 802 and the fourth ridge line (sealing ridge line) 804 is provided on the side seal 7 in any state from the "close state" to the "separated state", and therefore, the outflow of the toner from the toner region T to the outside can be suppressed. In particular, by providing the sealing shape according to the present invention at each of the two ends of the vertical seal 8 in the X direction, even when one end is in the "separated state" and the other end is in the "close state", the outflow of the toner from the toner region T to the outside can be suppressed at either end.

[0130] Incidentally, as the structure of the stacked end 820 of the vertical seal 8 in the present embodiment, the structure of the modified embodiment described in Embodiment 1 can be arbitrarily used.

[0131] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the developer accommodating device is the developer conveying portion (toner conveying portion) 9, wherein the first member (toner guiding portion) 6 and the second member (cap member) 5 constitute a region as the developer accommodating portion T through which the developer passes. Further, according to the present embodiment, an imaging device 1 including the developer accommodating device 9 having such a structure is provided.

[0132] As described above, by applying the present invention to the toner conveying portion 9, an effect similar to that of Embodiment 1 can be obtained. [Embodiment 3]

[0133] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0134] The overall structure and operation of the imaging device of the present embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. However, in the imaging device of the present embodiment, by adding the same reference numerals or symbols as those in Embodiment 1, the elements having the same or corresponding functions or structures as the elements of the imaging device in Embodiment 1 will be omitted in the detailed description.

[0135] In the present embodiment, another example of the stacked end 420 of the side seal 4 will be described in the sealing structure of the drum cartridge 10 similar to the drum cartridge 10 in Embodiment 1.

[0136] In Embodiment 1, refer to Figure 9 and 10is described, in which by forming the toner seal portion 301 to bend the traveling direction of the toner entering the gap portion B from the toner region T, the outflow of the toner from the toner region T to the outside can be suppressed. In the first embodiment, this is achieved by providing the first to fourth ridge lines 401, 402, 403, and 404 in the overlapping end portion 420 of the side seal 4.

[0137] On the other hand, by providing a straight ridge line or a curved ridge line continuous with the first ridge line 401 for the overlapping end portion 420 of the side seal 4 and bending the traveling direction of the toner entering the gap portion B from the toner region T to form the toner seal portion 301, a corresponding effect can be obtained.

[0138] Figure 19 is a front view of the side seal 4 in this embodiment when viewed from the photosensitive drum 12 side along a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction.

[0139] In this embodiment, when the side seal 4 is viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, the overlapping end portion 420 includes: (a) a first ridge line 401 that contacts the toner region T and extends along the X direction, and (b) a second ridge line 412 that is connected to the first ridge line 401 and extends such that it is spaced apart from the first ridge line 401 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and is on the end side of the overlapping ridge line 412 in the X direction. Thus, even in any state from the "close state" to the "separated state" (the "close state" and the "separated state" are described in the first embodiment), when the side seal 4 is viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, at least a part of the second ridge line 412 is clamped between the blade back seal 3 and the blade support member 141 in a state of being on the blade back seal 3. In this embodiment, when the side seal 4 is viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, the second ridge line 412 has a straight shape. Further, in this embodiment, the second ridge line 412 extends in a manner spaced apart from the toner region T in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction.

[0140] According to the side seal 4 in this embodiment, the gap portion B is formed by the second ridge line 412, but in the region opposite to the second ridge line 412 in the X direction, the toner seal portion 301 is formed by the close contact between the blade back seal 3 and the blade support member 141. Further, by the action of this toner seal portion 301, the toner entering the gap portion B from the toner region T is bent in its traveling direction toward the direction along the second ridge line 412. Therefore, the traveling direction of the toner is bent, and the toner is not easily traveled, so that the outflow of the toner passing through the gap portion B is not likely to occur.

[0141] Here, in order to satisfactorily obtain the above effects, when observing the side seal 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, the inclination angle of the second ridge line 412 with respect to the Y direction (in this embodiment, the direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction) can preferably be greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 60 degrees. When the inclination angle is less than 30 degrees, the adhesion error range of the side seal 4 that satisfactorily provides the above effects becomes smaller in some cases. Further, when the inclination angle exceeds 60 degrees, it becomes difficult to sufficiently bend the toner traveling direction by the toner seal portion 301 formed by the second ridge line 412.

[0142] Incidentally, in this embodiment, when observing the side seal 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, the shape of the second ridge line 412 is a straight line shape, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as Figure 20 shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 20 , when observing the side seal 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, the shape of the second ridge line 412 can be a curved shape. In the side seal 4 shown in part (a) of Figure 20 , the shape of the second ridge line 412 is a curved shape protruding outward, while in the side seal 4 shown in part (b) of Figure 20 , the shape of the second ridge line 412 is a curved shape protruding inward. Further, through such a side seal 4, similar to the side seal 4 in this embodiment, the toner traveling direction is bent by the toner seal portion 301 formed by the second ridge line 412, so that the outflow of toner from the toner area T to the outside can be side-sealed. When the second ridge line 412 has a curved shape, similar to the above, the inclination angle of the tangent line with respect to the Y direction can preferably be greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 60 degrees, and the tangent line circumscribes at least a part of the approximate center in the direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction from the first ridge line 401 to the second ridge line 412.

[0143] Further, in the side seal 4 in this embodiment, the second ridge line 412 extends in a manner spaced apart from the toner area T in the direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction, but it is not limited thereto. As Figure 20 shown in part (c) of Figure 20 , the second ridge line 412 can extend in a manner approaching the toner area T in the direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction. Incidentally, also in this embodiment, the shape of the second ridge line 412 is not limited to a straight line shape, but can also be a curved shape. Further, through such a side seal 4, similar to the side seal 4 in this embodiment, the toner traveling direction is bent by the toner seal portion 301 formed by the second ridge line 412, and the outflow of toner from the toner area T to the outside can be suppressed.

[0144] Further, the side seal 4 described in this embodiment is also applicable to the toner conveying section 9 described in Embodiment 2.

[0145] Therefore, in this embodiment, when observing the first sealing member 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the overlapping end 420 includes: (a) a first ridge line 401 that contacts the developer accommodating portion 19 and extends along the first direction X, and (b) a second ridge line 412 that is connected to the first ridge line 401 and extends such that as it is spaced apart from the first ridge line 401 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X, it is located on the end side of the overlapping ridge line 412 in the first direction X. And when observing the overlapping end 420 of the first sealing member 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, at least a portion of the second ridge line 412 is clamped between the second sealing member 3 and the second member 141 when in a state on the second sealing member 3. In this embodiment, when observing the first sealing member 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the second ridge line 412 extends in a manner spaced apart from the developer accommodating portion 19 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X. Further, in this embodiment, when observing the first sealing member 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the second ridge line 412 has a straight shape. In addition, when observing the first sealing member 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the inclination angle of the second ridge line 412 with respect to the second direction Y can preferably be greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 60 degrees. Incidentally, when observing the first sealing member 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, the second ridge line 412 can have a curve. Further, in this embodiment, the first direction X and the second direction Y are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0146] As described above, through the configuration of this embodiment, effects similar to those of Embodiment 1 can be correspondingly obtained. [Other Embodiments]

[0147] Above, the present invention has been described based on specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0148] In the above embodiments, the developer accommodating device is described as a developer accommodating portion in which toner is accommodated (including "through") a cleaning device or a toner conveying section. However, in the developer accommodating portion, in addition to toner, carriers and the like can also be accommodated as the developer. Further, in the collected developer and the like, foreign matters such as powder may be included.

[0149] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the sealing member is described as being fixed to the fixed object by means of a double-sided tape, but it may also be fixed by using other fixing means (such as contact or welding).

[0150] Further, in the above-described embodiments, as an example of the developer accommodating device, a cleaning device for cleaning the photosensitive drum and a toner conveying section are described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0151] For example, the cleaning device may clean other cleaning objects such as an intermediate transfer belt. Further, the developer accommodating device may be a developing device, a developer accommodating container, a container for collecting the developer, etc. The present invention is applicable to the sealing structure of any developer accommodating device that is used in an imaging apparatus and temporarily accommodates (including "passes through") the developer.

[0152] According to the present invention, in a configuration in which a plurality of sealing members are used to seal the developer presence area, the reliability of the sealing performance can be enhanced.

[0153] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present 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 developer container, comprising: a first member configured to form a housing portion for housing a developer; a second member mounted to the first member and configured to form the receiving portion; a first seal extending in a first direction at a periphery of the accommodation portion and configured to seal between the first member and the second member by being sandwiched between the first member and the second member so as to be elastically deformed; and a second sealing member extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction at the periphery of the accommodation portion and configured to seal between the first member and the second member by being sandwiched between the first member and the second member so as to be elastically deformed, wherein the first sealing member comprises one end and another end relative to the first direction, wherein at least a portion of the one end portion of the first seal is sandwiched between the first member and the second member in a state of being overlapped on the second seal so as to be elastically deformed, wherein the one end of the first sealing member includes a first ridge line extending along the first direction, a second ridge line extending from the first ridge line along a direction intersecting the first ridge line so as to be spaced apart from the accommodation portion in the second direction, a third ridge line extending from the second ridge line along a direction intersecting the second ridge line, and a fourth ridge line extending from the third ridge line along a direction intersecting the third ridge line so as to be spaced apart from the accommodation portion in the second direction, wherein a first angle formed by the first ridge line and the second ridge line is positioned closer to the other end of the first seal than a second angle formed by the third ridge line and the fourth ridge line, wherein a spacing between the first corner and the second corner in the first direction is shorter than a width in the first direction of a region where the first seal overlaps the second seal, and wherein at least one of the first corner and the second corner is sandwiched between the first member and the second member in a state of being overlapped on the second seal so as to be elastically deformed.

2. The developer accommodating container according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the second ridge line and the fourth ridge line extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The developer accommodating container according to claim 1, wherein: The first direction is along the direction of gravity, and the one end of the first seal is a lower end of the first seal with respect to the direction of gravity.

4. The developer accommodating container according to claim 3, wherein: At least one of the second ridge line and the fourth ridge line is inclined so as to be positioned upward in the gravity direction as the distance from the receiving portion is increased in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The developer accommodating container according to claim 1, wherein: The first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to each other.

6. The developer accommodating container according to claim 1, further comprising: a cleaning member configured to remove a developer from an image bearing member for bearing a developer image; a supporting member configured to support the cleaning member; as well as a container capable of accommodating the developer removed from the image bearing member by the cleaning member, Wherein, the first component is the container, and the second component is the supporting component.

7. The developer accommodating container according to claim 1, wherein: The first member and the second member are developer conveying portions constituting a region as the accommodating portion through which the developer passes.

8. An imaging device comprising: The developer accommodating container according to claim 1; and An image forming section configured to form a toner image.

9. A developer containing container, comprising: a first member configured to form a housing portion for housing a developer; a second member mounted to the first member and configured to form the receiving portion; a first seal extending in a first direction at a periphery of the accommodation portion and configured to seal between the first member and the second member by being sandwiched between the first member and the second member so as to be elastically deformed; as well as a second sealing member extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction at the periphery of the accommodation portion and configured to seal between the first member and the second member by being sandwiched between the first member and the second member so as to be elastically deformed, wherein the first sealing member comprises one end and another end relative to the first direction, wherein at least a portion of the one end portion of the first seal is sandwiched between the first member and the second member in a state of being overlapped on the second seal so as to be elastically deformed, wherein the one end of the first seal comprises a first ridge line extending along the first direction, and a second ridge line, the second ridge line being continuous with the first ridge line and extending so as to be away from the other end in the first direction as it is spaced apart from the first ridge line in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and, wherein the inclination angle of the second ridge line relative to the second direction is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 60 degrees, and wherein the one end portion of the first seal is sandwiched between the first member and the second member in a state where at least a portion of the second ridge line is overlapped on the second seal so as to be elastically deformed.

Images