Image forming apparatus and processing unit

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus and a processing unit capable of easily connecting a process cartridge and a toner container. The image forming apparatus includes: a main body case; a drum unit having a photosensitive drum; a developing unit having a developing roller; a supply port provided in the developing unit; a receiving port provided in the drum unit and connected to the toner container, a discharge port connected to the supply port, and a connecting portion connecting the receiving port and the discharge port; and an elastically deformable sealing member that is provided between the supply port and the discharge port and allows relative movement of the supply port and the discharge port, the drum unit and the developing unit constitute a process cartridge, and the receiving port, the discharge port, and the supply port at least partially overlap when viewed from the vertical direction in a state in which the process cartridge is attached to the main body case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a processing unit. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus was known, comprising: a drum unit having a photosensitive drum and a developing unit having a developing roller, configured such that the developing unit is movable relative to the drum unit in a direction that brings the developing roller closer to separation from the photosensitive drum.

[0003] In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a processing cassette is composed of a drum unit and a developing unit. Furthermore, a toner bag, serving as a toner container for toner replenishment, is installed in the toner receiving section of the developing unit, allowing toner to be replenished from the toner bag to the toner storage chamber of the developing unit.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-81064

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, since the developing unit is configured to move relative to the drum unit, the position of the toner receiving section is unstable when the toner pack is installed in the toner receiving section of the developing unit, making it difficult to install the toner pack relative to the toner receiving section.

[0009] Furthermore, if the developing unit is configured to move relative to the drum unit, when the toner pack is installed in the toner receiving section of the developing unit, if an impact force is accidentally transmitted to the toner receiving section, there is a possibility that the developing roller and spacers that are in contact with the photosensitive drum may damage the photosensitive drum. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, in this invention, an image forming apparatus and processing unit are provided that can easily connect a toner container for toner replenishment to a processing cartridge.

[0011] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0012] The image forming apparatus and processing unit that solve the above-mentioned technical problems have the following features.

[0013] That is, the image forming apparatus includes: a main housing; a drum unit having a photosensitive drum; a developing unit having a developing roller; a supply port disposed in the developing unit; a receiving port disposed in the drum unit, receiving toner from the toner container via connection to a toner container for toner replenishment; a discharge port disposed in the drum unit and connected to the supply port; a connecting portion disposed in the drum unit, connecting the receiving port and the discharge port; and a sealing member disposed between the supply port and the discharge port, comprising an elastic member that allows relative movement between the supply port and the discharge port and is elastically deformable, wherein the drum unit and the developing unit constitute a processing cartridge, and when the processing cartridge is mounted in the main housing, at least a portion of the receiving port, the discharge port, and the supply port overlap when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0014] Therefore, even if the developing unit is configured to move relative to the drum unit, the toner container can be easily connected to the processing cartridge. Furthermore, the toner in the toner container can flow smoothly into the developing unit through the receiving port, the discharge port, and the supply port, thus allowing toner to be smoothly replenished from the toner container to the developing unit.

[0015] In addition, the developing roller is movable relative to the photosensitive drum in a first direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, and the image forming apparatus includes a pressing member that presses the developing roller toward the side of the photosensitive drum in the first direction.

[0016] Therefore, when the developing roller vibrates in the outer diameter, it can absorb the vibration of the developing roller and enable the developing roller to rotate smoothly.

[0017] Additionally, in a second direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum is disposed at one end of the drum unit, the receiving port and the discharge port are disposed at the other end of the drum unit, the developing roller is disposed at one end of the developing unit, and the supply port is disposed at the other end of the developing unit.

[0018] Therefore, with the photosensitive drum and developing roller located in the center of the main body housing, the receiving port and discharge port of the drum unit and the supply port of the developing unit can be located at the end of the main body housing, which can improve the workability when connecting the toner container to the receiving port.

[0019] In addition, the outlet is located above the supply port, and the receiving port is located above the outlet. The outlet is formed to be the same size as the receiving port or larger than the receiving port. The supply port is formed to be the same size as the outlet or larger than the outlet. When viewed from above and below, the outlet is located within the range of the supply port, and the receiving port is located within the range of the outlet.

[0020] Therefore, when the toner container is connected to the receiving port, the toner will not get caught on the periphery of the discharge port or the periphery of the supply port when the toner is replenished from the toner container, and can flow smoothly into the developing unit.

[0021] Additionally, the developing unit includes a toner receiving chamber that communicates with the supply port and receives toner supplied from the toner container. The bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber has an inclined surface that slopes downward as it moves away from the position where the supply port is projected relative to the bottom surface in a vertical direction.

[0022] This prevents the accumulation of toner in the toner storage chamber below the supply port, thus suppressing the situation where toner supplied to the toner storage chamber accumulates in a part below the supply port.

[0023] Additionally, the inclined surface has: a first inclined surface that tilts downward as it approaches the developing roller from a position where the supply port is projected relative to the bottom surface in a vertical direction; and a second inclined surface that tilts downward as it moves away from the position where the supply port is projected relative to the bottom surface in a vertical direction along the rotation axis of the developing roller.

[0024] This allows the toner supplied to the toner storage chamber to flow in the direction from the supply port toward the developing roller and along the rotation axis of the developing roller, thus storing it evenly within the toner storage chamber.

[0025] Additionally, the developing unit has a protruding wall that protrudes from the bottom of the toner receiving chamber between the supply port and the developing roller, and extends along the rotation axis of the developing roller.

[0026] Therefore, when the toner supplied from the supply port to the toner receiving chamber flows toward the developing roller side, it is temporarily blocked by the protruding wall and expands in the direction of the developing roller's rotation axis, thus enabling the toner to flow within a wide range of the toner receiving chamber.

[0027] Additionally, the sealing component has: a first portion fixed to the periphery of the supply port in the developing unit; and a second portion fixed to the periphery of the discharge port in the drum unit.

[0028] This improves workability when assembling the drum unit and developing unit and the processing cartridge.

[0029] Additionally, the main housing has a first opening through which the processing box can pass, and the main housing includes: a first cover movable to a first closed position and a first open position, the first closed position being a position that closes the first opening and the first open position being a position that opens the first opening, and the first cover having a second opening that communicates with the receiving port; and a second cover disposed on the first cover and movable between a second closed position and a second open position, the second closed position being a position that closes the second opening and the second open position being a position that opens the second opening.

[0030] Therefore, by moving the first cover to the first open position, the processing box can be loaded and unloaded relative to the main body housing through the first opening. Furthermore, with the first cover in the first closed position, moving the second cover to the second open position exposes the receiving port to the outside, allowing the toner container to be connected to the receiving port.

[0031] Additionally, the processing unit includes: a drum unit having a photosensitive drum; a developing unit having a developing roller; a supply port disposed in the developing unit; a receiving port disposed in the drum unit, receiving toner from the toner container via connection to a toner container for toner replenishment; a discharge port disposed in the drum unit and connected to the supply port; a connecting portion disposed in the drum unit, connecting the receiving port and the discharge port; and a sealing member disposed between the supply port and the discharge port, comprising an elastic member that allows relative movement between the supply port and the discharge port and is capable of elastic deformation. The developing unit is mounted on the drum unit, and when the developing unit is mounted on the drum unit, at least a portion of the receiving port, the discharge port, and the supply port overlap when viewed from the connection direction connecting the discharge port and the supply port.

[0032] Therefore, even if the developing unit is configured to move relative to the drum unit, the toner container can be easily connected to the processing cartridge. Furthermore, the toner in the toner container can flow smoothly into the developing unit through the receiving port, the discharge port, and the supply port, thus allowing toner to be smoothly replenished from the toner container to the developing unit.

[0033] The effects of the invention

[0034] According to the present invention, the toner container can be easily connected to the processing cartridge. Furthermore, toner can be smoothly supplied from the toner container to the developing unit. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 It is a central cross-sectional view representing the image forming apparatus.

[0036] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus showing the state in which the front cover is in the first closed position and the resupply cover is in the second closed position.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view showing the state in which the front cover is moved to the first open position and the processing box is removed from the main body housing 2 through the opening.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view showing the processing box installed on the main housing.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a top view of the processing box.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the processing box.

[0041] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing the developing unit.

[0042] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus showing the state in which the front cover is in the first closed position and the resupply cover is in the second open position.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view showing the state in which the receiving port of the drum unit is connected to the toner container.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a side sectional view showing a modified example of the sealing component.

[0045] Symbol Explanation

[0046] 1 Image forming apparatus, 2 Main housing, 2A (opening of the main housing), 21 Front cover, 21A (opening of the front cover), 22 Supply cover, 50 Processing box, 51 Drum unit, 52 Drum frame, 53 Photosensitive drum, 55 Development unit, 56 Development frame, 57 Toner storage chamber, 59 Development roller, 81 Compression spring, 82, 82A Sealing components, 90 Toner container, 525 Discharge port, 526 Connecting part, 527 Receiving port, 565 (bottom wall of the development frame), 565a First bottom surface, 565b Second bottom surface, 565c Third bottom surface, 565d Fourth bottom surface, 565e Protruding wall, 566 Supply port, 821 (first part of sealing component 80A), 822 (second part of sealing component 80A), X (rotation axis of the photosensitive drum). Detailed Implementation

[0047] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings.

[0048] [Image forming apparatus]

[0049] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 1 shown is one embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and is a laser printer that forms images on sheet S by means of electronic photographs.

[0050] In the following explanation, Figure 1 The right side of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the front side. Figure 1 The left side of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the rear side. Figure 1 The paper surface and the front side are defined as the left side of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 1 The inside of the paper is defined as the right side of the image forming apparatus 1. Additionally, Figure 1 The upper and lower sides are defined as the upper and lower sides of the image forming apparatus 1, respectively.

[0051] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main housing 2, a paper feeding unit 3, an image forming unit 5, a fuser 6, and a paper output unit 7. The main housing 2 houses the paper feeding unit 3, the image forming unit 5, the fuser 6, and the paper output unit 7.

[0052] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the opening 2A is located at the front end of the main body housing 2, and the main body housing 2 has a front cover 21 that can open and close the opening 2A. The opening 2A is an example of a first opening, and the front cover 21 is an example of a first cover.

[0053] The front cover 21 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 21a, which is located at the lower end of the front cover 21 and extends in the left-right direction. By rotating about the rotation axis 21a, the front cover 21 can be moved to a first closed position that closes the opening 2A. Figure 1 The position shown) and the first opening position of opening 2A ( Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram). The front cover 21 in the first open position is located on the front side compared to the front cover 21 in the first closed position.

[0054] The paper feeding unit 3 includes a paper feeding tray 10 supporting the sheet S, a sheet conveying unit 30, a pair of conveying rollers 34, and a positioning roller 35a. The paper feeding unit 3 is located at the lower part of the main housing 2 and conveys the sheet S supported by the paper feeding tray 10 to the image forming unit 5. The image forming apparatus 1 has a conveying path P of the sheet S from the paper feeding unit 3 through the image forming unit 5 to the paper discharge unit 7.

[0055] The sheet conveying unit 30 is a conveying mechanism that separates and takes out sheets S supported by the paper supply tray 10 one by one and conveys them toward the image forming unit 5. It includes a paper supply roller 31, a separation roller 32, and a separation pad 33.

[0056] The feed roller 31 is used to feed the sheet S supported by the feed tray 10 toward the separation roller 32. The separation roller 32 is disposed downstream of the feed roller 31 in the sheet conveying direction, and the separation pad 33 is disposed opposite to the separation roller 32 and is subjected to force toward the separation roller 32.

[0057] The sheets S fed by the feed roller 31 toward the separation roller 32 are separated one by one between the separation roller 32 and the separation pad 33. The separated sheets S are then fed onto the conveying path P.

[0058] The sheet S fed onto the transport path P is conveyed toward the image forming unit 5 via the transport roller pair 34, the positioning roller 35a, and the pinch roller 35b arranged opposite to the positioning roller 35a. After the positioning roller 35a temporarily stops the movement of the top end of the conveyed sheet S by restricting its movement, it conveys the sheet S toward the image forming unit 5 at a predetermined time.

[0059] The image forming unit 5 is positioned downstream of the paper feeding unit 3 in the sheet transport direction, and forms an image on the sheet S transported from the paper feeding unit 3. The image forming unit 5 includes a processing cartridge 50 and an exposure unit 41. The processing cartridge 50 transfers the image onto the surface of the sheet S transported from the paper feeding unit 3, and the exposure unit 41 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 of the processing cartridge 50.

[0060] The processing cartridge 50 is detachably mounted to the main housing 2. The processing cartridge 50 has a drum unit 51 and a developing unit 55, and the processing cartridge 50 is mounted to the main housing 2 with the developing unit 55 mounted on the drum unit 51. The processing cartridge 50 mounted to the main housing 2 is positioned above the paper feed section 3 in the main housing 2.

[0061] The drum unit 51 includes a photosensitive drum 53, a charged roller 54, and a transfer roller 42. The developing unit 55 includes a toner receiving chamber 57, a supply roller 58, and a developing roller 59. The drum unit 51 supports a pinch roller 35b.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the opening 2A of the main housing 2 is configured to allow the processing box 50 to pass through. By moving the front cover 21 to the first open position, the processing box 50 can be easily attached to or detached from the main housing 2 through the opening 2A. For example, in cases where the processing box 50 needs to be replaced, or in cases where paper blockage occurs on the sheet S, the processing box 50 mounted on the main housing 2 can be removed from the main housing 2.

[0063] The processing cartridge 50 is mounted on the main housing 2 by integrally inserting the drum unit 51 and the developing unit 55 mounted on the drum unit 51 into the main housing 2. Alternatively, the processing cartridge 50 is detached from the main housing 2 by integrally pulling the drum unit 51 and the developing unit 55 mounted on the drum unit 51 out of the main housing 2.

[0064] With the processing cartridge 50 installed in the main housing 2, the photosensitive drum 53 is positioned along its rotation axis X in the left-right direction. The photosensitive drum 53 has a metal drum shaft 53a extending along the rotation axis X. The photosensitive drum 53 rotates around the rotation axis X.

[0065] With the processing cartridge 50 installed in the main housing 2, the developing roller 59 is positioned along its rotation axis Y in the left-right direction. The developing roller 59 rotates around its rotation axis Y. The rotation axis Y of the developing roller 59 is parallel to the rotation axis X of the photosensitive drum 53.

[0066] The exposure unit 41 includes a laser diode, a multifaceted mirror, a lens, and a reflector. Based on the image data input to the image forming apparatus 1, it irradiates a laser toward the photosensitive drum 53, thereby exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 53.

[0067] The toner receiving chamber 57 contains toner used as a developer. The toner contained in the toner receiving chamber 57 is agitated by stirring members 571 and 572 and then fed to the supply roller 58. The supply roller 58 further supplies the toner from the toner receiving chamber 57 to the developing roller 59.

[0068] The developing roller 59 is disposed in close contact with the supply roller 58, carrying positively charged toner supplied from the supply roller 58. Furthermore, a developing bias is applied to the developing roller 59 via a bias application unit (not shown).

[0069] The photosensitive drum 53 is arranged adjacent to the developing roller 59. After the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 is uniformly charged by the charged roller 54, it is exposed by the exposure unit 41. The potential of the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 53 is lower than that of the other portions, forming an electrostatic latent image based on image data on the photosensitive drum 53. Then, by supplying positively charged toner from the developing roller 59 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 where the electrostatic latent image has been formed, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image.

[0070] The transfer roller 42 is positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 53, and a transfer bias is applied via a bias application unit (not shown). With the transfer bias applied to the surface of the transfer roller 42, the sheet S is held between the photosensitive drum 53 (on which the toner image is formed) and the transfer roller 42, and transported therefrom, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 to the surface of the sheet S. The sheet S with the transferred toner image is then transported to the fuser 6.

[0071] The fuser 6 has a heating roller 61 and a pressure roller 62 to fix the image transferred from the processing cartridge 50 to the sheet S. The heating roller 61 is heated by power supplied by a power source not shown. The pressure roller 62 is arranged opposite to the heating roller 61. One of the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 is forced against the other by a force-applying mechanism not shown, so that the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 are in close contact.

[0072] When the sheet S with the toner image transferred is conveyed to the fuser 6, the sheet S is clamped and conveyed between the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62, and the sheet S is heated to fix the toner image transferred to the conveyed sheet S. In this way, the fuser 6 fixes the toner image onto the sheet S.

[0073] The fuser 6 has a post-fusing conveyor roller pair 63, through which the sheet S, for which the toner has been fixed by the fuser 6, is conveyed to the paper discharge section 7.

[0074] The paper discharge section 7 is located downstream of the fuser 6 in the sheet transport direction, and discharges the sheet S, on which the image has been formed by the image forming section 5, toward the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. The paper discharge section 7 has a paper discharge roller pair 71 and a paper discharge tray 72. The paper discharge roller pair 71 is configured to discharge the sheet S, which is transported from the fuser 6 along the transport path P, toward the outside of the main body housing 2. The paper discharge tray 72 is formed on the upper surface of the main body housing 2 and supports the sheet S discharged by the paper discharge roller pair 71 toward the outside of the main body housing 2.

[0075] [Processing Box]

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the processing cartridge 50 is detachably mounted to the main housing 2 and is housed within the main housing 2 when mounted. As described above, the processing cartridge 50 includes a drum unit 51 and a developing unit 55. In other words, the drum unit 51 and the developing unit 55 constitute the processing cartridge 50. When the processing cartridge 50 is mounted to the main housing 2, the drum unit 51 is fixed to the main housing 2. Furthermore, the developing unit 55 is movable relative to the drum unit 51.

[0077] (Drum unit)

[0078] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the drum unit 51, in addition to the photosensitive drum 53, the charged roller 54, and the transfer roller 42, also includes a drum frame 52. The drum frame 52 supports the photosensitive drum 53, the charged roller 54, and the transfer roller 42. The photosensitive drum 53, the charged roller 54, and the transfer roller 42 are arranged in the front-rear direction at the rear end of the drum unit 51. The rear end of the drum unit 51 is an example of one end of the drum unit. The front-rear direction is an example of a second direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0079] The drum frame 52 has a left side plate 521, a right side plate 522, an upper plate 523, a front plate 524, an outlet 525, a connecting part 526, a receiving port 527, a waste pigment receiving part 528, and a scraper 529.

[0080] The left side plate 521 is located at the left end of the drum frame 52, and the right side plate 522 is located at the right end of the drum frame 52. The left side plate 521 and the right side plate 522 extend in the front-back direction and the vertical direction, and are opposite each other in the left-right direction. The photosensitive drum 53, the charged roller 54, and the transfer roller 42 are located between the left side plate 521 and the right side plate 522.

[0081] The left side plate 521 has a first elongated hole 5211 and a second elongated hole 5212 extending in the left-right direction. The first elongated hole 5211 and the second elongated hole 5212 are elongated holes with a first direction as their major axis. The first direction is the direction connecting the rotation axis X of the photosensitive drum 53 and the rotation axis Y of the developing roller 59, and is inclined relative to the front-back direction. Furthermore, the first direction is a direction that intersects the rotation axis X of the photosensitive drum 53. The first elongated hole 5211 is located at the front end of the left side plate 521, and the second elongated hole 5212 is located behind the first elongated hole 5211.

[0082] The right side plate 522 has a first elongated hole 5221 and a second elongated hole 5222 that extend through the left and right directions. The first elongated hole 5221 and the second elongated hole 5222 are elongated holes with the first direction as their major axis. The first elongated hole 5221 is located at the front end of the right side plate 522, and the second elongated hole 5222 is located behind the first elongated hole 5221.

[0083] The upper plate 523 is located at the upper and front end of the drum frame 52. The upper plate 523 extends in the left-right and front-back directions, connecting the left side plate 521 and the right side plate 522. The front plate 524 extends downward from the front end of the upper plate 523, connecting the left side plate 521 and the right side plate 522.

[0084] The outlet 525 opens at the center of the left and right sides of the upper plate 523. The outlet 525 extends vertically through the upper plate 523 and is circular in shape. The connecting portion 526 is a cylindrical component extending upward from the periphery of the outlet 525 in the upper plate 523. The receiving port 527 opens at the upper end of the connecting portion 526. The connecting portion 526 connects the receiving port 527 and the outlet 525. A cover 80 is installed at the upper end of the connecting portion 526, sealing the receiving port 527.

[0085] The outlet 525, the connecting part 526, and the receiving port 527 are disposed at the front end of the drum unit 51. The front end of the drum unit 51 is an example of the other end of the drum unit.

[0086] Waste toner receiving section 528 is located at the rear end of drum unit 51. Waste toner receiving section 528 is located rearward relative to photosensitive drum 53. Waste toner receiving section 528 has an opening 528a at a position opposite to photosensitive drum 53. Waste toner receiving section 528 is capable of containing waste toner.

[0087] The scraper 529 is a plate-shaped component that contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 and extends in the left-right direction. The scraper 529 is installed at the periphery of the opening 528a in the waste toner receiving section 528. As the photosensitive drum 53 rotates, the waste toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 53 is scraped off by the scraper 529, and the scraped waste toner is received in the waste toner receiving section 528 through the opening 528a.

[0088] (Developing unit)

[0089] like Figures 4-7 As shown, the developing unit 55, in addition to the supply roller 58 and the developing roller 59, also has a developing frame 56. The developing frame 56 supports the supply roller 58 and the developing roller 59. The supply roller 58 and the developing roller 59 are disposed at the rear end of the developing unit 55. A toner receiving chamber 57 is formed inside the developing frame 56.

[0090] The developing frame 56 is located inside the space surrounded by the left side plate 521, right side plate 522, upper plate 523 and front plate 524 of the drum frame 52. The developing frame 56 has a left side wall 561, a right side wall 562, an upper wall 563, a front wall 564, a bottom wall 565 and a supply port 566.

[0091] The left side wall 561 is located at the left end of the developing frame 56, and the right side wall 562 is located at the right end of the developing frame 56. The left side wall 561 and the right side wall 562 extend in the front-back direction and the vertical direction, and are opposite each other in the left-right direction. The supply roller 58 and the developing roller 59 are located between the left side wall 561 and the right side wall 562.

[0092] The left side wall 561 has a first pin 5611 and a second pin 5612 protruding to the left from the left surface of the left side wall 561. The first pin 5611 is located at the front end of the left side wall 561, and the second pin 5612 is located at the rear end of the left side wall 561. The second pin 5612 is located rearward relative to the first pin 5611. The second pin 5612 may also be the left end of the rotation axis of the developing roller 59.

[0093] The first pin 5611 and the second pin 5612 are respectively engaged with the first elongated hole 5211 and the second elongated hole 5212 formed in the left side plate 521 of the drum frame 52. The first pin 5611 and the second pin 5612 can move along the long axis direction of the first elongated hole 5211 and the second elongated hole 5212, respectively.

[0094] The right side wall 562 has a first pin 5621 and a second pin 5622 protruding to the right from the right surface of the right side wall 562. The first pin 5621 is located at the front end of the right side wall 562, and the second pin 5622 is located at the rear end of the right side wall 562. The second pin 5622 is located rearward compared to the first pin 5621. The second pin 5622 may also be the right end of the rotation axis of the developing roller 59.

[0095] The first pin 5621 and the second pin 5622 are respectively engaged with the first elongated hole 5221 and the second elongated hole 5222 formed on the right side plate 522 of the drum frame 52. The first pin 5621 and the second pin 5622 are movable along the long axis direction of the first elongated hole 5221 and the second elongated hole 5222, respectively.

[0096] The first pin 5611 and the second pin 5612 move along the long axis of the first elongated hole 5211 and the second elongated hole 5212, and the first pin 5621 and the second pin 5622 move along the long axis of the first elongated hole 5221 and the second elongated hole 5222, thereby enabling the developing unit 55 to move relative to the drum unit 51 in the first direction. Consequently, the developing roller 59 can move relative to the photosensitive drum 53 in the first direction.

[0097] The upper wall 563 is located at the upper end of the developing frame 56. The upper wall 563 extends in both the left-right and front-back directions, connecting the left side wall 561 and the right side wall 562. The supply port 566 is located at the front end of the upper wall 563 and opens at its central left and right sides. The supply port 566 communicates with the toner receiving chamber 57. The supply port 566 is positioned at the front end of the developing unit 55 in the front-back direction. The front wall 564 extends downward from the front end of the upper wall 563, connecting the left side wall 561 and the right side wall 562.

[0098] The bottom wall 565 is located at the lower end of the developing frame 56. The bottom wall 565 extends in the left-right and front-back directions, connecting the left side wall 561 and the right side wall 562. The bottom wall 565 has a first bottom surface 565a, a second bottom surface 565b, a third bottom surface 565c, a fourth bottom surface 565d, and a protruding wall 565e. The first bottom surface 565a, the second bottom surface 565b, the third bottom surface 565c, and the fourth bottom surface 565d are surfaces facing the upper side of the bottom wall 565, forming the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57.

[0099] The first bottom surface 565a and the second bottom surface 565b are located below the supply port 566. The first bottom surface 565a is a bottom surface that extends rearward from the position where the supply port 566 is projected in the vertical direction relative to the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57, and is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward as it moves rearward.

[0100] That is, the first bottom surface 565a is an inclined surface that slopes downward as it moves away from the position where the supply port 566 is projected in the vertical direction relative to the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57. Furthermore, the first bottom surface 565a is an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the developing roller 59 from the position where the supply port 566 is projected in the vertical direction relative to the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57. The first bottom surface 565a is an example of a first inclined surface.

[0101] The second bottom surface 565b extends to the left and right from the position where the supply port 566 is projected relative to the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57 in the vertical direction, and is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward as it moves to the left and right. Specifically, the second bottom surface 565b located on the left slopes downward as it moves to the left, and the second bottom surface 565b located on the right slopes downward as it moves to the right.

[0102] That is, the second bottom surface 565b is an inclined surface that slopes downward as it moves away from the position where the supply port 566 is projected in the vertical direction relative to the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57. Furthermore, the second bottom surface 565b is an inclined surface that slopes downward as it moves away from the position where the supply port 566 is projected in the vertical direction relative to the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57 along the rotation axis Y of the developing roller 59. The second bottom surface 565b is an example of a second inclined surface.

[0103] The third bottom surface 565c is continuously formed to the left and right of the second bottom surface 565b. The third bottom surface 565c is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward from the front to the rear. The rear end of the third bottom surface 565c is connected to the fourth bottom surface 565d located behind the third bottom surface 565c.

[0104] The fourth bottom surface 565d extends rearward from the rear end of the first bottom surface 565a and the rear end of each of the third bottom surfaces 565c. The protruding wall 565e protrudes from the fourth bottom surface 565d toward the toner receiving chamber 57 and extends along the rotation axis Y of the developing roller 59. The stirring members 571 and 572, which are provided in the toner receiving chamber 57, are disposed in the portion of the fourth bottom surface 565d within the toner receiving chamber 57.

[0105] The space surrounded by the left side wall 561, right side wall 562, upper wall 563, front wall 564 and bottom wall 565 of the developing frame 56 is formed as a toner receiving chamber 57. The rear end of the toner receiving chamber 57 is open, and a developing roller 59 is arranged in the open part of the rear end of the toner receiving chamber 57.

[0106] (Compression spring)

[0107] like Figures 4-6As shown, the front plate 524 of the drum frame 52 and the front wall 564 of the developing frame 56 are opposite each other in the front-rear direction, and a compression spring 81 is clamped between the front plate 524 and the front wall 564. The compression spring 81 exerts a rearward force on the developing frame 56 relative to the drum frame 52.

[0108] The developing frame 56 can move in a first direction along the long axis of the first elongated holes 5211, 5221 and the second elongated holes 5212, 5222 by the force of the compression spring 81. By moving the developing frame 56 in the first direction, the developing roller 59 moves towards the side of the photosensitive drum 53 in the first direction. That is, the compression spring 81 is a pressing member that presses the developing roller 59 towards the side of the photosensitive drum 53 in the first direction.

[0109] The developing roller 59 can move relative to the photosensitive drum 53 in a first direction. The compression spring 81 is configured to press the developing roller 59 toward the side of the photosensitive drum 53 in the first direction. Therefore, it can absorb the outer diameter oscillation of the developing roller 59 when it oscillates. As a result, the developing roller 59 can rotate smoothly.

[0110] (Location relationship between receiving port, discharge port and supply port)

[0111] like Figures 4-6 As shown, with the processing box 50 installed on the main housing 2, the outlet 525 is positioned above the supply port 566, and the receiving port 527 is positioned above the outlet 525. That is, the receiving port 527, the outlet 525, and the supply port 566 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

[0112] The discharge port 525 is formed to be the same size as the receiving port 527, and the supply port 566 is formed to be the same size as the discharge port 525. In addition, when the processing cartridge 50 is installed in the main housing 2, regardless of the position of the developing unit 55 relative to the drum unit 51, the receiving port 527, the discharge port 525, and the supply port 566 are arranged in a position where they at least partially overlap when viewed from the top and bottom.

[0113] However, it can also be configured such that the outlet 525 is larger than the receiving port 527, and the supply port 566 is larger than the outlet 525. Regardless of the position of the developing unit 55 relative to the drum unit 51, when viewed from the top and bottom, the outlet 525 is located within the range of the supply port 566, and the receiving port 527 is located within the range of the outlet 525.

[0114] (Sealing component)

[0115] A sealing member 82 is provided between the supply port 566 of the developing frame 56 and the discharge port 525 of the drum frame 52. The sealing member 82 is made of an elastic member such as a sponge that can be elastically deformed in a ring shape.

[0116] The lower surface of the sealing member 82 contacts the periphery of the supply port 566 in the upper wall 563 of the developing frame 56, and the upper surface of the sealing member 82 contacts the periphery of the discharge port 525 in the upper plate 523 of the drum frame 52. Thus, the sealing member 82 seals the area between the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525. Furthermore, the discharge port 525 is connected to the supply port 566 via the sealing member 82.

[0117] The lower surface of the sealing member 82 can also be fixed to the periphery of the supply port 566 in the upper wall 563 of the developing frame 56, and the upper surface can also be fixed to the periphery of the discharge port 525 in the upper plate 523 of the drum frame 52. Alternatively, the lower surface of the sealing member 82 can be fixed to the periphery of the supply port 566 in the upper wall 563 of the developing frame 56, and the upper surface can be fixed to the periphery of the discharge port 525 in the upper plate 523 of the drum frame 52.

[0118] The sealing member 82, through elastic deformation, allows relative movement between the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525. Therefore, even when the developing frame 56 moves relative to the drum frame 52 and the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525 move relative to each other, the sealing state between the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525 can be maintained.

[0119] [Front cover and resupply cover]

[0120] like Figures 1-4 , Figure 8 As shown, the front cover 21 has an opening 21A formed on the upper surface of the front cover 21 when it is in the first closed position and extending through it in the vertical direction. The opening 21A is rectangular in shape. The opening 21A is an example of a second opening.

[0121] The main body housing 2 includes a resupply cover 22, which is disposed on the front cover 21 and can be closed in a second closed position (closing the opening 21A). Figure 2 The position shown) and the second opening position of the opening 21A ( Figure 8 The supply cover 22 is formed into a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 21A. The supply cover 22 is an example of a second cover.

[0122] The supply cover 22 can be moved to a second closed position and a second open position by rotating about a rotation shaft 22a, which is located at the rear end of the supply cover 22 and extends in the left-right direction. The supply cover 22 in the second open position is located at the rear compared to the supply cover 22 in the second closed position.

[0123] The receiving port 527 of the drum unit 51 is located below the opening 21A of the front cover 21 when it is in the first closed position, and the opening 21A can communicate with the receiving port 527. When the front cover 21 is moved to the first closed position and the resupply cover 22 is moved to the second open position, the receiving port 527 is exposed to the outside through the opening 21A (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 8 With the front cover 21 moved to the first closed position and the supply cover 22 moved to the second closed position, the opening 21A is closed by the supply cover 22, and the receiving port 527 is covered from above by the supply cover 22 (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 ).

[0124] [Replenishment of pigment from the pigment container to the processing box]

[0125] like Figure 4 As shown, in the image forming apparatus, with the front cover 21 in the first closed position, by moving the replenishment cover 22 to the second open position and removing the cover 80 mounted on the upper end of the connecting portion 526, the receiving port 527 of the drum unit 51 can be exposed to the outside. By exposing the receiving port 527 to the outside, the toner container 90 can be connected to the receiving port 527.

[0126] like Figure 9 As shown, by connecting a toner container 90 for toner replenishment to the exposed receiving port 527, toner can be replenished from the toner container 90 into the toner storage chamber 57 of the processing box 50. In this case, the receiving port 527 receives toner from the toner container 90 by connecting to the toner container 90. The toner storage chamber 57 stores the toner replenished from the toner container 90.

[0127] The toner container 90 has a container body 901 for storing toner and a connection port 902 that can be connected to the receiving port 527. When the toner container 90 is configured with the connection port 902 facing downwards, the toner stored in the container body 901 is supplied to the toner receiving chamber 57 by its own weight through the connection port 902 of the toner container 90 and the receiving port 527 of the drum unit 51.

[0128] In this configuration, with the processing cartridge 50 mounted on the main housing 2 and the drum unit 51 fixed to the main housing 2, the toner container 90 is connected to the receiving port 527 of the drum unit 51. Therefore, even if the developing unit 55 is configured to move relative to the drum unit 51, the toner container 90 can be easily connected to the processing cartridge 50.

[0129] Furthermore, if the toner container 90 is directly connected to the developing unit 55, the toner container 90 will collide violently with the developing unit 55 during connection, posing a risk of damage to the photosensitive drum 53 due to the impact on the developing unit 55. However, in this embodiment, by connecting the toner container 90 to the receiving port 527 of the drum unit 51, such a risk can be avoided.

[0130] Furthermore, since the receiving port 527, the discharge port 525, and the supply port 566 are arranged in a position where they at least partially overlap when viewed from the vertical direction connecting the discharge port 525 and the supply port 566, the toner in the toner container 90 can smoothly flow into the toner receiving chamber 57 of the developing unit 55 through the receiving port 527, the discharge port 525, and the supply port 566. Thus, toner can be smoothly replenished from the toner container 90 to the developing unit 55.

[0131] In addition, the photosensitive drum 53 is disposed at the rear end of the drum unit 51, the receiving port 527 and the discharge port 525 are disposed at the front end of the drum unit 51, the developing roller 59 is disposed at the rear end of the developing unit 55, and the supply port 566 is disposed at the front end of the developing unit 55.

[0132] Therefore, in the case where the image forming apparatus 1 has a structure in which the photosensitive drum 53 and the developing roller 59 are located in the center of the main body housing 2, the receiving port 527 and the discharge port 525 of the drum unit 51 and the supply port 566 of the developing unit 55 can be located at the front end of the main body housing 2. As a result, the workability when connecting the toner container 90 to the receiving port 527 can be improved.

[0133] In addition, the receiving port 527, the discharge port 525 and the supply port 566 can be configured such that the discharge port 525 is larger than the receiving port 527 and the supply port 566 is larger than the discharge port 525. When viewed from above and below, the discharge port 525 is located within the range of the supply port 566 and the receiving port 527 is located within the range of the discharge port 525.

[0134] With this configuration, when the toner container 90 is connected to the receiving port 527 and toner is replenished from the toner container 90, the toner will not get caught on the periphery of the discharge port 525 and the periphery of the supply port 566, and can flow smoothly into the toner receiving chamber 57 of the developing unit 55.

[0135] Furthermore, the surface of the bottom wall 565 forming the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57, facing upwards, has a first bottom surface 565a and a second bottom surface 565b. These first and second bottom surfaces are inclined surfaces that slope downwards from the position where the supply port 566 is projected relative to the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 57 in a vertical direction. Therefore, the toner supplied to the toner receiving chamber 57 from the supply port 566 flows towards the side exiting the supply port 566, preventing toner from accumulating in a portion below the supply port 566 within the toner receiving chamber 57.

[0136] In particular, the first bottom surface 565a is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the position where the supply port 566 is projected in the vertical direction relative to the bottom surface of the toner chamber 57 as it approaches the developing roller 59, and the second bottom surface 565b is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the position where the supply port 566 is projected in the vertical direction relative to the bottom surface of the toner chamber 57 as it moves away from the rotation axis Y of the developing roller 59.

[0137] As a result, the toner supplied to the toner storage chamber 57 can flow in the direction from the supply port 566 toward the developing roller 59 and in the direction along the rotation axis Y of the developing roller 59, and be stored uniformly in the toner storage chamber 57.

[0138] Furthermore, the developing unit 55 has a protruding wall 565e that protrudes from the fourth bottom surface 565d toward the toner receiving chamber 57 and extends along the rotation axis Y of the developing roller 59. Therefore, when toner supplied from the supply port 566 into the toner receiving chamber 57 flows toward the developing roller 59, it is temporarily blocked by the protruding wall 565e and expands in the rotation axis Y of the developing roller 59, thus allowing the toner to flow within a wide range of the toner receiving chamber 57.

[0139] [Example of a modified sealing component]

[0140] Sealing component 82 can also be as follows Figure 10 The sealing member 82A is formed as shown. The sealing member 82A has a first portion 821 and a second portion 822 formed in an annular shape. The first portion 821 and the second portion 822 are made of an elastic member such as a sponge that can be elastically deformed. The first portion 821 and the second portion 822 are arranged to overlap in the vertical direction, with the first portion 821 located above the second portion 822.

[0141] The upper surface of the first part 821 is fixed to the periphery of the outlet 525 in the upper plate 523 of the drum frame 52. The lower surface of the second part 822 is fixed to the periphery of the supply port 566 in the upper wall 563 of the developing frame 56. The lower surface of the first part 821 is in contact with the upper surface of the second part 822.

[0142] A sealing member 82A, having a first portion 821 and a second portion 822, seals the space between the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525. Additionally, the discharge port 525 is connected to the supply port 566 via the sealing member 82A.

[0143] The sealing member 82A allows relative movement between the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525 by elastically deforming the first portion 821 and the second portion 822, respectively. Therefore, even when the developing frame 56 moves relative to the drum frame 52 and the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525 move relative to each other, the sealing state between the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525 can be maintained.

[0144] Furthermore, since the sealing member 82A is formed in the form of a first part 821 and a second part 822, the drum unit 51 with the first part 821 fixed in place and the developing unit 55 with the second part 822 fixed in place can be sealed between the supply port 566 and the discharge port 525. As a result, the workability of assembling the processing cartridge 50 by assembling the drum unit 51 and the developing unit 55 can be improved.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, have: Main body shell; Drum unit, which has a photosensitive drum; A developing unit having a developing roller; A supply port is provided in the developing unit; A receiving port is provided in the drum unit and receives toner from the toner container by connecting to the toner container for toner replenishment. A discharge port is provided in the drum unit and connected to the supply port; A connecting part, disposed on the drum unit, connects the receiving port and the discharge port; and A sealing component, disposed between the supply port and the discharge port, is composed of an elastic component that allows relative movement between the supply port and the discharge port and is capable of elastic deformation. The drum unit and the developing unit constitute a processing cartridge. With the processing box installed on the main housing, the receiving port, the discharge port, and the supply port overlap at least partially when viewed from above.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing roller is movable relative to the photosensitive drum in a first direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. The image forming apparatus includes a pressing member that presses the developing roller toward the side of the photosensitive drum in the first direction.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a second direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, The photosensitive drum is disposed at one end of the drum unit, and the receiving port and the discharge port are disposed at the other end of the drum unit. The developing roller is disposed at one end of the developing unit, and the supply port is disposed at the other end of the developing unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge port is located above the supply port. The receiving port is located above the discharge port. The outlet is formed to be the same size as the receiving port, or to be larger than the receiving port. The supply port is formed to be the same size as the discharge port, or to be larger than the discharge port. When viewed from above and below, the outlet is located within the range of the supply port, and the receiving port is located within the range of the outlet.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing unit includes a toner storage chamber connected to the supply port, which stores toner supplied from the toner container. The bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber has an inclined surface that slopes downward as it moves away from the position where the supply port is projected relative to the bottom surface in a vertical direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inclined surface has: A first inclined surface, which tilts downward as it approaches the developing roller from a position where the supply port is projected relative to the bottom surface in a vertical direction; as well as The second inclined surface tilts downward as it moves away from the position where the supply port is projected relative to the bottom surface in the vertical direction along the rotation axis of the developing roller.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The developing unit has a protruding wall that protrudes from the bottom of the toner receiving chamber between the supply port and the developing roller, and extends along the rotation axis of the developing roller.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing component has: The first part is fixed to the periphery of the supply port in the developing unit; and The second part is fixed to the periphery of the outlet in the drum unit.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main housing has a first opening through which the processing box can pass. The main body shell includes: A first cover is movable to a first closed position and a first open position, the first closed position being a position that closes the first opening and the first open position being a position that opens the first opening, and the first cover having a second opening that can communicate with the receiving port. as well as A second cover is disposed on the first cover and is movable between a second closed position and a second open position, wherein the second closed position is the position that closes the second opening and the second open position is the position that opens the second opening.

10. A processing unit, characterized in that, have: Drum unit, which has a photosensitive drum; A developing unit having a developing roller; A supply port is provided in the developing unit; A receiving port is provided in the drum unit and receives toner from the toner container by connecting to the toner container for toner replenishment. A discharge port is provided in the drum unit and connected to the supply port; A connecting part, disposed on the drum unit, connects the receiving port and the discharge port; and A sealing component, disposed between the supply port and the discharge port, is composed of an elastic component that allows relative movement between the supply port and the discharge port and is capable of elastic deformation. The developing unit is mounted on the drum unit. With the developing unit installed on the drum unit, the receiving port, the discharge port, and the supply port overlap at least partially when viewed from the connection direction connecting the discharge port and the supply port.

11. The processing unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, The developing roller is movable relative to the photosensitive drum in a first direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. The processing unit includes a pressing component that presses the developing roller toward the side of the photosensitive drum in the first direction.

12. The processing unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, In a second direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, The photosensitive drum is disposed at one end of the drum unit, and the receiving port and the discharge port are disposed at the other end of the drum unit. The developing roller is disposed at one end of the developing unit, and the supply port is disposed at the other end of the developing unit.

13. The processing unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sealing component has: The first part is fixed to the periphery of the supply port in the developing unit; and The second part is fixed to the periphery of the outlet in the drum unit.

Images