Cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To further develop a conventional configuration.SOLUTION: A cartridge comprises: a first unit that has a photoreceptor; a second unit that has a developing member, and is swingable relative to the first unit between a contact position and a separation position; a rotating member 170 that is rotatable to a first position for holding the second unit at the separation position against urging force for urging the second unit at the separation position toward the contact position, a second position for holding the second unit at the contact position, the second position to which the rotating member rotates in a first rotation direction R1 from the first position, and a third position to which the rotating member further moves in the first rotation direction R1 from the second position; and a pressing member 171 that can press the rotating member 170 in the first rotation direction R1, and is formed with a first surface 171d in contact with the rotating member 170 at the first position, and a second surface 171e recessed in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first surface 171d faces relative to the first surface 171d and can be in contact with the rotating member 170 when the rotating member 170 is at the third position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and an image forming apparatus equipped with the cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] As an image forming apparatus, there is known an apparatus that performs a developing process with a developing member in contact with a photosensitive drum. In such an image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum and the developing member may be configured to be separable from each other. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a holding member for holding the photosensitive drum and the developing member in a state of contact with each other and in a state of being separated from each other, and a contact force receiving member for receiving a force from the apparatus main body and moving the holding member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-154312 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to further develop the conventional configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge of the present invention comprises: A cartridge configured to be detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, a first unit having a photoconductor; a second unit having a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor, the second unit being configured to be pivotable relative to the first unit between a contact position where the developing member contacts the photoconductor and a separation position where the developing member is separated from the photoconductor; a first position for holding the second unit at the separated position against a biasing force that biases the second unit in the separated position toward the abutting position, and a second position for holding the second unit at the abutting position, the second position being a second position rotated from the first position in a first rotation direction, and a third position further rotated from the second position in the first rotation direction; a pressing member configured to be able to press the rotating member in the first rotation direction, the pressing member being formed with a first surface that comes into contact with the rotating member when the rotating member is in the first position, and a second surface that is recessed with respect to the first surface in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first surface faces, the second surface being able to come into contact with the rotating member when the rotating member is in the third position; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the conventional configuration can be further developed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 13 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration for switching an engagement position between a holding member and a force receiving member. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus with the front door open. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the tray is located outside the apparatus main body. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus with the process cartridge removed. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the process cartridge. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a development contact / separation mechanism. [Figure 12] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of a contact / separation operation between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a developer contact suppression configuration. [Figure 15] 11 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between a protrusion and a force receiving member. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement positions of protrusions. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a standard process cartridge. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a standard process cartridge. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a standard process cartridge. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a small-capacity process cartridge. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a small-capacity process cartridge. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a small-capacity process cartridge. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a large-capacity process cartridge. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a large-capacity process cartridge. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a large-capacity process cartridge. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a standard process cartridge. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a small-capacity process cartridge. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a large-capacity process cartridge. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a standard process cartridge. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the small-capacity process cartridge. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the large-capacity process cartridge. [Diagram 33] 3 is an explanatory diagram of a drive transmission configuration between the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge. FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a seal configuration of the developing unit. [Diagram 35] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a seal configuration of the developing unit. [Diagram 36] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a seal configuration of the developing unit. [Figure 37] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a seal configuration of the developing unit. [Figure 38] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a seal configuration of the developing unit. [Figure 39] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a seal configuration of the developing unit. [Diagram 40] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical connection between the main body of the apparatus and a developing unit. [Diagram 41] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical connection between the main body of the apparatus and the drum unit. [Diagram 42] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the electrical connection between the device body and the memory tag. [Diagram 43] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus with the front door open. [Diagram 44] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the tray is located outside the apparatus main body. [Diagram 45] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus with the process cartridge removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiment may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0009] First, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Here, the image forming apparatus is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using various known image forming principles and methods such as an electrophotographic process, an electrostatic recording process, a magnetic recording process, etc. The recording medium includes a medium on which an image is formed by an image forming device, such as paper, an overhead projector, and an image display device.

[0010] [Example 1] <General Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> An electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter, referred to as image forming apparatus 1) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic color laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet-like recording medium S.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 is a four-color full-color laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process, and forms a color image on a recording medium 3. The image forming apparatus 1 is of a process cartridge type configured so that the cartridge is detachably attached. A process cartridge 100 is detachably attached to an apparatus body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, and the image forming apparatus 1 forms a color image on the recording medium 3. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100. An opening is formed in the apparatus body 2 for inserting and removing the process cartridge 100 into and from the apparatus body 2. The apparatus body 2 also has a front door 10 as an opening / closing member for opening and closing the opening.

[0012] In the following description, the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus 1 is the side where the front door 10 is disposed. The rear side (rear side) is the side opposite to the front side (front side). The front-rear direction is the direction from the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 toward the front side (front direction) and the opposite direction (rear direction). The left and right are the left and right when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front side. The left and right direction is the direction from right to left (left direction) and the opposite direction (right direction). The up and down are the up and down in the direction of gravity (vertical direction). The up direction is the direction from bottom to top, and the down direction is the direction from top to bottom. FIG. 2 is a view of the image forming apparatus 1 viewed to the right, and the up direction is shown as the Z1 direction, the down direction is shown as the Z2 direction, the rear direction is shown as the X1 direction, and the front direction is shown as the X2 direction. FIG. 3 also shows the process cartridge 100 in a posture in which it is mounted in the apparatus main body 2.

[0013] When the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front, the right side is the drive side of the image forming apparatus 1 (process cartridge 100), and the left side is the non-drive side. That is, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 viewed from the non-drive side, with the front side of the page being the non-drive side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the back side of the page being the drive side of the image forming apparatus 1. The drive side of the process cartridge 100 is the side on which a drum coupling member (photoconductor coupling member) described later is arranged when viewed in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and is the side on which a developer coupling member described later is arranged when viewed in the axial direction of the developer roller (developing member).

[0014] In the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. Each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) has a similar electrophotographic process mechanism, but differs in color and filling amount of developer (hereinafter referred to as toner). Therefore, in the following, unless a particular distinction is required, the subscripts Y to K will be omitted and the description will be given generally.

[0015] A rotational driving force is transmitted to the process cartridge 100 from a driving output unit (described in detail later) provided in the main body 2 of the apparatus, and a bias voltage (charge bias, developing bias, electrostatic residual detection bias, etc.) are supplied.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge 100 of the first embodiment includes a photosensitive drum 101 and The photosensitive drum 101 includes a drum unit 120 (first unit) having a charging means as a process means acting on the photosensitive drum 101. Here, the drum unit 120 may have not only the charging means as the process means but also a cleaning means.

[0017] The process cartridge 100 also has a developing unit 150 (second unit) equipped with a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 101. The developing means includes, for example, a developing roller 103 which is a developing member for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 101. The drum unit 120 and the developing unit 150 are coupled to each other. The photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 are configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from each other. When the process cartridge 100 is not mounted in the apparatus main body 2 or when the development process is not being performed, the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 are separated from each other, thereby suppressing deformation of the elastic layer of the developing roller 103 and unnecessary adhesion of toner to the photosensitive drum 101. A more specific configuration of the process cartridge 100 will be described later.

[0018] The first process cartridge 100Y contains yellow (Y) toner in the developing frame and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. The second process cartridge 100M contains magenta (M) toner in the developing frame and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. The third process cartridge 100C contains cyan (C) toner in the developing frame and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101. The fourth process cartridge 100K contains black (K) toner in the developing frame and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101.

[0019] A laser scanner unit 11 serving as an exposure means is provided above the first to fourth process cartridges 100. The laser scanner unit 11 outputs a laser beam 12 corresponding to image information. The laser beam 12 passes through an exposure window 128 of the process cartridge 100 and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 101.

[0020] An intermediate transfer unit 5 serving as a transfer member is provided below the first to fourth process cartridges 100. The intermediate transfer unit 5 has a drive roller 5e, a tension roller 5b, and a flexible transfer belt 5a. The transfer belt 5a is stretched around the drive roller 5e and the tension roller 5b.

[0021] The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 101 of each process cartridge 100 contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 5a. A primary transfer roller 5d is provided on the inner side of the transfer belt 5a so as to face the photosensitive drum 101. The contact portion between the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer belt 5a is a primary transfer portion where a toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 101 to the transfer belt 5a. The primary transfer portion can also be said to be a portion where the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer belt 5a contact each other via the transfer belt 5a.

[0022] A secondary transfer roller 6 is in contact with the drive roller 5e via the transfer belt 5a. The contact portion between the transfer belt 5a and the secondary transfer roller 6 is a secondary transfer portion where a toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 5a to the recording medium 3. The secondary transfer portion can also be said to be a portion where the drive roller 5e and the secondary transfer roller 6 are in contact with each other via the transfer belt 5a.

[0023] A feeding unit 4 is provided below the intermediate transfer unit 5. The feeding unit 4 has a paper feed tray 4a that holds and stacks the recording media 3, and a paper feed roller 4b that transports the recording media 3 from the paper feed tray 4a.

[0024] A fixing device 7 and a paper discharge device 8 are provided on the front side and upper side (upper right in FIG. 2) of the main body 2. A paper discharge tray 9 is formed on the top surface of the apparatus main body 2. After the toner image is fixed on the recording medium 3 by a fixing means provided in the fixing device 7, the recording medium 3 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 9.

[0025] <Image formation operation> Next, a description will be given of an image forming operation for forming a full-color image by the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit of the image forming apparatus 1 starts an image forming operation on the recording medium 3 based on an image signal received from an external host device. The external host device is, for example, a personal computer, an image reader, a facsimile, etc.

[0026] During the image forming operation, the photosensitive drum 101 of each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 3. Also, the transfer belt 5a is rotationally driven in the forward direction (the direction of arrow B in Fig. 2) relative to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101 at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 101.

[0027] The laser scanner unit 11 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 101 with a laser beam 12 in response to an image signal for each color. Then, in synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit 11, in each process cartridge 100, the charging roller 102 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 to a predetermined polarity and potential. As a result, an electrostatic latent image in response to the image signal for the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 101. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing roller 103 that is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the forward direction (the direction of arrow C in FIG. 3) relative to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 101.

[0028] By the above-described electrophotographic image forming process, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 101 of the first process cartridge 100Y. Then, the toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 5a.

[0029] Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 101 of the second process cartridge 100M. Then, the toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 5a, superimposed on the yellow toner image already transferred onto the transfer belt 5a.

[0030] Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 101 of the third process cartridge 100C. Then, the cyan toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 5a, superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images already transferred onto the transfer belt 5a.

[0031] Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 101 of the fourth process cartridge 100K. Then, the toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 5a, superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images already transferred onto the transfer belt 5a.

[0032] In this manner, an unfixed full-color toner image of four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan and black, is formed on the transfer belt 5a.

[0033] Meanwhile, the recording medium 3 is separated and fed one by one from the feeding unit 4 at a predetermined control timing. The recording medium 3 is introduced into the secondary transfer section, which is the contact point between the secondary transfer roller 6 and the transfer belt 5a, at a predetermined control timing. Then, in the process of the recording medium 3 being transported to the secondary transfer section, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 5a is transferred sequentially onto the surface of the recording medium 3 all at once.

[0034] <Process cartridge installation / removal structure overview> The cartridge tray 20 (hereinafter referred to as the tray 20) supporting the process cartridge 100 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the front door 10 is open and the tray 20 is located inside the apparatus main body 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the front door 10 is open and the tray 20 is located outside the apparatus main body 2, and the process cartridge 100 is housed inside the tray 20. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the front door 10 is open and the tray 20 is located outside the apparatus main body 2, and the first process cartridge 100Y has been removed from the tray 20.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the tray 20 is configured to be movable in the direction of the arrow X1 (pushing direction) and the direction of the arrow X2 (pulling direction), which are substantially horizontal directions, relative to the device body 2. That is, the tray 20 is provided so as to be capable of being pulled out and pushed into the device body 2, and is configured to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction when the image forming device 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. Hereinafter, the position of the tray 20 located inside the device body 2 with the front door 10 open is referred to as the inside position, and the state of the tray 20 is referred to as the inside state. Also, the position of the tray 20 located outside the device body 2 with the front door 10 open is referred to as the outside position, and the state of the tray 20 is referred to as the outside state. FIG. 4 shows the tray 20 in the inside position and the inside state, and FIG. 5 shows the tray 20 in the outside position and the outside state. When the tray 20 is in the inside state or the outside state, the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer belt 5a are separated from each other.

[0036] The tray 20 has a mounting portion 20a in which the first process cartridge 100Y is removably mounted. Similarly, the tray 20 has mounting portions 20a in which the second process cartridge 100M, the third process cartridge 100C, and the fourth process cartridge 100K are removably mounted. As shown in FIG. 6, the process cartridge 100 can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion 20a of the tray 20 in the outer position. The process cartridge 100 moves between the inside and outside of the apparatus main body 2 together with the tray 20 while being disposed in the mounting portion 20a.

[0037] In the first embodiment, when the front door 10 is closed, the intermediate transfer unit 5 rises in the direction of the arrow Z1 by a link mechanism (not shown) and moves to a position during image formation (a position where the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer belt 5a come into contact with each other). When the front door 10 is opened, the intermediate transfer unit 5 descends in the direction of the arrow Z2, and the photosensitive drum 101 and the transfer belt 5a are separated from each other.

[0038] As described above, the tray 20 allows a plurality of process cartridges 100 to be moved together to a position inside the apparatus main body 2 where image formation is possible, and can be pulled out together to the outside of the apparatus main body 2.

[0039] <Overall structure of process cartridge> Next, the configuration of the process cartridge 100 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit 120. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 150. Fig. 9 is an assembled perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as seen from the drive side, which is one end side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 101. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as seen from the drive side.

[0040] The process cartridge 100 includes a photosensitive drum 101 and a process means acting on the photosensitive drum 101. The process means includes a charging roller 102 as a charging means for charging the photosensitive drum 101, a developing means for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101, and a developing roller 103 as a developing means for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101. The process cartridge 100 includes a developing roller 103 and the like. The process cartridge 100 is made up of a drum unit 120 as a first unit and a developing unit 150 as a second unit.

[0041] In the following description, the longitudinal direction Y of the drum unit 120 and the developing unit 150 is a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis a of the photosensitive drum 101 shown in Fig. 9. In addition, when the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the apparatus main body 2, the longitudinal direction Y is substantially parallel to the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0042] <Drum unit configuration> Next, a detailed configuration of the drum unit 120 will be described. As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 9, the drum unit 120 includes a photosensitive drum 101, a charging roller 102, a drum frame 121, and the like.

[0043] The drum unit 120 includes a bearing unit 126 for the charging roller arranged at the end of the charging roller 102 on the driving side, and a bearing unit 127 for the charging roller arranged at the end of the non-driving side. The bearing unit 126 has a bearing 126a that rotatably supports the charging roller 102, and a pressure spring 126b that urges the charging roller 102 toward the photosensitive drum 101. Similarly, the bearing unit 127 has a bearing 127a that rotatably supports the charging roller 102, and a pressure spring 127b that urges the charging roller 102 toward the photosensitive drum 101. Therefore, the charging roller 102 is rotatably supported by the bearings 126a and 127a, and is urged by the pressure springs 126b and 127b toward the photosensitive drum 101 in the direction of the arrow F in FIG. 3.

[0044] Furthermore, a charge roller spacing member 129 is attached to the drive side end of the charge roller 102, and a charge roller spacing member 130 is attached to the non-drive side end. These members keep the charge roller 102 separated from the photosensitive drum 101 in the initial shipping state. During use, the photosensitive drum 101 rotates, releasing the separated state.

[0045] A cartridge cover member 122 is provided at the end of the process cartridge 100 on the driving side in the longitudinal direction, and a cartridge cover member 123 is provided at the end of the process cartridge 100 on the non-driving side. The photosensitive drum 101 is supported by the cartridge cover members 122 and 123 so as to be freely rotatable.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 9, a coupling member 125 for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 101 is provided at one end (driving side) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 101. The coupling member 125 engages with a drum driving coupling 30 as a drum driving output unit provided in the apparatus main body 2. The driving force of a driving motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 101 via the drum driving coupling 30 and the coupling member 125, and the photosensitive drum 101 is rotated in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3. A drum flange 124 is provided at the other end (non-driving side) in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 101. Bearings 126a and 127a supporting the charging roller 102 are supported by the drum frame 121 so that the charging roller 102 can contact the photosensitive drum 101 and rotate following the photosensitive drum 101 (arrow E direction in FIG. 3).

[0047] <Developing unit configuration> Next, a detailed configuration of the developing unit 150 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 8, the developing unit 150 is composed of the developing roller 103, the toner transport roller 104, a developing blade 156, a developing frame, etc. The developing frame includes a first developing frame 151 and a second developing frame 152. The first developing frame 151 and the second developing frame 152 are joined to each other by ultrasonic welding or the like.

[0048] The developing frame of the developing unit 150 is formed with a toner storage section 162 as a space for storing toner to be supplied to the developing roller 103. The developing frame also includes a bearing 153 provided on the drive side of the developing roller 103 and the toner transport roller 104, and a bearing 154 provided on the non-drive side. The developing frame rotatably supports the developing roller 103 and the toner transport roller 104 via the drive side bearing 153 and the non-drive side bearing 154, and holds a developing blade 156 that regulates the thickness of the toner layer on the circumferential surface of the developing roller 103.

[0049] The developing blade 156 is, for example, formed by attaching an elastic member 156b, which is a sheet metal having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, to a supporting member 156a, which is a metal material having an L-shaped cross section, by welding or the like. The developing blade 156 is attached to the developing frame at two points, one end and the other end, in the longitudinal direction, by fixing screws 156c.

[0050] A development drive input gear 159 for transmitting a drive force to the development unit 150 is provided on one end side (drive side) in the longitudinal direction of the development unit 150. The development drive input gear 159 is provided with a development input coupling portion 159a that receives drive force from a development drive coupling 40 provided in the apparatus main body 2. With this configuration, the drive force of a drive motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 is input to the development unit 150.

[0051] The driving force input to the developing unit 150 is transmitted to the developing roller gear 157, which rotates the developing roller 103 in the direction of the arrow C in Fig. 3. Then, the driving force is transmitted to the toner transport roller gear 158, which can rotate the toner transport roller 104 in the direction of the arrow D in Fig. 3.

[0052] Moreover, the developing unit 150 includes an agitating member 161 disposed inside the toner storage section 162, and an agitating gear 160 for driving the agitating member 161. When the driving force input to the developing unit 150 is transmitted to the agitating gear 160, the agitating member 161 is rotated in the direction of arrow G in FIG.

[0053] The stirring member 161 has a rotating shaft 161a parallel to the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 103, and a first stirring sheet 161b and a second stirring sheet 161c as a conveying member. The first stirring sheet 161b and the second stirring sheet 161c are flexible sheets. One end of the first stirring sheet 161b and the second stirring sheet 161c is attached to the rotating shaft 161a, and the other end of the first stirring sheet 161b and the second stirring sheet 161c is a free end. As the rotating shaft 161a rotates, the first stirring sheet 161b and the second stirring sheet 161c also rotate, and the toner in the toner storage section 162 is stirred by the first stirring sheet 161b and the second stirring sheet 161c.

[0054] Further, at one end side (driving side) of the developing unit 150 in the longitudinal direction, a developing device cover member 155 that supports and covers a developing device drive input gear 159 is provided.

[0055] <Engagement structure of drum unit and developing unit> 9, a description will be given of an engagement configuration (assembly configuration) between the drum unit 120 and the developing unit 150. The drum unit 120 and the developing unit 150 are connected by a cartridge cover member 122 provided at the end of the process cartridge 100 on the driving side in the longitudinal direction, and a cartridge cover member 123 provided at the end of the process cartridge 100 on the non-driving side.

[0056] The cartridge cover member 122 on the driving side is provided with a developing unit support hole 122b for supporting the developing unit 150 so as to be swingable (movable), and a drum support hole 122a for supporting the photosensitive drum 101 so as to be rotatable. The cartridge cover member 123 is provided with a developing unit support hole 123b for swingably supporting the developing unit 150, and a drum support hole 123a for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 101. In other words, the cartridge cover members 122 and 123 are support members that swingably support the developing unit 150 and rotatably support the photosensitive drum 101. That is, the cartridge cover members 122 and 123 support the developing unit 150 so that it can swing (move) between a developing position where the developing roller 103 abuts against the photosensitive drum 101 and a position where the developing roller 103 is separated from the photosensitive drum 101.

[0057] When the drum unit 120 and the developing unit 150 are engaged with each other, an outer diameter portion of a cylindrical portion 155a of the developing cover member 155 is fitted into a developing unit support hole 122b of the cartridge cover member 122 at one end side (driving side). Also, an outer diameter portion of a cylindrical portion (not shown) of a bearing 154 is fitted into a developing unit support hole 123b of the cartridge cover member 123 at the other end side (non-driving side).

[0058] Moreover, one end of the photosensitive drum 101 in the longitudinal direction is fitted into a drum support hole 122a of the cartridge cover member 122, and the other end is fitted into a drum support hole 123a of the cartridge cover member 123. The cartridge cover members 122 and 123 are fixed to the drum unit 120 by screws, adhesive, or the like (not shown). As a result, the developing unit 150 is supported by the cartridge cover members 122 and 123 to be able to swing relative to the drum unit 120 (photosensitive drum 101), and the developing roller 103 can be positioned to act on the photosensitive drum 101 during image formation.

[0059] Through the above steps, the drum unit 120 and the developing unit 150 are assembled and integrally formed as the process cartridge 100. The assembled state of the drum unit 120 and the developing unit 150 is shown in FIG.

[0060] Hereinafter, the axis connecting the center of the developing unit support hole 122b of the driving side cartridge cover member 122 and the center of the developing unit support hole 123b of the non-moving side cartridge cover member 123 will be referred to as the swing axis b. Hereinafter, the cylindrical portion 155a of the developing cover member 155 provided at the driving side end of the process cartridge 100 is coaxial with the developing input coupling portion 159a. That is, the developing unit 150 is configured such that a driving force is transmitted from the apparatus main body 2 at this swing axis b. Moreover, the developing unit 150 is supported so as to be freely swingable about the swing axis b.

[0061] The developing unit 150 is configured to be able to swing (move) between a contact position where the developing roller 103 contacts the photosensitive drum 101 and a separation position where the developing roller 103 is separated from the photosensitive drum 101. The apparatus main body 2 is also provided with a biasing mechanism that biases the developing unit 150 in a direction from the separation position toward the abutment position. The biasing mechanism includes, for example, a tension spring (not shown) that biases the developing unit 150 and a development drive input gear 159 that applies a rotational torque to the developing unit 150.

[0062] <Configuration of Contact / Separation Mechanism> Next, a contact / separation mechanism for bringing the photosensitive drum 101 of the process cartridge 100 into contact with and separating from the developing roller 103 of the developing unit 150 will be described. The contact / separation mechanism is attached to the non-driven side bearing 154 constituting the developing frame. FIGS. 11(a) and (b) are perspective views showing the configuration of the contact / separation mechanism. FIG. 11(a) shows the contact / separation mechanism in a state before assembly, and FIG. 11(b) shows the state after assembly is completed. The contact / separation mechanism is composed of a holding member 170, a force receiving member 171, and a tension spring 172.

[0063] The holding member 170 has a supported portion 170a which is a hole having a substantially circular cross section. The supported portion 170a engages with a first support portion 154b provided on the bearing 154 on the non-driven side. The first support portion 154b is a protrusion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 150. The holding member 170 is a rotating member (first rotating member) that is rotatably supported by the bearing 154 as a result of the supported portion 170a engaging with the first support portion 154b.

[0064] The holding member 170 also has a separation maintaining portion 170b protruding in the radial direction from the supported portion 170a. As shown in FIG. 12A, the separation maintaining portion 170b comes into contact with the abutment portion 123c of the cartridge cover member 123 on the non-driven side, whereby the holding member 170 maintains the development separation state of the process cartridge 100.

[0065] The force receiving member 171 has a supported portion 171a which is a slit having an oval cross section. The supported portion 171a engages with a second supporting portion 154c provided on the bearing 154. The second supporting portion 154c is a protrusion protruding in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 150. The force receiving member 171 is a rotating member (second rotating member) which is supported on the bearing 154 so as to be movable in parallel and rotatable by the supported portion 171a engaging with the second supporting portion 154c. In a posture in which the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the apparatus main body 2, the supported portion 171a extends in the vertical direction, and the force receiving member 171 can move up and down while maintaining its posture. In addition, when the force receiving member 171 is located below the movable range, i.e., when the second supporting portion 154c is located at the upper end of the supported portion 171a, the force receiving member 171 is configured to be rotatable.

[0066] Moreover, the force receiving member 171 has a force receiving portion 171b that receives a force from a contact / separation control portion provided in the device body 2. The force receiving member 171 rotates upon receiving a force from the contact / separation control portion, thereby pressing the holding member 170 to rotate. In other words, the force receiving member 171 can also be said to be a pressing member configured to be able to press the holding member 170.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 11(b), in a state in which the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the apparatus main body 2, the rotation center H (rotation axis) of the force receiving member 171 is located above the rotation center K (rotation axis) of the holding member 170. In addition, the contact portion between the force receiving member 171 and the holding member 170 is located below the rotation center K and above the force receiving portion 171b. In other words, the distance from the contact portion to the rotation center H is greater than the distance from the contact portion to the rotation center K. In addition, the distance from the force receiving portion 171b to the rotation center H is greater than the distance from the contact portion to the rotation center H. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the force applied to the force receiving member 171 to rotate the holding member 170.

[0068] The tension spring 172 is an urging member having one end fixed to the holding member 170 and the other end fixed to the force receiving member 171. The tension spring 172 exerts an urging force in a direction to rotate the force receiving member 171 relative to the holding member 170.

[0069] <Contact / separation operation> The contact / separation operation of the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 by the contact / separation mechanism will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 12(a) to (d). Figs. 12(a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams of the contact / separation operation of the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103. Figs. 12(a) to (d) are partial cross-sectional views of the process cartridge 100 showing the contact state of the contacted portion 123c of the cartridge cover member 123 on the non-driven side and the separation maintaining portion 170b. Figs. 12(a) to (d) show the process cartridge 100 in a posture mounted in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0070] 12A shows a state in which the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 10 open. In this state, the spaced holding portion 170b of the holding member 170 is in contact with the contact portion 123c of the cartridge cover member 123. Thus, the process cartridge 100 is in a development separation state in which the photosensitive drum 101 and the development roller 103 are separated from each other. The holding member 170 comes into contact with the cartridge cover member 123, thereby restricting the development roller 103 from approaching the photosensitive drum 101, and the development unit 150 (development roller 103) is held in the separated position.

[0071] FIG. 12(b) shows a state in which the front door 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 is closed from the state shown in FIG. 12(a). When the front door 10 is closed, the force receiving member 171 is pressed from above by a link mechanism that is driven in conjunction with the closing operation of the front door 10, and moves downward. The force receiving member 171 is urged upward by a biasing member (not shown), and the link mechanism moves the force receiving member 171 downward against the biasing force of the biasing member. At this time, the force receiving member 171 moves so that the force receiving portion 171b, which is the lower end of the force receiving member 171, protrudes downward from the bearing 154 on the non-driven side. In this state, the separation holding portion 170b of the holding member 170 abuts against the abutted portion 123c of the cartridge cover member 123. The process cartridge 100 is in a development separation state in which the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 are separated from each other.

[0072] 12(b), the holding member 170 abuts against the cartridge cover member 123, thereby restricting the movement of the developing unit 150 biased by the biasing configuration from the separated position to the abutting position. The position of the holding member 170 shown in FIG. 12(b) for holding the developing unit 150 so that the process cartridge 100 is in the development separated state is defined as a first position.

[0073] 12(c) shows a state in which the force receiving portion 171b of the force receiving member 171 starts to move as it is pressed in the first direction W1 by a separation control portion provided in the apparatus main body 2. The first direction W1 is a direction in which the force receiving portion 171b approaches the cartridge cover member 123 and is a direction intersecting with the rotation axes of the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103. In a state in which the force receiving portion 171b starts to be pressed, the separation holding portion 170b of the holding member 170 abuts against the abutted portion 123c of the cartridge cover member 123.

[0074] When force receiving portion 171b receives a force in first direction W1, force receiving member 171 rotates. When force receiving portion 171b rotates, holding member 170 is pressed by force receiving member 171 and rotates. Hereinafter, the direction in which holding member 170 rotates when force receiving portion 171b receives a force in first direction W1 and moves is referred to as a first rotation direction R1. Also, the direction in which force receiving member 171 rotates when force receiving portion 171b receives a force in first direction W1 is referred to as a second rotation direction R2.

[0075] 12(d) shows a state in which the force receiving member 171 has further rotated in the second rotation direction R2 from the state in FIG. 12(c), and the holding member 170 has further rotated in the first rotation direction R1. When the holding member 170 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the separation holding portion 170b of the holding member 170 moves upward. Then, the separation holding portion 170b separates from the abutted portion 123c of the cartridge cover member 123.

[0076] When the holding member 170 is separated from the cartridge cover member 123, the developing unit 150 is swung from the separated position to the abutting position so that the developing roller 103 approaches and abuts against the photosensitive drum 101. That is, the abutting state between the separation holding portion 170b and the abutted portion 123c is released, so that the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 abut against each other, and the process cartridge 100 is in a development abutment state. In other words, the developing unit 150 is held at the abutment position by the holding member 170 moving to a position separated from the cartridge cover member 123. The position shown in FIG. 12(d) for holding the developing unit 150 so that the process cartridge 100 is in a development abutment state is defined as the second position.

[0077] As described above, the holding member 170 is configured to be rotatable between the first position and the second position. In addition, the holding member 170 is configured to be further rotatable from the second position in the first rotation direction R1 to a third position. Details of the third position will be described later. In the following description, the position of the force receiving member 171 shown in Fig. 12(b) is referred to as a fourth position, and the position of the force receiving member 171 shown in Fig. 12(a) is referred to as a fifth position. That is, the force receiving member 171 is configured to be movable in parallel between the fourth position, where it is rotatable in the second rotation direction R2, and the fifth position, which is higher than the fourth position.

[0078] By the above operation, the developing unit 150 moves from the separated position to the contact position, and the process cartridge 100 transitions from the development separated state to the development contact state. When the process cartridge 100 is in the development contact state, the image forming apparatus 1 is capable of performing an image forming operation.

[0079] Next, the force application member 111 of the contact / separation control unit that applies force to the force receiving member 171 will be described. FIGS. 13(a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams of the force application member 111. The force application member 111 has a force application portion 111a that applies force to the force receiving member 171, and is provided on the device body 2 so as to be movable in the first direction W1 and the second direction W2. The force application portion 111a includes a surface facing the first direction W1 and a surface facing the second direction W2, and has a U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the holding member 170. When the force receiving member 171 is in the fourth position, the tip of the force receiving member 171 is located between the surface facing the first direction W1 and the surface facing the second direction W2 of the force application member 111.

[0080] FIG. 13(a) shows a state in which the holding member 170 at the first position abuts against the cartridge cover member 123 and the developing unit 150 is held at the separated position. At this time, a gap is provided between the force application member 111 and the force receiving member 171. When the force application member 111 moves in the first direction W1 from the state shown in FIG. 13(a), the force application portion 111a presses the force receiving portion 171b, and the force receiving member 171 rotates in the second rotation direction R2. FIG. 13(b) shows a state in which the force receiving member 171 is pressed by the force application member 111 to rotate in the second rotation direction R2, and the holding member 170 is pressed by the force receiving member 171 to move to the second position.

[0081] FIG. 13(c) shows a state in which the force application member 111 has moved in the second direction W2 from the state in FIG. 13(b) and separated from the force receiving member 171. After the holding member 170 has moved to the second position and separated from the cartridge cover member 123 and the developing roller 103 has come into contact with the photosensitive drum 101, the force application member 111 moves in the second direction W2 and separated from the force receiving member 171. After the force application member 111 has moved, a gap is provided between the force application member 111 and the force receiving member 171. In addition, when the force application member 111 moves in the second direction W2 and separated from the force receiving member 171, the force receiving member 171 rotates slightly in the direction opposite to the second rotation direction R2 due to the biasing force of the biasing member that biases the force receiving member 171 upward, etc. Then, the holding member 170 also tries to rotate in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction R1 due to the biasing force of the tension spring 172, etc., but as shown in FIG. 13(c), the rotation of the holding member 170 is restricted by the cartridge cover member 123. With this configuration, even if the force application member 111 is separated from the force receiving member 171, the holding member 170 is prevented from unintentionally rotating from the second position to the first position. During the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1, the holding member 170, the force receiving member 171, and the force application member 111 are in the positions shown in FIG. 13(c). At this time, the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171 are separated from each other.

[0082] On the other hand, when the developing unit 150 moves from the contact position to the separated position and the process cartridge 100 transitions from the development contact state to the development separated state, the force applying member 111 moves in the second direction W2 to press the force receiving member 171. A force receiving portion 171g formed on the opposite side of the force receiving portion 171b of the force receiving member 171 is pressed in the second direction W2 by the force applying portion 111a, and the force receiving member 171 moves in the direction opposite to the second rotation direction R2. Then, the developing unit 150 moves away from the drum unit 120 together with the developing frame supporting the force receiving member 171. The force receiving member 171 swings in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction R1, and the developing roller 103 separates from the photosensitive drum 101. In addition, with the movement of the force receiving member 171, the holding member 170 rotates from the second position to the first position by the biasing force of the tension spring 172 in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction R1. Thereafter, when the force applying member 111 moves in the first direction W1 and separates from the force receiving member 171, the developing unit 150 swings toward the drum unit 120 by the biasing force of the biasing configuration, and the separation holding portion 170b abuts against the abutted portion 123c. Then, when the front door 10 is opened and the force receiving member 171 is released from the state in which it was pressed by the link mechanism linked to the opening and closing operation of the front door 10, the force receiving member 171 moves upward from the fourth position to the fifth position.

[0083] <Configuration for preventing contact of developing device when cartridge is individually packaged> As described above, in the process cartridge 100, the developer contact state and the developer separated state are switched by the movement (rotation) of the force receiving member 171. Therefore, for example, when a user performs an operation of attaching or removing the process cartridge 100, the force receiving member 171 may be unintentionally pressed or otherwise moved, causing the process cartridge 100 to erroneously switch from the developer separated state to the developer contact state. Therefore, the process cartridge 100 is provided with a state in which the process cartridge 100 is not mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 (individually packaged state). The developer contact suppression function prevents the user from unintentionally releasing the developer separation state in the developer contact state. The developer contact suppression configuration will be described with reference to Figures 14(a) and 14(b). Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are explanatory diagrams of the developer contact suppression configuration.

[0084] The developing unit 150 has a protrusion 154a as a regulating portion that regulates the rotation of the force receiving member 171 in the second rotation direction R2 so as to move the holding member 170 from the first position to the second position. In the first embodiment, the protrusion 154a is provided on the bearing 154 on the non-driven side, and protrudes toward the force receiving member 171 in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 103. In other words, the bearing 154 has the protrusion 154a, and can be said to be a regulating member that regulates the rotation of the force receiving member 171. In addition, the force receiving member 171 is provided with a regulated portion 171c that engages with the protrusion 154a.

[0085] FIG. 14(a) shows the process cartridge 100 in a state where it is not mounted in the apparatus main body 2. At this time, the force receiving member 171 is in the fifth position. When the force receiving member 171 is in the fifth position, the regulated portion 171c is located downstream of the protrusion 154a in the second rotation direction R2 (first direction W1) and is in a position overlapping with the protrusion 154a when viewed in the first direction W1. In other words, since the protrusion 154a is located on the rotation trajectory of the regulated portion 171c, when the force receiving member 171 tries to move in the second rotation direction R2, the regulated portion 171c abuts against the protrusion 154a, and the protrusion 154a regulates the rotation of the force receiving member 171 in the second rotation direction R2. In this way, when the force receiving member 171 is in the fifth position, the rotation in the second rotation direction R2 is regulated by the protrusion 154a.

[0086] FIG. 14(b) shows the process cartridge 100 in a state where the process cartridge 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 and the front door 10 is closed. At this time, the force receiving member 171 is pressed from above and moves to the fourth position, which is lower than the fifth position. When the force receiving member 171 is in the fourth position, the regulated portion 171c is located lower than the protrusion 154a and is in a position where it does not overlap with the protrusion 154a when viewed in the first direction W1. In other words, since the protrusion 154a is located outside the rotation locus of the regulated portion 171c, even if the force receiving member 171 moves in the second rotation direction R2, the regulated portion 171c does not abut against the protrusion 154a, and the protrusion 154a does not regulate the rotation of the force receiving member 171 in the second rotation direction R2. As described above, the force receiving member 171 moves from the fifth position to the fourth position in conjunction with the operation of closing the front door 10.

[0087] 15 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship between the protrusion 154a and the force receiving member 171. When the force receiving member 171 is located at the fourth position and the holding member 170 is located at the first position, the force receiving member 17 15, the protrusion 154a is located upstream of the first engagement surface 171d and the pressed surface 170c of the holding member 170, that is, the contact portion between the force receiving member 171 and the holding member 170, in the second rotation direction R2. Due to this arrangement, when the process cartridge 100 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the rotation of the holding member 170 in the first rotation direction R1 and the rotation of the force receiving member 171 in the second rotation direction R2 are not hindered by the protrusion 154a.

[0088] As described above, the force receiving member 171 is configured to be movable in parallel between the fourth position and the fifth position, and rotatable at the fourth position. When the force receiving member 171 is at the fourth position, the force receiving member 171 rotates in the second rotation direction R2 to press the holding member 170 in the first rotation direction R1. When the force receiving member 171 is at the fifth position, the force receiving member 171 rotates in the second rotation direction R2 to bring the regulated portion 171c into contact with the protrusion 154a. With this configuration, when the process cartridge 100 is removed from the main body 2 of the apparatus, the force receiving member 171 is at the fifth position, so that the developer separation state of the process cartridge 100 is maintained. On the other hand, when the process cartridge 100 is attached to the main body 2 of the apparatus and the force receiving member 171 moves from the fifth position to the fourth position, the force receiving member 171 is in a state in which it can rotate. When the force receiving member 171 rotates, the holding member 170 is rotated, whereby the contact and separation operation between the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 in the process cartridge 100 is performed.

[0089] 16 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement position of the protrusion 154a. When the force receiving member 171 is in the fifth position, the protrusion 154a is provided at a position closer to the force receiving portion 171b than the rotation center K of the holding member 170 in the direction connecting the rotation center H of the force receiving member 171 and the force receiving portion 171b. In other words, when the force receiving member 171 is in the fifth position, the distance D1 from the protrusion 154a to the force receiving portion 171b is smaller than the distance D2 from the rotation center K of the holding member 170 to the force receiving portion 171b when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 150. When the distance from the force receiving portion 171b to the protrusion 154a or the regulated portion 171c is large, the deformation amount of the force receiving member 171 increases when the force receiving portion 171b receives a force from the force applying member 111 in a state where the regulated portion 171c is in contact with the protrusion 154a. On the other hand, by making the distance from the protrusion 154a (regulated portion 171c) to the force receiving portion 171b small, it is possible to suppress deformation of the force receiving member 171 when the force receiving portion 171b receives a force, compared to when the distance is large. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of rotation (distance) of the holding member 170 in the first rotation direction R1 due to the deformation of the force receiving member 171, and therefore it is possible to more reliably suppress the release of the developer separation state of the process cartridge 100.

[0090] With the above configuration, in the first embodiment, the position of the force receiving member 171 is different between when the process cartridge 100 is individually packaged and when the process cartridge 100 is attached to the main body 2 of the apparatus. When the process cartridge 100 is individually packaged, the rotation of the force receiving member 171 in the second rotation direction R2 is restricted, and when the process cartridge 100 is attached to the main body 2 of the apparatus, the rotation of the force receiving member 171 in the second rotation direction R2 is not restricted. With this configuration, when the process cartridge 100 is individually packaged, it is possible to prevent the force receiving member 171 from being moved erroneously and the process cartridge 100 from transitioning from the developer separation state to the developer contact state. Also, when the process cartridge 100 is attached to the main body 2 of the apparatus, it is possible to move the force receiving member 171 as intended to switch the process cartridge 100 between the developer separation state and the developer contact state.

[0091] <Configuration for switching engagement positions of holding member and force receiving member> As described above, in the first embodiment, the holding member 170 moves from the first position to the second position. The developing unit 150 swings from the separation position to the contact position. However, if the rotation range of the holding member 170 is designed from the first position to the second position, the holding member 170 may not rotate to the second position as designed due to dimensional variations or deformation of the parts, and the development contact / separation operation may not be performed normally. On the other hand, if the rotation range of the holding member 170 is excessively widened, the movement range of the force applying member 111 is widened, and the force applying member 111 may interfere with other members. In addition, if the movement range of the force applying member 111 is wide, the force applying member 111 needs to be disposed away from the drum unit 120 and the like, which may lead to an increase in size of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171 are configured so that the development contact / separation operation can be performed more reliably while suppressing the increase in size of the image forming apparatus 1. The configurations of the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171 for solving the above problems will be described below.

[0092] 1(a) and (b) are used to explain the switching configuration of the engagement position EP between the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171. Figures 1(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of the switching configuration of the engagement position EP between the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171. The engagement position EP is the position where the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171 are engaged with each other, and is the contact point between the two members.

[0093] 1(b), the force receiving member 171 has a first engagement surface 171d as a first surface, a second engagement surface 171e as a second surface, and a slope 171f as a connection surface, which are surfaces that engage with the holding member 170. At least when the developing unit 150 is in the separated position, the first engagement surface 171d, the second engagement surface 171e, and the slope 171f all face the first direction W1. More specifically, when the holding member 170 is in the first position, the first engagement surface 171d and the second engagement surface 171e are substantially perpendicular to the first direction W1.

[0094] The first engagement surface 171d is formed at the tip end (end on the force receiving portion 171b side) of the force receiving member 171. The second engagement surface 171e is formed on the supported portion 171a side (the rotation center side of the force receiving member 171) with respect to the first engagement surface 171d, and on the second direction W2 side from the first engagement surface 171d. That is, the second engagement surface 171e is formed so as to be recessed with respect to the first engagement surface 171d in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first engagement surface 171d faces. In addition, the second engagement surface 171e is approximately parallel to the first engagement surface 171d. The inclined surface 171f is a surface that connects the first engagement surface 171d and the second engagement surface 171e, and is formed inclined with respect to the first engagement surface 171d and the second engagement surface 171e.

[0095] 1(a) shows the state in which the holding member 170 is in the middle of moving from the first position to the second position. When the holding member 170 is in the first position, the pressed surface 170c of the holding member 170 contacts the first engagement surface 171d of the force receiving member 171. At this time, the engagement position EP between the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171 is on the first engagement surface 171d.

[0096] When the force receiving member 171 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the holding member 170 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, and the pressed surface 170c gradually moves upward. When the holding member 170 reaches the second position, the pressed surface 170c comes into contact with the inclined surface 171f. At this time, the engagement position EP between the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171 is on the inclined surface 171f. Note that when the holding member 170 is located at the second position, the engagement position EP can also be configured to be on the first engagement surface 171d or the second engagement surface 171e.

[0097] In addition, in the first embodiment, the holding member 170 is configured to be further rotatable in the first rotation direction R1 from the second position. The position where the holding member 170 contacts the drum unit 120 (photosensitive unit) is defined as the third position when the holding member 170 is pushed by the force receiving member 171 and moves further in the first rotation direction R1 from the second position. That is, the holding member 170 is configured to be rotatable to the first position, the second position, and the third position. When in position 3, the developing roller 103 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 101, and the process cartridge 100 is in a developing contact state.

[0098] By configuring the holding member 170 to be rotatable in the first rotation direction R1 from the second position to the third position, even if there is variation in the dimensions of the parts or if the parts are deformed, the process cartridge 100 can be reliably switched from the developer separated state to the developer abutment state. In this way, the process cartridge 100 is configured to be able to more reliably switch from the developer separated state to the developer abutment state, taking into account the dimensional variation and deformation of the parts.

[0099] FIG. 1B shows a state where the holding member 170 has moved to the third position. When the holding member 170 at the second position further rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the pressed surface 170c moves from the inclined surface 171f onto the second engagement surface 171e. When the holding member 170 is at the third position, the pressed surface 170c of the holding member 170 comes into contact with the second engagement surface 171e of the force receiving member 171. At this time, the engagement position EP between the holding member 170 and the force receiving member 171 is on the second engagement surface 171e. When the holding member 170 is at the third position, the holding member 170 comes into contact with the cartridge cover member 123 of the drum unit 120. Therefore, the drum unit 120 prevents the holding member 170 from rotating excessively in the second rotation direction R2 beyond the third position.

[0100] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the holding member 170 moves from the first position to the second position, the engagement position EP moves upward on the first engagement surface 171d and reaches the inclined surface 171f. Then, when the holding member 170 moves from the second position to the third position, the engagement position EP moves from the inclined surface 171f to the second engagement surface 171e. Therefore, when the holding member 170 rotates from the first position to the third position, the contact target of the pressed surface 170c is switched from the first engagement surface 171d to the second engagement surface 171e that is recessed from the first engagement surface 171d.

[0101] The engagement position EP between the force receiving member 171 and the holding member 170 is switched from above the first engagement surface 171d to above the second engagement surface 171e, so that the movement amount (rotation amount) of the holding member 170 relative to the movement amount of the force receiving member 171 can be reduced. In order to rotate the holding member 170 in the first rotation direction R1, it is necessary to move the force applying member 111 in the first direction W1 and rotate the force receiving member 171 in the second rotation direction R2. However, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the rotation amount of the holding member 170 is reduced, so that the distance that the force applying member 111 moves in the first direction W1, i.e., in the direction approaching the drum unit 120, can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the force applying member 111 at a position closer to the drum unit 120, and the size of the image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced. That is, even in a configuration in which the holding member 170 is rotatable from the second position to the third position, it is possible to reduce the arrangement space (movement range) of the force application member 111 while preventing unintended contact between the holding member 170 and the drum unit 120. Furthermore, the size of the image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced by the amount of the reduction in the arrangement space of the force application member 111.

[0102] As described above, the first engagement surface 171d and the second engagement surface 171e are connected by the inclined surface 171f. The inclined surface 171f is formed so that the angle between the inclined surface 171f and the second engagement surface 171e is an obtuse angle. With this configuration, when the holding member 170 returns from the third position to the first position, the holding member 170 is guided by the inclined surface 171f, and the holding member 170 returns from the position where it contacts the second engagement surface 171e to the position where it contacts the first engagement surface 171d without getting caught.

[0103] In the above description, the contact / separation mechanism and the developing device contact suppression configuration on the non-driven side of the process cartridge 100 have been described, but similar mechanisms and configurations are also provided on the driven side.

[0104] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A cartridge configured to be detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, a first unit having a photoconductor; a second unit having a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor, the second unit being configured to be pivotable relative to the first unit between a contact position where the developing member contacts the photoconductor and a separation position where the developing member is separated from the photoconductor; a first position for holding the second unit at the separated position against a biasing force that biases the second unit in the separated position toward the abutting position, and a second position for holding the second unit at the abutting position, the second position being a second position rotated from the first position in a first rotation direction, and a third position further rotated from the second position in the first rotation direction; a pressing member configured to be able to press the rotating member in the first rotation direction, the pressing member being formed with a first surface that comes into contact with the rotating member when the rotating member is in the first position, and a second surface that is recessed with respect to the first surface in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first surface faces, the second surface being able to come into contact with the rotating member when the rotating member is in the third position; A cartridge comprising: (Configuration 2) The cartridge described in configuration 1, characterized in that the pressing member is formed with a connection surface that connects the first surface and the second surface, the connection surface forming an obtuse angle with the second surface. (Configuration 3) 3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the pressing member contacts the rotating member at the second position at the connection surface. (Configuration 4) The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second surface is formed closer to a rotation center of the pressing member than the first surface. (Configuration 5) 5. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the second unit has a developing frame supporting the developing member, the rotating member, and the pressing member. (Configuration 6) The pressing member is configured to be rotatable in a second rotation direction around a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating member, A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when the rotating member is in the first position, a distance from a contact portion between the rotating member and the pressing member to a rotation center of the pressing member is greater than a distance from the contact portion to the rotation center of the rotating member. (Configuration 7) the pressing member has a force receiving portion that receives a force for rotating in the second rotation direction, The cartridge according to configuration 6, wherein when the rotating member is in the first position, a distance from the force receiving portion to a rotation center of the pressing member is greater than a distance from a contact portion between the rotating member and the pressing member to the rotation center of the pressing member. (Configuration 8) A device body, A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 7 that is detachably attached to the device main body; An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 9) A device body, A cartridge according to configuration 7 that is detachably attached to the device main body; an image forming apparatus comprising: a force applying member for applying a force to the force receiving portion;

[0105] [Example 2] An image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 45. Here, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the following description, configurations of the second embodiment that are common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the first embodiment, and will not be described again. Furthermore, configurations of the second embodiment that are not specifically mentioned in the following description are similar to the configurations of the first embodiment.

[0106] 17 to 45 include a scale of "xx mm." This scale is a standard showing the specific dimensions of the shape and configuration of the process cartridge in this embodiment, and the scale is shown in a different size in each figure according to the size of the configuration shown in each figure.

[0107] <Image forming device> The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1b taken along a line perpendicular to the rotation axis of a rotating member such as a photosensitive drum included in the image forming apparatus 1b, as viewed from the non-driving side.

[0108] In the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1b, first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) each having the same electrophotographic process mechanism and different toner colors and filling amounts are removably arranged, similar to the embodiment 1. As in the embodiment 1, the process cartridge 100 in this embodiment also includes a developing unit 150 including a developing roller 103, a supply roller 104, a developing blade 156, etc., and a drum unit 120 including a photosensitive drum 101, a charging roller 102, etc.

[0109] The process cartridges 100 are arranged so as to be aligned at a predetermined interval in an inclined direction having a slight angle with respect to the horizontal direction when the image forming apparatus 1b is placed on a horizontal surface as a normally assumed installation state. Each process cartridge 100 is mounted on the tray 20, and the tray 20 is arranged at a predetermined mounting position in the apparatus main body 2, thereby arranging the process cartridges 100 at a predetermined mounting position (image forming position) in the apparatus main body 2. The direction in which the process cartridges 100 are lined up on the tray 20 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100 (the direction along the rotation axis of the rotating member such as the photosensitive drum 101). When the tray 20 is in a predetermined mounting position in the apparatus main body 2, the process cartridges 100 are aligned in an inclined direction in which the process cartridge 100K at the back of the mounting space is positioned lower than the process cartridge 100Y at the front of the mounting space.

[0110] The image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment is configured such that each process cartridge 100 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 2, as in the first embodiment. The tray 20 can be drawn out to the outside of the apparatus main body 2 by opening the front door 10. When the tray 20 is in a drawn out position outside the apparatus main body 2, each process cartridge 100 can be attached to and detached from the tray 20. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1b in which the front door 10 is open and the tray 20 is located inside the apparatus main body 2. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1b in which the front door 10 is open and the tray 20 is located outside the apparatus main body 2, and the process cartridge 100 is stored inside the tray 20. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1b in which the front door 10 is open and the tray 20 is located outside the apparatus main body 2, and the process cartridge 100Y is removed from the tray 20.

[0111] The image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment includes a main body 2, a feeding unit 4, an intermediate transfer unit 5, a secondary transfer roller 6, a fixing device 7, a paper discharge device 8, a paper discharge tray 9, and a roller 11, as in the first embodiment. The intermediate transfer unit 5 is equipped with a laser scanner unit 11, etc. The feed unit 4 has a paper feed tray 4a that holds and stores the recording medium 3, and a paper feed roller 4b that conveys the recording medium 3 from the paper feed tray 4a. The intermediate transfer unit 5 has a drive roller 5e, a tension roller 5b, and a flexible transfer belt 5a that is stretched over these rollers.

[0112] The image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment is similar to that of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0113] The image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment is configured to allow three types of process cartridges 100x, 100a, and 100y to be detachably mounted therein, which will be described below. The three types of process cartridges 100x, 100a, and 100y are different from each other in the configuration of the developing unit 150, particularly in the shape of the toner storage portion, and each of them has a different toner storage capacity. Of the three types of process cartridges 100x, 100a, and 100y, the process cartridge 100x is a process cartridge with a standard toner storage capacity. The process cartridge 100a is a process cartridge with a smaller toner storage capacity than the process cartridge 100x. The process cartridge 100y is a process cartridge with a larger toner storage capacity than the process cartridge 100x.

[0114] <Standard process cartridge 100x> A first process cartridge 100x of the three types of process cartridges 100x, 100a, and 100y will be described with reference to FIGS. 18(a) to 20(b), 27(a), 27(b), 30(a), and 30(b).

[0115] FIG. 18(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100x in FIG. 19 when viewed in the -Z direction (top view of the process cartridge 100x). FIG. 18(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100x in FIG. 19 when viewed in the -X direction (rear view of the process cartridge 100x). FIG. 19(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100x when viewed from the driving side to the non-driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100x (driving side side view of the process cartridge 100x). FIG. 19(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100x when viewed from the non-driving side to the driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100x (non-driving side side view of the process cartridge 100x). FIG. 20(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100x in FIG. 19 when viewed in the Z direction (bottom view of the process cartridge 100x). FIG. 20(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100x in FIG. 20(a) when viewed in the X direction (front view of the process cartridge 100x). FIG. 27(a) is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100x when viewed from the downstream side in the X direction, the downstream side in the Y direction, and the downstream side in the Z direction (upper side) at an angle looking down toward the upstream side in the X direction, the upstream side in the Y direction, and the upstream side in the Z direction (lower side). FIG. 27(b) is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100x when viewed from the upstream side in the X direction, the upstream side in the Y direction, and the upstream side in the Z direction (lower side) at an angle looking up toward the downstream side in the X direction, the downstream side in the Y direction, and the downstream side in the Z direction (upper side). FIG. 30(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. 18(b). FIG. 30(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B1-B1 in FIG. 18(b).

[0116] Here, the XYZ coordinate system shown in each of the figures from Fig. 18(a) onwards is a coordinate system in which the X-axis and Z-axis are slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane in the arrangement shown in Fig. 17. Specifically, the X-axis is inclined 8 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis is inclined 8 degrees with respect to the vertical direction. The XYZ coordinate system is a convenient coordinate system for easily explaining the positional relationship of each component of the process cartridge 100, and is not a coordinate system for indicating the attitude of the process cartridge 100 in the actual installed state.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 18(a) and FIG. 18(b), the process cartridge 100x has a drive side. The process cartridge 100x has a force receiving member 1712 on the first side and a force receiving member 1713 on the non-driving side. The force receiving members 1712 and 1713 are configured similarly to the force receiving member 171 of the first embodiment as a configuration for receiving an action force for contacting and separating the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 from the contact / separation control unit provided in the main body 2 of the apparatus. That is, the force receiving members 1712 and 1713 each have a configuration similar to that of the force receiving member 171, such as the supported portion 171a, the force receiving portion 171b, the regulated portion 171c, the first engaging surface 171d, the second engaging surface 171e, the inclined surface 171f, and the force receiving portion 171g. The force receiving member 1712 is attached to the developing cover member 155 at the end of the process cartridge 100x on the driving side in the longitudinal direction. The force receiving member 1713 is attached to a bearing 154 at the end of the process cartridge 100x on the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction.

[0118] 18(a), 18(b), 27(a), 30(a) and 30(b), the process cartridge 100x has a toner filling port 212 in the first developing frame 151, which connects the toner accommodating chamber 242 to the outside of the frame, and is sealed by a filling port cap 201. The toner filling port 212 is provided in the upper surface of the developing frame 151 facing the Z direction, in the longitudinal center of the process cartridge 100x, so as to open in the Z direction.

[0119] 18(a) and 27(a), the process cartridge 100x is provided with a memory tag 202 on the non-drive side in the longitudinal direction, outside the force receiving member 1713. The memory tag 202 includes a memory element that stores information about the process cartridge 100x. The memory tag 202 is disposed on the upper surface of the cartridge cover member 123 facing in the Z direction.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 19(b), the process cartridge 100x is configured such that the drum unit 120 and the developing unit 150 can swing relative to each other about a swing rotation axis AX. The swing rotation axis AX coincides with the rotation center of the developing input coupling portion 159a (developing drive input gear 159) shown in Fig. 19(a).

[0121] As shown in Figures 19(b) and 27(a), the process cartridge 100x has various contact members on the non-driven side. Specifically, a supply roller contact member 203, a developing blade contact member 204, a charging roller electrode plate 205, a developing roller contact member 206, a first detection contact member 207, and a second detection contact member 208 are provided. A cartridge cover member 123 that covers the outside of the bearing 154 in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100x is provided with cutouts or holes for exposing the various contact members in the longitudinal direction.

[0122] The supply roller contact member 203 is provided so as to be electrically connected to the supply roller 104 in the process cartridge 100x. The developing blade contact member 204 is provided so as to be electrically connected to the developing blade 156 in the process cartridge 100x. The charging roller electrode plate 205 is provided so as to be electrically connected to the charging roller 102 in the process cartridge 100x. The developing roller contact member 206 is provided so as to be electrically connected to the developing roller 103 in the process cartridge 100x.

[0123] The first detection contact member 207 is provided so as to be electrically connected to a first conductive sheet 240 (see FIG. 30(b)) in the process cartridge 100x. The second detection contact member 208 is provided so as to be electrically connected to a second conductive sheet 241 (see FIG. 30(b)) in the process cartridge 100x. As shown in FIG. 30(b), the second developing frame 152 is configured to detect the amount of toner remaining in the toner accommodating section by insert molding flexible conductive sheets 240 and 241. The conductive sheets 240 and 241 are fixed on the inside. A remaining detection bias is applied to the conductive sheets 240 and 241 from the apparatus body 2, and the electrostatic capacitance according to the remaining amount of toner transported in the toner storage unit by the stirring member 161 is detected via the conductive sheets 240 and 241 as a pair of electrodes. This makes it possible to detect the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage unit.

[0124] The supply roller contact member 203, the developing blade contact member 204, the developing roller contact member 206, the first detection contact member 207, and the second detection contact member 208 are each made of conductive resin, and are provided so as to be integrally fixed to the base member of the bearing 154 made of PC+ABS or the like by two-color molding. The charging roller electrode plate 205 is made of sheet metal, and is assembled integrally to the drum frame 121.

[0125] The various contact members are configured so as to be connectable to various electrodes provided in the main body 2 of the apparatus when the process cartridge 100x is mounted in the main body 2 of the apparatus.

[0126] 19(b) and 27(a), the process cartridge 100x includes, on the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction, an earth pin 209 that rotatably supports an end portion of the photosensitive drum 101 on the non-driving side. The earth pin 209 is made of metal, is fixed to the cartridge cover member 123 on the non-driving side, and is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 101.

[0127] 19(b) and 27(a), the process cartridge 100x, like the process cartridge 100 of the first embodiment, includes a pressure spring 127b for urging the developing roller 103 toward the photosensitive drum 101 on the non-driven side in the longitudinal direction. The pressure spring 127b is an example of a urging member having one end connected to the cartridge cover member 123 and the other end connected to the bearing 154. The pressure spring 127b applies force to the cartridge cover member 123 and the bearing 154 so that the developing roller 103 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 101.

[0128] As shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), the process cartridge 100x has a driving side holding member 1702 and a non-driving side holding member 1703. The holding members 1702 and 1703 are configured in the same manner as the holding member 170 of the first embodiment, as a configuration for holding a development separation state in which the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 in the process cartridge 100x are separated from each other. That is, the holding members 1702 and 1703 each have the same configuration as the supported portion 170a, the separation holding portion 170b, the pressed surface 170c, etc., of the holding member 170.

[0129] 20(a), the process cartridge 100x includes a regulating roller 210 that comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 101 to regulate the amount of deformation of the developing roller 103 when the photosensitive drum 101 and the developing roller 103 are in contact with each other. The regulating rollers 210 are provided on both ends of the shaft of the developing roller 103 in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100x.

[0130] As shown in Figures 30(a) and 30(b), inside the developing frames 151 and 152, a developing chamber 243 in which the developing roller 103 and the supply roller 104 are disposed and a toner storage chamber 242 in which the agitating member 161 is disposed and toner is stored are configured to communicate with each other via a developing opening 213. The developing opening 213 is sealed by a sealing member 214 in a new state before a user starts using the process cartridge 100x. In a production process before being shipped from a factory, the process cartridge 100x is filled with toner through a toner filling port 212 with the developing opening 213 sealed by the sealing member 214.

[0131] The sealing member 214 is a sheet-like member, and has one end that seals the developing opening 213 and the other end that , and is fixed to the rear side of the toner-agitating surface of the first agitation sheet 161b. When the process cartridge 100x is used for the first time, the agitation member 161 in the toner-accommodating chamber 242 rotates in the H direction, so that the sealing member 214 is peeled off from the developing opening 213.

[0132] The developing frames 151 and 152 have an opening that connects the developing chamber 243 in which the developing roller 103 is disposed to the outside, and the developing roller 103 is disposed to close the opening. Along the edge of this opening, the developing blade 156, the blow-out prevention sheet 216, and the developing end seals 2232 and 2233 (see Figures 35(a) and 35(b)) are disposed in a continuous arrangement so as to surround the opening in an annular shape. These multiple members define the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 103 that is exposed (facing) the developing chamber 243 and the area that is exposed to the outside of the developing frames 151 and 152. The developing blade 156, the blow-out prevention sheet 216, and the developing end seals 2232 and 2233 (see Figures 35(a) and 35(b)) are in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 103 so as to surround the area exposed to the developing chamber 243 on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 103.

[0133] As shown in Figures 30(a) and 30(b), the process cartridge 100x has, on the driving side in the longitudinal direction, a charging roller bearing 2192 that rotatably supports the charging roller 102, and a charging roller pressure spring 2182 that urges the charging roller 102 toward the photosensitive drum 101. Similarly, the process cartridge 100x has, on the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction, a charging roller bearing 2193 that rotatably supports the charging roller 102, and a charging roller pressure spring 2183 that urges the charging roller 102 toward the photosensitive drum 101. The charging roller bearing 2192 and the charging roller bearing 2193 are attached to the drum frame 121, and are urged toward the photosensitive drum 101 by the charging roller pressure spring 2182 and the charging roller pressure spring 2183.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 30(a), the process cartridge 100x is provided with a drum ground plate 217 on the non-driving side of the photosensitive drum 101. As shown in Fig. 30(a) and Fig. 30(b), the photosensitive drum 101 has a drum flange 1242 arranged on the driving side of the cylinder 101a of the photosensitive drum 101 (see Fig. 41(a)) in the longitudinal direction, and a drum flange 1243 arranged on the non-driving side. The drum ground plate 217 electrically connects the earth pin 209 and the cylinder 101a of the photosensitive drum 101 (see Fig. 41(a)).

[0135] <Small capacity process cartridge 100a> 21(a) to 23(b), 28(a), 28(b), 31(a) and 31(b), the second process cartridge 100a of the three types of process cartridges 100x, 100a and 100y will be described. The process cartridge 100a has a smaller toner storage capacity than the process cartridge 100x.

[0136] FIG. 21(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100a in the -Z direction in FIG. 22 (top view of the process cartridge 100a). FIG. 21(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100a in the -X direction in FIG. 22 (rear view of the process cartridge 100a). FIG. 22(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100a from the driving side to the non-driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100a (driving side side view of the process cartridge 100a). FIG. 22(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100a from the non-driving side to the driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100a (non-driving side side view of the process cartridge 100a). FIG. 23(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100a in the Z direction in FIG. 22 (bottom view of the process cartridge 100a). FIG. 23B is a view of the process cartridge 100a in FIG. 23A as viewed in the X direction (process cartridge 100). 28(a) is a front view of the process cartridge 100a. FIG. 28(a) is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100a when viewed from the downstream side in the X direction, the downstream side in the Y direction, and the downstream side in the Z direction (upper side) looking down toward the upstream side in the X direction, the upstream side in the Y direction, and the upstream side in the Z direction (lower side). FIG. 28(b) is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100a when viewed from the upstream side in the X direction, the upstream side in the Y direction, and the upstream side in the Z direction (lower side) looking up toward the downstream side in the X direction, the downstream side in the Y direction, and the downstream side in the Z direction (upper side). FIG. 31(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the A2-A2 line in FIG. 21(b). FIG. 31(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the B2-B2 line in FIG. 21(b).

[0137] As shown in Figures 31(a) and 31(b), the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner storage chamber 242 of the process cartridge 100a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 242 of the process cartridge 100x shown in Figures 30(a) and 30(b). That is, the process cartridge 100a has a smaller toner storage capacity than the process cartridge 100x. Other configurations of the process cartridge 100a are the same as those of the process cartridge 100x, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0138] <Large capacity process cartridge 100y> With reference to Figures 24(a) to 26(b), 29(a), 29(b), 32(a) and 32(b), the third process cartridge 100y out of the three types of process cartridges 100x, 100a and 100y will be described.

[0139] FIG. 24(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100y in FIG. 25 when viewed in the -Z direction (top view of the process cartridge 100y). FIG. 24(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100y in FIG. 25 when viewed in the -X direction (rear view of the process cartridge 100y). FIG. 25(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100y when viewed from the driving side toward the non-driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100y (driving side side view of the process cartridge 100y). FIG. 25(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100y when viewed from the non-driving side toward the driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100y (non-driving side side view of the process cartridge 100y). FIG. 26(a) is a view of the process cartridge 100y when viewed in the Z direction in FIG. 25 (bottom view of the process cartridge 100y). FIG. 26(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100y in FIG. 26(a) when viewed in the X direction (front view of the process cartridge 100y). FIG. 29(a) is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100y when viewed from the downstream side in the X direction, the downstream side in the Y direction, and the downstream side in the Z direction (upper side) at an angle looking down toward the upstream side in the X direction, the upstream side in the Y direction, and the upstream side in the Z direction (lower side). FIG. 29(b) is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100y when viewed from the upstream side in the X direction, the upstream side in the Y direction, and the upstream side in the Z direction (lower side) at an angle looking up toward the downstream side in the X direction, the downstream side in the Y direction, and the downstream side in the Z direction (upper side). FIG. 32(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A3-A3 in FIG. 24(b). FIG. 32(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B3-B3 in FIG. 24(b).

[0140] As shown in Figures 32(a) and 32(b), the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner storage chamber 242 of the process cartridge 100y is larger than that of the storage chamber 242 of the process cartridge 100x shown in Figures 30(a) and 30(b). In other words, the process cartridge 100y has a larger toner storage capacity than the process cartridge 100x. Other configurations of the process cartridge 100y are the same as those of the process cartridge 100x, and therefore will not be described.

[0141] The configuration common to the three types of process cartridges 100x, 100a, and 100y will be described with reference to FIGS. 33(a) to 42(c).

[0142] <Drive transmission configuration> FIG. 33(a) is a perspective view showing the developing drive coupling 40 and the drum drive coupling 30 provided in the main body 2 of the apparatus. FIG. 33(b) is a perspective view showing the developing input coupling portion 159a (developing drive input gear 159) and the coupling member 125 (drum flange 1242) provided at the driving side end of the process cartridge 100. The developing input coupling portion 159a and the coupling member 125 are provided at the driving side end of the process cartridge 100 so as to be exposed in the longitudinal direction from the cartridge cover member 122. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the main body 2 of the apparatus, the developing input coupling portion 159a is drivingly connected to the developing drive coupling 40, and the coupling member 125 is drivingly connected to the drum drive coupling 30. As a result, the driving force supplied from a power source (not shown) of the main body 2 of the apparatus is transmitted from the developing drive coupling 40 to the developing input coupling portion 159a, and the rotating body in the developing unit 150, such as the developing roller 103, is rotationally driven. Similarly, a driving force supplied from a power source (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 is transmitted from the drum driving coupling 30 to a coupling member 125, and a rotating body in the drum unit 120 such as the photosensitive drum 101 is rotated.

[0143] <Sealing Structure of the Development Unit 150> The seal structure of the developing unit 150 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0144] FIG. 34(a) is a perspective view showing the seal configuration around the driving side end. FIG. 34(b) is a perspective view showing the seal configuration around the non-driving side end. FIG. 35(a) is a perspective view showing the seal configuration around the driving side end, and the developing roller 103 is not shown in FIG. 34(a). FIG. 35(b) is a perspective view showing the seal configuration around the non-driving side end, and the developing roller 103 is not shown in FIG. 34(b). FIG. 36(a) is a perspective view showing the seal configuration around the driving side end, and the developing roller 103, developing blade 156, and blow-out prevention sheet 216 are not shown in FIG. 34(a). FIG. 36(b) is a perspective view showing the seal configuration around the non-driving side end, and the developing roller 103, developing blade 156, and blow-out prevention sheet 216 are not shown in FIG. 34(b). FIG. 37(a) is a view of the developing unit 150 only in the Z direction without showing the drum unit 120 and the like in FIG. 19 (bottom view of the developing unit 150). FIG. 37(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along C1-C1 in FIG. 37(a). FIG. 37(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along C2-C2 in FIG. 37(a). FIG. 37(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along C3-C3 in FIG. 37(a). FIG. 38(a) is a perspective view showing a seal configuration between the first developing frame 151 and the second developing frame 152 on the drive side. FIG. 38(b) is a perspective view showing a seal configuration between the first developing frame 151 and the second developing frame 152 on the non-drive side. FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view showing a seal configuration of the agitating member 161 in the developing unit 150.

[0145] As shown in Figures 34(a) and 34(b), the gaps at the drive side end and non-drive side end of the developing unit 150 are sealed with hot melt 220. Details will be described later. As shown in Figure 34(b), a developing blade spring 222 that electrically connects the developing blade 156 and the developing blade contact member 204 is provided on the non-drive side of the developing unit 150.

[0146] As shown in Figures 35(a) and 35(b), the developing blade 156 and the blow-out prevention sheet 216 are arranged in parallel with each other across the opening 244 at the edge of the opening 244 of the developing frames 151 and 152 along the longitudinal direction of the developing frames 151 and 152 (the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 103). The developing blade 156 is arranged downstream of the opening 244 in the rotation direction of the developing roller 103, and the blow-out prevention sheet 216 is arranged upstream of the opening 244 in the rotation direction of the developing roller 103. The blow-out prevention sheet 216 is fixed to the second developing frame 152 by a double-sided tape 221.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 35(a) to FIG. 36(b), the developing unit 150 includes a drive-side supply roller shaft seal 2252 and a non-drive-side supply roller shaft seal 2253. The supply roller shaft seal 2252 is provided at the shaft end of the supply roller 104 on the drive side, and is compressed in the axial direction between the first developing frame 151 and the bearing 153 to prevent the toner in the developing frames 151 and 152 from leaking out from the drive-side end of the supply roller 104. The supply roller shaft seal 2253 is provided at the shaft end of the supply roller 104 on the non-drive side, and is compressed in the axial direction between the developing end seal seat member 224 and the bearing 154 to prevent the toner in the developing frames 151 and 152 from leaking out from the non-drive-side end of the supply roller 104.

[0148] 36(a), 36(b), and 37(c), a developing blade under seal 215 is interposed between the developing blade 156 and the developing frame 151 to seal the gap between the developing blade 156 and the developing frame 151. That is, the developing blade under seal 215 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 151 as a longitudinal seal member.

[0149] In assembling the developing unit 150, after each member is attached to the developing frames 151 and 152, hot melt 220 is poured into the hot melt grooves 226 on the driving side and non-driving side. The hot melt 220 is poured so as to fill the hot melt grooves 226. As a result, the gaps between the developing frame 151 and the driving side developing end seal 2232, the non-driving side developing end seal 2233, the developing blade 156, and the developing blade under seal 215 are filled with hot melt 220.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 20(b) and FIG. 37(a), hot melt holes 211 are provided near the leading ends of the driven side developing end seal 2232 and the non-driven side developing end seal 2233 at both ends of the developing frame 152 in the longitudinal direction. In assembling the developing unit 150, after each member is attached to the developing frames 151 and 152, hot melt 220 is poured from the hot melt holes 211 on the driven side and the non-driven side. The hot melt 220 is poured so as to fill the hot melt holes 211. As a result, the gaps between the developing frame 151 and the driven side developing end seal 2232, the non-driven side developing end seal 2233, and the blowout prevention sheet 216 are filled with the hot melt 220.

[0151] The hot melt 220 is made of a mixture of, for example, thermoplastic rubber, tackifier resin, etc., and has the characteristic of being liquefied by heating and hardening into an elastic solid by cooling. When the hot melt 220 injected into the hot melt groove 226 hardens, a sealing member that fills the above-mentioned gap space is formed. This prevents toner from leaking from inside the development chamber 243 to the outside of the development unit 150.

[0152] As shown in Fig. 37(a) to Fig. 38(b), the developing unit 150 is provided with a developing frame inter-body seal 2272 on the driving side and a developing frame inter-body seal 2273 on the non-driving side as sealing members sandwiched between the first developing frame 151 and the second developing frame 152. Also, as shown in Fig. 36(b) and Fig. 38(b), the developing unit 150 is provided with a developing end seal seating surface member 224 on the non-driving side. The developing end seal seating surface member 224 is bonded to the first developing frame 151 and forms an attachment seating surface for the developing end seal 2233. Also, the developing end seal seating surface member 224 has a through hole through which the shaft of the supply roller 104 passes. One of the axial holes that support both longitudinal ends of the supply roller 104 is formed from a development end seal seat member 224, which is a separate member from the development frames 151 and 152, making it easy to assemble the supply roller 104 to the development frames 151 and 152.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 39, the drive connection between the stirring member 161 arranged inside the first developing frame 151 and the stirring gear 160 arranged outside the first developing frame 151 is formed by inserting the stirring member 161 into a through hole of the first developing frame 151. The through hole is passed through the developing frame 151, 152, and the gap between the through hole and the agitation member 161 is sealed by an agitation seal 228. The agitation seal 228 is an annular sealing member that is provided at the end of the agitation member 161 and assembled by being pressed in so as to be compressed from both the inner and outer circumferential sides.

[0154] <Electrical connection of the developing unit 150> 40(a) to 40(e), the electrical connection between the developing unit 150 and the apparatus main body 2 will be described. The apparatus main body 2 includes a main body contact holder 230 as a contact configuration with the developing unit 150.

[0155] Fig. 40(e) is a perspective view of the main body contact holder 230. As shown in Fig. 40(e), the main body contact holder 230 includes a main body side supply roller contact member 233, a main body side developing blade contact member 234, a main body side developing roller contact member 236, a main body side first detection contact member 237, and a main body side second detection contact member 238. The main body contact holder 230 is provided in the apparatus main body 2, and is configured such that each contact member is electrically connected to each contact member of the process cartridge 100 when the process cartridge 100 is in a predetermined mounting position in the apparatus main body 2.

[0156] Fig. 40(a) is a diagram of the process cartridge 100 and the main body contact holder 230 when viewed from the non-driven side toward the driven side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. Fig. 40(b) is an E1-E1 cross-sectional view of Fig. 40(a). The E1-E1 cross-sectional view is a cross-section near the main body side supply roller contact member 233, the main body side developing blade contact member 234, and the main body side developing roller contact member 236. Fig. 40(b) shows the connection between the main body side supply roller contact member 233 and the supply roller contact member 203, the connection between the main body side developing blade contact member 234 and the developing blade contact member 204, and the connection between the main body side developing roller contact member 236 and the developing roller contact member 206.

[0157] FIG. 40(c) is a view of the process cartridge 100 and the main body contact holder 230 when viewed from the non-driving side toward the driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. FIG. 40(d) is an E2-E2 cross-sectional view of FIG. 40(c). The E2-E2 cross-sectional view is a cross-section near the main body side first detection contact member 237 and the main body side second detection contact member 238. FIG. 40(d) shows the state of connection between the main body side first detection contact member 237 and the first detection contact member 207, and the state of connection between the main body side second detection contact member 238 and the second detection contact member 208. Each contact member on the main body side is composed of, for example, a wire spring, and the tip portion for electrically connecting to each contact member of the process cartridge 100 is formed in an approximately U-shape.

[0158] <Electrical connection of the drum unit 120> 41(a) to 41(c), the electrical connection between the drum unit 120 and the apparatus main body 2 will be described. The apparatus main body 2 includes a main body side drum earth contact 231 and a main body side charging roller contact 235 as a contact configuration with the drum unit 120.

[0159] Figure 41(a) is an FF cross-sectional view of Figure 41(b). The FF cross-sectional view is a cross section passing through the main body side drum earth contact 231 and the main body side charging roller contact 235. Figure 41(b) is a diagram of the process cartridge 100, the main body contact holder 230, and the cartridge tray 20 when viewed from the non-driving side toward the driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. Figure 41(c) is a perspective view of the main body contact holder 230 and the cartridge tray 20.

[0160] FIG. 41(a) shows the connection between the drum earth contact 231 on the main body side and the earth pin 209, and the connection between the charging roller contact 235 on the main body side and the charging roller electrode plate 205. As shown, a drum earth plate 217 made of sheet metal is attached to a drum flange 1243 attached to the end of the non-driven side of the cylinder 101a of the photosensitive drum 101. The earth pin 209 is attached by being inserted along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 101 so that the enlarged diameter portion is press-fitted into the drum earth plate 217. The main body side drum earth contact 231 is made of, for example, a wire spring, and its tip portion for electrically connecting with the earth pin 209 is formed in a ring shape.

[0161] <Electrical Connection of Memory Tag 202> 42(a) to 42(c), the electrical connection between the memory tag 202 and the apparatus main body 2 will be described. The apparatus main body 2 is provided with a body-side tag contact holder 239 as a contact configuration with the memory tag 202. The body-side tag contact holder 239 is provided with a body-side tag contact 232 that can be electrically connected to the memory tag 202 when the process cartridge 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 2.

[0162] Figure 42(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG of Figure 42(b). The cross-sectional view GG is a cross section passing through the main body side tag contact 232 and the memory tag 202. Figure 42(b) is a view of the process cartridge 100 and the main body side tag contact holder 239 as viewed from the non-driving side toward the driving side along the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. Figure 42(c) is a perspective view of the main body side tag contact holder 239.

[0163] 42(a), the memory tag 202 of the process cartridge 100 and the main body side tag contact 232 of the main body side tag contact holder 239 of the apparatus main body 2 come into contact with each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 101 to form an electrical connection. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the apparatus main body 2, the main body side tag contact holder 239 is in a retracted position in an upward direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the process cartridge 100. When the process cartridge 100 is inserted into the apparatus main body 2 and the front door 10 is closed, the main body side tag contact holder 239 is configured to move down from the retracted position to a position where the main body side tag contact 232 can come into contact with the memory tag 202. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1...image forming apparatus, 100...process cartridge (cartridge), 101...photosensitive drum (photosensitive member), 120...drum unit (first unit), 150...developing unit (second unit), 170...holding member (rotating member), 171...force receiving member (pressing member), 171d...first engagement surface (first surface), 171e...second engagement surface (second surface)

Claims

1. A cartridge configured to be detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, a first unit having a photoconductor; a second unit including a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor, the second unit being configured to be pivotable relative to the first unit between a contact position where the developing member contacts the photoconductor and a separation position where the developing member is separated from the photoconductor; a first position for holding the second unit at the separated position against a biasing force that biases the second unit in the separated position toward the abutting position, and a second position for holding the second unit at the abutting position, the second position being a second position rotated from the first position in a first rotation direction, and a third position further rotated from the second position in the first rotation direction; a pressing member configured to be able to press the rotating member in the first rotation direction, the pressing member being formed with a first surface that comes into contact with the rotating member in the first position, and a second surface that is recessed with respect to the first surface in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first surface faces, the second surface being able to come into contact with the rotating member when the rotating member is in the third position; A cartridge comprising:

2. 2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is provided with a connection surface that connects the first surface and the second surface, the connection surface forming an obtuse angle with the second surface.

3. 3. A cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the pressing member contacts the rotating member at the second position with the connecting surface.

4. 2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second surface is formed closer to a rotation center of the pressing member than the first surface.

5. 2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said second unit has a developing frame supporting said developing member, said rotating member and said pressing member.

6. The pressing member is configured to be rotatable in a second rotation direction about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating member, 2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein when the rotating member is in the first position, a distance from a contact portion between the rotating member and the pressing member to a rotation center of the pressing member is greater than a distance from the contact portion to the rotation center of the rotating member.

7. the pressing member has a force receiving portion that receives a force for rotating in the second rotation direction, 7. A cartridge according to claim 6, wherein when the rotating member is in the first position, a distance from the force receiving portion to the center of rotation of the pressing member is greater than a distance from a contact portion between the rotating member and the pressing member to the center of rotation of the pressing member.

8. A device body, A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7 which is detachably attached to the main body of the device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

9. A device body, The cartridge according to claim 7 , which is detachably mountable to the main body of the apparatus; an image forming apparatus comprising: a force applying member for applying a force to the force receiving portion;

Images