Process cartridge

Abstract

To provide a process cartridge capable of holding both a toner handle and a drum handle together.SOLUTION: A process cartridge 5 comprises a drum cartridge 6 and a developing cartridge 7 (toner cartridge). The drum cartridge 6 includes a drum handle 160 that is positioned at a second drum end portion 65B of a drum frame 65. The developing cartridge 7 includes a toner handle 170 that is positioned at a second toner end portion 75B of a toner frame 75. The drum frame 65 has a first protrusion 110 and a second protrusion 120 that are positioned at the second drum end portion 65B. The drum handle 160 is positioned between the first protrusion 110 and the second protrusion 120. The toner handle 170 has a toner holding portion 171. The toner holding portion 171 is positioned between the first protrusion 110 and the second protrusion 120 in a state where the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a process cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a process cartridge is known that includes a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a toner cartridge that can store toner and is detachably attached to the drum cartridge (Patent Document 1). In this technology, the drum cartridge has a drum handle that is held by a user. The toner cartridge also has a toner handle that is held by a user. The toner handles are located on both sides of the drum handle when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-016484 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional process cartridge, when the process cartridge is moved, only the drum handle is gripped. Therefore, for example, when the toner cartridge has a large capacity, the drum cartridge may bend due to the weight of the toner cartridge.

[0005] It would be desirable to be able to grip both the toner handle and the drum handle together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The drum cartridge includes a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge that is detachably attached to the drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a drum frame, and a drum handle. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction. The drum frame holds the photosensitive drum. The drum handle is located at an end of the drum frame farther from the photosensitive drum in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The toner cartridge includes a toner frame and a toner handle. The toner frame is capable of containing toner. The toner handle is located at an end of the toner frame farther from the photosensitive drum in the second direction when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. The drum frame has a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first convex portion is located at an end of the drum frame farther from the photosensitive drum in the second direction. The second convex portion is located at an end of the drum frame farther from the photosensitive drum in the second direction. The second convex portion is located at a distance from the first convex portion in the first direction. The drum handle is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the first direction. The toner handle has a grip portion. The gripping portion extends in a first direction and is positioned between the gripping portion and the toner frame with a predetermined space therebetween in a second direction. The grip portion is located between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

[0007] The drum handle is positioned between the first convex portion and the second convex portion, and the gripping portion of the toner handle is positioned between the first convex portion and the second convex portion when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, so that both the toner handle and the drum handle can be gripped together.

[0008] Furthermore, by having the first and second convex portions, the drum handle and the toner handle can be protected by the first and second convex portions. Furthermore, by having the first and second convex portions, the drum frame can be improved in rigidity. This can improve the rigidity of the drum cartridge and the process cartridge.

[0009] The drum frame may have at least one groove. The groove is located between the first convex portion and the second convex portion, and a part of the toner handle fits into the groove when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

[0010] The drum frame has a groove into which part of the toner handle fits when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, so that the gripping portion of the toner handle can be brought close to the drum handle, making it easy to grip the toner handle and the drum handle together.

[0011] The toner handle may have a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion may have a first rib, the second connecting portion may have a second rib, and the drum frame may have a first groove and a second groove. The first connection portion connects one end of the grip portion in the first direction to the toner frame. The second connection portion connects the other end of the grip portion in the first direction to the toner frame. The first rib protrudes further toward the drum frame than the grip portion. The second rib protrudes further toward the drum frame than the grip portion. The first groove is located between the first protrusion and the drum handle, and the first rib fits into the first groove when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. The second groove is located between the second protrusion and the drum handle, and the second rib fits into the second groove when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

[0012] The drum frame has a first groove into which the first rib fits and a second groove into which the second rib fits when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, so that the gripping portion of the toner handle can be brought closer to the drum handle. This makes it easier to grip the toner handle and the drum handle together. In addition, the first and second connecting portions protrude toward the drum frame beyond the gripping portion, which improves the rigidity of the toner handle.

[0013] The toner cartridge may include a developer roller. The developing roller is rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in the first direction. When the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the developing roller is located at an end of the toner frame close to the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

[0014] By positioning the developing roller at the end of the toner frame close to the photosensitive drum, the toner cartridge has its center of gravity at the end opposite the end where the toner handle is located. Even in this case, the rigidity of the toner handle can be improved by the first and second connecting parts, so the toner cartridge can be stably held.

[0015] The drum handle may have a plate shape extending in the second direction from an end of the drum frame remote from the photosensitive drum toward the photosensitive drum.

[0016] In the second direction, an end of the drum handle that is closer to the photosensitive drum may be located closer to the photosensitive drum than the grip portion when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

[0017] In the second direction, the end of the drum handle that is closer to the photosensitive drum is positioned closer to the photosensitive drum than the grip portion, so that the drum handle can be securely gripped together with the grip portion of the toner handle.

[0018] The drum cartridge may further include a lock lever. The lock lever locks the toner cartridge to the drum cartridge and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the drum frame. The lock lever is in the locked position when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. When the lock lever moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the lock lever moves the toner cartridge relative to the drum frame so that the gripping portion moves away from the drum handle.

[0019] When the lock lever is in the locked position with the toner cartridge attached to the drum cartridge, both the toner handle and the drum handle can be gripped when the lock lever is in the locked position. When the lock lever moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the gripping portion separates from the drum handle, so that when the lock lever moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, only the toner handle can be gripped. Effect of the Invention

[0020] Both the toner handle and the drum handle can be gripped together. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is used. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus with the process cartridge removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a process cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge. [Diagram 5] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing a process cartridge, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a toner handle and a drum handle. [Figure 6] 3 is a perspective view showing the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge as viewed from the handle side. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the developing cartridge when the toner handle is viewed from the rib side. [Figure 8] 1A is a perspective view showing the process cartridge as viewed from the handle side, and FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a lock lever of the drum cartridge. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a lock lever of the drum cartridge. [Figure 11] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the developing cartridge is lifted up from the drum cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Next, an embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a sheet supplying section 3, an exposure device 4, a process cartridge 5, and a fixing device 8.

[0023] The sheet supply unit 3 is located at the bottom inside the housing 2. The sheet supply unit 3 includes a sheet tray 31, a pressure plate 32, and a sheet supply mechanism 33. The sheet tray 31 stores sheets S such as paper. The pressure plate 32 pushes the sheets S in the sheet tray 31 upward. The sheet supply mechanism 33 supplies the sheets S pushed up by the pressure plate 32 toward the process cartridge 5.

[0024] The exposure device 4 is located above the sheet tray 31. The exposure device 4 includes a light source, a deflector, a lens, a mirror, etc. The exposure device 4 emits a light beam as shown by the imaginary line to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0025] The process cartridge 5 is located above the sheet supply mechanism 33. The process cartridge 5 includes a drum cartridge 6 and a developing cartridge 7 as an example of a toner cartridge.

[0026] The drum cartridge 6 includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charger 62, a transfer roller 63, and a drum frame 65. The photosensitive drum 61 is rotatable about a drum shaft 61X extending in a first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0027] The charger 62 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The transfer roller 63 is rotatable about a transfer roller shaft 63X that extends in the first direction. The drum frame 65 holds the photosensitive drum 61, the charger 62, and the transfer roller 63.

[0028] The developing cartridge 7 includes a developing roller 71 , a supply roller 72 , a layer thickness regulating blade 73 , an agitator 74 , and a toner frame 75 .

[0029] The developing roller 71 is rotatable about a developing roller shaft 71X that extends in the first direction. The supply roller 72 is rotatable about a supply roller shaft 72X that extends in the first direction. The layer thickness regulating blade 73 regulates the thickness of the toner layer on the developing roller 71 to a constant thickness.

[0030] The toner frame 75 holds the developing roller 71, the supply roller 72, the layer thickness regulating blade 73, and the agitator 74. The toner frame 75 is capable of accommodating toner. Specifically, the toner frame 75 has a toner accommodating portion 76 capable of accommodating toner.

[0031] The agitator 74 is rotatable about an agitator shaft 74X extending in the first direction. The agitator 74 rotates to agitate the toner in the toner containing portion 76. The supply roller 72 supplies the toner contained in the toner containing portion 76 to the developing roller 71.

[0032] The fixing device 8 is located above the process cartridge 5. The fixing device 8 includes a heating roller 81 and a pressure roller 82. The heating roller 81 heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 82 sandwiches the sheet S between the heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 1 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 with the charger 62. Next, the image forming apparatus 1 exposes the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 61 to a light beam emitted from the exposure device 4. As a result, an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 61. Next, the image forming apparatus 1 supplies toner from the development roller 71 to the photosensitive drum 61. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61.

[0034] Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 1 transports the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 3 between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63. As a result, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred to the sheet S. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 1 transports the sheet S, onto which the toner image has been transferred, between the heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82. As a result, the toner image transferred to the sheet S is fixed to the sheet S.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 1 discharges the sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed by a discharge roller 9 onto a discharge tray 2A.

[0036] The housing 2 has a housing body 21 and a cover 22. The housing body 21 has an opening 21A. The cover 22 opens and closes the opening 21A. The cover 22 is movable relative to the housing body 21 between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, the cover 22 is rotatable relative to the housing body 21 between the closed position and the open position. The closed position is a position where the opening 21A is closed. The open position is a position where the opening 21A is opened.

[0037] 2, the process cartridge 5 is detachable from the housing 2. Specifically, the process cartridge 5 is detachable from the housing main body 21 through an opening 21A with the cover 22 in the open position.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the developing cartridge 7 is detachable from the drum cartridge 6. Figure 3 shows the process cartridge 5 in which the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. Figure 4 shows the developing cartridge 7 removed from the drum cartridge 6.

[0039] In the drawings referred to below, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are indicated by an arrow and the other direction without an arrow. The second direction and the third direction are each perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is a direction that intersects with the second direction. In this embodiment, the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0040] The drum cartridge 6 further includes a drum handle 160. The developing cartridge 7 further includes a toner handle 170. The drum handle 160 and the toner handle 170 are held together by a user when moving the process cartridge 5 or when attaching or detaching the process cartridge 5 to or from the housing 2.

[0041] 5(a), the toner frame 75 has a first toner end 75A and a second toner end 75B. The first toner end 75A is an end of the toner frame 75 that is closer to the photosensitive drum 61 in the second direction when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. In other words, the first toner end 75A is one end of the toner frame 75 in the second direction.

[0042] The second toner end 75B is an end of the toner frame 75 that is farther from the photosensitive drum 61 in the second direction when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. In other words, the second toner end 75B is the other end of the toner frame 75 in the second direction.

[0043] The developer roller 71 is located at a first toner end 75A of the toner frame 75. The toner handle 170 is located at a second toner end 75B of the toner frame 75.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the toner handle 170 has a toner gripping portion 171 as a gripping portion, and a toner connecting portion 172.

[0045] The toner gripping portion 171 is gripped by a user. The toner gripping portion 171 extends in a first direction. The toner gripping portion 171 is positioned between the toner frame 75 and the toner gripping portion 171 with a predetermined space therebetween in the second direction. In other words, a through hole 7H into which a user can insert a finger is formed between the toner frame 75 and the toner gripping portion 171. The developing cartridge 7 has a through hole 7H. The through hole 7H penetrates along a third direction.

[0046] The toner connection portion 172 connects the toner gripping portion 171 and the toner frame 75. In this embodiment, the toner connection portion 172 has a first connection portion 173 and a second connection portion 174.

[0047] The first connection portion 173 connects one end of the toner gripping portion 171 in the first direction to the toner frame 75. The first connection portion 173 extends along the second direction. The first connection portion 173 has a plate shape. One end of the first connection portion 173 in the second direction is connected to the second toner end portion 75B of the toner frame 75, and the other end in the second direction is connected to the toner gripping portion 171.

[0048] The second connection portion 174 connects the other end of the toner gripping portion 171 in the first direction to the toner frame 75. The second connection portion 174 extends along the second direction. The second connection portion 174 has a plate shape. One end of the second connection portion 174 in the second direction is connected to the second toner end portion 75B of the toner frame 75, and the other end in the second direction is connected to the toner gripping portion 171. The first connection portion 173 and the second connection portion 174 have a symmetrical structure in the first direction.

[0049] 6 and 7, the first connection portion 173 has a first rib 173A. The first rib 173A is a part of the first connection portion 173 and is a portion that protrudes toward the drum frame 65 beyond the toner gripping portion 171. Specifically, the first rib 173A is a portion of the first connection portion 173 that protrudes toward the other side of the third direction beyond the toner gripping portion 171. The first rib 173A extends along the second direction.

[0050] The second connection portion 174 has a second rib 174A. The second rib 174A is a part of the second connection portion 174 and is a portion that protrudes toward the drum frame 65 beyond the toner gripping portion 171. Specifically, the second rib 174A is a portion of the second connection portion 174 that protrudes toward the other side of the third direction beyond the toner gripping portion 171. The second rib 174A extends along the second direction.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the drum frame 65 has a first protrusion 110 and a second protrusion 120.

[0052] The drum frame 65 has a first drum end 65A and a second drum end 65B. The first drum end 65A is an end of the drum frame 65 that is closer to the photosensitive drum 61 in the second direction. In other words, the first drum end 65A is one end of the drum frame 65 in the second direction.

[0053] The second drum end 65B is an end of the drum frame 65 that is farther from the photosensitive drum 61 in the second direction. In other words, the second drum end 65B is the other end of the drum frame 65 in the second direction.

[0054] The first protrusion 110 and the second protrusion 120 are located at the second drum end 65B of the drum frame 65.

[0055] The first protrusion 110 protrudes from the second drum end 65B toward one side in the third direction. The first protrusion 110 has a first main body portion 111 and a plurality of first reinforcing ribs 112. The first main body portion 111 has a box shape that opens toward one side in the second direction. The first reinforcing rib 112 is located inside the first main body portion 111. The multiple first reinforcing ribs 112 are aligned in the first direction.

[0056] The second convex portion 120 is positioned at a distance from the first convex portion 110 in the first direction. Specifically, the first convex portion 110 is positioned on one side in the first direction from the center of the drum cartridge 6 in the first direction. The second convex portion 120 is positioned on the other side in the first direction from the center of the drum cartridge 6 in the first direction. The first convex portion 110 and the second convex portion 120 face each other in the first direction.

[0057] The second protrusion 120 protrudes from the second drum end 65B toward one side in the third direction. The second protrusion 120 has a second main body portion 121 and a plurality of second reinforcing ribs 122. The second main body portion 121 has a box shape that opens toward one side in the second direction. The second reinforcing rib 122 is located on the inside of the second main body portion 121. The plurality of second reinforcing ribs 122 are aligned in the first direction. The first protrusion 110 and the second protrusion 120 have a structure symmetrical in the first direction.

[0058] The drum handle 160 is located at the second drum end 65B of the drum frame 65. The drum handle 160 is located between the first convex portion 110 and the second convex portion 120 in the first direction. The drum handle 160 has a plate shape. Specifically, the drum handle 160 has a plate-shaped drum gripping portion 161 and a drum connecting portion 162.

[0059] The drum gripping portion 161 is gripped by a user. The drum gripping portion 161 extends along the second direction. To be more specific, the drum gripping portion 161 extends in the second direction from the second drum end portion 65B of the drum frame 65 toward the photosensitive drum 61 (see also FIG. 5). In other words, the drum gripping portion 161 extends from the second drum end portion 65B toward one side of the second direction.

[0060] The drum connection portion 162 connects an end of the drum gripping portion 161 in the first direction to the drum frame 65. The drum connection portion 162 has a third connection portion 163 and a fourth connection portion 164. The third connection portion 163 connects one end of the drum gripping portion 161 in the first direction to the second drum end portion 65B of the drum frame 65. The fourth connection portion 164 connects the other end of the drum gripping portion 161 in the first direction to the second drum end portion 65B of the drum frame 65.

[0061] By providing the drum connecting portion 162, the rigidity of the drum gripping portion 161 (drum handle 160) can be improved.

[0062] The drum frame 65 further has a groove 130. A part of the toner handle 170 fits into the groove 130 when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. The groove 130 is located between the first protrusion 110 and the second protrusion 120.

[0063] In this embodiment, the drum frame 65 has a first groove 131 and a second groove 132. The first groove 131 is located between the first protrusion 110 and the drum handle 160. Specifically, the first groove 131 is located between the first protrusion 110 and the third connection portion 163 of the drum handle 160. The first groove 131 extends along the second direction.

[0064] The second groove 132 is located between the second protrusion 120 and the drum handle 160. Specifically, the second groove 132 is located between the first protrusion 110 and the fourth connection portion 164 of the drum handle 160. The second groove 132 extends along the second direction.

[0065] 8(a) and (b), when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6, a first rib 173A, which is a part of the toner handle 170, fits into the first groove 131. Also, when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6, a second rib 174A, which is a part of the toner handle 170, fits into the second groove 132.

[0066] The toner gripping portion 171 is located between the first protruding portion 110 and the second protruding portion 120 of the drum frame 65 when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6 (see also FIG. 3).

[0067] 5(a) and (b), the toner gripping portion 171 overlaps with the drum handle 160 in the third direction when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. More specifically, the toner gripping portion 171 overlaps with the drum gripping portion 161 in the third direction when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. When the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6, the toner gripping portion 171 is located adjacent to one side of the drum gripping portion 161 in the third direction.

[0068] In the second direction, the first end 161A of the drum gripping portion 161 is located closer to the photosensitive drum 61 than the toner gripping portion 171 when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. In other words, in the second direction, the first end 161A of the drum gripping portion 161 protrudes toward the photosensitive drum 61 further than the toner gripping portion 171 when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6.

[0069] In other words, the first end 161A of the drum gripping portion 161 protrudes further in the second direction than the toner gripping portion 171 when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. The first end 161A of the drum gripping portion 161 is an end of the drum handle 160 that is closer to the photosensitive drum 61 in the second direction.

[0070] The process cartridge 5 has a gap G between the drum gripping portion 161 and the toner gripping portion 171 when the drum handle 160 and the toner handle 170 are not gripped. The gap G is, for example, 1 to 3 mm. The process cartridge 5 may be configured so that the drum gripping portion 161 and the toner gripping portion 171 come into contact with each other when the drum handle 160 and the toner handle 170 are gripped by a user, or may not come into contact with each other.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, the drum cartridge 6 further includes a lock lever 140. The lock lever 140 locks the developing cartridge 7 attached to the drum cartridge 6 to the drum cartridge 6. The lock lever 140 is located at the other end of the drum frame 65 in the first direction. The lock lever 140 is located at a position closer to the second drum end 65B than the photosensitive drum 61 in the second direction.

[0072] 10, the lock lever 140 is movable between a locked position indicated by a solid line and an unlocked position indicated by a virtual line with respect to the drum frame 65. Specifically, the lock lever 140 is swingable between the locked position and the unlocked position with respect to the drum frame 65.

[0073] The lock lever 140 has a shaft portion 141 , a lock portion 142 , a push-up portion 143 , and an operating portion 144 .

[0074] The shaft portion 141 is rotatable about a lever shaft 140X extending in the first direction. The drum frame 65 has a side wall 65D located at the other end in the first direction. The shaft portion 141 is rotatably supported by the side wall 65D.

[0075] The locking portion 142 locks the developing cartridge 7 to the drum frame 65 when the locking lever 140 is in the locked position. When the locking lever 140 is in the locked position, the locking portion 142 extends from the shaft portion 141 in one direction in the third direction. The locking portion 142 has a recess 142A into which the protrusion 77 (see FIG. 11(a)) of the developing cartridge 7 fits.

[0076] The operation portion 144 is operated by a user when moving the lock lever 140 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The operation portion 144 extends from the lock portion 142 in the other second direction when the lock lever 140 is in the locked position.

[0077] When the lock lever 140 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the push-up portion 143 comes into contact with the developer cartridge 7 and pushes up the developer cartridge 7. When the lock lever 140 is in the locked position, the push-up portion 143 extends from the shaft portion 141 toward one side in the second direction.

[0078] 11(a), the lock lever 140 is located at the lock position when the developer cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. At this time, the protrusion 77 of the developer cartridge 7 fits into the recess 142A of the lock portion 142. As a result, the developer cartridge 7 is locked to the drum cartridge 6.

[0079] 11(b) from the locked position, the lock lever 140 moves the developer cartridge 7 relative to the drum frame 65 so that the toner gripping portion 171 moves away from the drum handle 160. Specifically, when the lock lever 140 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the recess 142A of the lock portion 142 disengages from the protrusion 77 of the developer cartridge 7, and the push-up portion 143 pushes up the developer cartridge 7 in one direction in the third direction.

[0080] As a result, the developer cartridge 7 is released from the lock state with respect to the drum cartridge 6, and mainly the other end of the developer cartridge 7 in the second direction moves away from the drum frame 65. As a result, the toner gripping portion 171 moves away from the drum gripping portion 161 of the drum handle 160.

[0081] Next, the effects of the embodiment will be described. The drum handle 160 is located between the first convex portion 110 and the second convex portion 120, and the toner gripping portion 171 of the toner handle 170 is located between the first convex portion 110 and the second convex portion 120 when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. This allows the user to insert their fingers into the space (through hole 7H) between the toner frame 75 and the toner gripping portion 171 and grip both the toner handle 170 and the drum handle 160 together when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6.

[0082] Furthermore, since the drum frame 65 has the first convex portion 110 and the second convex portion 120, the drum handle 160 and the toner handle 170 can be protected by the first convex portion 110 and the second convex portion 120. Furthermore, since the drum frame 65 has the first convex portion 110 and the second convex portion 120, the rigidity of the drum frame 65 can be improved. This improves the rigidity of the drum cartridge 6 and the process cartridge 5 in which the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6.

[0083] The drum frame 65 has a groove 130 into which part of the toner handle 170 fits when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6, so that the toner gripping portion 171 can be brought close to the drum gripping portion 161 of the drum handle 160 when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6.

[0084] Specifically, when the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6, the drum frame 65 has the first groove 131 into which the first rib 173A fits and the second groove 132 into which the second rib 174A fits, so that the toner gripping portion 171 can be brought close to the drum gripping portion 161. This makes it easy to grip the toner handle 170 and the drum handle 160 together.

[0085] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 173 and the second connecting portion 174 protrude further toward the drum frame 65 than the toner gripping portion 171, thereby improving the rigidity of the toner handle 170. In other words, the dimension in the third direction of the first connecting portion 173 and the dimension in the third direction of the second connecting portion 174 are larger than the dimension in the third direction of the toner gripping portion 171, thereby improving the rigidity of the toner handle 170.

[0086] By positioning the developing roller 71 at the first toner end 75A of the toner frame 75, the developing cartridge 7 has a center of gravity at a position close to the first toner end 75A, opposite the second toner end 75B where the toner handle 170 is located. Even in this case, the first connecting portion 173 and the second connecting portion 174 can improve the rigidity of the toner handle 170, so that the developing cartridge 7 can be stably held.

[0087] In the second direction, the first end 161A of the drum handle 160 is positioned closer to the photosensitive drum 61 than the toner gripping portion 171, so that the drum handle 160 can be reliably gripped together with the toner gripping portion 171. It is possible to prevent only the toner handle 170 from being gripped.

[0088] When the lock lever 140 is in the locked position with the developer cartridge 7 attached to the drum cartridge 6, it is possible to grip both the toner handle 170 and the drum handle 160 when the lock lever 140 is in the locked position by positioning the lock lever 140 in the locked position. When the lock lever 140 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the toner gripping portion 171 moves away from the drum handle 160, so that it is possible to grip only the toner handle 170 when the lock lever 140 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0089] Although the embodiment has been described above, the process cartridge can be modified as appropriate as exemplified below.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the process cartridge 5 has a gap G between the drum gripping portion 161 and the toner gripping portion 171 when the drum handle 160 and the toner handle 170 are not gripped. However, for example, the process cartridge may have the drum handle and the toner handle in contact with each other when the drum handle and the toner handle are not gripped. Specifically, the process cartridge may have the drum gripping portion and the toner gripping portion in contact with each other when the drum handle and the toner handle are not gripped.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the drum gripping portion 161 of the drum handle 160 protrudes in one direction in the second direction beyond the toner gripping portion 171 of the toner handle 170, but for example, one end face of the drum gripping portion in the second direction and one end face of the toner gripping portion in the second direction may be flush with each other. Also, the toner gripping portion may protrude in one direction in the second direction beyond the drum gripping portion.

[0092] The drum handle may extend in the first direction and connect the first convex portion and the second convex portion, or may be U-shaped like the toner handle 170 of the above embodiment.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the toner handle 170 has the third direction dimension of the connection portions 173, 174 larger than the third direction dimension of the toner gripping portion 171 (grip portion). However, for example, the toner handle may have the third direction dimension of the connection portion the same as the third direction dimension of the gripping portion.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the toner handle 170 has two connecting parts, the first connecting part 173 and the second connecting part 174, but for example, the toner handle may have only one connecting part. In this case, for example, the connecting part may be configured to connect one end of the grip part in the first direction to the toner frame. Also, for example, the connecting part may be configured to connect the center part of the grip part in the first direction to the toner frame. The same applies to the drum handle.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the drum frame 65 has two grooves, the first groove 131 and the second groove 132, but for example, the drum frame may have three or more grooves into which a portion of the toner handle fits. Also, the drum frame may have only one groove into which a portion of the toner handle fits. The drum frame may have no groove.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the toner gripping portion 171 (grip portion) is configured to overlap with the drum handle 160 in the third direction when the developer cartridge 7 is attached to the drum cartridge 6. However, for example, the gripping portion may be configured to overlap with the drum handle in the second direction when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. Furthermore, the gripping portion may be configured to overlap with the drum handle in a direction perpendicular to the first direction when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the developing cartridge 7 having the developing roller 71 is exemplified as the toner cartridge, but for example, the toner cartridge may be a toner cartridge without a developing roller. The toner cartridge without a developing roller may be detachably attached to the developing cartridge having the developing roller, and may be detachably attached to the drum cartridge via the developing cartridge. In other words, the process cartridge may be configured to include a toner cartridge, a developing cartridge, and a drum cartridge.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the drum frame 65 has the first convex portion 110 and the second convex portion 120. However, for example, the drum frame may not have the first convex portion and the second convex portion.

[0099] The elements described in the above embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 5 Process cartridge 6 Drum Cartridge 7 Developer cartridge (toner cartridge) 61 Photosensitive drum 61X Drum shaft 65 Drum Frame 65B 2nd drum end 71 Developing roller 75 Toner Frame 75B 2nd toner end 110 First protrusion 120 Second protrusion 160 Drum Handle 170 Toner Handle 171 Toner gripping part (gripping part) 172 Toner connection part (connection part)

Claims

1. A drum cartridge, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction; a drum frame for holding the photosensitive drum; a drum cartridge including a drum handle located at an end of the drum frame farther from the photosensitive drum in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A toner cartridge detachably attached to the drum cartridge, a toner frame capable of accommodating toner; a toner handle located at an end of the toner frame farther from the photosensitive drum in the second direction when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge; The drum frame is a first protrusion located at an end of the drum frame farther from the photosensitive drum in the second direction; a second convex portion located at an end of the drum frame farther from the photosensitive drum in the second direction and spaced apart from the first convex portion in the first direction, The drum handle is located between the first convex portion and the second convex portion in the first direction, the toner handle has a gripping portion extending in the first direction and positioned with a predetermined space between it and the toner frame in the second direction, a toner cartridge that is inserted into the drum cartridge and that has a toner cartridge mounted thereon, the toner cartridge being supported by the drum cartridge and having a toner cartridge mounted thereon;

2. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the drum frame is located between the first convex portion and the second convex portion and has at least one groove into which a portion of the toner handle fits when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

3. The toner handle comprises: a first connection portion that connects one end of the grip portion in the first direction to the toner frame; a second connection portion that connects the other end of the grip portion in the first direction to the toner frame, The first connection portion has a first rib that protrudes toward the drum frame beyond the grip portion, The second connection portion has a second rib that protrudes toward the drum frame further than the grip portion, The drum frame is a first groove located between the first protrusion and the drum handle, into which the first rib is inserted when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge; 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a second groove located between the second protrusion and the drum handle, into which the second rib fits when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

4. The process cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that the toner cartridge is provided with a developing roller that is rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in the first direction, and that, when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, is provided with a developing roller that is located at an end of the toner frame that is close to the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

5. 2. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the drum handle has a plate shape extending from an end of the drum frame farther from the photosensitive drum toward the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

6. 6. A process cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the second direction, an end of the drum handle closer to the photosensitive drum is positioned closer to the photosensitive drum than the grip portion when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

7. the drum cartridge further includes a lock lever that locks the toner cartridge to the drum cartridge, the lock lever being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the drum frame; The lock lever is When the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the toner cartridge is located at the lock position.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein when the toner cartridge is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, the toner cartridge is moved relative to the drum frame so that the gripping portion is separated from the drum handle.

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