Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same

Abstract

To provide a developing device that can prevent a toner attached to an inside surface of a filter from dropping in separating a filter member from a developing device body, and an image forming apparatus including the same.SOLUTION: A developing device 5 comprises: a developing device body 501 that has a vent hole 501a for releasing inner pressure; and a filter member 200 that has a filter 210 for closing the vent hole 501a, and the filter member 200 is removably provided in the developing device body 501. The filter member 200 is operated to be mounted in and separated from the developing device body 501 while an inside surface 210a of the filter 210 is set to a predetermined first posture directed upward, and is held relative to the developing device body 501 while the inside surface 210a of the filter 210 is set to a predetermined second posture other than the first posture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral, a printer, and a facsimile apparatus including the same.

Background Art

[0002] During the developing operation, the internal pressure in the developing tank of the developing device main body may increase, and the developer accommodated in the developing tank may be ejected from the opening on the developer carrier side. For this reason, some developing devices include a developing device main body having a vent for relieving the internal pressure and a filter for closing the vent.

[0003] In such a developing device provided with a filter, the filter may be clogged with toner as the developing operation is performed. For this reason, a developing device in which the filter can be replaced has been proposed. As a result, the user can periodically replace the clogged filter.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a developing device including a filter member having a filter for closing a vent, the filter member being detachably provided with respect to the developing device main body, and the filter member being attached to and detached from the developing device main body with the inner surface of the filter facing downward.

[0005] However, in such a conventional image forming apparatus, since the filter member is detached from the developing device main body with the inner surface (toner adhesion surface) of the clogged filter facing downward, when the filter member is detached from the developing device main body, toner adhering to the inner surface of the filter may fall inside the image forming apparatus outside the developing device or on the floor due to vibration or the like, which may cause inconvenience such as soiling the periphery of the developing device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a developing device capable of suppressing the falling of toner adhering to the inner surface of a filter when the filter member is detached from the developing device main body, and an image forming apparatus including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a developing device according to the present disclosure includes a developing device main body having a vent hole for discharging internal pressure, and a filter member having a filter for closing the vent hole, wherein the filter member is detachably provided with respect to the developing device main body, and the filter member is attached to and detached from the developing device main body in a state where the inner surface of the filter is in a predetermined first posture facing upward, and is held with respect to the developing device main body in a state where the inner surface of the filter is in a predetermined second posture other than the first posture. Further, an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is characterized by including the developing device according to the present disclosure.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the falling of toner adhering to the inner surface of the filter when the filter member is detached from the developing device main body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 10C

Figure 10D

Figure 10E

Figure 10F

Figure 10G

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 11C

Figure 11D

Figure 11E

Figure 11F

Figure 11G

Figure 11H

Figure 11I

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 13

Figure 14A

Figure 14B

Figure 15A

Figure 15B

Figure 16A

Figure 16B

Figure 17

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] [Image forming apparatus] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus 100 including developing devices 5a to 5d according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference symbol X indicates the left-right direction, reference symbol Y indicates the front-rear direction (depth direction), and reference symbol Z indicates the up-down direction.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and is an intermediate transfer type color multifunction printer capable of forming full-color images. The image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called tandem type color image forming apparatus having a configuration in which a plurality of electrostatic latent image carriers (specifically, photoreceptors) are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (in this example, the left-right direction X). In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is a color image forming apparatus, but may be a monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 30. The image forming apparatus 100 includes four sets of image forming stations Pa to Pd, an exposure device 4, primary transfer devices 6a to 6d, an intermediate transfer belt 7 that carries a toner image, a belt cleaning device 9, a secondary transfer device 11, a fixing device 12, a paper feeding device 13 (recording material storage unit) that stores a recording material P such as recording paper, and a main body frame 1a.

[0015] An image reading device 40 is provided above the image forming apparatus main body 101. The image reading device 40 reads a document G conveyed by a document conveying unit 42 with an image reading unit 41, or reads a document G placed on a document placing table 43 with the image reading unit 41. The image of the document G read by the image reading device 40 is sent to the image forming apparatus main body 101 as image data, or image data from an external device is sent to the image forming apparatus main body 101, and an image formed based on the image data in the image forming apparatus main body 101 is recorded on the recording material P.

[0016] In the image forming unit 30, around the photoreceptors 2a to 2d (photoreceptor drums), a charging device 3a to 3d, a developing device 5a to 5d, and a photoreceptor cleaning device 8a to 8d are arranged in this order.

[0017] In the image forming stations Pa to Pd, toner is supplied from toner cartridges 60a to 60d that contain toner of each color of black (B), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) to the developing devices 5a to 5d, respectively. The developer Da to Dd is a two-component developer mainly composed of toner and carrier.

[0018] In the image forming apparatus 100, when forming an image, the surfaces of the photoreceptors 2a to 2d uniformly charged by the charging devices 3a to 3d are laser-exposed by the exposure device 4 according to image data (image information), and electrostatic latent images are respectively formed on the photoreceptors 2a to 2d. The electrostatic latent images formed on the photoreceptors 2a to 2d are developed by the developing devices 5a to 5d and respectively visualized as toner images. The toner images on the photoreceptors 2a to 2d are transferred by the primary transfer devices 6a to 6d onto an intermediate transfer belt 7 stretched between a driving roller 7a and a driven roller 7b. The toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 7 are conveyed by the intermediate transfer belt 7 rotating in a predetermined rotation direction E to the secondary transfer device 11. On the other hand, the recording material P conveyed from the paper feed roller 13a of the paper feed device 13 by the conveying roller 14 on the conveying path S is conveyed by the registration roller 15 in synchronization with the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 7 toward the secondary transfer device 11. The toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 7 are transferred by the secondary transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 to the recording material P conveyed by the registration roller 15. The toner images transferred onto the recording material P are conveyed to the fixing device 12 and heated and pressurized by the fixing roller 12a and the pressure roller 12b of the fixing device 12 and fused onto the recording material P. The recording material P on which the toner images are fixed is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 101 by the discharge roller 16 and placed on the discharge tray 17.

[0019] Also, when image formation is performed not only on the front surface but also on the back surface of the recording material P, the fixed recording material P is conveyed in the reverse direction to the reverse path Sr by the reverse rotation of the discharge roller 16. The recording material P conveyed by the conveying roller 14 in the reverse path Sr has its front and back surfaces reversed and is guided again to the resist roller 15. In the same manner as the front surface, a toner image is formed and fixed on the back surface. Thereafter, the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 101 by the discharge roller 16 and placed on the discharge tray 17.

[0020] [Developing device] In the following description, the developing devices 5a to 5d, the developing tanks 51a to 51d, the developer Ds to Dd, and the photoreceptors 2a to 2d are simply referred to as the developing device 5, the developing tank 51, the developer D, and the photoreceptor 2, respectively.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing device 5 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from above the front side Y1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 5 shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 2.

[0022] The developing tank 51 forms a part of the developing device main body 501 that supports each component of the developing device 5. The developing device 5 includes a developing tank 51 that is long in the front-rear direction Y for accommodating the developer D, and a developing roller 53 (developer carrier) that is long in the front-rear direction Y for carrying the developer D accommodated in the developing tank 51. The developer D accommodated in the developing tank 51 is mixed, agitated, and charged in the developing tank 51.

[0023] The developing device 5 further includes a doctor blade 54 (see FIG. 3) for regulating the layer thickness of the developer D, and a receiving portion 55 (see FIG. 2) for receiving toner from the toner cartridge 60.

[0024] The developing roller 53 forms a tuft (magnetic brush) of the developer D by rotating the developing sleeve 53a while adsorbing the carrier in the developer D in the developing tank 51 to the surface of the developing sleeve 53a by magnetic force. The doctor blade 54 is provided in the developing tank 51 with a tip portion at a predetermined interval from the developing sleeve 53a. Thereby, the doctor blade 54 can regulate the layer thickness of the developer (the height of the tuft of the magnetic brush). Further, the developing roller 53 rotates in the rotation direction S2 opposite to the predetermined rotation direction S1 of the photoreceptor 2 as shown in FIG. 3 by the rotational driving force from a rotational driving unit (not shown) being transmitted to the developing sleeve 53a. Thereby, the developing roller 53 can supply the developer D to the photoreceptor 2. The receiving portion 55 has a supply port 551 (see FIG. 2) for supplying the toner T to the developing tank 51.

[0025] Further, the developing device 5 is configured to circulate and convey the developer D in the developing tank 51 and includes an agitation and conveyance member 50. The agitation and conveyance member 50 includes a first agitation and conveyance member 56 (a spiral member in this example, a first agitation and conveyance screw) and a second agitation and conveyance member 57 (a spiral member in this example, a second agitation and conveyance screw). The first agitation and conveyance member 56 conveys the developer D while agitating it to the other side L2 in the longitudinal direction L. The second agitation and conveyance member 57 conveys the developer D while agitating it to one side L1 in the longitudinal direction L. The first agitation and conveyance member 56 and the second agitation and conveyance member 57 are rotatably supported by both side walls 513 and 514 on both sides in the longitudinal direction L of the developing tank 51, respectively. The developing tank 51 circulates the developer D by the first agitation and conveyance member 56 conveying the developer D to the other side L2 in the longitudinal direction L and the second agitation and conveyance member 57 conveying the developer D to one side L1 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0026] In the developing device 5 described above, the internal pressure of the developing tank 51 in the developing device main body 501 may increase during the developing operation. In this regard, the developing device 5 is configured as follows.

[0027] [Regarding the present embodiment] Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views showing the state of the filter member 200 after being detached from or before being attached to the image forming apparatus main body 101 and the state during attachment or detachment in the developing device 5 shown in FIG. 1, respectively.

[0028] The developing device 5 according to the present embodiment includes a developing device main body 501 having a vent 501a for venting the internal pressure of the developing tank 51, and a filter member 200 having a filter 210 for closing the vent 501a. The filter member 200 is detachably provided with respect to the developing device main body 501. The filter member 200 is attached to and detached from the developing device main body 501 in a state where the inner surface 210a of the filter 210 is in a predetermined first posture (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) facing upward (a state of being located at a first position), and is held with respect to the developing device main body 501 in a state where the inner surface 210a of the filter 210 is in a predetermined second posture (see FIG. 2) other than the first posture (a state of being located at a second position).

[0029] Here, the "first upward posture of the inner surface 210a of the filter 210" means that the inner surface 210a of the filter 210 (for example, when the filter 210 is curved (in an arc shape), a virtual straight line λ passing through both ends in the bending direction (circumferential direction)) is in a horizontal posture, and in addition, the inner surface 210a (virtual straight line λ) of the filter 210 is in a posture of less than ±90 degrees, preferably less than ±60 degrees, more preferably less than ±45 degrees, and even more preferably less than ±30 degrees with respect to the horizontal posture. Here, + is the rotation angle around the side closer to the vent 501a, and - is the rotation angle around the side farther from the vent 501a.

[0030] In this embodiment, the filter member 200 is detached from the developing device main body 501 with the inner surface 210a (toner adhering surface) of the clogged filter 210 in the first posture (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) facing upward. Thereby, when the filter member 200 is detached from the developing device main body 501, it is possible to suppress the toner adhering to the inner surface 210a of the filter 210 from falling into the image forming apparatus 100 outside the developing device 5 or onto the floor due to vibration or the like. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent inconveniences such as soiling the periphery of the developing device 5.

[0031] Further, in this embodiment, the filter member 200 is held with respect to the developing device main body 501 with the inner surface 210a of the filter 210 in the second posture (see FIGS. 2 and 3) other than the first posture. Thereby, the ventilation port 501a for discharging the internal pressure of the developing tank 51 can be provided at a position where the developing device main body 501 is easily ventilated. Here, as the filter 210, any filter can be used as long as it can ventilate and does not discharge toner. For example, a conventionally known filter such as a nonwoven fabric can be used.

[0032] Hereinafter, the detailed configurations of the filter member 200 and the developing device main body 501 will be described below.

[0033] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the first and second postures of the filter member 200 as viewed obliquely from above the front side Y1, respectively. FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the first and second postures of the filter member 200 as viewed obliquely from above the rear side Y2, respectively.

[0034] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of the front side Y1 portion of the filter member 200 as viewed obliquely from above the front side Y1 and obliquely from above the rear side Y2, respectively. FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the rear side Y2 portion of the filter member 200 as viewed obliquely from below the front side Y1 and obliquely from above the rear side Y2, respectively.

[0035] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are perspective views of the insertion port 501b portion of the developing device main body 501 before the filter member 200 is inserted into the developing device main body 501 in the first posture, viewed obliquely from the upper front Y1 and the upper oblique side of the ventilation port 501a side and from the upper oblique side of the rear Y2 and the side opposite to the ventilation port 501a side, respectively.

[0036] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the handle portion 240 of the filter member 200 viewed from the rear Y2 during the insertion of the filter member 200 into the developing device main body 501 in the first posture.

[0037] FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C are perspective views of the rear Y2 portion of the filter member 200 viewed from the ventilation port 501a side and from the side opposite to the ventilation port 501a side, respectively, during the insertion of the filter member 200 into the developing device main body 501 in the first posture.

[0038] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the state of the handle portion 240 viewed from the side before the filter member 200 is inserted into the developing device main body 501 in the first posture and transitions to the second posture. FIG. 10E is a perspective view of the cross section taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 10D viewed from the front Y1.

[0039] FIG. 10F and FIG. 10G are perspective views of the rear Y2 portion and the front Y1 portion of the filter member 200 viewed from the side opposite to the ventilation port 501a side, respectively, before the filter member 200 is inserted into the developing device main body 501 in the first posture and transitions to the second posture.

[0040] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the state of the handle portion 240 viewed from the ventilation port 501a side before the filter member 200 transitions from the first posture to the second posture and is pushed into the rear Y2. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the cross section taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 11A viewed from the front Y1.

[0041] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view taken from the front side Y1 showing a state of being cut in the vertical direction Z by the first regulating portion 521 and the second regulating portion 522 on the rear side Y2 of the filter member 200 that has shifted to the second posture. FIGS. 11D and 11E are perspective views of the rear side Y2 portion of the filter member 200 before the filter member 200 shifts from the first posture to the second posture and is pushed into the rear side Y2, viewed from the side opposite to the vent 501a side and from the vent 501a side, respectively. FIG. 11F is an enlarged perspective view of the β1 portion shown in FIG. 11D.

[0042] FIG. 11G is a cross-sectional view taken from the rear side Y2 showing a state of being cut in the vertical direction Z by the third regulating portion 523 on the front side Y1 of the filter member 200 that has shifted to the second posture.

[0043] FIG. 11H is a perspective view of the front side Y1 portion of the filter member 200 before the filter member 200 shifts from the first posture to the second posture and is pushed into the rear side Y2, viewed from the side opposite to the vent 501a side. FIG. 11I is an enlarged perspective view of the β2 portion shown in FIG. 11H.

[0044] FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of the rear side Y2 portion and the front side Y1 portion of the filter member 200 after the filter member 200 shifts from the first posture to the second posture and is pushed into the rear side Y2, viewed from the side opposite to the vent 501a side, respectively.

[0045] [First Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the developing device main body 501 and the vent 501a extend in a predetermined longitudinal direction L (the front-rear direction Y in this example). Accordingly, the filter member 200 also extends in the longitudinal direction L. Here, in the front-rear direction Y, the front side Y1 is the side (operation side) where the user operates on the image forming apparatus 100, and the rear side Y2 is the side opposite to the operation side. The filter member 200 is provided so as to be insertable and removable in the longitudinal direction L with respect to the developing device main body 501 in a state where the developing device 5 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 101.

[0046] In this configuration, with the developing device 5 attached to the image forming apparatus main body 101, the filter member 200 is inserted and removed in the longitudinal direction L with respect to the developing device main body 501. As a result, the user can insert and remove the filter member 200 with respect to the developing device main body 501 while the developing device 5 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 101, thereby simplifying the replacement operation of the filter member 200 by the user.

[0047] [Second Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the filter member 200 has a holding portion 220 and a rotating shaft 230. The holding portion 220 holds the filter 210 so that the filter 210 has an arc shape. The filter 210 has a concave surface as the inner surface 210a. The rotating shaft 230 rotatably supports the holding portion with the center of the arc facing the inner surface 210a of the filter 210 and the rotation axis line α (see FIG. 2).

[0048] In this configuration, since the filter member 200 has a holding portion 220 that holds the filter 210 and a rotating shaft 230 that supports the holding portion 220, the filter member 200 can be smoothly moved between the first posture and the second posture, thereby improving the operability of the posture change operation of the filter member 200 between the first posture and the second posture by the user.

[0049] [Third Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the filter member 200 is rotatable about the rotation axis line α between the first posture and the second posture in a state where it is inserted into the developing device main body 501.

[0050] In this configuration, since the filter member 200 is rotatable about the rotation axis line α, the filter member 200 can be smoothly and surely moved along the circumferential direction (rotation direction R) about the rotation axis line α between the first posture and the second posture in a state where it is inserted into the developing device main body 501, thereby further improving the operability of the posture change operation of the filter member 200 between the first posture and the second posture by the user.

[0051] Note that the rotation angle θ (see FIG. 7A) at which the filter member 200 rotates between the first posture and the second posture can be appropriately set according to the position where the ventilation port 501a is provided. The rotation angle θ can be, for example, ±30 degrees, ±45 degrees, ±60 degrees, ±90 degrees, ±180 degrees, etc. That is, it can be any angle between ±30 degrees and ±180 degrees. For example, when the rotation angle θ is ±180 degrees, the ventilation port 501a can be provided on the upper side, thereby making it easier for air to escape. In this example, the rotation angle θ is +90 degrees around the side closer to the ventilation port 501a.

[0052] Specifically, the holding portion 220 is provided with an opening 220a extending along the longitudinal direction L (the direction of the rotation axis α, the front-rear direction Y in this example). The opening 220a in the holding portion 220 communicates with the ventilation port 501a in the developing device main body 501 in a state where the filter member 200 is in the second posture (see FIG. 11G). The filter 210 is provided inside the holding portion 220 so as to cover the entire opening 220a in the holding portion 220. The filter 210 is fixed inside the holding portion 220 by, for example, an adhesive or the like.

[0053] In addition, the holding portion 220 is provided with one or a plurality (four in this example) of first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b (see FIGS. 5A to 7B). The first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b are for reinforcing the strength in the rotation direction R around the rotation axis α of the opening 220a. By doing so, the strength of the opening 220a can be improved by the first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b. In this example, the first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b extend in an arc shape with the same radius of curvature as the holding portion 220, and are connected between the first edge portion 220a1 (see FIG. 8B) on one side (R1) of the opening 220a and the second edge portion 220a2 (see FIG. 8B) on the other side (R2) in the rotation direction R.

[0054] The holding part 220 is provided with a pair of supporting parts 220c and 220d supported by the rotating shaft 230. The supporting parts 220c and 220d extend in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 230. The supporting part 220c on one side (front side Y1) is connected between the third edge part 220a3 on one side L1 (front side Y1) of the opening 220a and the rotating shaft 230 in the longitudinal direction L. The supporting part 220d on the other side (rear side Y2) is connected between the fourth edge part 220a4 on the other side L2 (rear side Y2) of the opening 220a and the rotating shaft 230 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0055] In addition, the holding part 220 is provided with a plurality (four in this example) of reinforcing supporting parts 220e to 220e supported by the rotating shaft 230. The reinforcing supporting parts 220e to 220e extend in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 230 and are connected between the plurality of first reinforcing parts 220b to 220b and the rotating shaft 230.

[0056] The rotating shaft 230 is a columnar member extending in the longitudinal direction L. A handle part 240 is provided at one end L1 (front side Y1) in the longitudinal direction L of the rotating shaft 230. Thereby, the user can surely operate the filter member 200 by gripping the handle part 240. In this example, the handle part 240 is formed in a disc shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft 230. The handle part 240 is provided at one end L1 of the rotating shaft 230 so as to be coaxial with the rotating shaft 230. Thereby, the user can perform the rotation operation of the handle part 240 with good operability.

[0057] The handle part 240 is provided with an indicator part 241 for allowing the user to recognize whether the filter member 200 is in the first posture or the second posture. The indicator part 241 has a function as a handle part gripped by the user. In this example, the indicator part 241 is provided on the first surface 240a (see FIG. 7A) on one side L1 (front side Y1) in the longitudinal direction L of the handle part 240.

[0058] The indicator part 241 includes a first indicator part 2411. The first indicator part 2411 is located at a predetermined first position in the rotational direction R (a position along the left - right direction X in this example) when the filter member 200 is in the first posture, and is located at a predetermined second position intersecting the first direction (Z) (a position along the up - down direction Z in this example) when the filter member 200 is in the second posture. Further, the indicator part 241 further includes a second indicator part 2412. The second indicator part 2412 is located at the second position when the filter member 200 is in the first posture, and is located at the first position when the filter member 200 is in the second posture. In this example, the indicator part 241 is formed in an L - shape by the first indicator part 2411 and the second indicator part 2412, and the rotation axis 230 (rotation axis line α) is located at the connecting part of the first indicator part 2411 and the second indicator part 2412.

[0059] Also, the rotation axis 230 is integrally provided between the support parts 220c and 220d provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction L so that the reinforcing support parts 220e to 220e are uniform in the longitudinal direction L.

[0060] The image forming apparatus main body 501 is provided with a guiding part 510 for slidably guiding the filter member 200 in the longitudinal direction L. It has a guiding surface 510a formed in the same or substantially the same shape as the outer surface 200b of the filter member 200 (an arc shape with the same or substantially the same radius of curvature as the holding part 220 in this example).

[0061] Also, on the first wall part 501c on the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the longitudinal direction L of the image forming apparatus main body 501, an insertion hole 501d for inserting the end part 230a on the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the longitudinal direction L of the rotation axis 230 is provided. The diameter of the insertion hole 501d is larger than the diameter of the rotation axis 230 by a predetermined size so that the end part 230a of the rotation axis 230 can be inserted or pulled out while sliding with the end part 230a of the rotation axis 230.

[0062] By doing so, the filter member 200 can be moved more smoothly between the first position and the second position, thereby further improving the operability of the user's operation of changing the position of the filter member 200 between the first position and the second position.

[0063] [Fourth Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the filter member 200 is held by the developing device main body 501 by being pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L in a state where the filter member 200 is in the second position. That is, the developing device main body 501 includes a holding structure 520 that holds the filter member 200 to the developing device main body 501.

[0064] With this configuration, the filter member 200 can be held to the developing device main body 501 by a simple operation of pushing the filter member 200 into the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L in a state where the filter member 200 is in the second position.

[0065] Specifically, the first regulating portion 521 to the fifth regulating portion 525 are provided in the developing device main body 501 (see FIGS. 9B, 10C, 10F, 10G, 11C, 11D, 11F to 12B). The holding structure 520 is composed of the first regulating portion 521 to the fifth regulating portion 525.

[0066] [First Regulating Portion] The first regulating portion 521 has a first regulating surface 521a and a second regulating surface 521b. The first regulating surface 521a restricts the movement of the filter member 200 in the longitudinal direction L thereof toward the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the first posture. Specifically, the first regulating surface 521a abuts against the fourth edge portion 220a4 of the filter member 200 when the filter member 200 is inserted into the developing device main body 501 in the first posture, thereby restricting the movement of the filter member 200 in the first posture toward the other side L2 (rear side Y2). In this example, the movement of the filter member 200 in the longitudinal direction L thereof toward the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the first posture is also restricted by the blocking portion 242, which will be described later, abutting against the insertion side surface 5011 (front surface in this example) of the developing device main body 501 (see FIGS. 9A and 10E). The second regulating surface 521b restricts the rotation of the filter member 200 in the first rotation direction R1, which is the rotation direction from the second posture to the first posture, so as to maintain the second posture when the filter member 200 shifts from the first posture to the second posture.

[0067] In this example, the first regulating portion 521 is provided at the corner of the first wall portion 501c and the lower portion of the guide portion 510. The first regulating surface 521a is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. Thereby, the first regulating surface 521a can effectively prevent the movement of the filter member 200 in the longitudinal direction L thereof toward the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the first posture. Further, the second regulating surface 521b is orthogonal to the left-right direction X. The second regulating surface 521b abuts against the filter member 200 when the filter member 200 is pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L in the state where the filter member 200 is in the second posture, thereby restricting the rotation of the filter member 200 in the first rotation direction R1, and allowing the filter member 200 to move toward the other side (Y2) in the longitudinal direction L while sliding on the filter member 200. Thereby, the filter member 200 pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) can be held at the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L of the developing device main body 501.

[0068] <Second regulating portion> The second regulating portion 522 has a third regulating surface 522a and a fourth regulating surface 522b. The third regulating surface 522a and the fourth regulating surface 522b regulate rotation in a second rotation direction R2, which is the rotation direction from the first posture to the second posture, so as to maintain the second posture when the filter member 200 shifts from the first posture to the second posture.

[0069] In this example, the second regulating portion 522 is provided above the first wall portion 501c. The third regulating surface 522a is orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The third regulating surface 522a abuts against the filter member 200 when the filter member 200 is pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L in the state where the filter member 200 is in the second posture, thereby regulating the rotation of the filter member 200 in the second rotation direction R2. Further, the fourth regulating surface 522b is orthogonal to the left-right direction X. The fourth regulating surface 522b allows the filter member 200 to move to the other side (Y2) in the longitudinal direction L while sliding on the filter member 200 when the filter member 200 is pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L in the state where the filter member 200 is in the second posture. Thereby, the filter member 200 pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) can be held on the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L of the developing device main body 501.

[0070] <The third regulating portion> The third regulating portion 523 has a fifth regulating surface 523a. The fifth regulating surface 523a regulates the movement of the filter member 200 (holding portion 220) in the second posture to the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the longitudinal direction L.

[0071] In this example, the third regulating portion 523 is the first wall portion 501c, and the first wall portion 501c also serves as the third regulating portion 523. The fifth regulating surface 523a is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. Thereby, the fifth regulating surface 523a can effectively prevent the movement of the filter member 200 in the second posture to the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the longitudinal direction L.

[0072] <The positional relationship between the first regulating surface and the fifth regulating surface> As shown in FIG. 10C, the dimension d1 in the longitudinal direction L of the third regulating surface 522a and the fourth regulating surface 522b is larger than the dimension d2 from the fifth regulating surface 523a to the first regulating surface 521a, that is, larger than the dimension d2 in the longitudinal direction L of the second regulating surface 521b. That is, when the filter member 200 is inserted in the first posture and the fourth edge portion 220a4 abuts against the first regulating surface 521a, the movement of the filter member 200 in the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the first posture is restricted. In this state, when the filter member 200 rotates from the first posture to the second posture in the second rotation direction R2, the dimension d1 is made larger than the dimension d2 so that the fourth edge portion 220a4 can abut against the second regulating surface 521b.

[0073] <Fourth regulating portion> The fourth regulating portion 524 has a sixth regulating surface 524a and a seventh regulating surface 524b. The sixth regulating surface 524a and the seventh regulating surface 524b restrict the rotation in the second rotation direction R2 so as to maintain the second posture when the filter member 200 shifts from the first posture to the second posture.

[0074] In this example, the fourth regulating portion 524 is provided at the upper part of the second wall portion 501e on one side L1 (front side Y1) in the longitudinal direction L of the developing device main body 501. The sixth regulating surface 524a is orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The sixth regulating surface 524a restricts the rotation of the filter member 200 in the second rotation direction R2 by abutting against the filter member 200 when the filter member 200 is pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L in the state where the filter member 200 is in the second posture. Further, the seventh regulating surface 524b is orthogonal to the left-right direction X. The seventh regulating surface 524b allows the filter member 200 to move to the other side (Y2) in the longitudinal direction L while sliding on the filter member 200 when the filter member 200 is pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L in the state where the filter member 200 is in the second posture. Thereby, the filter member 200 pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) can be held on the side (one side L1) opposite to the insertion side in the longitudinal direction L of the developing device main body 501.

[0075] <Fifth regulating portion> The fifth regulating portion 525 has an eighth regulating surface 525a. The eighth regulating surface 525a regulates the movement of the filter member 200 (holding portion 220) in the second posture toward one side L1 (front side Y1) in the longitudinal direction L.

[0076] In this example, the fifth regulating portion 525 is the second wall portion 501e, and the second wall portion 501e also serves as the fifth regulating portion 525. The eighth regulating surface 525a is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. Thereby, the eighth regulating surface 525a can effectively prevent the movement of the filter member 200 in the second posture toward one side L1 (front side Y1) in the longitudinal direction L.

[0077] <Sixth regulating portion> The developing device main body 501 is further provided with a sixth regulating portion 526 (see FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10B, 10C, 10F, 11A, 11C to 11E, 11G to 12B).

[0078] The sixth regulating portion 526 has a ninth regulating surface 526a. The ninth regulating surface 526a regulates the movement of the filter member 200 in the first posture in the first rotation direction R1 in the rotation direction R.

[0079] In this example, the sixth regulating portion 526 is erected at the downstream end of the guide portion 510 in the first rotation direction R1. The ninth regulating surface 526a is orthogonal to the left - right direction X. Thereby, the ninth regulating surface 526a can effectively prevent the rotation of the filter member 200 in the first posture in the first rotation direction R1.

[0080] [Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pressing mechanism 530 portion in the developing device main body 501 as viewed obliquely from above and from the side opposite to the vent 501a. FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross - sectional views showing the pressing mechanism 530 in the state where the filter member 200 is in the first posture and the second posture, respectively. FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views showing the pressing mechanism 530 in the state where the filter member 200 is in the first posture and the second posture, respectively.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the developing device 5 further includes a pressing mechanism 530. The pressing mechanism 530 is inserted into the developing device main body 501 in the longitudinal direction L in a state where the filter member 200 is in the first posture, and is rotated about the rotation axis α after the insertion, thereby pressing the filter member 200 against a frame portion 501f (see FIGS. 9B, 10C, 10F, 10G, 11G) around the air vent 501a.

[0082] In this configuration, by rotating the pressing mechanism 530 about the rotation axis α after the insertion of the filter member 200 and pressing the filter member 200 against the frame portion 501f around the air vent 501a, the sealing performance between the filter member 200 and the frame portion 501f around the air vent 501a can be improved.

[0083] [Sixth Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the pressing mechanism 530 includes a pressing portion 531 and a pressed portion 532. The pressing portion 531 is provided on the developing device main body 501. The pressed portion 532 is provided on the filter member 200 and presses the filter member 200 toward the frame portion 501f around the air vent 501a by being pressed against the pressing portion 531 as the filter member 200 rotates.

[0084] In this configuration, although it is a simple configuration using the pressing portion 531 and the pressed portion 532, the sealing performance between the filter member 200 and the frame portion 501f around the air vent 501a can be surely improved.

[0085] Specifically, an open portion 501g that is open on the side opposite to the guide surface 510a of the guide portion 510 is provided in the developing device main body 501, and the open portion 501g communicates with the developing tank 51. The pressing portion 531 and the pressed portion 532 are configured such that the pressing force of the filter member 200 against the frame portion 501f increases as the filter member 200 in the first posture approaches the second posture by rotating in the second rotation direction R2.

[0086] In this example, a cam mechanism is constituted by a pressing portion 531 and a pressed portion 532. The pressing portion 531 is provided at a position corresponding to the reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e in the developing device main body 501. The plurality of pressing portions 531 to 531 are located on the side opposite to the vent 501a with the rotation axis α therebetween. The pressing portions 531 to 531 have a contact surface 531a that comes into contact with the pressed portion 532. The pressing portion 531 extends toward the rotation shaft 230 at one end edge 501g1 (the sixth regulating portion 526 in this example) in the rotation direction R of the opening portion 501g in the developing device main body 501. Specifically, the pressing portions 531 to 531 are formed in an L shape in a sectional view. The base ends 5311 of the pressing portions 531 to 531 project from one end edge 501g1 of the opening portion 501g such that the tip ends 5312 face the rotation shaft 230, and the top surface of the tip end 5312 is the contact surface 531a.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 13, the pressed portion 532 is provided at a position corresponding to the reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e on the rotation shaft 230. The plurality of pressed portions 532 to 532 are located on the side opposite to the filter 210 with the rotation axis α therebetween. The pressed portions 532 to 532 have a contact surface 532a (see FIGS. 14A and 14B) that comes into contact with the pressing portion 531. The contact surface 532a is formed such that as the distance r (see FIG. 14A) of the filter member 200 from the rotation axis α increases away from the contact surface 531a in the pressing portion 531. Thereby, as the filter member 200 transitions from the first state to the second state, the pressing force on the frame portion 501f of the filter member 200 can be gradually increased. Specifically, the pressed portions 532 to 532 are formed in an arc shape (about a quarter arc shape in this example) centered at a position different from the rotation axis α at the tip ends.

[0088] In this embodiment, a plurality of pressing mechanisms 530 are provided. In this way, by providing a plurality of pressing mechanisms 530, the sealing performance between the filter member 200 in the second posture and the frame portion 501f around the ventilation port 501a can be further improved. Further, by providing a pressing portion 531 and a pressed portion 532 in each of the plurality of pressing mechanisms 530 to 530, the sealing performance between the filter member 200 in the second posture and the frame portion 501f around the ventilation port 501a can be further improved.

[0089] Note that the pressing portion 531 and the pressed portion 532 may be provided at positions corresponding to the support portions 220c and 220d.

[0090] Further, in this example, the filter 210 is composed of a single sheet, but may be composed of a plurality of sheets. In this case, the plurality of filters 210 can be provided for each ventilation port divided by the plurality of first reinforcing portions 220b at the ventilation port 501a, that is, between one support portion 220c and the first reinforcing portion 220b, between adjacent first reinforcing portions 220b and 220b, and between the first reinforcing portion 220b and the other support portion 220d.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 13, the developing device main body 501 is provided with second reinforcing portions 501h to 501h for reinforcing one or a plurality (four in this example) of opening portions 501g. By doing so, the strength of the opening portion 501g can be improved by the second reinforcing portions 501h to 501h.

[0092] Specifically, the second reinforcing portions 501h to 501h are installed across the opening portion 501g along the rotation direction R corresponding to the reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e. In this example, the second reinforcing portions 501h to 501h are connected between the reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e and the base end portions 5311 to 5311. The second reinforcing portions 501h to 501h are formed in an arc shape (about a 1 / 4 arc shape in this example) centered on the rotation axis α.

[0093] [Seventh Embodiment] In this embodiment, the developing device main body 501 is provided with an insertion port 501b into which the filter member 200 is inserted in the longitudinal direction L. The filter member 200 includes a closing portion 242 (a sealing portion in this example) (see FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7B, 10A, 10D, 10E, 11A, and 11B) that closes (seals in this example) the insertion port 501b by a mounting operation with respect to the developing device main body 501. In this example, the insertion port 501b is an insertion and extraction port through which the filter member 200 is inserted and extracted in the longitudinal direction L. In this example, the filter member 200 is inserted into the insertion port 501b during mounting, and is removed from the insertion port 501b during detachment.

[0094] In this configuration, when the filter member 200 is inserted into the insertion port 501b of the developing device main body 501, the closing portion 242 can close the insertion port 501b by the mounting operation of the filter member 200 to the developing device main body 501. As a result, there is no need to separately provide the closing portion 242 from the filter member 200 and perform an operation to close the insertion port 501b of the closing portion 242. Therefore, the insertion port 501b can be closed (sealed in this example) by a single operation of mounting the filter member 200 to the developing device main body 501. Here, the size of the closing portion 242 is smaller than the size of the insertion port 501b by a predetermined size to such an extent that the closing portion 242 can be inserted while sliding in the insertion port 501b. The closing portion 242 is provided on the rotation shaft 230 so as to conform to the shape of the insertion port 501b when the filter member 200 is in the second state. The closing portion 242 closes the insertion port 501b when the filter member 200 inserted into the developing device main body 501 in the first posture is pushed into the insertion side (the other side L2) in the longitudinal direction L in the second posture.

[0095] Specifically, the insertion port 501b is formed in a shape that can accommodate the filter member 200 in the first state and corresponds to (is similar to) the outer shape of the closing portion 242 of the filter member 200 in the second state when viewed from the longitudinal direction L, and is formed in a shape that can accommodate the closing portion 242 (enlarged by a predetermined size).

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 7B, 10A, 10D, 11A, and 11B, the closing portion 242 includes a first closing portion 2421 and a second closing portion 2422. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 10E, the insertion port 501b includes a first insertion port portion 501b1 and a second insertion port portion 501b2. The first insertion port portion 501b1 inserts the filter 210 and the holding portion 220 of the filter member 200 in the first state, and is closed by the first closing portion 2421 of the filter member 200 in the second state. The second insertion port portion 501b2 inserts the rotation shaft 230 and the holding portion 220 of the filter member 200 in the first state, and is closed by the second closing portion 2422 of the filter member 200 in the second state.

[0097] In this example, the first closing portion 2421 and the second closing portion 2422 are provided on the second surface 240b (see FIGS. 7B and 10A) on the other side L2 (rear side Y2) in the longitudinal direction L of the handle portion 240. Thereby, the insertion port 501b can be surely closed and further sealed by the closing portion 242.

[0098] Further, the first closing portion 2421 is connected (fixed) to the holding portion 220. Thereby, the insertion port 501b can be surely closed and further sealed by the closing portion 242. Also, a predetermined gap e (see FIG. 10A) larger than the thickness h of the second wall portion 501e (see FIG. 10A) is provided between the holding portion 220 and the handle portion 240. Thereby, interference between the holding portion 220 and the second wall portion 501e when changing the filter member 200 inserted into the developing device main body 501 from the first posture to the second posture can be avoided.

[0099] Note that instead of or in addition to the closing portion 242, the insertion port 501b may be sealed with a sealing member such as a porous member (so-called sponge).

[0100] <User's operation for replacing the filter member> In the developing device 5 described above, when detaching the filter member 200 clogged with toner, first, the user pulls out the filter member 200 mounted on the developing device main body 501 and in the second state along the guide surface 510a of the guide portion 510 to one side L1 (detaching side) in the longitudinal direction L. Then, the filter member 200 abuts against the eighth regulating surface 525a of the fifth regulating portion 525 (the second wall portion 501e). Next, the user rotates (in this example, rotates 90 degrees) the filter member 200 along the guide surface 510a so that the filter member 200 is in the first state (in the first rotation direction R1 in this example). Then, the filter member 200 abuts against the ninth regulating surface 526a of the sixth regulating portion 526. At this time, the filter member 200 assumes the first posture, and the filter 210 and the holding portion 220 face the insertion port 501b. Thereby, the user can pull out (detach) the filter member 200 from the insertion port 501b of the developing device main body 501 with the inner surface 210a of the filter 210 facing upward in the first posture. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the toner adhering to the inner surface 210a of the filter 210 from falling when the filter member 200 is detached from the developing device main body 501.

[0101] On the one hand, when installing the new filter member 200, first, the user inserts the filter member 200 into the insertion port 501b according to the shape of the insertion port 501b in the developing device main body 501. Then, the filter member 200 assumes the first posture. Next, the user inserts the filter member 200 along the guide surface 510a of the guide portion 510 on the other side L2 (mounting side) in the longitudinal direction L. Then, the holding portion 220 of the filter member 200 abuts against the first regulating surface 521a of the first regulating portion 521, and / or the closing portion 242 of the filter member 200 abuts against the insertion side surface 5011 of the developing device main body 501. Next, the user rotates (in this example, rotates 90 degrees) the filter member 200 along the guide surface 510a so that the filter member 200 assumes the second state (in this example, in the second rotation direction R2). Then, the filter member 200 abuts against the third regulating surface 522a and the fourth regulating surface 522b of the second regulating portion 522. At this time, the filter member 200 assumes the second posture, and the movement of the filter member 200 to one side L1 (front side Y1) in the longitudinal direction L is regulated by the eighth regulating surface 525a of the fifth regulating portion 525. Also, the closing portion 242 faces the insertion port 501b. Next, the user pushes the filter member 200 in the longitudinal direction L to one side L1 (insertion side) with the filter member 200 in the second posture. Then, on the other side L2, the filter member 200 abuts against the second regulating surface 521b. Therefore, the rotation in the first rotation direction R1 is regulated by the second regulating surface 521b. Also, on the other side L2, the rotation in the second rotation direction R2 is regulated by the third regulating surface 522a and the fourth regulating surface 522b, and on one side L1, the rotation in the second rotation direction R2 is regulated by the sixth regulating surface 524a and the seventh regulating surface 524b. At this time, the insertion port 501b is closed (sealed in this example) by the closing portion 242 (sealing portion in this example). Thereby, the user can attach (mount) the filter member 200 to the developing device main body 501 with the filter member 200 in the second posture.

[0102] (Other embodiments) In the first to seventh embodiments described above, the pair of support portions 220c and 220d may each support the third edge portion 220a3 and the fourth edge portion 220a4 of the opening 220a with a single member. By doing so, the third edge portion 220a3 and the fourth edge portion 220a4 of the opening 220a can be reliably supported by the pair of support portions 220c and 220d. Further, although each of the plurality of reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e supported the first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b with a single member, they may be supported by a plurality of members. By doing so, the first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b can be reliably supported by the plurality of reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e.

[0103] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the pair of support portions 220c and 220d that support the third edge portion 220a3 and the fourth edge portion 220a4 of the opening 220a. In FIG. 16A, the pair of support portions 220c and 220d are shown in one figure. FIG. 16B is a perspective view showing another example of the first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b that support the reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e. Further, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the insertion port 501b portion of the developing device main body 501 as viewed obliquely from above on the front side Y1 and on the side of the ventilation port 501a before the filter member 200 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B is inserted into the developing device main body 501 in the first posture.

[0104] In FIGS. 16A to 17, the same components as those in the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0105] The ends of the pair of support portions 220c and 220d and the plurality of reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e on the side opposite to the rotation axis 230 are respectively provided at positions that are line-symmetric with respect to a virtual straight line γ passing through the central portion δ in the rotation direction R of the third edge portion 220a3 and the fourth edge portion 220a4 and the plurality of first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b and the rotation axis α. That is, the angles φ between the support portions (220c, 220c), (220d, 220d) and the reinforcing support portions 220e to 220eφ that are symmetric with each other with the virtual straight line γ in between and the virtual straight line γ are equal.

[0106] In this example, the support portions 220c and 220d each support two of the third edge portion 220a3 and the fourth edge portion 220a4 of the opening 220a, and the first reinforcing portions 220b to 220b each support two of the reinforcing support portions 220e to 220e.

[0107] Further, in the first to seventh embodiments, in the filter member 200, the filter 210 is provided inside the holding portion 220, but may be provided outside the holding portion 220. In this case, since the filter 210 is interposed between the holding portion 220 of the filter member 200 in the second posture and the frame portion 501f around the ventilation port 501a, the adhesion between the holding portion 220 of the filter member 200 and the frame portion 501f around the ventilation port 501a can be further improved. This is particularly effective when the filter 210 has elasticity, as the elasticity in the thickness direction of the filter 210 can be utilized.

[0108] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, such embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0109] 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Image forming apparatus main body 200 Filter member 210 Filter 210a Inner surface 220 Holding portion 220a Opening 220b First reinforcing portion 220c Support portion 220d Support portion 220e Reinforcing support portion 230 Rotation shaft 240 Handle portion 241 Indicator portion 242 Blocking part 5 Developing device 501 Developing device main body 501a Vent 501b Insertion port 51 Developing tank 510 Guide part 510a Guide surface 530 Pressing mechanism 531 Pressing part 532 Part to be pressed L Longitudinal direction L1 One side L2 The other side R Rotation direction X Left - right direction Y Front - rear direction Z Up - down direction r Distance α Axis of rotation γ Virtual straight line δ Central part θ Angle of rotation λ Virtual straight line φ Angle

Claims

1. A developing device main body having a vent for discharging internal pressure, and a filter member having a filter for closing the vent, wherein the filter member is detachably provided with respect to the developing device main body. The filter member is attached to and detached from the developing device main body in a state where the inner surface of the filter is in a predetermined first posture facing upward, and is held with respect to the developing device main body in a state where the inner surface of the filter is in a predetermined second posture other than the first posture. A developing device characterized by this.

2. The developing device according to claim 1, The developing device main body and the vent extend in a predetermined longitudinal direction. The filter member is provided so as to be insertable and removable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the developing device main body in a state where the developing device is attached to the image forming device main body. A developing device characterized by this.

3. The developing device according to claim 2, The filter member has a holding portion that holds the filter so that the filter has an arc shape, and a rotating shaft that rotatably supports the holding portion with the center of the arc facing the inner surface of the filter as a rotation axis. A developing device characterized by this.

4. The developing device according to claim 3, The filter member is rotatable about the rotation axis between the first posture and the second posture in a state where the filter member is inserted into the developing device main body. A developing device characterized by this.

5. The developing device according to claim 2, The filter member is held by the developing device main body by being pushed into the insertion side in the longitudinal direction in a state where the filter member is in the second posture. A developing device characterized by this.

6. The developing device according to claim 3, The filter member is inserted into the developing device main body in the longitudinal direction in a state where the filter member is in the first posture, and after insertion, is rotated about the rotation axis, so that the filter member is directed toward a frame portion around the vent. A developing device further comprising a pressing mechanism for pressing.

7. The developing device according to claim 6, The pressing mechanism includes a pressing portion provided on the developing device main body and a pressed portion provided on the filter member that is pressed against the pressing portion as the filter member rotates, thereby pressing the filter member against a frame portion around the vent hole. A developing device characterized by this.

8. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an insertion port into which the filter member is inserted in the longitudinal direction is provided in the developing device main body, and the filter member includes a sealing portion that seals the insertion port by the mounting operation with respect to the developing device main body. A developing device characterized by this.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images