Sheet-like sealing member, removable unit, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a sheet-like sealing member that has high operability when it is pulled out and has high assemblability when it is assembled.SOLUTION: A sheet-like sealing member can be pulled out from a front side in a pull-out direction that is a longitudinal direction, and is provided with a sealing part 13x2 that seals a toner supply port 13d (sealing target part), and notch parts 13x11-13x13 that are each notched to be cantilevered with a position different from the sealing part 13x2 as a root part A. A free end side of each of the notch parts 13x11-13x13 is removably fixed as a fixing part B to a fixing target part 13r1 of a developing case 13r (housing) that is installed with the toner supply port 13d or the sheet-like sealing member 13x.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet-like sealing member that can be pulled out from the front side in the pulling direction with the longitudinal direction as the pulling direction, a detachable unit such as a process cartridge and a developing device including the same, and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a detachable unit such as a process cartridge and a developing device installed in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer at the time of shipment, so that powder such as toner stored inside does not leak from the detachable unit during transportation after factory shipment, a technique of providing a sheet-like sealing member for sealing an opening for allowing the powder to flow into and out of the detachable unit is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). And, when the detachable unit starts to be used in the image forming apparatus delivered to the user destination, the sheet-like sealing member is pulled out from the detachable unit with the longitudinal direction as the pulling direction by an operator such as a user or a service technician.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In the conventional sheet-like sealing member, the position is not fixed when the operator pulls it out, and it gets caught on the members inside the apparatus, or floating or slack occurs when the worker assembles it to the detachable unit or the like in the factory.

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a sheet-like sealing member, a detachable unit, and an image forming apparatus having high operability during pulling and high assemblability during assembly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The sheet-like sealing member in this invention is a sheet-like sealing member that can be pulled out from the front side in the pulling direction with the longitudinal direction as the pulling direction, and includes a sealing portion for sealing the portion to be sealed, and a notch portion that is notched so as to be cantilever-supported with a position different from the sealing portion as a base portion. The free end side of the notch portion is fixed as a fixing portion to a portion to be fixed of the housing in which the portion to be sealed or the sheet-like sealing member is installed, and is removably fixed.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet-like sealing member, a detachable unit, and an image forming apparatus that have high operability during pulling out and high assemblability during assembly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out this invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the redundant description thereof will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0009] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In FIG. 1, 1 is a color copying machine as an image forming apparatus, 3 is a document conveying unit that conveys a document to a document reading unit 4, 4 is a document reading unit that reads image information of a document, and 6 is a writing unit (exposure unit) that emits laser light based on input image information. Further, 7 is a paper feeding device that stores a sheet P such as paper, 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK are process cartridges (detachable units) as image forming units corresponding to each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black), 17 is an intermediate transfer belt on which toner images of a plurality of colors are superposed and transferred, and 18 is a secondary transfer roller that transfers the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17 to the sheet P. Also, 20 is a fixing device that fixes an unfixed image on the sheet P, 28 is a toner container for supplying toner of each color to the developing devices of the respective process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK (detachable units), and 30 is a waste toner collection container for collecting waste toner.

[0010] Here, the process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10BK as four detachable units each integrate a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, a charging device 12, a developing device 13, and a cleaning device 15 (see Fig. 2), and are detachably installed on the image forming apparatus main body 1. And when each process cartridge 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK reaches the end of its life, it is replaced with a new one. On the photosensitive drums 11 (image carriers) in the respective process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK, toner images of respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) are formed.

[0011] Hereinafter, the operation during normal color image formation in the image forming apparatus will be described. First, the original document is conveyed from the original document table by the conveying roller of the original document conveying unit 3 and placed on the contact glass of the original document reading unit 4. Then, in the original document reading unit 4, the image information of the original document placed on the contact glass is optically read. Then, the image information of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is transmitted to the writing unit 6. And from the writing unit 6, laser light (exposure light) based on the image information of each color is irradiated onto the photosensitive drums 11 of the corresponding process cartridges 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK, respectively.

[0012] On the other hand, the four photosensitive drums 11 are each rotating in the clockwise direction in Figs. 1 and 2. And referring to Fig. 2, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged at the position facing the charging device 12 (charging roller) (this is the charging process). Thus, a charging potential is formed on the photosensitive drum 11. After that, the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 11 reaches the irradiation position of each laser light. In the writing unit 6, laser light L corresponding to the image signal is emitted from the light source for each color. The laser light L is incident on the polygon mirror and reflected, and then passes through a plurality of lenses. The laser light after passing through the plurality of lenses will pass through different optical paths for each of the color components of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (this is the exposure process).

[0013] The laser light corresponding to the yellow component is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the first process cartridge 10Y from the left side of the paper surface. Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow component is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 after being charged by the charging roller 12. Similarly, the laser light of the cyan component is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the second process cartridge 10C from the left of the paper surface, and an electrostatic latent image of the cyan component is formed. The laser light corresponding to the magenta component is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the third process cartridge 10M from the left of the paper surface, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the magenta component is formed. The laser light of the black component is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 of the fourth process cartridge 10BK from the left of the paper surface, and an electrostatic latent image of the black component is formed.

[0014] After that, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11 on which the electrostatic latent images of each color are formed reach the positions facing the developing devices 13 (see Figure 2), respectively. Then, toner of each color is supplied onto the photosensitive drums 11 from the respective developing devices 13, and the latent images on the photosensitive drums 11 are developed (this is the developing process). After that, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11 after the developing process reach the positions facing the intermediate transfer belt 17 (intermediate transfer body) as the image carrier, respectively. Here, a primary transfer roller 14 is installed at each facing position so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, at the position of the primary transfer roller 14, the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums 11 are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 (this is the primary transfer process).

[0015] After that, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 11 after the primary transfer process reaches the position facing the cleaning device 15 (see Fig. 2). Then, the cleaning device 15 collects the untransferred toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 11 (this is the cleaning process). Note that the untransferred toner collected in the cleaning device 15 is conveyed through the conveyance pipe 16 by the conveyance screw 15b (see Fig. 2) and collected as waste toner in the waste toner collection container 30. After that, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 11 passes through the position of the charge elimination device, and a series of imaging processes on the photoreceptor drum 11 are completed.

[0016] On the other hand, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 on which the images of each color on the photoreceptor drum 11 are superposed and transferred travels in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1 and reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller 18. Then, at the position of the secondary transfer roller 18, the full-color image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is secondarily transferred onto the sheet P (this is the secondary transfer process). After that, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 reaches the position of the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9 (cleaning device). Then, the untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9, and a series of transfer processes on the intermediate transfer belt 17 are completed. Note that the untransferred toner collected in the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9 is conveyed through the conveyance pipe 16 by the conveyance screw 15b (see Fig. 2) and collected as waste toner in the waste toner collection container 30.

[0017] Here, the sheet P at the position of the secondary transfer roller 18 is conveyed from the paper feeding device 7 via a conveyance guide, a registration roller 19, etc. Specifically, the sheet P fed by the paper feeding roller 8 from the paper feeding device 7 that stores the sheet P is guided to the registration roller 19 after passing through the conveyance guide. The sheet P that has reached the registration roller 19 is conveyed toward the position of the secondary transfer roller 18 in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17.

[0018] Thereafter, the sheet P onto which the full-color image has been transferred is guided to the fixing device 20. In the fixing device 20, the color image is fixed onto the sheet P at the nip between the fixing roller and the pressure roller. Then, after the sheet P after the fixing process is discharged outside the apparatus main body 1 as an output image by the paper discharge roller 29, it is stacked on the paper discharge unit 5, and a series of image forming processes is completed.

[0019] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the image forming section of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the process cartridge 10BK (detachable unit) for black. Since the other three process cartridges 10Y, 10M, and 10C (detachable units) are configured substantially the same as the process cartridge 10BK for black except that the color of the toner used in the image forming process is different, their illustration and description are omitted.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, in the process cartridge 10BK as a detachable unit, mainly, the photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, the developing device 13, the charging device 12, and the cleaning device 15 are integrally housed in the cartridge case 50 (housing). The cleaning device 15 is provided with a cleaning blade 15a that contacts the photosensitive drum 11 and a conveying screw 15b.

[0021] The developing device 13 mainly includes a developing roller 13a as a developer carrier that forms a developing area facing the photosensitive drum 11, a first conveying screw 13b1 (first conveying member) facing the developing roller 13a, a second conveying screw 13b2 (second conveying member) facing the first conveying screw 13b1 via a partition member 13e, a doctor blade 13c (developer regulating member) that regulates the amount of developer carried on the developing roller 13a facing the developing roller 13a, and the like.

[0022] The developing device 13 houses a developer (two-component developer) composed of toner and carrier. The developing roller 13a is configured to face the photosensitive drum 11 with a minute gap therebetween to form a developing area. As shown in FIG. 3, the developing roller 13a includes a magnet 13a1 fixedly provided therein to form a plurality of poles (magnetic poles) on the outer peripheral surface of the roller, and a sleeve 13a2 that rotates around the magnet 13a1.

[0023] The conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 as conveying members are configured to convey the developer accommodated inside the developing device 13 in the longitudinal direction to form a circulation path (the circulation path indicated by the broken-line arrow in FIG. 3). That is, a circulation path of the developer is formed by a first conveying path B1 by the first conveying screw 13b1 and a second conveying path B2 by the second conveying screw 13b2. The first conveying path B1 and the second conveying path B2 are separated by a partitioning member 13e (wall portion), and both longitudinal ends of the two conveying paths B1 and B2 communicate with each other via communication ports 13f and 13g. Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the upstream end in the conveying direction of the first conveying path B1 and the downstream end in the conveying direction of the second conveying path B2 communicate with each other via the first communication port 13f. Further, the downstream end in the conveying direction of the first conveying path B1 and the upstream end in the conveying direction of the second conveying path B2 communicate with each other via the second communication port 13g. That is, the partitioning member 13e is disposed at a position excluding both longitudinal ends. The first conveying screw 13b1 (first conveying path B1) is disposed to face the developing roller 13a, and the second conveying screw 13b2 (second conveying path B2) is disposed to face the first conveying screw 13b1 (first conveying path B1) via the partitioning member 13e. The first conveying screw 13b1 supplies the developer toward the developing roller 13a while conveying the developer in the longitudinal direction, and recovers the developer after the developing process that has separated from the developing roller 13a. The second conveying screw 13b2 stirs and mixes the developer after the developing process conveyed from the first conveying path B1 and the fresh developer supplied from the toner supply port 13d while conveying them in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the two conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 (conveying members) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Each of the two conveying screws 13b1 and 13b2 has a screw portion wound around a shaft portion.

[0024] The imaging process described above will be further described in detail centering on the developing process. The developing roller 13a rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2. The developer in the developing device 13 is circulated in the longitudinal direction while being agitated and mixed with the toner replenished from the toner supply port 13d (inlet) through the toner discharge port 27 via the toner supply path from the toner container 28 by the rotation of the first conveying screw 13b1 and the second conveying screw 13b2 arranged with the partition member 13e interposed therebetween in the direction of the arrow (circulation in the direction of the broken-line arrow in FIG. 3). Note that the toner supply port 13d of the developing device 13 is to be communicated with and disconnected from the toner discharge port 27 of the toner supply path of the image forming apparatus main body 1 in conjunction with the attachment / detachment operation of the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK) with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1.

[0025] Then, the toner triboelectrically charged and adsorbed to the carrier is sucked up onto the developing roller 13a together with the carrier by the agent suction electrode formed on the developing roller 13a. The developer carried on the developing roller 13a is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 and reaches the position facing the doctor blade 13c. Then, after the amount of the developer on the developing roller 13a is adjusted appropriately at this position, it is conveyed to the position facing the photosensitive drum 11 (the developing area). Then, toner is adsorbed to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by the electric field formed in the developing area. After that, the developer remaining on the developing roller 13a reaches above the first conveyance path B1 as the sleeve rotates and is detached from the developing roller 13a at this position. Here, the electric field in the developing area is formed by a predetermined voltage (developing bias) applied to the developing roller 13a by the developing power supply and the surface potential (latent image potential) formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by the charging process and the exposure process.

[0026] Note that the toner in the toner container 28 is appropriately replenished into the developing device 13 from the toner replenishing port 13d as the toner in the developing device 13 is consumed. The consumption of the toner in the developing device 13 is detected by a toner concentration sensor that magnetically detects the toner concentration of the developer in the developing device 13 (the ratio of toner in the developer). Also, the toner replenishing port 13d is provided above the second conveying screw 13b2 (second conveying path B2) at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the second conveying screw 13b2 (the left - right direction in FIG. 3).

[0027] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 and the like, the characteristic configuration and operation of the process cartridge 10BK as the detachable unit in the present embodiment will be described in detail. Referring to FIGS. 4 and the like, the process cartridge 10BK in the present embodiment functions as a detachable unit that is detachably installed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1. This process cartridge 10BK (detachable unit) is installed inside the image forming apparatus main body 1 (the installation position where the image forming process is performed) in a state where the developer is pre - stored (preset) inside the developing device 13 at the time of factory shipment.

[0028] Here, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and the like, the developing device 13 of the process cartridge 10BK is formed with a toner replenishing port 13d as an opening for appropriately replenishing toner from the toner container 28 into the developing device 13. Therefore, if the image forming apparatus 1 is set and shipped from the factory with the toner replenishing port 13d (opening) open, the developer preset in the developing device 13 may leak out from the toner replenishing port 13d due to vibration or the like during transportation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, at the time of factory shipment, the toner supply port 13d (opening) of the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK) is used as a portion to be sealed, and is sealed with a sheet-like sealing member 13x. Thereby, problems such as the developer preset in the developing device 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 shipped from the factory scattering inside the apparatus during transportation or the like can be suppressed.

[0029] This sheet-like sealing member 13x is detachably installed in the process cartridge 10BK (detachable unit). Then, when the process cartridge 10BK (developing device 13) starts to be used in the image forming apparatus 1 delivered to the user's destination, the sheet-like sealing member 13x is pulled out from the process cartridge 10BK in the direction of the white arrow (removed) by an operator such as a user or a service technician, with the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 4) as the pulling direction.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided with an openable and closable cover 100 for attaching and detaching the process cartridge 10BK (detachable unit). The openable and closable cover 100 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 4 around the support shaft 100a to open the inside of the image forming apparatus 1, or rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4 around the support shaft 100a to close the inside of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the process cartridge 10BK is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 from the right side to the left side in FIG. 4 and is pulled out in the reverse direction. On the other hand, the sheet-like sealing member 13x installed in the process cartridge 10BK (developing device 13) at the time of factory shipment is formed with a gripping portion 13x1 that can be gripped by an operator on the front side in the pulling direction (the right side in FIG. 4) and pulled out. Then, as shown in FIG. 4(A), in the process cartridge 10BK set in the image forming apparatus 1 at the time of factory shipment, this gripping portion 13x1 is exposed so as to be pullable to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 1 through an opening formed in the openable and closable cover 100 in a state where the openable and closable cover 100 is closed. Then, when the operator starts using the process cartridge 10BK in the image forming apparatus 1 after loading, the operator grips the gripping portion 13x1 exposed outside the image forming apparatus 1 and pulls out the sheet-like sealing member 13x in the direction of the white arrow in Fig. 4(A), thereby opening the toner supply port 13d that was in a sealed state. With this configuration, the operator can pull out and remove the sheet-like sealing member 13x without removing the process cartridge 10BK from the image forming apparatus main body 1. As shown in Fig. 4(B), the gripping portion 13x1 can also be configured to be pullably exposed outside the image forming apparatus main body 1 with the opening / closing cover 100 open. In that case, when the operator starts using the process cartridge 10BK in the image forming apparatus 1 after loading, after opening the opening / closing cover 100, the operator grips the gripping portion 13x1 and pulls out the sheet-like sealing member 13x in the direction of the white arrow in Fig. 4(B), thereby opening the toner supply port 13d that was in a sealed state.

[0031] Thus, the sheet-like sealing member 13x in the present embodiment is configured to be pullable from the front side in the pulling direction (the right side in Figs. 4) with the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in Fig. 4) as the pulling direction. Referring to Figs. 6, 7, etc., the sheet-like sealing member 13x is a sheet-like member whose main part is made of a substantially rectangular urethane sheet or the like, and in addition to the above-described gripping portion 13x1, a sealing portion 13x2, notch portions 13x11 to 13x13, etc. are formed. As described above, the gripping portion 13x1 is configured to be gripped by the operator on the front side in the pulling direction (the right side in Figs. 4, 6, 7) and pulled out.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 6, 7, etc., the sealing portion 13x2 is for sealing the toner supply port 13d (an opening for the toner as a powder to flow in) as the portion to be sealed. Specifically, the sealing portion 13x2 is provided with an elastic member 13x5 that is press-fitted into the toner supply port 13d (opening). As the elastic member 13x5, a columnar member made of an elastic material such as foamed polyurethane can be used. By pushing this into the toner supply port 13d and fitting it, the toner supply port 13d will be sealed. Note that the elastic member 13x5 is joined to the surface of the sheet-like sealing member 13x (sealing portion 13x2) via a double-sided tape or the like.

[0033] In this embodiment, the toner supply port 13d is located on the back side of the image forming apparatus 1 (the downstream side in the mounting direction of the process cartridge 10BK and corresponding to the back side in the pulling direction of the sheet-like sealing member 13x). Therefore, the sheet-like sealing member 13x needs to be arranged at a position corresponding to the back side of the image forming apparatus 1 for the sealing portion 13x2, and the length in the longitudinal direction (pulling direction) (the length from the gripping portion 13x1 to the sealing portion 13x2) becomes longer. And as shown in FIG. 7 and the like, the sheet-like sealing member 13x is in a folded state at the folding portion W on the back side in the pulling direction, and the elastic member 13x5 of the sealing portion 13x2 will be fitted into the toner supply port 13d. By adopting such a sealing method, the assembly of the sheet-like sealing member 13x becomes relatively simple.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, etc., the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 are cut out so as to be cantilever-supported with a position different from the sealing portion 13x2 as the base portion A. Specifically, the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 are formed between the sealing portion 13x2 and the gripping portion 13x1 in the pulling direction. In particular, a plurality of cutout portions (in this embodiment, three cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13) are formed at intervals in the pulling direction. The three cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 each have a cut formed in a substantially U-shape (substantially strip-like shape) starting from a base portion A that extends linearly in a direction (short side direction) orthogonal to the pulling direction (longitudinal direction).

[0035] And the free end sides of the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 are removably fixed to the fixed portion 13r1 of the housing (the developing case 13r of the developing device 13 which is a part of the process cartridge 10BK) where the toner supply port 13d (the portion to be sealed) and the sheet-like sealing member 13x are installed as the fixed portion B. Specifically, a double-sided tape 13x20 is installed on the surface of the fixed portion B of the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 that faces the fixed portion 13r1 of the developing case 13r. And one surface of the double-sided tape 13x20 is adhered to the fixed portion B and the other surface is adhered to the fixed portion 13r1, thereby fixing the fixed portion B to the fixed portion 13r1. As shown in FIG. 7, the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 are bent at the root portion A, and the fixed portion B will be fixed to the developing case 13r. Note that the force (adhesive force) with which the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 (fixed portion B) are fixed to the fixed portion 13r1 is such that it can be relatively easily separated from the fixed portion 13r1 when the operator holds and pulls the holding portion 13x1, and is such that it will not be easily separated even when the environment such as temperature and humidity changes during transportation.

[0036] Thus, since the sheet-like sealing member 13x in this embodiment is provided with the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 that are fixed to the housing of the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK), the operability during pulling out and the assemblability during assembly can be improved. Specifically, when the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 are not provided, when pulling out the sheet-like sealing member 13x installed in the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK), the position will not be determined, such as leaning towards the short side direction orthogonal to the pulling direction, making it difficult to pull, or getting caught on other members in the adjacent device and being torn. In such a case, the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK) cannot be normally started for use. Also, when the notch portions 13x11 to 13x13 are not provided, when an operator assembles the sheet-like sealing member 13x to the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK) before shipment at the manufacturing factory, the position in the short side direction or the long side direction is not determined, and the sheet-like sealing member 13x is assembled in a state where floating or slack occurs. In such a case, during transportation after factory shipment or the like, toner may leak from the toner supply port 13d of the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK), or the operability during the extraction operation after arrival may deteriorate. In particular, these problems become non-negligible in the sheet-like sealing member 13x having a long length in the extraction direction from the sealing portion 13x2 to the gripping portion 13x1. On the other hand, since the sheet-like sealing member 13x in the present embodiment is provided with notch portions 13x11 to 13x13 fixed to the housing of the developing device 13 (process cartridge 10BK), the occurrence of the above-described problems can be reduced. In the present embodiment, three notch portions 13x11 to 13x13 are formed in the sheet-like sealing member 13x. However, the number of notch portions is not limited to this, and an optimal number can be set according to the length in the extraction direction and the like.

[0037] Here, referring to FIG. 7 and the like, in the notch portions 13x11 to 13x13, the root portion A is located on the back side in the extraction direction (the left side in FIG. 7), and the fixing portion B is located on the front side in the extraction direction (the right side in FIG. 7). By configuring in this way, when the operator pulls out the sheet-like sealing member 13x, after receiving the repulsive force when separating the sealing portion 13x2 from the toner supply port 13d, the timing is shifted, and the repulsive force when separating the fixing portion B from the fixed portion 13r1 is received. Therefore, the operability during the extraction operation can be improved as compared with the case of receiving those repulsive forces at the same timing.

[0038] In addition, in the present embodiment, among the plurality of notches 13x11 to 13x13, those on the front side in the drawing direction (the right side in FIGS. 6 and 7) are formed such that the length M from the root portion A to the fixing portion B is longer than those on the back side in the drawing direction (the left side in FIGS. 6 and 7). Specifically, the length M1 of the first notch 13x11 located closest to the gripping portion 13x1 is the longest, the length M2 of the second notch 13x12 located in the middle is medium, and the length M3 of the third notch 13x13 located closest to the sealing portion 13x2 is the shortest (M1 > M2 > M3). By configuring in this way, when the operator pulls out the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x, after receiving the repulsive force when detaching the sealing portion 13x2 from the toner supply port 13d, the timing is shifted, and the operator receives the repulsive force when detaching the fixing portion B of the third notch 13x13 from the fixed portion 13r1, and then receives the repulsive force when detaching the fixing portion B of the second notch 13x12 from the fixed portion 13r1, and finally receives the repulsive force when detaching the fixing portion B of the first notch 13x11 from the fixed portion 13r1. Therefore, compared with the case of receiving those repulsive forces at the same timing, the operability during the pulling operation can be improved. In particular, by receiving those repulsive forces in order from the one on the back side in the drawing direction (the side of the sealing portion 13x2) to the one on the front side, a smooth pulling feeling will be generated.

[0039] In addition, the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x in the present embodiment is configured such that the adhesive force of the double-sided tape 13x20 to the fixed portion 13r1 of the developing case 13r is smaller than the adhesive force of the double-sided tape 13x20 to the fixing portion B. Thereby, when the operator pulls out the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x, the problem that the adhesive in the double-sided tape 13x20 remains on the fixed portion 13r1 can be reduced. Also, the pulling operability is improved.

[0040] In addition, in the present embodiment, the sealing portion 13x2 is formed on the surface opposite to the surface (the lower surface side in FIG. 7) where the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 are bent around the base portion A in the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x (the upper surface side in FIG. 7). That is, as shown in FIG. 7 and the like, in the state where the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x is folded back at the folding-back portion W on the back side in the pulling direction, the elastic member 13x5 of the sealing portion 13x2 is fitted into the toner supply port 13d. By configuring in this way, when the operator pulls out the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x, it is possible to suppress the problem that toner adheres to the surface of the developing case 13r due to the sealing portion 13x2 (elastic member 13x5) soiled with toner.

[0041] <Modification 1> As shown in FIG. 8(A), in the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x in Modification 1 as well, a double-sided tape 13x20 is installed on the surface of the fixing portion B that faces the fixed portion 13r1 of the developing case 13r. And in Modification 1, as shown in FIG. 8(B), irregularities are formed on the surface of the fixed portion 13r1 of the developing case 13r (the surface to which the fixing portion B is adhered). And the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x is adhered to the fixed portion 13r1 on which the irregularities are formed via the double-sided tape 13x20. Specifically, the fixed portion 13r1 is formed so as to protrude upward from the surface of the developing case 13r, and a plurality of concave portions 13r10 (groove portions) are formed therein. By configuring in this way, since the contact area between the fixed portion 13r1 and the double-sided tape 13x20 is reduced, even if there is no difference in the adhesive force between the front surface (fixing portion B side) and the back surface (fixed portion 13r1 side) of the double-sided tape 13x20, the adhesive force of the double-sided tape 13x20 to the fixed portion 13r1 can be made smaller than the adhesive force of the double-sided tape 13x20 to the fixing portion B. Thereby, when the operator pulls out the sheet-shaped sealing member 13x, it is possible to reduce the problem that the adhesive in the double-sided tape 13x20 remains on the fixed portion 13r1. Also, the pulling-out operability is improved. In particular, in the example of FIG. 8, in the fixed portion 13r1, a plurality of concave portions 13r10 (groove portions) are formed at intervals in the short side direction so as to extend along the pulling direction (longitudinal direction). Therefore, it is relatively strong against the force acting in the short side direction, and the repulsive force received by the operator in the pulling direction is weakened. While maintaining the function of determining the position in the short side direction, it is possible to ensure good pulling operability of the sheet-like sealing member 13x.

[0042] <Modification Example 2> As shown in FIG. 9(A), in Modification Example 2, the fixed portion 13r2 of the developing case 13r is formed in a protruding shape (boss shape) so as to protrude upward from the surface of the developing case 13r. Then, as shown in FIG. 9(B), a slit Bx that can be fitted to the protruding fixed portion 13r2 is formed in the fixed portion B of the sheet-like sealing member 13x. That is, as shown in FIG. 9(A), when the slit Bx of the fixed portion B is fitted into the fixed portion 13r2, the fixed portion B is fixed to the fixed portion 13r2. Even in such a configuration, the operability during pulling and the assemblability during assembly of the sheet-like sealing member 13x can be improved. In particular, according to the configuration of Modification Example 2, since it is not necessary to provide a double-sided tape 13x20 on the fixed portion B, the fixed portion B can be fixed to the fixed portion 13r1 relatively simply.

[0043] <Modification Example 3> As shown in FIG. 10, in the sheet-like sealing member 13x in Modification Example 3, the sealing portion 13x2 is heat-welded to the edge portion N around the toner supply port 13d (opening portion). That is, in Modification Example 3, instead of providing the elastic member 13x5 on the sealing portion 13x2, the surface is directly heat-welded to the edge portion N of the toner supply port 13d to seal the toner supply port 13d. Even in such a configuration, the operability during pulling and the assemblability during assembly of the sheet-like sealing member 13x can be improved. In particular, according to the configuration of Modification Example 3, the repulsive force during pulling can be made relatively small.

[0044] <Modification Example 4> As shown in FIG. 11, in Modification Example 4, the sheet-like sealing member 13x seals the toner discharge port 27 of the toner supply path (an opening for discharging toner (powder) toward the toner supply port 13d) with the sealing portion 13x2 (elastic member 13x5). Therefore, in Modification Example 4, the fixing portions B of the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 of the sheet-like sealing member 13x are removably fixed to the fixed portion 13r1 of the housing (developing case 13r) where the sheet-like sealing member 13x is installed, and seal the toner discharge port 27 of the toner supply path installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1. When the image forming apparatus 1 is started to be used after being delivered, the operator pulls out the sheet-like sealing member 13x, and the toner discharge port 27 and the toner supply port 13d communicate with each other, enabling the execution of the image forming process. Even in such a configuration, the operability during pulling out and the assemblability during assembly of the sheet-like sealing member 13x can be improved.

[0045] As described above, the sheet-like sealing member 13x in the present embodiment is a sheet-like sealing member that can be pulled out from the front side in the pulling direction with the longitudinal direction as the pulling direction, and includes a sealing portion 13x2 that seals the toner supply port 13d (the portion to be sealed), and cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 that are cut out so as to be cantilever-supported with a position different from the sealing portion 13x2 as the base portion A. The free end sides of the cutout portions 13x11 to 13x13 are removably fixed as the fixing portion B to the fixed portion 13r1 of the developing case 13r (housing) where the toner supply port 13d or the sheet-like sealing member 13x is installed. Thereby, the operability during pulling out is high, and the assemblability during assembly is also high.

[0046] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a sheet-like sealing member 13x removably installed in a process cartridge 10BK including a photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier), a developing device 13, a charging device 12, and a cleaning device 15. However, the sheet-like sealing member 13x to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this. As long as it is a detachable unit detachably installed on the image forming apparatus main body 1, for example, a developing unit (developing device 13) detachably installed alone on the image forming apparatus main body 1, the present invention can also be applied to a sheet-like sealing member removably installed thereon. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a sheet-like sealing member removably installed on a device fixedly installed on the image forming apparatus main body 1 (for example, a writing unit 6 or the like). And even in such a case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained. In the present application, the "process cartridge" is defined as a unit in which at least one of a charging device for charging an image carrier, a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a cleaning device for cleaning the image carrier, and the image carrier are integrated and configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

[0047] It is obvious that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, the present embodiment can be appropriately changed in addition to what is suggested in this embodiment. Further, the number, position, shape, etc. of the above-described constituent members are not limited to this embodiment, and can be set to appropriate numbers, positions, shapes, etc. for implementing the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0048] 1 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body), 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10BK Process cartridge (detachable unit), 11 Photosensitive drum (image carrier), 13 Developing device, 13d Toner supply port (opening, portion to be sealed), 13r Developing case (housing), 13r1 and 13r2, fixed parts 13r10, recessed part 13x, sheet-like sealing member 13x1, gripping part 13x2, sealing part 13x5, elastic member 13x11 to 13x13, notch parts 13x20, double-sided tape 27, toner discharge port 100, opening / closing cover A, base part B, fixed part; Bx, slit

[0049] In addition, the embodiments in the present invention can also be, for example, combinations of the following Supplementary Notes 1 to 12. (Supplementary Note 1) A sheet-like sealing member that can be pulled out from the front side in the pulling direction with the longitudinal direction as the pulling direction, a sealing part for sealing the part to be sealed, a notch part that is notched so as to be cantilever-supported with a position different from the sealing part as the base part, and a sheet-like sealing member, characterized in that the free end side of the notch part is removably fixed as a fixed part to the fixed part of the housing where the part to be sealed or the sheet-like sealing member is installed. (Supplementary Note 2) comprising a gripping part that can be gripped by an operator on the front side in the pulling direction for pulling out, wherein the notch part is formed between the sealing part and the gripping part in the pulling direction, and the sheet-like sealing member according to Supplementary Note 1 is characterized in that. (Supplementary Note 3) The notch part is characterized in that the base part is located on the back side in the pulling direction and the fixed part is located on the front side in the pulling direction, and the sheet-like sealing member according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2 is characterized in that. (Supplementary Note 4) a plurality of the notch parts are formed at intervals in the pulling direction, The plurality of cutout portions are characterized in that the length from the root portion to the fixing portion of the cutout portion on the front side in the pulling direction is longer than that of the cutout portion on the rear side in the pulling direction. The sheet-like sealing member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) A double-sided tape is installed on the surface of the fixing portion facing the portion to be fixed. The sheet-like sealing member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that the adhesive force of the double-sided tape to the portion to be fixed is configured to be smaller than the adhesive force of the double-sided tape to the fixing portion. (Appendix 6) The fixing portion A double-sided tape is installed on the surface of the fixing portion facing the portion to be fixed, The sheet-like sealing member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that it is adhered to the uneven portion to be fixed via the double-sided tape. (Appendix 7) The sheet-like sealing member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that a slit capable of fitting into the protruding portion to be fixed is formed in the fixing portion. (Appendix 8) The portion to be sealed is an opening for inflowing or outflowing powder, The sealing portion is provided with an elastic member press-fitted into the opening. The sheet-like sealing member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The portion to be sealed is an opening for inflowing or outflowing powder, The sealing portion is thermally welded to the edge portion around the opening. The sheet-like sealing member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) The sealing portion is formed on the surface of the sheet-like sealing member opposite to the surface on which the cutout portion is bent around the root portion. The sheet-like sealing member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) A detachable unit detachably installed on the image forming apparatus main body, A detachable unit, characterized in that a sheet-like sealing member described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10 is detachably installed. (Supplementary Note 12) An image forming apparatus in which the detachable unit described in Supplementary Note 11 is installed inside the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the image forming apparatus main body includes an openable and closable cover for attaching and detaching the detachable unit, the sheet-like sealing member has a gripping portion that can be gripped and pulled out by an operator on the front side in the pulling direction, the image forming apparatus, characterized in that the gripping portion is configured to be pulled out and exposed outside the image forming apparatus main body with the opening / closing cover closed or to be pulled out and exposed outside the image forming apparatus main body with the opening / closing cover open.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0050]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A sheet-like sealing member that can be pulled out from the front side in the pulling direction with the longitudinal direction as the pulling direction, comprising: a sealing portion for sealing the portion to be sealed; a notch portion that is notched so as to be cantilever-supported with a position different from the sealing portion as a base portion; and a sheet-like sealing member, wherein a free end side of the notch portion is fixed removably to a portion to be fixed of a housing on which the portion to be sealed or the sheet-like sealing member is installed, as a fixing portion.

2. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1, further comprising a gripping portion that can be gripped by an operator and pulled out on the front side in the pulling direction, wherein the notch portion is formed between the sealing portion and the gripping portion in the pulling direction.

3. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base portion of the notch portion is located on the rear side in the pulling direction, and the fixing portion is located on the front side in the pulling direction.

4. A plurality of the notch portions are formed at intervals in the pulling direction, and in the plurality of notch portions, the one on the front side in the pulling direction has a longer length from the base portion to the fixing portion than the one on the rear side in the pulling direction. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a double-sided tape is installed on a surface of the fixing portion facing the portion to be fixed, and the adhesive force of the double-sided tape with respect to the portion to be fixed is configured to be smaller than the adhesive force of the double-sided tape with respect to the fixing portion.

6. The fixing portion is provided with a double-sided tape on a surface facing the portion to be fixed, and is adhered to the portion to be fixed having irregularities via the double-sided tape. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a slit that can be fitted to the protruding portion to be fixed is formed in the fixing portion.

8. The portion to be sealed is an opening for inflowing or outflowing powder, and the sealing portion includes an elastic member that is press-fitted into the opening. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The portion to be sealed is an opening for inflowing or outflowing powder, and the sealing portion is heat-welded to an edge portion around the opening. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. The sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing portion is formed on a surface of the sheet-like sealing member opposite to the surface on which the notch portion is bent around the root portion.

11. A detachable unit detachably installed on an image forming apparatus main body, The detachable unit is characterized in that the sheet-like sealing member according to claim 1 or 2 is detachably installed.

12. An image forming apparatus in which the detachable unit according to claim 11 is installed inside the image forming apparatus main body, The image forming apparatus main body includes an openable and closable cover for attaching and detaching the detachable unit, The sheet-like sealing member includes a gripping portion that can be gripped by an operator on the front side in the pulling direction and pulled out, The image forming apparatus is configured such that the gripping portion is exposed so as to be pullable to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body with the opening / closing cover closed or pullable to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body with the opening / closing cover open.

Images