Developing device

Abstract

To provide a developing device with which it is possible to suppress leakage of a toner from between a side seal and a frame.SOLUTION: The developing device comprises: a frame 10; a developing roller capable of rotating about a developing roller shaft extending in the axial direction to the frame 10; a side seal 30 extending in the rotation direction of the developing roller and coming into contact with one end in the axial direction of a circumferential surface of the developing roller; a lower film 40 extending in the axial direction and coming into contact with a circumferential surface of the developing roller; and a double-sided tape 50 located between the lower film 40 and the frame 10, for pasting the lower film 40 and the frame 10 to each other. The frame 10 has a protrusion 70. The side seal 30 has a recess 80 which the protrusion 70 fits in. The boundary between the protrusion 70 and the recess 80 is covered with the double-sided tape 50 that is pasted thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a development device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a developing device has been known that includes a frame, a developing roller that can rotate relative to the frame, and a side seal that is positioned between the end of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller and the frame and that comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-173509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In developing devices, toner may get into the gap between the side of the side seal and the frame due to vibrations during transportation, etc. Toner that gets into the gap between the side seal and the frame may leak out from between the side seal and the frame. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to prevent toner leakage from between the side seal and the frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first disclosure of the present application, the developing device includes a frame, a developing roller, a side seal, a lower film, and a double-sided tape. The developing roller is rotatable about a developing roller shaft that extends in the axial direction relative to the frame. The side seal contacts one axial end of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller, extends in the direction of rotation of the developing roller, and is positioned between the developing roller and the frame. The lower film extends in the axial direction and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller, and is positioned closer to the upstream end of the side seal in the rotational direction than to the downstream end of the side seal in the rotational direction. The double-sided tape is positioned between the lower film and the frame, and adheres the lower film and the frame to each other. One of the side seal and the frame has a protrusion. The other of the side seal and the frame has a recess into which the protrusion fits. At least a part of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion is covered with double-sided tape.

[0006] According to the first disclosure, one of the side seal and the frame has a convex portion, and the other has a concave portion into which the convex portion fits, and at least a portion of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion is covered by double-sided tape attached thereto, thereby preventing toner leakage from between the side seal and the frame.

[0007] In a second disclosure of the present application, in the developing device of the first disclosure, the side seal may have a sealing side surface, and the frame may have a frame surface. The seal side surface has a first side surface facing the other side in the axial direction and a second side surface facing upstream in the rotational direction. The frame surface has a first frame surface that faces the first side surface in the axial direction, and a second frame surface that faces the second side surface in the rotational direction. The protrusion may be located on one of the seal side surface and the frame surface, and the recess may be located on the other of the seal side surface and the frame surface.

[0008] According to the second disclosure, the convex portion is located on one of the seal side surface and the frame surface, and the concave portion is located on the other of the seal side surface and the frame surface, thereby preventing toner leakage from between the seal side surface and the frame surface.

[0009] In a third disclosure of the present application, in the developing device of the second disclosure, the frame may extend in the axial direction and have an attachment surface to which double-sided tape is attached. The protrusions may be located on the frame surface, and the surfaces of the protrusions that come into contact with the recesses may be perpendicular to the attachment surface.

[0010] According to the third disclosure, the surface of the protrusion located on the frame surface that contacts the recess is perpendicular to the attachment surface, which improves adhesion between the protrusion and the recess, thereby further suppressing toner leakage from between the seal side and the frame surface.

[0011] In a fourth disclosure of the present application, in the developing device of the second disclosure, the frame may extend in the axial direction and have an attachment surface to which double-sided tape is attached. The recess may be located on the frame surface, and the surface of the recess that contacts the protrusion may be perpendicular to the attachment surface.

[0012] According to the fourth disclosure, the surface of the recess located on the frame surface that contacts the protrusion is perpendicular to the attachment surface, which improves adhesion between the protrusion and the recess, thereby further suppressing toner leakage from between the seal side surface and the frame surface.

[0013] In a fifth disclosure of the present application, in the developing device of the first disclosure, the convex portion may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the double-sided tape side.

[0014] According to the fifth disclosure, the rectangular shape of the protrusions when viewed from the double-sided tape side ensures a sufficient contact length between the protrusions and recesses, thereby further reducing toner leakage between the side seal and the frame.

[0015] In a sixth disclosure of the present application, in the developing device of the second disclosure, the protrusion and the recess may be spaced apart from a corner between the first frame surface and the second frame surface.

[0016] According to the sixth disclosure, the protrusions and recesses are located away from the corners between the first and second frame surfaces, ensuring the length of the portion where the seal side faces the frame surface, thereby further suppressing toner leakage from between the seal side and the frame surface.

[0017] In a seventh disclosure of the present application, in the developing device of the second disclosure, the frame may be capable of containing toner and may have a toner filling port at the other end in the axial direction.

[0018] According to the seventh disclosure, the frame has a toner filling port at the other axial end, which effectively prevents toner leakage from between the frame surface and the sealing side of the side seal that contacts one axial end of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller when toner is being filled.

[0019] In an eighth disclosure of the present application, in the developing device of the seventh disclosure, the convex portion may be located on one of the first side surface and the first frame surface, and may protrude in the axial direction.

[0020] According to the eighth disclosure, the convex portion is located on either the first side surface or the first frame surface and protrudes in the axial direction, thereby more effectively preventing toner leakage from between the seal side surface and the frame surface when toner is filled.

[0021] In a ninth disclosure of the present application, in the developing device of the second disclosure, the convex portion may be located on one of the second side surface and the second frame surface, and may protrude in the rotation direction.

[0022] According to the ninth disclosure, the convex portion is located on either the second side surface or the second frame surface and protrudes in the rotational direction, thereby effectively preventing toner leakage from between the seal side surface and the frame surface during transportation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] This can prevent toner from leaking from between the side seal and the frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the developing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a frame, a developing roller, a side seal, a lower film, and a double-sided tape of the developing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame as seen from the toner filling port side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one axial end of the frame and a side seal. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the other axial end of the frame and the side seal. [Figure 6] 3 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the first embodiment as viewed from the double-sided tape side. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing one axial end of a frame and a side seal of a developing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the second embodiment as viewed from the double-sided tape side. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the third embodiment as viewed from the double-sided tape side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the fourth embodiment as viewed from the double-sided tape side. [Figure 11] 10 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the first modified example, as viewed from the double-sided tape side. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the second modified example, as viewed from the double-sided tape side. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the third modified example, as viewed from the double-sided tape side. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the fourth modified example, as viewed from the double-sided tape side. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the fifth modified example, as viewed from the double-sided tape side. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the sixth modified example, as viewed from the double-sided tape side. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a view of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion of the seventh modified example, as viewed from the double-sided tape side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Next, a first embodiment will be described. 1, the developing device 1 according to the embodiment is a developing cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming device such as a laser printer. In the drawings, the axial direction is indicated by an arrow and the axial direction is indicated by an arrowless arrow.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 1 includes a frame 10, a developing roller 20, a side seal 30, a lower film 40, and a double-sided tape 50.

[0027] The frame 10 is capable of containing toner and has an opening 11, a support surface 12, and an application surface 13. The opening 11 is an opening for supplying toner to the developing roller 20. The opening 11 is long in the axial direction. The developing roller 20 is attached to the frame 10 so as to close the opening 11 (see FIG. 1).

[0028] The support surface 12 is a surface that supports the side seal 30. The support surface 12 is provided at each end of the frame 10 in the axial direction. In other words, the support surface 12 is provided on both sides of the opening 11 in the axial direction. The support surface 12 extends along the rotation direction of the developing roller 20.

[0029] The attachment surface 13 is a surface to which the double-sided tape 50 is attached. The attachment surface 13 is a flat surface extending in the axial direction. The attachment surface 13 is provided along the opening 11. One axial end of the attachment surface 13 overlaps, in its axial position, with the support surface 12 located on one side of the axial direction. The other axial end of the attachment surface 13 overlaps, in its axial position, with the support surface 12 located on the other side of the axial direction.

[0030] 3, the frame 10 further has a toner filling port 14 at the other axial end. The developing device 1 is filled with toner through the filling port 14 with one axial end facing downward and the other axial end (filling port 14) facing upward. After the frame 10 is filled with toner, the filling port 14 is closed with a cap 60.

[0031] The developing roller 20 is rotatable about a developing roller axis 20X extending in the axial direction relative to the frame 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the developing roller 20 has a shaft 21 extending in the axial direction and a roller body 22 made of rubber or the like. The shaft 21 may be provided so as to pass through the roller body 22, or may be provided so as to protrude outward in the axial direction from each end of the roller body 22 in the axial direction.

[0032] In the following description, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 refers to the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 22. Also, the axial end of the developing roller 20 refers to the axial end of the roller body 22.

[0033] The side seal 30 includes a side seal 30A and a side seal 30B. The side seal 30A contacts one axial end of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20. The side seal 30A is located between one axial end of the developing roller 20 and the frame 10. More specifically, the side seal 30A is located between one axial end of the developing roller 20 and the support surface 12 located on one side in the axial direction.

[0034] The side seal 30B contacts the other axial end of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20. The side seal 30B is located between the other axial end of the developing roller 20 and the frame 10. More specifically, the side seal 30B is located between the other axial end of the developing roller 20 and the support surface 12 located on the other side in the axial direction.

[0035] The side seals 30A and 30B extend in the rotation direction of the developing roller 20 so as to follow the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 20. Hereinafter, the rotation direction of the developing roller 20 will also be simply referred to as the "rotation direction."

[0036] The lower film 40 extends in the axial direction. The lower film 40 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20. Specifically, the lower film 40 has a tip end 41 and a base end 42. The tip end 41 of the lower film 40 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 from one end to the other end in the axial direction.

[0037] The lower film 40 is located closer to the upstream end E2 of the side seal 30 in the rotational direction than to the downstream end E1 of the side seal 30. The downstream end E1 is the downstream end of the side seal 30 in the rotational direction. The upstream end E2 is the upstream end of the side seal 30 in the rotational direction.

[0038] The double-sided tape 50 is an adhesive tape for attaching the lower film 40 and the frame 10 to each other. The double-sided tape 50 extends in the axial direction. The double-sided tape 50 is positioned between the lower film 40 and the frame 10. Specifically, the double-sided tape 50 is positioned between the base end 42 of the lower film 40 and the attachment surface 13 of the frame 10.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the side seal 30 (30A, 30B) has a seal side surface 35. The seal side surface 35 has a first side surface 35A and a second side surface 35B. For the side seal 30A, the first side surface 35A is the side surface facing the other axial direction. For the side seal 30B, the first side surface 35A is the side surface facing one axial direction. The second side surface 35B is the side surface facing upstream in the rotation direction of the developing roller 20.

[0040] The frame 10 has a frame surface 15 at each end in the axial direction. The frame surface 15 has a first frame surface 15A and a second frame surface 15B. The first frame surface 15A faces the first side surface 35A of the side seal 30 in the axial direction. The second frame surface 15B faces the second side surface 35B of the side seal 30 in the rotational direction.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the frame 10 has a protrusion 70. The protrusion 70 is located on the frame surface 15. More specifically, the protrusion 70 is located on the first frame surface 15A. The protrusion 70 protrudes in the axial direction from the first frame surface 15A.

[0042] The side seal 30 has a recess 80. The recess 80 is located on the seal side surface 35. More specifically, the recess 80 is located on the first side surface 35A. The recess 80 is a recess into which the protrusion 70 of the frame 10 fits, and has a shape recessed in the axial direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the structure around the side seal 30A shown in Fig. 4 and the structure around the side seal 30B shown in Fig. 5 are substantially symmetrical in the axial direction. In the following, the structure around the side seal 30A will be described as a representative, and a description of the structure around the side seal 30B will be omitted.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 6, the convex portion 70 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the double-sided tape 50 side. Note that in Fig. 6 and other figures, the double-sided tape 50 is hatched with dots. The convex portion 70 has a first surface 71, a second surface 72, and a third surface 73. The first surface 71, the second surface 72, and the third surface 73 are the surfaces of the convex portion 70 that come into contact with the recessed portion 80 when the convex portion 70 and the recessed portion 80 are fitted together.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the first surface 71 is a surface located at the apex of the protrusion 70 when viewed from the double-sided tape 50 side. In other words, the first surface 71 is an end surface on one side in the axial direction of the protrusion 70. The first surface 71 is perpendicular to the axial direction. The second surface 72 extends in the axial direction from the upstream end of the first surface 71 in the rotation direction. The third surface 73 extends in the axial direction from the downstream end of the first surface 71 in the rotation direction.

[0046] The first surface 71, the second surface 72, and the third surface 73 are each perpendicular to the attachment surface 13. The first surface 71 and the first frame surface 15A are parallel. The second surface 72 and the third surface 73 are parallel. The second surface 72 and the third surface 73 are each parallel to the second frame surface 15B.

[0047] The protrusions 70 and the recesses 80 are spaced apart from the corners 15C between the first frame surface 15A and the second frame surface 15B. In the first embodiment, the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80 are located downstream of the corners 15C in the rotation direction of the developing roller 20.

[0048] The double-sided tape 50 is attached across the attachment surface 13 of the frame 10 and the upstream end E2 of the side seal 30 (30A, 30B). The boundary between the convex portion 70 and the concave portion 80 is covered with the double-sided tape 50. In the embodiment, the entire boundary between the convex portion 70 and the concave portion 80 is covered with the double-sided tape 50.

[0049] In the embodiment, the double-sided tape 50 is attached to and covered over most of the boundary between the frame surface 15 and the seal side surface 35. More specifically, the boundary between the first frame surface 15A and the first side surface 35A has the double-sided tape 50 attached to and covered over the upstream end in the rotation direction. Furthermore, the boundary between the second frame surface 15B and the second side surface 35B has the double-sided tape 50 attached to and covered over almost the entire boundary.

[0050] Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described. The frame 10 has a convex part 70, the side seal 30 has a concave part 80 into which the convex part 70 fits, and the boundary between the convex part 70 and the concave part 80 is covered with the double-sided tape 50 that is stuck thereon, thereby suppressing toner leakage from between the side seal 30 and the frame 10.

[0051] By positioning the protrusion 70 on the frame surface 15 and the recess 80 on the seal side surface 35, toner leakage from between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 can be suppressed.

[0052] More specifically, the protrusions 70 are located on the frame surface 15, and the recesses 80 are located on the seal side surface 35, and they fit together, making it possible to make the shape of the portion where the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 face each other more complex and longer. As a result, even if toner gets into the gap between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 from between the downstream end of the first frame surface 15A in the rotation direction and the first side surface 35A due to vibrations during transportation of the developing device 1, as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 6, the toner can be blocked by the protrusions 70. This makes it difficult for toner that gets into the gap between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 to move to the outer end in the axial direction between the second frame surface 15B and the second side surface 35B.

[0053] Furthermore, by having the double-sided tape 50 attached to and covering the boundaries between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80, it is possible to prevent toner from leaking toward the double-sided tape 50 from the boundaries between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80. In particular, in this embodiment, by having the double-sided tape 50 attached to and covering most of the boundaries between the frame surface 15 and the seal side surface 35, it is possible to prevent toner from leaking toward the double-sided tape 50 from the boundaries between the frame surface 15 and the seal side surface 35, including the boundaries between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80.

[0054] This makes it possible to prevent toner leakage from between the side seal 30 and the frame 10. More specifically, it is possible to prevent toner leakage from between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15.

[0055] The frame 10 has the protrusion 70 and the side seal 30 has the recess 80 into which the protrusion 70 fits, so that when the side seal 30 is assembled to the frame 10, the positional accuracy of the side seal 30 relative to the frame 10 can be improved.

[0056] Because the surfaces 71 to 73 of the protrusions 70 located on the frame surface 15 that contact the recesses 80 are perpendicular to the attachment surface 13, the adhesion between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80 can be improved, compared to when the surfaces are inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface 13. In particular, the adhesion between the first surfaces 71 of the protrusions 70 and the inner surfaces of the recesses 80 in the axial direction can be improved. Also, the adhesion between the second surfaces 72 of the protrusions 70 and the inner surfaces of the recesses 80 in the rotational direction can be improved. This makes it difficult for toner to pass between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80, thereby further suppressing toner leakage from between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15.

[0057] By making the shape of the protrusions 70 as seen from the double-sided tape 50 side quadrangular, it is possible to ensure a sufficient contact length between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80 compared to when the shape of the protrusions as seen from the double-sided tape 50 side is semicircular or triangular. This makes it difficult for toner to pass between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80, thereby further suppressing toner leakage from between the side seal 30 and the frame 10.

[0058] By locating the protrusions 70 and recesses 80 away from the corner 15C between the first frame surface 15A and the second frame surface 15B, it is possible to ensure a longer length of the portion where the seal side surface 35 faces the frame surface 15 compared to when the protrusions 70 and recesses 80 are located at positions overlapping the corner 15C. This makes it more difficult for toner to pass between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15, thereby further suppressing toner leakage from between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15.

[0059] Since the frame 10 has a toner filling port 14 at the other axial end, toner leakage from between the frame surface 15 and the seal side surface 35 of the side seal 30A, which contacts one axial end of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20, can be effectively suppressed when toner is being filled.

[0060] More specifically, when toner is filled into the developing device 1 with the filling port 14 facing up, the side seal 30A is positioned downward, and toner is likely to get in between the sealing side surface 35 of the side seal 30A and the frame surface 15. In this embodiment, the boundary between the protrusion 70 of the frame 10 and the recess 80 of the side seal 30A is covered with double-sided tape 50, thereby preventing toner leakage from between the sealing side surface 35 of the side seal 30A and the frame surface 15. This effectively prevents toner leakage from between the sealing side surface 35 of the side seal 30A and the frame surface 15 during toner filling.

[0061] Because the protrusions 70 are located on the first frame surface 15A and protrude in the axial direction, when toner is filled into the developing device 1 with the filling port 14 facing up, the toner must move against the direction of gravity between the second surface 72 of the protrusions 70 and the inner surface of the recessed portion 80 in order to pass through the contact surface between the protrusions 70 and the recessed portion 80. This makes it difficult for the toner to pass through the contact surface between the protrusions 70 and the recessed portion 80. This more effectively prevents toner leakage from between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 during toner filling.

[0062] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the previously described embodiment. The same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0063] 7, in the second embodiment, the frame 10 has a recess 80. The recess 80 is located in the frame surface 15. More specifically, the recess 80 is located in the first frame surface 15A. The recess 80 has a shape recessed in the axial direction.

[0064] The side seal 30 has a protrusion 70. The protrusion 70 is located on the seal side surface 35. More specifically, the protrusion 70 is located on the first side surface 35A. The protrusion 70 protrudes in the axial direction.

[0065] 8, the recess 80 has a first surface 81, a second surface 82, and a third surface 83. The first surface 81, the second surface 82, and the third surface 83 are surfaces of the recess 80 that come into contact with the protrusion 70 when the protrusion 70 and the recess 80 are fitted together.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the first surface 81 is a surface located at the bottom of the recess 80 when viewed from the double-sided tape 50 side. The first surface 81 is perpendicular to the axial direction. The second surface 82 extends in the axial direction from the upstream end of the first surface 81 in the rotation direction. The third surface 83 extends in the axial direction from the downstream end of the first surface 81 in the rotation direction.

[0067] The first surface 81, the second surface 82, and the third surface 83 are each perpendicular to the attachment surface 13. The first surface 81 and the first frame surface 15A are parallel. The second surface 82 and the third surface 83 are parallel. The second surface 82 and the third surface 83 are each parallel to the second frame surface 15B.

[0068] Next, the effects of the second embodiment will be described. The side seal 30 has a convex part 70, the frame 10 has a concave part 80, and the boundary between the convex part 70 and the concave part 80 is covered with the double-sided tape 50 by being stuck thereon, thereby suppressing toner leakage from between the side seal 30 and the frame 10.

[0069] The side seal 30 has a protrusion 70 and the frame 10 has a recess 80 into which the protrusion 70 fits, so that when the side seal 30 is assembled to the frame 10, the positional accuracy of the side seal 30 relative to the frame 10 can be improved.

[0070] By positioning the protrusions 70 on the seal side surfaces 35 and the recesses 80 on the frame surface 15, toner leakage from between the seal side surfaces 35 and the frame surface 15 can be suppressed.

[0071] Because the surfaces 81 to 83 of the recesses 80 located on the frame surface 15 that come into contact with the protrusions 70 are perpendicular to the attachment surface 13, the adhesion between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80 can be improved, compared to when the surfaces are inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface 13. In particular, the adhesion between the protrusions 70 and the first surfaces 81 of the recesses 80 in the axial direction can be improved. Also, the adhesion between the protrusions 70 and the third surfaces 83 of the recesses 80 in the rotational direction can be improved. This makes it difficult for toner to pass between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80, thereby further suppressing toner leakage from between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15.

[0072] Because the protrusions 70 are located on the first side surface 35A and protrude in the axial direction, when toner is filled into the developing device 1 with the filling port 14 facing up, the toner must move against the direction of gravity between the protrusions 70 and the third surface 83 of the recessed portion 80 in order to pass through the contact surface between the protrusions 70 and the recessed portion 80. This makes it difficult for the toner to pass through the contact surface between the protrusions 70 and the recessed portion 80. This more effectively prevents toner leakage from between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 during toner filling.

[0073] Next, a third embodiment will be described. 9, in the third embodiment, the frame 10 has a protrusion 70. The protrusion 70 is located on the second frame surface 15B. The protrusion 70 protrudes in the rotation direction.

[0074] The side seal 30 has a recess 80. The recess 80 is located on the second side surface 35B. The recess 80 has a shape that is recessed in the rotational direction.

[0075] The protrusion 70 has a fourth surface 74, a fifth surface 75, and a sixth surface 76. The fourth surface 74, the fifth surface 75, and the sixth surface 76 are surfaces of the protrusion 70 that come into contact with the recess 80 when the protrusion 70 and the recess 80 are fitted together.

[0076] The fourth surface 74 is a surface located at the apex of the protrusion 70 when viewed from the double-sided tape 50 side. In other words, the fourth surface 74 is an end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the protrusion 70. The fifth surface 75 extends from the inner end of the fourth surface 74 in the axial direction. The sixth surface 76 extends from the outer end of the fourth surface 74 in the axial direction.

[0077] The fourth surface 74, the fifth surface 75, and the sixth surface 76 are each perpendicular to the attachment surface 13. The fourth surface 74 and the second frame surface 15B are parallel. The fifth surface 75 and the sixth surface 76 are parallel. The fifth surface 75 and the sixth surface 76 are each parallel to the first frame surface 15A.

[0078] The protrusion 70 and the recess 80 are spaced apart from the corner 15C between the first frame surface 15A and the second frame surface 15B. In the third embodiment, the protrusion 70 and the recess 80 are located further outward in the axial direction from the corner 15C.

[0079] In the third embodiment, the protrusions 70 are located on the second frame surface 15B and protrude in the rotation direction. Therefore, for example, when the developing device 1 is transported with the protrusions 70 facing upward, toner must move against the direction of gravity between the sixth surface 76 of the protrusions 70 and the inner surface of the recesses 80 to pass through the contact surface between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80. Therefore, it is difficult for the toner to pass through the contact surface between the protrusions 70 and the recesses 80. This effectively prevents toner from leaking from between the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 during transportation.

[0080] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. 10, in the fourth embodiment, the side seal 30 has a protrusion 70. The protrusion 70 is located on the second side surface 35B. The protrusion 70 protrudes in the rotation direction.

[0081] The frame 10 has a recess 80. The recess 80 is located on the second frame surface 15B. The recess 80 has a shape that is recessed in the rotation direction.

[0082] The recess 80 has a fourth surface 84, a fifth surface 85, and a sixth surface 86. The fourth surface 84, the fifth surface 85, and the sixth surface 86 are surfaces of the recess 80 that come into contact with the protrusion 70 when the protrusion 70 and the recess 80 are fitted together.

[0083] The fourth surface 84 is a surface located at the bottom of the recess 80 when viewed from the double-sided tape 50 side. The fifth surface 85 extends from the inner end of the fourth surface 84 in the axial direction. The sixth surface 86 extends from the outer end of the fourth surface 84 in the axial direction.

[0084] The fourth surface 84, the fifth surface 85, and the sixth surface 86 are each perpendicular to the attachment surface 13. The fourth surface 84 and the second frame surface 15B are parallel to each other. The fifth surface 85 and the sixth surface 86 are parallel to each other. The fifth surface 85 and the sixth surface 86 are each parallel to the first frame surface 15A.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, the protrusions 70 are located on the second side surface 35B and protrude in the rotation direction. Therefore, for example, when the developing device 1 is transported with the protrusions 70 facing downward, toner must move against the direction of gravity between the protrusions 70 and the sixth surface 86 of the recessed portion 80 in order to pass through the contact surface between the protrusions 70 and the recessed portion 80. Therefore, it is difficult for the toner to pass through the contact surface between the protrusions 70 and the recessed portion 80. This effectively prevents toner from leaking from between the sealing side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 during transportation.

[0086] Although the embodiment has been described above, the developing device can be modified as appropriate as exemplified below.

[0087] For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the convex portion 70 may have a first convex portion 70A and a second convex portion 70B, and the concave portion 80 may have a first concave portion 80A and a second concave portion 80B. The first convex portion 70A protrudes in the axial direction. The second convex portion 70B protrudes in the rotational direction. The first concave portion 80A is a concave portion into which the first convex portion 70A fits, and has a shape that is concave in the axial direction. The second concave portion 80B is a concave portion into which the second convex portion 70B fits, and has a shape that is concave in the rotational direction.

[0088] The boundary between the first convex portion 70A and the first concave portion 80A is covered with double-sided tape 50. The boundary between the second convex portion 70B and the second concave portion 80B is covered with double-sided tape 50.

[0089] In a first modified example shown in Fig. 11, the frame 10 has a first protrusion 70A and a second protrusion 70B. The side seal 30 has a first recess 80A and a second recess 80B. The first protrusion 70A is located on the first frame surface 15A, and the second protrusion 70B is located on the second frame surface 15B. The first recess 80A is located on the first side surface 35A, and the second recess 80B is located on the second side surface 35B.

[0090] In the first modification, the first protrusion 70A has a rib shape that is thin in the rotational direction. The second protrusion 70B has a rib shape that is thin in the axial direction. By forming the protrusions 70A, 70B of the frame 10 in a thin rib shape, recesses 80A, 80B of the side seal 30 into which the protrusions 70A, 70B fit can be provided, for example, by cutting notches in the side seal 30.

[0091] In a second modified example shown in Figure 12, the side seal 30 has a first protrusion 70A and a second protrusion 70B. The frame 10 has a first recess 80A and a second recess 80B. The first protrusion 70A is located on the first side surface 35A, and the second protrusion 70B is located on the second side surface 35B. The first recess 80A is located on the first frame surface 15A, and the second recess 80B is located on the second frame surface 15B.

[0092] In a third modified example shown in Figure 13, the frame 10 has a first protrusion 70A and a second recess 80B. The side seal 30 has a first recess 80A and a second protrusion 70B. The first protrusion 70A is located on the first frame surface 15A, and the second protrusion 70B is located on the second side surface 35B. The first recess 80A is located on the first side surface 35A, and the second recess 80B is located on the second frame surface 15B.

[0093] In a fourth modified example shown in Figure 14, the frame 10 has a first recess 80A and a second protrusion 70B. The side seal 30 has a first protrusion 70A and a second recess 80B. The first protrusion 70A is located on the first side surface 35A, and the second protrusion 70B is located on the second frame surface 15B. The first recess 80A is located on the first frame surface 15A, and the second recess 80B is located on the second side surface 35B.

[0094] By providing two sets of protrusions 70 and recesses 80, the length of the portion where the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 face each other can be made longer and the shape can be made more complex, thereby further suppressing toner leakage from between the side seal 30 and the frame 10. In addition, when the side seal 30 is assembled to the frame 10, the positional accuracy of the side seal 30 relative to the frame 10 can be further improved.

[0095] The two sets of projections and recesses may be located only on the first side surface 35A and the first frame surface 15A facing the first side surface 35A. The two sets of projections and recesses may be located only on the second side surface 35B and the second frame surface 15B facing the second side surface 35B.

[0096] The number of protrusions and recesses on the first side surface 35A and the first frame surface 15A may be the same as or different from the number of protrusions and recesses on the second side surface 35B and the second frame surface 15B.

[0097] In the embodiment, the convex portion 70 and the concave portion 80 are spaced apart from the corner portion 15C between the first frame surface 15A and the second frame surface 15B, but the convex portion 70 and the concave portion 80 may also be positioned so as to overlap with the corner portion 15C.

[0098] For example, in a fifth modified example shown in FIG. 15 , the side seal 30 has a protrusion 70, and the frame 10 has a recess 80. The protrusion 70 is located on the first side surface 35A. The protrusion 70 protrudes in the axial direction so that its upstream surface in the direction of rotation is flush with the second side surface 35B. The recess 80 is located on the first frame surface 15A. The recess 80 has a shape that is recessed in the axial direction so that its upstream surface in the direction of rotation is flush with the second frame surface 15B.

[0099] In a sixth modified example shown in FIG. 16 , the side seal 30 has a protrusion 70, and the frame 10 has a recess 80. The protrusion 70 is located on the second side surface 35B. The protrusion 70 protrudes in the rotational direction so that its axially inner surface is flush with the first side surface 35A. The recess 80 is located on the second frame surface 15B. The recess 80 has a shape that is recessed in the rotational direction so that its axially inner surface is flush with the first frame surface 15A.

[0100] 17, the frame 10 has a protrusion 70, and the side seal 30 has a recess 80. The protrusion 70 is located on the first frame surface 15A and the second frame surface 15B. The protrusion 70 is provided so as to protrude in the axial and rotational directions from the corner between the surface of the first frame surface 15A extending upstream in the rotational direction and the surface of the second frame surface 15B extending inward in the axial direction.

[0101] The recess 80 is located on the first side surface 35A and the second side surface 35B. The recess 80 has a shape that is recessed in the axial and rotational directions, as if an inner corner in the axial direction of the upstream end E2 of the side seal 30 was cut out.

[0102] Even with the modified example shown in Figures 15 to 17, the shape of the part where the seal side surface 35 and the frame surface 15 face each other can be made more complex than when there are no convex portions 70 and concave portions 80, thereby suppressing toner leakage from between the side seal 30 and the frame 10.

[0103] In the embodiment, the shape of the protrusions 70 when viewed from the double-sided tape 50 side is rectangular, but the shape of the protrusions when viewed from the double-sided tape side may be semicircular, triangular, or the like.

[0104] In the embodiment, the surfaces 71 to 73 of the protrusions 70 located on the frame surface 15 that contact the recesses 80 are perpendicular to the attachment surface 13, but for example, the surfaces of the protrusions that contact the recesses may be inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the attachment surface. The same applies to the surfaces of the recesses located on the frame surface that contact the protrusions.

[0105] In the embodiment, the entire boundary between the convex portion 70 and the concave portion 80 is covered with the double-sided tape 50, but for example, only a portion of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion may be covered with the double-sided tape.

[0106] The elements described in the embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Developing device 10 frames 20 Developing roller 20X Developing roller shaft 30 Side seal 40 Lower Film 50 double-sided tape 70 Convex part 80 recess E1 downstream end E2 upstream end

Claims

1. A developing device, The frame and a developing roller rotatable about a developing roller shaft extending in an axial direction relative to the frame; a side seal that contacts one end of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller in the axial direction, the side seal extending in the rotation direction of the developing roller, and positioned between the developing roller and the frame; a lower film extending in the axial direction and in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the developing roller, the lower film being positioned closer to an upstream end of the side seal in the rotational direction than to a downstream end of the side seal in the rotational direction; a double-sided tape positioned between the lower film and the frame, the double-sided tape attaching the lower film and the frame to each other; one of the side seal and the frame has a protrusion, the other of the side seal and the frame has a recess into which the protrusion fits, The developing device is characterized in that at least a part of the boundary between the convex portion and the concave portion is covered with the double-sided tape attached thereto.

2. the side seal has a seal side surface having a first side surface facing the other side in the axial direction and a second side surface facing upstream in the rotation direction, the frame has a frame surface having a first frame surface facing the first side surface in the axial direction and a second frame surface facing the second side surface in the rotational direction, the protrusion is located on one of the seal side surface and the frame surface, 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is located on the other of the seal side surface and the frame surface.

3. the frame extends in the axial direction and has an attachment surface to which the double-sided tape is attached; the protrusion is located on the frame surface, 3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the surface of the protrusion that contacts the recess is perpendicular to the attachment surface.

4. the frame extends in the axial direction and has an attachment surface to which the double-sided tape is attached; the recess is located on the frame surface, 3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the surface of the recess that contacts the protrusion is perpendicular to the attachment surface.

5. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion has a rectangular shape when viewed from the double-sided tape side.

6. 3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion and the recess are spaced apart from a corner between the first frame surface and the second frame surface.

7. The frame is It can accommodate toner, 3. The developing device according to claim 2, further comprising a toner filling port at the other end in the axial direction.

8. 8. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion is located on one of the first side surface and the first frame surface, and protrudes in the axial direction.

9. 3. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is located on one of the second side surface and the second frame surface, and protrudes in the rotation direction.

Images