Container

Abstract

To prevent toner leakage from a container storing toner used for an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A container for storing developer comprises: a first frame body; a second frame body that is connected to the first frame body and forms a storage part for storing the developer with the first frame body; and a connection member that is applied between the first frame body and the second frame body in a molten state and is cured to connect the first frame body and the second frame body to each other. The storage part has a vent hole formed to communicate the inside and the outside of the storage part with each other, and the vent hole has a ventilation filter arranged to regulate passage of the developer and permit passage of air.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of image forming apparatus configuration is a process cartridge that integrates a photosensitive drum, process means that act on the photosensitive drum, and a toner (developer) storage compartment into a unit that can be detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes a development unit that includes a development roller and a development blade, and a photosensitive unit that includes a photosensitive drum and a cleaning blade. These units include a frame that supports the process means, and the frame is provided with a container that serves as a toner storage chamber. In some cases, a detachable toner cartridge is provided in the main body of the apparatus or the process cartridge. The toner cartridge also includes a toner storage compartment in the frame.

[0003] Here, the frame constituting the toner storage compartment may be manufactured by joining multiple frame members. Examples of connection methods include ultrasonic welding, adhesives, and molten resin (hot melt). For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of manufacturing a container by forming uneven portions at the connection portions of each frame member and fixing the gaps with adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-134690 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To prevent toner leakage from the container, the toner storage section must be sealed. However, if a sealed container is placed in a high-temperature environment, for example during transportation, the internal pressure increases, creating gaps at the joints of the frame, which can lead to toner leakage.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to prevent toner leakage from a container that stores toner used in an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention employs the following configuration: A container for containing a developer, A first frame body; a second frame connected to the first frame and forming, together with the first frame, a container for containing a developer; a connecting member that is applied in a molten state between the first frame body and the second frame body and hardens to connect the first frame body and the second frame body; Equipped with The container has a ventilation hole that connects the inside and outside of the container, and a ventilation filter that restricts the passage of developer and allows the passage of air is disposed in the ventilation hole. The container is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent toner leakage from a container that stores toner used in an image forming apparatus. It can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views of the joint portion showing the joint configuration of the frame body. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge; [Figure 4]Cross-sectional view of a process cartridge [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration for attaching and detaching a process cartridge to an image forming apparatus; [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the frame structure of the developing unit; [Figure 7] 10(a) and 10(b) are external views showing the joint portion of the developing frame; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing assembly of a developing cover to a developing container; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the attachment of the cleaning member to the developing container. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the frame structure of a development unit; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connecting member to a developing cover is applied; [Figure 12] 10(a) to 10(c) are partial perspective views showing a method for fixing a developing cover to a developing container. [Figure 13] 10(a) to 10(c) are partial perspective views showing a method for fixing a developing cover to a developing container. [Figure 14] 10(a) to 10(c) are partial perspective views showing a method for fixing a developing cover to a developing container. [Figure 15] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams showing a developer storage chamber of a development unit; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a ventilation filter mounting structure of the development unit; [Figure 17] 10(a) to 10(c) are side views showing the ventilation filter mounting structure of the development unit. [Figure 18] (a) to (b) are side views showing a method for fixing the ventilation filter. [Figure 19] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the relative positions of the ventilation filter and hot melt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following examples will exemplarily illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the configurations disclosed in the following examples, such as the functions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components, are merely examples of embodiments related to the claims, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the configurations disclosed in these examples. Furthermore, the problems solved by the configurations disclosed in the following examples or the actions or effects obtained from the disclosed configurations are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0011] [Example 1] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as image forming apparatus 1) is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of image forming apparatuses include electrophotographic copying machines, electrophotographic facsimile machines, electrophotographic printers (laser printers, LED printers, etc.), combined machines (multifunction printers) thereof, electrophotographic word processors, etc. Examples of recording materials include sheet-like recording media such as recording paper and plastic sheets.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment employs a so-called cartridge system. A cartridge is a unit that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus, and includes a photosensitive member and process means that act on the photosensitive member (for example, a charging member, a developing member, a cleaning member, etc.).

[0013] In the following embodiments, a monochromatic laser printer to which one process cartridge can be attached is exemplified as the image forming apparatus. However, the number of cartridges to be attached to the image forming apparatus is not limited to this, and for example, a full-color laser printer is configured to be able to attach and detach multiple process cartridges to form toner images of different colors.

[0014] <Overall overview of the device> FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 has a configuration in which a sheet feeding unit 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing unit 105, and a laser scanner 101 are installed in an apparatus main body A. In addition, a process cartridge B and a toner cartridge C are detachably disposed in the apparatus main body A. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge B.

[0015] The process cartridge B is composed of a cleaning unit 10 (first unit) and a developing unit 15 (second unit). The cleaning unit 10 has a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, a charging roller 12 as a charging member, a cleaning blade 13 as a cleaning member, and a waste toner storage unit 14. The charging roller 12 is arranged to contact the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 11 and to rotate following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11. The charging roller 12 charges the photosensitive drum 11 by contact when a voltage is applied from the main body A of the apparatus.

[0016] The cleaning blade 13 is an elastic member such as a rubber blade that is arranged so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The tip of the cleaning blade 13 elastically contacts the photosensitive drum 11, thereby removing toner (developer) remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 after a sheet S serving as a recording material has passed between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104. The waste toner removed by the cleaning blade 13 is temporarily stored in a waste toner storage section 14, which is a waste toner container within the cleaning unit 10. The waste toner is then transported to the toner cartridge C through a waste toner transport path (not shown).

[0017] The developing unit 15 has a developing roller 16 (developer carrier) and a developing blade 17 as developing means. The developing unit 15 also has a developing chamber 151 in which the developing roller 16 is rotatably disposed, and a developer storage chamber 152 as a storage section that supplies toner to the developing chamber 151. The developing roller 16 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by supplying toner to the development area of ​​the photosensitive drum 11. The developing blade 17 contacts the circumferential surface of the developing roller 16 and regulates the thickness of the toner layer that adheres to the circumferential surface of the developing roller 16, thereby determining the amount of toner. The developing blade 17 also imparts a frictional charge to the toner.

[0018] The toner stored in the developer storage chamber 152 is sent to the developing chamber 151 by the rotation of the stirring member 154, which serves as a transport member, and is supplied to the developing roller 16. When a remaining amount detection means (not shown) detects that the amount of toner in the developer storage chamber 152 has fallen below a certain level, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B.

[0019] The toner cartridge C has a toner supply unit 2 that supplies toner to the process cartridge B, and a waste toner recovery unit (not shown) that recovers waste toner from the process cartridge B.

[0020] <Image formation operation> The photosensitive drum 11, which is rotated by a drive source, is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 12. After charging, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed to light based on image information by a laser scanner 101, and the charge in the exposed area is removed to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 is visualized as a toner image by the supply of toner from the developing roller 16.

[0021] Meanwhile, in parallel with this toner image forming operation, the sheet S is transported along the sheet feeding section 103. Thereafter, the sheet S is also transported to the transfer section in time with the timing when the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 reaches the transfer section between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104. When the sheet S passes through the transfer section, a bias is applied to the transfer roller 104, and the sheet S is The toner image is transferred onto the sheet S. Thereafter, when the sheet S is further conveyed and passes through the fixing section 105, the unfixed image is heated and pressurized to be fixed onto the surface of the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S is discharged onto the discharge tray 106.

[0022] <Process cartridge overview> The configuration of the process cartridge B in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge B. Figure 3(a) is a schematic perspective view of one side of the process cartridge B in a direction perpendicular to the plane of Figure 2 (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 11), and Figure 3(b) is a schematic perspective view of the other side. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge B cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0023] In the process cartridge B, the line connecting the fulcrums 8a and 8b forms the rotation center 8. The developing unit 15 is coupled to the cleaning unit 10 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center 8. The developing unit 15 is biased by a pressure spring 19 (see FIG. 3(b)), which is an elastic member, and is configured to rotate around the rotation center 8, with the developing roller 16 coming into contact with the photosensitive drum 11. The biasing force of the pressure spring 19 applies a moment in the R1 direction in FIG. 4 to the developing unit 15. This allows the developing roller 16 to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 with a predetermined pressure. The position of the developing unit 15 relative to the cleaning unit 10 at this time is referred to as the contact position.

[0024] A method for mounting and dismounting the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main body A will be described using the schematic perspective view of Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the space inside the apparatus main body A serves as the mounting portion for the process cartridge B. The opening and closing door 4 is provided rotatably relative to the apparatus main body A, and Figure 5 shows the opening and closing door 4 in an open state.

[0025] The apparatus main body A has guide portions 6 and 7. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the process cartridge B has an upper boss 93 and a lower boss 95, which are protrusions that protrude in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction), on one side surface in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction), and an upper boss 94 and a lower boss 96 on the other side surface. By sandwiching the guide portion 6 between the upper boss 93 and the lower boss 95, and the guide portion 7 between the upper boss 94 and the lower boss 96, the process cartridge B can be inserted in the direction D in FIG. 5 while being guided by the guide portions 6 and 7. After inserting the process cartridge B, closing the opening / closing door 4 enables image formation. To remove the process cartridge B, the above procedure is reversed.

[0026] <Configuration of developing frame of cartridge> The configuration of the developing frame that constitutes the developer storage chamber 152 of the developing unit 15 will be described using Figures 4, 6, and 7. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the divided configuration of the developing cover 22. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams showing the connecting portion between the developing container 21 (first frame) and the developing cover 22 (second frame), as viewed from the opposing side of each connecting portion (the side where each opening is open).

[0027] As shown in the figure, the developing frame is composed of a developing container 21 as a first frame body made of resin that holds the main components, the developing roller 16 and the developing blade 17, and a developing cover 22 as a second frame body made of resin that occupies most of the developer storage chamber 152.

[0028] The internal space of the developing frame, particularly the developer accommodating chamber 152, is formed by connecting the internal space of the developing container 21 and the internal space of the developing cover 22. The developing container 21 has an opening (first opening) 21o that opens its internal space, and similarly, the developing cover 22 has an opening (second opening) 22o that opens its internal space. The opening 21o of the developing container 21 allows the inside of the developing container 21 to be exposed. The opening 22o of the developer cover 22 is an opening for communicating with the inside of the developer cover 22, and the opening 22o of the developer cover 22 is an opening for communicating the inside of the developer cover 22 with the inside of the developer container 21. In other words, by connecting these openings 21o and 22o to each other, the internal spaces of the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22 communicate with each other.

[0029] The developer container 21 and the developer cover 22 are connected to each other by sealingly connecting the opening edge portions 21ob, 22ob of the respective openings 21o, 22o. The opening edge portion 21ob of the opening 21o of the developer container 21 is provided with a connection surface 21L (first surface) that forms a circular connection line so as to surround the opening 21o of the developer container 21. Similarly, the opening edge portion 22ob of the opening 22o of the developer cover 22 is provided with a connection surface 22L (second surface) that forms a circular connection line so as to surround the opening 22o of the developer cover 22. The connection surface 21L includes a flat portion 21Lf that extends in a plane, an inclined portion 21Li that extends in a direction inclined relative to the flat portion 21Lf, and a curved portion 21Lc that extends in a curved shape. In other words, the connection surface 21L is a connection surface whose height changes in the direction facing the connection surface 22L. Similarly, the connection surface 22L includes a flat portion 22Lf extending in a plane, an inclined portion 22Li extending in a direction inclined relative to the flat portion 22Lf, a curved portion 22Lc extending in a curved shape, etc. In other words, the connection surface 22L is a connection surface whose height changes in the direction facing the connection surface 21L.

[0030] That is, the connection surface 21L of the developing unit 15 in this embodiment includes a flat portion 21Lf and inclined portions such as a sloped portion 21Li and a curved portion 21Lc that are located at a different position from the flat portion 21Lf in the direction along the opening edge 22ob of the opening 22o. The inclined portions such as the sloped portion 21Li and the curved portion 21Lc include portions that extend in a direction away from the flat portion 21Lf in a direction perpendicular to the flat portion 21Lf as they move in the direction along the opening edge 22ob of the opening 22o. The sloped portion 21Li and the curved portion 21Lc are examples of such inclined portions. The curved portion 21Lc is a portion that forms a curved surface at a different position from the flat portion 21Lf on the connection surface 21L in the direction along the opening edge 22ob of the opening 22o. The inclined surface portion 21Li is a portion that forms a planar surface at a position different from the planar surface formed by the planar portion 21Lf and the curved surface portion 21Lc in the direction along the opening edge portion 22ob of the opening 22o, and that has an angle different from that of the planar surface formed by the planar portion 21Lf.

[0031] A rib (protrusion) 21a is provided on the connection surface 21L of the developer container 21, protruding from the connection surface 21L and extending in an annular shape along the direction in which the connection surface 21L extends so as to surround the opening 21o. Furthermore, a groove (recess) 22a is provided on the connection surface 22L of the developer cover 22, recessed from the connection surface 22L and extending in an annular shape along the direction in which the connection surface 22L extends so as to surround the opening 22o. The annular rib 21a is inserted into the annular groove 22a, and a gap therebetween is sealed and connected with hot melt 43, which serves as a connecting member described later, thereby forming an annular connecting portion between the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22.

[0032] The hot melt used in this embodiment has lower rigidity than the material used for the frame (e.g., ABS, polystyrene, etc.), and is applied to the developing cover 22 in a molten state at high temperature during the cartridge assembly process. The Young's modulus, which is an index of rigidity, of the frame materials ABS and polystyrene is 2000 to 3000 MPa, whereas the hot melt used in this embodiment has a sufficiently low Young's modulus of about 5 MPa at room temperature. Furthermore, when the cartridge is heated to about 40°C during use in an image forming apparatus, the hot melt further softens, and its Young's modulus becomes about 1 / 5.

[0033] In addition to the developer cover 22, developer covers 23 and 24 having different developer accommodating portions with different volumes are prepared as shown in Fig. 6, and are selectively attached to the developer container 21 in accordance with the specifications of the cartridge. Therefore, the shapes of the connection portions of the developer covers 22 to 24 with the developer container 21 are the same.

[0034] That is, the developing cover 23 has an opening 23o as a second opening configured similarly to the opening 22o of the developing cover 22, and an opening edge 23ob has an annular connecting surface 23L as a second surface configured similarly to the connecting surface 22L of the developing cover 22. The connecting surface 23L includes a flat portion 23Lf configured similarly to the flat portion 22Lf of the developing cover 22, an inclined surface portion 23Li configured similarly to the inclined surface portion 22Li of the developing cover 22, a curved surface portion 23Lc configured similarly to the curved surface portion 22Lc of the developing cover 22, and the like.

[0035] Similarly, the developer cover 24 has an opening 24o as a second opening configured similarly to the opening 22o of the developer cover 22, and an opening edge 24ob has an annular connecting surface 24L as a second surface configured similarly to the connecting surface 22L of the developer cover 22. The connecting surface 24L includes a flat portion 24Lf configured similarly to the flat portion 22Lf of the developer cover 22, an inclined surface portion 24Li configured similarly to the inclined surface portion 22Li of the developer cover 22, a curved surface portion 24Lc configured similarly to the curved surface portion 22Lc of the developer cover 22, and the like.

[0036] <Configuration of the connection portion of the developing frame> Next, the details of the connection portion will be described with reference to Figures 1(a) to 1(c), 7, and 8. Figures 1(a) to 1(c) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the detailed configuration of the connection portion, and illustrate the process of applying hot melt 43. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the divided configuration of the developing frame.

[0037] When assembling multiple units with different toner capacities, the frame of the common portion, which includes the development blade, cleaning blade, etc., must be made smaller to accommodate the smaller capacity units. To eliminate wasted space, it is effective to form the connection surfaces (connection lines) between the frames not simply by joining flat surfaces (i.e., a combination of straight lines) but by creating a line that avoids the various components that are to be placed, as shown in Figure 8. Forming such connection lines is difficult using ultrasonic welding, a common joining method. This requires complex welding horn shapes, multiple horns, and difficult placement of receiving parts. This technical difficulty is therefore high. Furthermore, the greater the difference in toner capacity, the greater the difference in unit size. Therefore, a configuration in which other components are assembled after the frame is connected (joined) requires equipment costs and labor, such as conveyor lines and setups, to accommodate different unit sizes.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1(c), the developing cover 22 is provided with a groove (recess) 22a for applying the hot melt 43 on the connecting surface 22L so as to extend along the extending direction of the connecting surface 22L. The developing container 21 is provided with a rib (protrusion) 21a on the connecting surface 21L so as to extend along the extending direction of the connecting surface 21L, the rib being inserted into the groove 22a when connected to the developing cover 22. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a groove (recess) is provided on the developing container 21 and a rib (protrusion) is provided on the developing cover 22. That is, it is sufficient that a rib is provided on one connecting surface of the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22, and a recess is provided on the other connecting surface.

[0039] 1(c) is the state in which the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22 are hermetically connected. In this connected state, gaps are provided between the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22 as indicated by L1 to L5 in the figure. That is, the connection surface 21L of the developer container 21 and the connection surface 22L of the developer cover 22 face each other with a gap in the joining direction of the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22.

[0040] More specifically, between the connection surface 21L and the connection surface 22L, a gap of L1 is formed on the outer side of the frame body with respect to the region where the rib 21a and the groove portion 22a are fitted together, and a gap of L2 is formed on the inner side of the frame body. A gap of L3 is formed between the side surface 21a1 of rib 21a on the outer side of the frame body and the groove side surface 22h of groove portion 22a on the outer side of the frame body, and a gap of L4 is formed between the side surface 21a1 of rib 21a on the inner side of the frame body and the groove side surface 22h of groove portion 22a on the inner side of the frame body.

[0041] Furthermore, a gap L5 is formed between the tip of the rib 21a and the groove bottom surface 22i of the groove 22a. That is, the rib 21a is inserted into the groove 22a so that the tip surface 21a2 of the rib 21a and the groove bottom surface 22i of the groove 22a are spaced apart and do not contact each other. The hot melt 43 is provided between the rib 21a and the groove 22a so as to fill at least a portion of this gap and contact at least both the tip surface 21a2 of the rib 21a and the groove bottom surface 22i of the groove 22a. Thus, the tip surface of the rib 21a, which is a convex portion, and the groove bottom surface 22i, which is a concave portion, do not contact each other over their entirety. This configuration ensures that the hot melt 43 is continuously and uninterruptedly distributed at the connection portion. This reduces the likelihood of gaps forming between the frame members, further suppressing toner leakage. Furthermore, the lack of contact between the rib 21a and the groove bottom surface 22i reduces the amount of contact between the frame members, which also helps prevent deformation of the container after joining.

[0042] As described above, the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 are integrated via the hot melt 43, which is a connecting member.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the ribs 21a and grooves 22a provided on the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22, respectively, are formed around the entire circumference of the annular connecting portion, and the connecting cross section shown in Figure 1(c) is also formed around the entire circumference of the connecting portion.

[0044] Furthermore, the developing container 21 is provided with positioning bosses 21b and 21c (first positioning boss and second positioning boss) and a fixing rib 21d as positioning portions (engagement portions). The developing cover 22 is provided with positioning holes 22b, rotation stop holes 22c, and a fixing portion 22d as positioning portions (engaged portions). As will be described in detail later, these engage with each other to maintain gaps L1 to L5 shown in FIG. 1(c).

[0045] Furthermore, the connection portion of the unit frame in this embodiment is not formed by a simple combination of linear connection surfaces. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10(a), it is formed by a three-dimensional connection surface that is a combination of slopes and curves that avoid the cylindrical portion 21e, which is a support portion for the agitating member 154 disposed in the developer container 21, and the mounting hole 22k of the remaining amount detection member 155 attached to the developer cover 22. That is, the connection surface 21L of the developer container 21 includes, at each of the longitudinal ends of the developer container 21, a convex curved portion 21Lc and sloped portions 21Li on both sides thereof, and a flat portion 21Lf extending in the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal ends. The opposing connection surface 22L of the developer cover 22 includes, at each of the longitudinal ends, a concave curved portion 22Lc and sloped portions 22Li on both sides thereof, and a flat portion 22Lf extending in the longitudinal direction between the longitudinal ends (see FIG. 7, etc.). For this reason, as described above, it is difficult to employ ultrasonic welding, a common joining method.

[0046] <Developing unit manufacturing method> The manufacturing method of the developing unit 15 in this embodiment will be described in detail below, along with the frame positioning configuration. Although many parts such as agitating members, sealing members, and gears are assembled to the developing unit 15, the method for assembling the main parts of the developing unit 15 in this embodiment will be described here, and other parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0047] (1st process: Developing blade assembly (mounting process)) The process of assembling the developing blade (developer regulating member) 17 to the developing container 21 will be described with reference to Figure 9, Figures 10(a) and (b). Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembling structure of the developing blade, and Figures 10(a) and (b) are exploded perspective views showing the state immediately before the second process described later. do.

[0048] First, as shown in FIG. 9, the blade back seal 25, end seals 26, and blow-out prevention member 27, which are sealing members for sealing the periphery of the developer opening 21f of the developer container 21, are attached. Then, the developer blade 17 is assembled as shown and fixed with screws 41. In this embodiment, the developer blade 17 is attached to the developer container 21 before the developer frame is joined. In general ultrasonic joining, dimensional errors and warping effects of the connection parts are corrected while joining, so the developer blade 17 and blow-out prevention member 27 are assembled after the frame is joined to prevent deterioration of positional accuracy. Then, by assembling the developing roller, gears, and other parts as shown in FIG. 10(a), most of the parts that make up the developer unit 15 are assembled to the developer container 21, resulting in the development subunit 20 shown in FIG. 10(b).

[0049] (Second process: Applying connecting material to the developing cover (application process, molten resin supply process)) 1, 7, and 11, a coating configuration (supply configuration) of the hot melt 43, which is a connecting member to the developing cover 22, is shown. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the coating step.

[0050] As described with reference to FIG. 7A, the developing cover 22 has a groove 22a formed around the entire periphery of the opening of the frame body for applying the hot melt 43, which is a molten resin. As shown in FIG. 1A, an application nozzle 81a of an application device 81 is brought close to the groove 22a. Then, starting from the buffer portion 22a1 shown in FIG. 11, the application nozzle 81a moves relative to the groove 22a along the direction in which the annular groove 22a extends, and the molten hot melt 43 is applied sequentially in a single stroke in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0051] 1 to provide a larger space for storing hot melt 43 within groove 22a. In this embodiment, the connecting portion has an inclined portion, and therefore hot melt 43 must also be applied to the inclined surface. However, the amount of hot melt 43 applied is set to an amount that contacts the inner wall of the groove, and therefore the adhesive's viscosity minimizes the effect of dripping.

[0052] (Third process: Connection of the developing container and the developing cover (joining process)) Next, the connecting process and positioning configuration of the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22 will be described using Figures 7(a), (b), 10, Figures 12(a) to (c), Figures 13(a) to (c), and Figures 14(a) to (c). Figures 12(a) to (c) are enlarged perspective views of the vicinity of the positioning boss 21b and the positioning hole 22b, which are positioning portions between the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22. Figures 13(a) to (c) are enlarged perspective views of the vicinity of the positioning boss 21c and the rotation stop hole 22c, which are positioning portions between the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22. Figures 14(a) to (c) are enlarged perspective views of the vicinity of the fixing rib 21d and the fixing portion 22d, which are fixing portions between the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22.

[0053] The developing cover 22 coated with the hot melt 43 is assembled to the developing subunit 20 while the hot melt 43 is still molten, as shown in Fig. 10(a), resulting in the state shown in Fig. 10(b). With this assembly, the ribs 21a are inserted into the grooves 22a so that at least the tips of the ribs 21a are immersed in the molten hot melt 43.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 7(b), the developing container 21 is provided with a first abutment surface 21g, a second abutment surface 21h, and a third abutment surface 21j, which are first abutment portions (first abutment surfaces). On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the developing cover 22 is provided with a first abutment surface 22e, a second abutment surface 22h, and a third abutment surface 22j, which are second abutment portions (second abutment surfaces), at positions facing the above abutment surfaces. The first abutment surface 21g and the second abutment surface 22f, and the third abutment surface 22g are provided. These abutment surfaces form positioning portions for the assembling direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1(b)) of the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22. That is, the first abutment surface 21g and the first abutment surface 22e abut against each other, the second abutment surface 21h and the second abutment surface 22f abut against each other, and the third abutment surface 21j and the third abutment surface 22g abut against each other, thereby regulating the relative positions of the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22 in the assembling direction. Each abutment surface is provided outside the connecting surface with respect to the internal space of the frame, that is, outside the connecting surfaces 21L and 22L in the direction from the inside to the outside of the frame housing portion.

[0055] The developing container 21 is provided with a first positioning boss 21b and a second positioning boss 21c for regulating its position in the longitudinal direction (the direction parallel to the central axis of the photosensitive drum 11). The developing cover 22 is provided with a positioning hole 22b facing the first positioning boss 21b and a rotation stop hole 22c facing the second positioning boss 21c. The first positioning boss 21b and the positioning hole 22b are fitted together (the state shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 12(b)), and the second positioning boss 21c and the rotation stop hole 22c are fitted together (the state shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(b)), thereby regulating the position in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the developing cover 22 is positioned relative to the developing container 21, and at this time, the connection portion changes from the state shown in FIG. 1(b) to the connection state shown in FIG. 1(c). Therefore, the state in which the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 are connected via the hot melt 43 as shown in FIG. 1(c) is maintained around the entire periphery of the connecting portion.

[0056] That is, the joining step includes a moving step of moving at least one of the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 relative to the other so that the tip end of the rib 21a is immersed in the molten hot melt 43. This moving step also includes a positioning step of positioning the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 relative to each other.

[0057] (Fourth step: Fixing the developing container and the developing cover (engagement step)) Next, a method for fixing the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 will be described with reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14. The fixing portions are provided in the same locations as the three abutment surfaces (in the vicinity of each abutment surface). First, the fixing of the positions of the first abutment surfaces 21g and 22e will be described.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 12(b), the positioning boss 21b of the developing container 21 is provided with a first crimped portion 21b1 serving as a fixing portion (engagement portion). Meanwhile, a first engaging portion 22b1 serving as an engaged portion is provided on the edge of the positioning hole 22b of the developing cover 22. In the state shown in FIG. 12(b), the first crimped portion 21b1 is heated by a heating means (not shown) and deformed until it engages with the first engaging portion 22b1 (FIG. 12(c)). As a result, the deformed first crimped portion 21b1 acts as a retainer, and is fixed so as to prevent the first abutment surfaces 21g and 22e arranged in the vicinity thereof from separating from each other.

[0059] 13(b) and 13(c), the second crimping portion 21c1 provided on the second positioning boss 21c is heated and deformed to engage with the second engaging portion 22c1 provided on the edge of the rotation prevention hole 22c. As a result, the deformed second crimping portion 21c1 acts as a retainer, and the second abutment surfaces 21h and 22f arranged in the vicinity thereof are fixed so as to be prevented from moving away from each other.

[0060] Next, the fixing of the third abutment surfaces 21j and 22g will be described. As shown in FIG. 14(a), the third abutment surface 21j on the developer container 21 side is provided with a fixed rib 21d as an engaging portion, and the third abutment surface 22g of the developer cover 22 is provided with a fixed portion 22d as an engaged portion. Here, when the third abutment surfaces 21j and 22g abut against each other, there is a gap between the fixed rib 21d and the fixed portion 22d in the longitudinal direction, so that the third abutment surfaces 21j and 22g abut against each other. The fixing rib 21d is then heated and deformed to engage with the fixing portion 22d, thereby completing the fixing that prevents the third abutment surfaces 21j and 22g located nearby from moving apart. After that, the remaining part, in this embodiment, the bearing member 90 shown in Figure 3(a) is assembled.

[0061] In this embodiment, three fixing portions are provided, but since they are also used for positioning, the fixing portions are arranged at the ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] In this embodiment, the fixing portion is adapted to be engaged by deformation due to heating, but this is not limiting. For example, the fixing portion may be adapted to be engaged by snap fitting or screw fastening.

[0063] Through the engagement process described above, the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 are positioned and fixed to each other, and the hot melt 43 cools and hardens (hardening process), whereby the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 are integrated together, completing the frame of the developing unit 15.

[0064] (Fifth step: Filling the developing unit with developer (filling step)) Finally, a predetermined amount of developer is filled through a filling port 241, which is a hole for filling developer provided in the developing cover 22, and the developing unit 15 is completed by sealing it with a cap member 30.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the connecting material can be applied to the connection portion between the frame bodies in one stroke, making it possible to, for example, set the connection surface (connection line) while avoiding components assembled to the developing container 21. In other words, this embodiment improves the design flexibility of the joining line of the unit frame bodies. This allows for the creation of complex joining surfaces, making it possible to tailor cartridges with smaller capacities, contributing to cartridge miniaturization. Furthermore, by applying the hot melt 43 to the developing cover 22 side rather than the developing container 21 side where most of the components are assembled, the applicator 81 does not interfere with other components during application. For such complex joining lines, ultrasonic welding, an alternative method, would be difficult due to factors such as the need for multiple welding horns and the space required for the receiving portion.

[0066] Furthermore, by moving the process of connecting the frame (developer cover 22 in this embodiment) that determines the size of the developing unit 15 to the latter part of the assembly sequence after most of the parts have been assembled into the developing container 21, it becomes possible to increase the number of common parts in the manufacturing line. This makes it possible to reduce the equipment costs and the effort required to change the setup when manufacturing cartridges of different capacities on the same manufacturing line.

[0067] 1(c), a gap is provided between the groove 22a formed in the developer cover 22 and the rib 21a formed in the developer container 21, and the hot melt 43 is in a molten state when applied, so it can absorb the effects of component tolerances and warping. As a result, the connecting portions do not interfere with each other in the process of connecting the frames, and the load on the developer container 21 is small, so it is possible to reduce the impact on the positional accuracy of the developing blade 17 and the blowout prevention member 27.

[0068] Furthermore, the hot melt 43 has the property of softening at high temperatures. In this embodiment, a hot melt is selected that has about 1 / 5 of its rigidity when the cartridge is heated during use in the image forming apparatus. As a result, even if the deformation between the frames differs due to differences in thermal expansion when the temperature rises due to differences in the shapes of the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22, the deformation can be absorbed by the gap in the connecting portion and the softened connecting member therebetween, as described above, making it possible to reduce the impact on the positional accuracy of the parts and achieve sealing performance at the same time.

[0069] Furthermore, when the connecting surfaces of the frames are inclined, the amount of hot melt 43 applied to the groove 22a is set to an amount that contacts three surfaces of the inner wall of the groove 22a (groove bottom surface 22i and both groove side surfaces 22h shown in FIG. 1(c)). This reduces the effect of dripping due to the viscosity of the hot melt 43, and allows the hot melt 43 to be applied in a uniform amount all around.

[0070] In this embodiment, both the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 are configured to have a concave frame shape with an opening, but the present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which one is a frame with a flat shape like a lid, and covers the opening of the other.

[0071] <Configuration of the ventilation filter of the development unit> Here, a detailed description will be given of the toner sealing configuration of the developer storage chamber 152 of the developing unit 15 at the time of shipment from the factory in this embodiment. Figure 15(a) is an external view of the developing unit 15 at the time of shipment from the factory as seen from the front, and Figure 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA cutting line in Figure 15(a).

[0072] 15(a), a development gear unit 1080 that transmits driving force from a drive source (not shown) of the image forming apparatus to the development roller 16 and the agitating member 154 is disposed at one end of the development unit 15 in the axial direction AD (longitudinal direction) of the development roller 16. Furthermore, the development gear unit 1080 includes a first bearing member 1090 that rotatably supports the development roller 16. At the other end of the development unit 15, a second bearing member 1091 is disposed that is electrically connected to an electrical contact (not shown) of the image forming apparatus and serves as a cover member that rotatably supports the development roller 16.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 15(b), the developer container 21 has a developer supply port 210 between the developing chamber 151 and the developer storage chamber 152, and the developer supply port 210 is sealed by heat welding one end 156a of a sheet-like supply port sealing member 156. The other end 156b of the supply port sealing member 156 is fixed to the agitator 154 by heat welding. The developer cover 22 has a fill port 241 for filling with toner, which is sealed by attaching a cap member 30 with adhesive after filling with toner. As mentioned above, the developer container 21 and the developer cover 22 are sealed together with no gaps by hot melt 43. Furthermore, the development unit 15 in this embodiment is not configured to replenish toner from an external unit such as a toner cartridge when installed in the image forming apparatus, and does not have a supply port for receiving toner.

[0074] As a result, when the product is shipped from the factory, the developer storage chamber 152 is completely sealed, which prevents toner from leaking to the outside due to external impact during transportation, for example, through gaps between the developing roller 16 and the developing blade 17. During image formation, the agitating member 154 rotates due to torque input from the image forming apparatus via the developing gear unit 1080, and peels off the supply port sealing member 156 that had been blocking the developer supply port 210, thereby opening the developer supply port 210 and enabling toner to be supplied from the developer storage chamber 152 to the developing chamber 151.

[0075] The means for sealing the developer supply port 210 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the developer supply port 210 may be sealed with a sealant that can be peeled off by the user from the outside. The method for fixing the supply port sealing member 156 is not limited to thermal welding. For example, the cap member 30 may be fixed to the developer supply port 210 and the agitator 154 by double-sided tape, adhesive, or ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, the method for fixing the cap member 30 is not limited to adhesive, and the cap member 30 may be fixed by double-sided tape, adhesive, or ultrasonic welding, for example.

[0076] The process cartridge including the developing unit 15 may be damaged during transportation, for example. When the developer container 21 is placed in a high-temperature environment exceeding 40°C, the developer storage chamber 152 is sealed, and the developer container 21 and developer cover 22 expand and deform under the load of the increased internal pressure. At this time, the hot melt 43 connecting the developer container 21 and developer cover 22 softens due to the temperature, and its adhesive strength decreases. As a result, the adhesive strength of the hot melt 43 cannot withstand the increased internal pressure of the developer storage chamber 152, and gaps are formed between the developer container 21 and the developer cover, excluding the three fixing portions mentioned above, which can cause toner to leak to the outside (a problem).

[0077] In this manner, in the frame structure in which two frames (in this embodiment, the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22) are joined with hot melt 43 to form a sealed developer storage chamber 152, it is important to avoid being affected by an increase in the internal pressure of the developer storage chamber 152 even in a high-temperature environment in which the hot melt 43 softens and its adhesive strength decreases.

[0078] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the frame structure of the developing unit 15 having a ventilation filter will be described below with reference to FIG. 16 and FIGS. 17(a) to 17(c).

[0079] Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly configuration of the ventilation filter 500 of the developing unit 15. Figure 17(a) is a side view of the developing unit 15 to which the ventilation filter 500 is assembled, Figure 17(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Figure 17(a), and Figure 17(c) is an enlarged view of the EL1 portion in Figure 17(b).

[0080] 16, the cylindrical ventilation filter 500 is inserted into a cylindrical filter attachment portion 212 provided to protrude from the side surface 21Xn of the developing container 21. Furthermore, a second bearing member 1091 is attached to the developing container 21 from above so as to cover the ventilation filter 500. The ventilation filter 500 is made of urethane foam with open cells, and restricts the passage of toner while allowing air to pass through.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17(c), a first surface 500a of the ventilation filter 500 abuts against the bottom surface 212a of the filter mounting portion 212. A side surface 500b of the ventilation filter 500 abuts against the inner wall surface 212b of the filter mounting portion 212. A second surface 500c of the ventilation filter 500, which is located on the opposite side to the first surface 500a, abuts against the abutting surface 1091a of the second bearing member 1091. The outer diameter of the side surface 500b of the ventilation filter 500 is made larger than the inner diameter of the inner wall surface 212b of the filter mounting portion 212. Therefore, after the ventilation filter 500 is assembled, the ventilation filter 500 is fixed in a state compressed in the radial direction of the bottom surface of the cylinder.

[0082] Furthermore, the inter-surface distance between the first surface 500a and the second surface 500c of the ventilation filter 500 is made larger than the inter-surface distance between the bottom surface 212a of the filter mounting portion 212 and the abutting surface 1091a of the second bearing member 1091, and after the ventilation filter 500 is assembled, the ventilation filter 500 is fixed in a state compressed in the cylindrical axial direction. Therefore, the ventilation filter 500 is fixed in close contact with the filter mounting portion 212 of the developing container 21 with a predetermined amount of compression, preventing the occurrence of unintended gaps that could cause toner leakage, and ensuring stable toner sealing and breathability.

[0083] Here, the air movement path in the developer storage chamber 152 will be explained using FIG. 17(c) by taking as an example a case where the developing unit 15 is placed in a high-temperature environment and the internal pressure of the developer storage chamber 152 rises. When the internal pressure of the developer storage chamber 152 rises, the air mixed with the toner passes through the ventilation hole 212d provided on the bottom surface 212a of the filter attachment portion 212 and enters the ventilation filter 500. At this time, the toner is blocked by the ventilation filter 500, and only the air enters the ventilation filter 500. The ventilation hole 212d is a hole that connects the inside and outside of the container. The part connected by the hot melt 43 as a connecting member allows the air and the toner to pass through. Even if the container is misaligned, air movement between the inside and outside of the container is not permitted. On the other hand, the ventilation hole 212d allows air movement when the ventilation filter 500 is in place.

[0084] Air that has entered the ventilation filter 500 passes through the interior of the ventilation filter 500 and escapes to the outside from the filter surface exposed to the outside air by a gap CD formed between the filter attachment portion tip surface 212c and the abutting surface 1091a of the second bearing member 1091. This keeps the air pressure inside and outside the developer accommodating chamber 152 uniform, preventing an increase in the internal pressure of the developer accommodating chamber 152. Note that the direction of air movement changes depending on the relative levels of air pressure inside and outside the developer accommodating chamber 152, and is not limited functionally to the movement direction described in this embodiment.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ventilation filter 500 is disposed between the developing container 21 and the second bearing member 1091 so that it cannot be easily touched by the user. This prevents a decrease in breathability due to the adhesion of foreign matter such as sebum or dust. The protective member that protects the ventilation filter 500 is not limited to the second bearing member 1091, as long as it can be prevented from being easily touched by the user. Furthermore, the protective member may be disposed on either the first frame body or the second frame body, or may straddle the first frame body and the second frame body. Furthermore, another member may also serve as the protective member, or a dedicated protective member may be provided.

[0086] Next, a method for fixing the ventilation filter 500 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 18(a) is a side view of the developing unit 15 to which the ventilation filter 500 is attached, with the second bearing member 1091 hidden. FIG. 18(b) is a side view of the developing unit 15 to which the ventilation filter 500 is attached. As shown in FIG. 18(a), the developing container 21 is provided with a seating surface 21s including a screw hole 21u, and the developing cover 22 is provided with a seating surface 22s including a screw hole 22u. Then, as shown in FIG. 18(b), with the second bearing member 1091 abutting against the seating surface 21s and the seating surface 22s, the screws 21t are fitted into the screw holes 21u and the screws 22t are fitted into the screw holes 22u, thereby fixing the second bearing member 1091. At this time, the ventilation filter 500 overlaps an area FA connecting the outer shapes (outer diameters) of the seating surfaces 21s and 22s. By adopting such an arrangement, the abutting surface 1091a of the second bearing member 1091 can be firmly pressed against the second surface 500c of the ventilation filter 500 and fixed (see FIG. 17(c)).

[0087] Next, the positional relationship between the ventilation filter 500 and the hot melt 43 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 19(a) is a side view of the developing unit 15 to which the ventilation filter 500 is attached, and FIG. 19(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line CC in FIG. 19(a). As shown in FIG. 19(b), the arrangement area Wh of the hot melt 43 and the arrangement area Wf of the ventilation filter 500 overlap in the AD direction. This prevents the size of the two frames (the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22 in this embodiment) integrated by the hot melt 43 from becoming unnecessarily large, and allows the frame size to be designed to be optimal for the toner capacity.

[0088] The position of the ventilation filter is not limited to that of this embodiment. That is, it is sufficient if the ventilation filter that restricts the movement of toner and allows the movement of air is held in a position that allows communication between the inside of the developing container (the storage portion side) and the outside of the container (the atmosphere side).

[0089] In this embodiment, a cylindrical urethane foam is used as the ventilation filter, but this is not limiting. Any material can be used as the ventilation filter as long as it can restrict the passage of toner and allow the passage of air. For example, a mesh sheet with a fine mesh structure can be used as the ventilation filter.

[0090] Furthermore, the number of ventilation filters is not limited to that in this embodiment, and multiple ventilation filters may be provided. For example, By providing an additional ventilation filter, it is possible to effectively ensure a ventilation path for the developer storage chamber 152 regardless of whether the side surface of the developing unit faces the direction of gravity or not.

[0091] In this way, even in a high-temperature environment exceeding 40°C, the ventilation filter 500 provided in the developing unit 15 keeps the air pressure inside and outside the developer storage chamber 152 uniform, thereby suppressing an increase in the internal pressure of the developer storage chamber 152. This prevents toner leakage caused by gaps created by expansion of the developing container 21 and the developing cover 22, even when the hot melt has softened and its adhesive strength has decreased.

[0092] In this embodiment, the developing unit 15 having the developing roller 16 has been described as an example, but it may also be a toner cartridge or a toner pack that supplies toner to a process cartridge. If the container has two frames joined with hot melt 43 to form a sealed developer storage space, the effect of suppressing an increase in internal pressure by the ventilation holes and ventilation filter can be applied.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, hot melt 43 is used as the connecting member, but the effect of suppressing the rise in internal pressure by the ventilation holes and ventilation filters can also be applied to, for example, a sealing member that is flexible and has a low softening temperature.

[0094] [Configuration 1] A container for containing a developer, A first frame body; a second frame connected to the first frame and forming, together with the first frame, a container for containing a developer; a connecting member that is applied in a molten state between the first frame body and the second frame body and hardens to connect the first frame body and the second frame body; Equipped with The container has a ventilation hole that connects the inside and outside of the container, and a ventilation filter that restricts the passage of developer and allows the passage of air is disposed in the ventilation hole. A container characterized by: [Configuration 2] the first frame has an opening and a first surface extending along an edge of the opening; the second frame is connected to the first frame so as to cover the opening, and has a second surface that faces the first surface and extends in a direction in which the first surface extends; A convex portion is provided on one of the first surface and the second surface, and a concave portion is provided on the other of the first surface and the second surface. 2. The container according to claim 1. [Configuration 3] The container according to configuration 2, further comprising a filter mounting portion that protrudes from the position where the ventilation hole of the storage portion is located in a direction toward the outside of the storage portion and is shaped to surround the ventilation filter that is located in the ventilation hole. [Configuration 4] the ventilation filter has a cylindrical shape, and the filter attachment portion has a cylindrical shape having a hole that connects the inside and the outside of the accommodation portion, The outer diameter of the ventilation filter is larger than the inner diameter of the filter mounting portion before being housed inside the cylindrical shape of the filter mounting portion. 4. The container according to claim 3. [Configuration 5] The air filter further includes a cover member that is provided on the exterior side of the storage section over the entire area where the air filter is exposed to the exterior of the storage section and that covers the air filter from the outside. R 5. The container according to claim 4. [Configuration 6] the filter attachment portion has a support portion that supports one bottom surface of the cylindrical ventilation filter on the inside side of the accommodation portion of the hole that connects the inside and outside of the accommodation portion, When the ventilation filter is housed in the filter mounting portion, the ventilation filter is compressed in the axial direction of the cylindrical shape by the support portion of the filter mounting portion and the cover member. 6. The container according to claim 5. [Configuration 7] The ventilation filter is made of urethane foam. 7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [Configuration 8] The ventilation filter is formed of a mesh sheet. 7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [Configuration 9] the protrusion is inserted into the recess so that a tip surface of the protrusion does not come into contact with a bottom surface of the recess, The connecting member is provided between the protrusion and the recess so as to contact both the tip surface of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the recess. 7. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 15: developing unit, 21: developing container, 21L: connecting line, 21a: rib, 210: developer supply port, 212: filter attachment portion, 212d: ventilation hole, 22: developing cover, 22L: connecting line, 22a: groove portion, 43: hot melt, 152: developer storage chamber, 500: ventilation filter

Claims

1. A container for containing a developer, A first frame body; a second frame connected to the first frame and forming, together with the first frame, a container for containing a developer; a connecting member that is applied in a molten state between the first frame body and the second frame body and hardens to connect the first frame body and the second frame body; Equipped with The container has a ventilation hole that connects the inside and outside of the container, and a ventilation filter that restricts the passage of developer and allows the passage of air is disposed in the ventilation hole. A container characterized by:

2. the first frame has an opening and a first surface extending along an edge of the opening; the second frame is connected to the first frame so as to cover the opening, and has a second surface that faces the first surface and extends in a direction in which the first surface extends; A convex portion is provided on one of the first surface and the second surface, and a concave portion is provided on the other of the first surface and the second surface.

2. The container of claim 1.

3. 3. The container according to claim 2, further comprising a filter mounting portion that protrudes from the position where the ventilation hole of the storage portion is located toward the outside of the storage portion and is shaped to surround the ventilation filter that is located in the ventilation hole.

4. the ventilation filter has a cylindrical shape, and the filter attachment portion has a cylindrical shape having a hole that connects the inside and the outside of the accommodation portion, The outer diameter of the ventilation filter is larger than the inner diameter of the filter mounting portion before being housed inside the cylindrical shape of the filter mounting portion.

4. The container of claim 3.

5. The air filter further includes a cover member that is provided on the exterior side of the storage section over the entire area where the air filter is exposed to the exterior of the storage section and that covers the air filter from the outside.

5. The container of claim 4.

6. the filter attachment portion has a support portion that supports one bottom surface of the ventilation filter having a cylindrical shape on the inside side of the accommodation portion of the hole that connects the inside and the outside of the accommodation portion, When the ventilation filter is housed in the filter mounting portion, the ventilation filter is compressed in the axial direction of the cylindrical shape by the support portion of the filter mounting portion and the cover member.

6. The container of claim 5.

7. The ventilation filter is made of urethane foam. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The ventilation filter is formed of a mesh sheet. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The protrusion is inserted into the recess so that the tip surface of the protrusion does not come into contact with the bottom surface of the recess. It is The connecting member is provided between the protrusion and the recess so as to contact both the tip surface of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the recess.

4. The container according to claim 2 or 3.

Images