cartridge

Abstract

Develop the cartridge. [Solution] A cartridge comprising: a frame; a photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the frame about a rotation axis; a cleaning member for removing waste toner from the photosensitive drum; a charging roller for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum; a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a waste toner transport member for transporting the waste toner removed by the cleaning member in the direction of the rotation axis; and a waste toner storage section for storing the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member and detachably attached to the frame, wherein the waste toner storage section has a receiving opening in a portion in the direction of the rotation axis for receiving the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. [[Background Art]]

[0002] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer, a laser beam printer), a facsimile apparatus, and a word processor.

[0003] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "image forming apparatus"), a toner image is formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum or drum), and the toner image is directly or indirectly transferred onto a recording medium, thereby forming an image on a recording material.

[0004] Generally, such an image forming apparatus requires supply of toner (developer) and maintenance of various members. Accordingly, there is a cartridge-type image forming apparatus configured such that a cartridge is detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus, and toner supply, maintenance, and the like can be performed by replacing the cartridge.

[0005] A cartridge includes at least one of a drum or a process unit, and is detachably mountable to a main body (apparatus main body) of the image forming apparatus. The process unit is a unit for forming an image, and examples of units acting on the drum mainly include a developing unit, a charging unit, a transfer unit, a charge eliminating unit, and a cleaning unit. Examples of the cartridge include a process cartridge that includes a drum and at least one process unit, which are integrally detachably mountable to the apparatus main body, a drum cartridge including a drum, and a developing cartridge including a developing unit. According to such a cartridge system, toner supply and maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be easily performed.

[0006] According to Patent Document 1, a cartridge device is disclosed in which a toner storage section for storing waste toner is detachably configured to fit a cartridge module. The cartridge module includes a developer cartridge and a toner cartridge, and the toner storage section is detachably attached to the frame of the developer cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 2023 / 0138063 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention aims to advance cartridge technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a cartridge comprising: a frame; a photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the frame about a rotation axis; a cleaning member for removing waste toner from the photosensitive drum; a charging roller for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum; a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a waste toner transport member for transporting the waste toner removed by the cleaning member in the direction of the rotation axis; and a waste toner storage section for storing the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member and detachably attached to the frame, wherein the waste toner storage section has a receiving opening in a portion of its size in the direction of the rotation axis for receiving the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cartridge comprising: a frame; a photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the frame about a rotation axis; a cleaning member for removing waste toner from the photosensitive drum; a charging roller for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum; a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a waste toner transport member for transporting the waste toner removed by the cleaning member in the direction of the rotation axis; and a waste toner storage section for storing the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member and detachably attached to the frame, wherein the waste toner storage section has a receiving port for receiving the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member, and is characterized in that, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the receiving port is located only in the region where the developing roller and the charging roller are not present, among four regions divided by a first straight line passing through the center of the charging roller and the center of the photosensitive drum, and a second straight line passing through the point of contact between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum and perpendicular to the first straight line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, cartridges can be further developed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] (a) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus with the process cartridge and toner cartridge according to this embodiment removed from the main body of the apparatus, and (b) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus with the front door closed. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view showing the main body of the device with the process cartridge and toner cartridge installed. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view showing the process cartridge and toner cartridge. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the process cartridge and toner cartridge. [Figure 5] A side view showing the process cartridge and toner cartridge installed in the main unit of the device. [Figure 6] Partial cross-sectional view illustrating a contact unit of a process cartridge. [Figure 7] Perspective view illustrating a main body contact unit of an apparatus main body. [Figure 8] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact unit is in the middle of being mounted to the main body contact unit, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the contact unit has been completely mounted to the main body contact unit. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view illustrating a process cartridge. [Figure 10] (a) is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning frame, (b) is another perspective view illustrating the cleaning frame, (c) is another perspective view illustrating the cleaning frame, and (d) is another perspective view illustrating the cleaning frame. [Figure 11] Enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a discharge port of the cleaning frame shown in Fig. 10(c). [Figure 12] (a) is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cleaning frame and a leaf spring, and (b) is a perspective view showing a state where the leaf spring is assembled to the cleaning frame. [Figure 13] (a) is an exploded perspective view showing a state immediately before a first idler gear and a second idler gear are attached to a cleaning frame, and (b) is a perspective view showing a state where the first idler gear and the second idler gear are attached to the cleaning frame. [Figure 14] (a) is an exploded perspective view showing a state immediately before a discharge shutter is assembled to a cleaning frame, and (b) is a perspective view showing a state where the discharge shutter is assembled to the cleaning frame. [Figure 15] Perspective view illustrating a waste toner conveying member. [Figure 16] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a process of assembling the waste toner conveying member to the cleaning frame, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the process of assembling the waste toner conveying member to the cleaning frame, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the process of assembling the waste toner conveying member to the cleaning frame. [Figure 17] Exploded perspective view showing a state of assembling a waste toner gear to the waste toner conveying member. [Figure 18] Perspective view illustrating a side cover. [Figure 19] A cross-sectional view illustrating a cleaning unit including a waste toner conveying member. [Figure 20] (a) is a perspective view illustrating a waste toner frame, and (b) is another perspective view illustrating the waste toner frame. [Figure 21] A perspective view illustrating the periphery of an inlet of the waste toner frame. [Figure 22] (a) is an exploded perspective view illustrating the waste toner frame, a waste toner shutter, and a torsion coil spring, and (b) is a perspective view illustrating a state where the waste toner shutter and the torsion coil spring are assembled to the waste toner frame. [Figure 23] A perspective view illustrating an agitating member attached to the waste toner frame. [Figure 24] An exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the agitating member is assembled to the waste toner frame. [Figure 25] An exploded perspective view illustrating the waste toner frame, a cylindrical seal, an agitating gear, and a side cover. [Figure 26] An exploded perspective view illustrating a waste toner cover and respective components assembled to the waste toner cover. [Figure 27] An exploded perspective view for explaining attachment of the waste toner cover to the waste toner frame. [Figure 28] An exploded perspective view illustrating attachment of a waste toner unit to a cleaning unit. [Figure 29] (a) is a cross-sectional view for explaining an operation during a mounting process of the waste toner unit to the cleaning unit, (b) is a cross-sectional view for explaining an operation during the mounting process of the waste toner unit to the cleaning unit, (c) is a cross-sectional view for explaining an operation during the mounting process of the waste toner unit to the cleaning unit, and (d) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where mounting of the waste toner unit to the cleaning unit is completed. [Figure 30] A cross-sectional view illustrating the waste toner unit in a state positioned relative to the cleaning unit. [Figure 31] A perspective view illustrating the waste toner unit in a state where the waste toner cover is omitted. [Figure 32](a) is a cross-sectional view showing the 32A-32A section of Figure 31, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the 32B-32B section of Figure 31. [Figure 33] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a waste toner unit in the process of accumulating waste toner, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a waste toner unit that has reached full capacity. [Figure 34] A cross-sectional view showing the cleaning frame of a cleaning unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 35] (a) is a perspective view showing the cleaning frame, and (b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the waste toner discharge member and sealing member. [Figure 36] A perspective view showing the cleaning frame. [Figure 37] An exploded perspective view showing the waste toner discharge component and discharge shutter. [Figure 38] (a) is a perspective view showing the discharge shutter, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the discharge shutter. [Figure 39] A perspective view showing the waste toner transport component. [Figure 40] An exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the conveyor gear into the cleaning frame. [Figure 41] A cross-sectional view showing the waste toner transport component assembled in the waste toner chamber. [Figure 42] An exploded perspective view showing the waste toner unit. [Figure 43] An exploded perspective view showing how the waste toner unit is installed into the cleaning unit in the Z2 direction. [Figure 44] (a) is a plan view showing the waste toner unit being installed in the cleaning unit in the X2 direction. (b) is a plan view showing the waste toner unit after it has been installed in the cleaning unit in the X2 direction. [Figure 45] A cross-sectional view showing the waste toner unit after it has been installed into the cleaning unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] <First Embodiment> Figure 1(a) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1 with the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C removed from the main body A according to this embodiment. Figure 1(b) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 600 closed. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome laser printer. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components of the image forming apparatus described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, unless otherwise specifically stated, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0014] In the following description and drawings, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is defined as the Z-axis direction. The rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 43 provided by the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction that intersects both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. Preferably, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, one side of the X-axis direction (direction from right to left) is called the X1 direction, and the other side of the X-axis direction (direction from left to right) is called the X2 direction. Similarly, one side of the Y-axis direction (direction from back to front) is called the +Y1 direction, and the other side of the Y-axis direction (direction from front to back) is called the Y2 direction. One side of the Z-axis direction (direction from bottom to top) is called the Z1 direction, and the other side of the Z-axis direction (direction from top to bottom) is called the Z2 direction.

[0015] The Y1 direction can be referred to as the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, using the view of the image forming apparatus 1 from the front as a reference, the X2 direction can be referred to as the right side, and the X1 direction as the left side.

[0016] Furthermore, when the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are installed in the main unit A, the X-axis (X1, X2 direction), Y-axis (Y1, Y2 direction), and Z-axis (Z1, Z2 direction) of the main unit A, process cartridge B, and toner cartridge C coincide.

[0017] [Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a main body A. A front door 600 is provided on the front side of the main body A, and the front door 600 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis F. The user can grip a gripping portion 602 provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis F of the front door 600 and open and close the front door 600 in the H direction. The H direction is along the horizontal direction.

[0018] When the front door 600 is opened, a space G for housing the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C is exposed. The process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are configured to be detachable from the main body A in the J direction. The J direction is along the horizontal direction. The rotation axis F of the front door 600 extends along the direction of gravity (vertical direction) and intersects with the J direction, which is the direction in which the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are attached and detached. Furthermore, the rotation axis F of the front door 600 extends so as to intersect with the rotation axis E of the photosensitive drum 43 of the process cartridge B, which will be described later.

[0019] In other words, in this embodiment, the rotation axis F extends in the Z-axis direction, the rotation axis E of the photosensitive drum 43 extends in the X-axis direction, and the J direction, which is the direction for attaching and detaching the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C, is parallel to the Y-axis direction. That is, the direction of the rotation axis E is the X-axis direction. Details of the method and configuration for attaching and detaching the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C to the device body A will be described later.

[0020] The main unit A of the device has an operation panel 500. The operation panel 500 is located above the front door 600. The operation panel 500 is also positioned near the rotation axis F of the front door 600. This arrangement makes it easy for the user to open and close the front door 600 while looking at the operation panel 500.

[0021] The control panel 500 includes a display unit 501 and a power switch 502 for the main unit A of the device. The display unit 501 can display information such as when to replace the process cartridge B or toner cartridge C, error messages such as paper jams, and the status of the main unit A, such as printing in progress or printing completed.

[0022] Next, the main unit A, process cartridge B, and toner cartridge C will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main unit A with process cartridge B and toner cartridge C installed. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing process cartridge B and toner cartridge C.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the main body A of the apparatus is equipped with a feed roller 3b for feeding sheets into the sheet feeding path 3, a transfer roller 4, a fixing unit 5, and a laser scanner 2. As shown in Figure 3, the process cartridge B, which is a cartridge, is equipped with a cleaning unit 60 having a photosensitive drum 43 as an image carrier, and a developing unit 20.

[0024] The developing unit 20 includes a developer container 15a2 for containing toner (developer), a developing roller 16 for carrying toner, a developing blade 18, and a supply roller 19 for supplying toner to the developing roller 16. The developing roller 16 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 43 and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 43. The developing blade 18 contacts the surface of the developing roller 16 and controls the amount of toner that adheres to the surface of the developing roller 16. The developing blade 18 also imparts a triboelectric charge to the toner. In other words, the developing blade 18 adjusts the amount of toner on the developing roller 16.

[0025] The amount of toner in the developer storage section 15a2 is detected by a remaining amount detection unit (not shown). When the amount of toner in the developer storage section 15a2 falls below a certain level, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge C to the developer storage section 15a2 via the replenishment port 21 of the process cartridge B (described later) and the toner receiving chamber 15a3.

[0026] Toner cartridge C has a toner storage section 30 that stores toner to be supplied to process cartridge B. Toner cartridge C also has a screw member 35 that transports toner toward the toner discharge port 34a of the toner storage section 30, and a stirring transport unit 36 ​​that transports toner toward the screw member 35. The toner storage section 30 has a curved section 31d in the part corresponding to the screw portion of the screw member 35, with an inner diameter approximately the same as the screw diameter of the screw member 35. A toner discharge port 34a is provided in a part of the curved section 31d.

[0027] When the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are installed in the main unit A of the device, the toner discharge port 34a of toner cartridge C and the replenishment port 21 of process cartridge B are connected and communicated with a toner seal to prevent toner leakage. As a result, the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is supplied to the developer storage section 15a2 via the replenishment port 21 and toner receiving chamber 15a3 of process cartridge B. The agitation and transport unit 36 ​​of toner cartridge C is rotatably supported in the toner storage section 30 and is driven by an agitation drive input section provided on the outside of the toner storage section 30 in the X-axis direction. As a result, the blade portion 36a of the agitation and transport unit 36 ​​rotates.

[0028] The cleaning unit 60 of process cartridge B includes a cleaning blade 17, a charging roller 12, a charging roller cleaner 14, and a waste toner chamber 103b, and rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 43. In this embodiment, the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum 43 is defined as the axis of rotation E (see Figures 1 and 3).

[0029] The charging roller 12 is positioned to contact the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 43, and charges the photosensitive drum 43 by the application of a voltage (charging bias) from the main body A of the device. The charging roller 12 also rotates in conjunction with the photosensitive drum 43. The cleaning blade 17, acting as a cleaning member, is an elastic member positioned to contact the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 43. The cleaning blade 17, by elastically contacting the photosensitive drum 43 with its tip, can remove (clean) toner remaining from the photosensitive drum 43 after the sheet S has passed between the photosensitive drum 43 and the transfer roller 4. The toner removed by the cleaning blade 17 (hereinafter referred to as waste toner) is stored in the waste toner chamber 103b. The charging roller cleaner 14 is a roller positioned to contact the surface (outer surface) of the charging roller 12, and cleans the charging roller 12 by rotating in conjunction with the charging roller 12.

[0030] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The photosensitive drum 43 is rotated by a drive source (not shown) and uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 12. After charging, the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 is exposed by the laser scanner 2 based on image information, and the charge in the exposed area is removed to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from the developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 43, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 43.

[0031] At this time, in parallel with the image formation process described above, the sheet S is transported along the sheet feeding path 3. Specifically, the sheet S contained in the cassette 3c is fed by the rotation of the feeding roller 3b. Then, the sheet S is transported between the photosensitive drum 43 and the transfer roller 4 in time with the timing of creating a toner image on the photosensitive drum 43. As the sheet S passes between the photosensitive drum 43 and the transfer roller 4, the toner image is transferred to the sheet S as an unfixed image by the transfer voltage applied to the transfer roller 4. After that, the sheet S with the transferred toner image is transported to the fixing unit 5. The toner image on the sheet S transported to the fixing unit 5 is fixed to the surface of the sheet S by heating and pressurizing as it passes through the fixing unit 5. Next, the sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 6 by the discharge roller pair 6a.

[0032] [Attaching and detaching the process cartridge and toner cartridge to the main unit] Next, the procedure for installing process cartridge B and toner cartridge C into the device body A will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing process cartridge B and toner cartridge C. Figure 5 is a side view showing process cartridge B and toner cartridge C installed in the device body A.

[0033] In the X-axis direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis E of the photosensitive drum 43, a cylindrical first guided portion 202 and a second guided portion 203 are provided on one side wall of the process cartridge B. In the J1 direction, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the main body A of the apparatus, the first guided portion 202 is positioned downstream of the second guided portion 203. In addition, a cylindrical drum shaft 201 is provided on the side wall of the process cartridge B, which is positioned coaxially with the rotation axis E of the photosensitive drum 43.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, when the process cartridge B is first inserted into the space G (see Figure 1) of the apparatus body A, the first guided portion 202 of the process cartridge B is guided by the guide portion 300a of the apparatus body A. Furthermore, when the process cartridge B is inserted in the direction of J1, the second guided portion 203 is guided by the guide portion 300a.

[0035] When the process cartridge B is in the installed position, and a drive is input to the photosensitive drum 43 by a drive means (not shown), the second guided portion 203 comes into contact with the guide portion 300b of the device body A. This prevents the process cartridge B from rotating around the X axis. At that time, a gap is maintained between the first guided portion 202 and the guide portion 300c of the device body A.

[0036] Furthermore, the drum shaft 201 of process cartridge B is guided by the positioning section 301 of the apparatus body A and biased to the positioning section 301 by the biasing section 302 of the apparatus body A. As a result, process cartridge B is positioned in the J1 and Z2 directions. Note that the other side wall of process cartridge B in the X-axis direction has the same configuration as described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0037] Next, after the process cartridge B is installed into the device body A, the toner cartridge C is installed into the device body A. Two third guided portions 350 and projections 351 are provided on one side wall of the toner cartridge C in the X-axis direction. When the toner cartridge C is to be installed into the space G (see Figure 1) of the device body A, the third guided portions 350 of the toner cartridge C are guided by the guide portion 300a of the device body A. Once the installation of the toner cartridge C into the device body A is complete, the projections 351 of the toner cartridge C are biased by the biasing portion 303 provided on the device body A. This biases the third guided portions 350 relative to the guide portion 300a, positioning the toner cartridge C in the J1 direction and preventing rotation around the X-axis. In addition, the rib 304 of the process cartridge B shown in Figure 4 engages with the groove 352 of the toner cartridge C, completing the longitudinal positioning of the toner cartridge C relative to the process cartridge B (direction of the rotation axis E, X-axis direction). By positioning the rib 304 on the side of the toner supply port 21 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C, the relative positional accuracy between the toner supply port 21 of the process cartridge B and the toner discharge port 34a of the toner cartridge C can be improved, thereby preventing toner leakage.

[0038] [Description of contact configuration and contact connection configuration arrangement] Next, the contact configuration of process cartridge B will be explained using Figures 6 to 8(b). Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the contact unit 310 of process cartridge B. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the main body contact unit 800 of the device body A. Figure 8(a) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the contact unit 310 is being mounted on the main body contact unit 800, and Figure 8(b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the contact unit 310 has been fully mounted on the main body contact unit 800.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the developing unit 15 of process cartridge B has a developing roller 16, a supply roller 19, and a developing blade 18, and bias is applied to these developing roller 16, supply roller 19, and developing blade 18 from the main body A of the apparatus. Process cartridge B has a contact unit 310 on the downstream side in the J1 direction, which is the direction in which it is mounted to the main body A of the apparatus. In other words, process cartridge B has a contact unit 310 on the leading side in the direction in which it is mounted to the main body A of the apparatus.

[0040] Furthermore, the contact unit 310 is positioned on the opposite side of the direction of the rotation axis E of the photosensitive drum 43 (X-axis direction) from the driving means (not shown) of the main body A of the device. The contact unit 310 has a developing blade contact 311, a supply roller contact 312, and a developing roller contact 313 arranged in order from the top to the bottom of the contact unit 310. In other words, the developing blade contact 311, the supply roller contact 312, and the developing roller contact 313 are arranged in this order from the side closest to the first guided portion 202 (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, the contacts of the contact unit 310 are arranged as described above, but the invention is not limited to this, and the contacts may be arranged in an order different from the above.

[0041] The developing blade contact 311 and the developing blade 18 are electrically connected by wiring 361. Similarly, the supply roller contact 312 and the supply roller 19 are electrically connected by wiring 362. The developing roller contact 313 and the developing roller 16 are also electrically connected by wiring 363. The developing blade contact 311, the supply roller contact 312, and the developing roller contact 313 of the contact unit 310 are each configured to be surrounded by ribs. This ensures a sufficient creepage distance for each contact and prevents the user from touching the contact metal.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the main body A of the apparatus has a main body contact unit 800, which is arranged to be connectable to the contact unit 310 of the process cartridge B described above. The main body contact unit 800 has a main body developing blade contact 811, a main body supply roller contact 812, and a main body developing roller contact 813, corresponding to the developing blade contact 311, supply roller contact 312, and developing roller contact 313 of the contact unit 310. The main body developing blade contact 811, the main body supply roller contact 812, and the main body developing roller contact 813 are connected to an electrical circuit board (not shown) of the main body A, and are configured to supply appropriate bias.

[0043] Next, the connection between the contact unit 310 and the main contact unit 800 will be explained with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b). When the process cartridge B is moved toward the main body A in the J1 direction, the contact unit 310 approaches the main contact unit 800, as shown in Figure 8(a). Then, as shown in Figure 8(b), when the process cartridge B is fully mounted toward the main body A, the contact unit 310 connects to the main contact unit 800. At this time, the developing blade contact 311, the supply roller contact 312, and the developing roller contact 313 of the contact unit 310 engage with the main developing blade contact 811, the main supply roller contact 812, and the main developing roller contact 813 of the main contact unit 800, respectively. As a result, each contact is electrically connected.

[0044] [Detailed configuration of the cleaning frame] Next, the detailed configuration of the cleaning frame 103 of the cleaning unit 60 will be described using Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the process cartridge B. In this embodiment, the screws used to connect the parts will be omitted from the explanation. Figure 10(a) is a perspective view showing the cleaning frame 103. Figures 10(b) to (d) are other perspective views showing the cleaning frame 103. Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the discharge port 103e of the cleaning frame 103 shown in Figure 10(c).

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, process cartridge B is integrally composed of a cleaning unit (photoreceptor holding unit, drum holding unit, image carrier holding unit, first unit) 60 and a developing unit (developer carrier holding unit, second unit) 20. A waste toner transport member 106 is installed in the waste toner chamber 103b of the cleaning unit 60.

[0046] The waste toner transport member 106 has a screw shape and transports the waste toner along the rotation axis E of the photosensitive drum 43, i.e., in the X-axis direction. The waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member 106 is transported through the discharge port 103e to the waste toner unit 120, which serves as a waste toner storage section.

[0047] As shown in Figures 9 and 10(a), the cleaning unit 60 has a cleaning frame 103 which serves as a frame that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 43, and the cleaning frame 103 is provided with a waste toner chamber 103b. The waste toner chamber 103b is provided with an arc shape 103b1 that extends in the X-axis direction. In addition, a through hole 103c coaxial with the arc shape 103b1 is provided at the end of the waste toner chamber 103b in the X1 direction.

[0048] As shown in Figure 10(b), a cylindrical portion 103d protruding in the X1 direction is provided at the end of the waste toner chamber 103b in the X2 direction, coaxial with the through hole 103c. A recess 103d1 recessed in the X2 direction is provided in the center of the cylindrical portion 103d.

[0049] Furthermore, the end of the cleaning frame 103 in the X1 direction is provided with a rectangular recess 103j that is recessed in the X2 direction. The recess 103j is provided with an arc shape 103k that is coaxial with the through hole 103c and has a larger diameter than the through hole 103c. In addition, the recess 103j is provided with a cylindrical portion 103s that is coaxial with the through hole 103c and has a larger diameter than the through hole 103c, protruding in the X1 direction. The cylindrical portion 103s is provided with a hole portion 103s1 that is recessed in the X2 direction, and the end of the cylindrical portion 103s in the X2 direction is provided with an end face 103s2 having a through hole 103c.

[0050] The recess 103j contains a round recess 103m and an elongated recess 103n, both positioned on the Z1 direction side (upper side) of the arc shape 103k. The round recess 103m is circular, and the elongated recess 103n is elongated. The round recess 103m and the elongated recess 103n are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(c), a rectangular through-hole, or outlet 103e, is provided on the X2 side of the arc shape 103b1, communicating with the waste toner chamber 103b in the Y2 direction. As shown in Figure 10(c), the outlet 103e leads to a recessed space 103f in the Z2 direction. The opening of the outlet 103e on the Y2 side is formed on a surface 103a, which is a planar shape perpendicular to the Y axis. An elastic seal 104 is attached to the surface 103a so as to surround the outlet 103e. The elastic seal 104 is a plate shape formed from a foamed material such as sponge, and has a through-hole 104a that is larger than the outlet 103e. The elastic seal 104 is attached to the surface 103a by adhesive or the like so that the through-hole 104a surrounds the outlet 103e.

[0052] Recesses 103g and 103h are provided on the inner surface 103q of the cleaning frame 103 that forms the space 103f. Recess 103g is provided on the end side of the space 103f in the X2 direction and extends in the Z-axis direction. Recess 103h is provided on the end side of the space 103f in the X1 direction and extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(d), the inner surface 103q is provided with substantially cylindrical projections 103p and 103y projecting in the X2 direction at its end in the X1 direction. The tip of projection 103p is provided with a claw portion 103p1 that projects radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of projection 103p. The tip of projection 103y is provided with a claw portion 103y1 that projects radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of projection 103y.

[0054] Next, the shape near the discharge port 103e of the cleaning frame 103 will be described. As shown in Figure 11, the inner surface 103q forming the space 103f of the cleaning frame 103 has a circular recess 103t that is recessed toward the X2 direction at the X2 direction end. In addition, a convex portion 103u that protrudes toward the X1 direction is provided on the Z1 direction side of the recess 103t. The end of the convex portion 103u in the Z1 direction has a slanted portion 103u1 that extends toward the Z2 direction as it moves toward the Y1 direction.

[0055] Furthermore, on the side opposite to the recess 103t with respect to the discharge port 103e in the X-axis direction, a projection 103v is provided that protrudes from the surface 103a in the Y2 direction. The end face of the projection 103v in the X2 direction is provided with a convex portion 103v1 that protrudes in the X2 direction. In addition, on the X1 direction side of the projection 103v of the cleaning frame 103, a projection 103w that protrudes in the Z1 direction is provided. The end of the projection 103w in the Z1 direction is provided with a claw portion 103w1 that protrudes in the Y1 direction.

[0056] [Assembly of leaf springs onto the cleaning frame] Next, the assembly of the leaf spring 141 to the cleaning frame 103 will be explained using Figures 12(a) and 12(b). Figure 12(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the cleaning frame 103 and the leaf spring 141, and Figure 12(b) is a perspective view showing the cleaning frame 103 with the leaf spring 141 assembled.

[0057] As shown in Figure 12(a), the recess 103g provided on the inner surface 103q of the cleaning frame 103 is composed of a wall portion 103r extending in the Z-axis direction. On the Z2 side of the wall portion 103r, a rectangular through-hole 103r1 is provided that penetrates the wall portion 103r in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), a leaf spring 141 is assembled into the through-hole 103r1. The leaf spring 141 is made of a thin sheet of metal and has flat portions 141a and 141c and a convex portion 141b. The convex portion 141b is positioned between the flat portions 141a and 141c so as to connect them, and the flat portions 141a and 141c are arranged on substantially the same plane so as to extend in the Z-axis direction.

[0058] The convex portion 141b is composed of two inclined portions 141b1 and 141b2, has a mountain-like shape, and the angle it makes with the flat portion 141a is approximately 45 degrees. As shown in Figure 12(b), the convex portion 141b of the leaf spring 141 is fitted into the through hole 103r1 of the cleaning frame 103 in the Y2 direction. The flat portion 141a of the leaf spring 141 is fixed to the wall portion 103r of the cleaning frame 103 by adhesive or the like. The flat portion 141c of the leaf spring 141 is positioned in contact with the wall portion 103r, or with a slight gap between them.

[0059] [Assembly of the idler gear onto the cleaning frame] Next, the attachment of the first idler gear 108 and the second idler gear 118 to the cleaning frame 103 will be described. Figure 13(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the cleaning frame 103 just before the first idler gear 108 and the second idler gear 118 are attached. Figure 13(b) is a perspective view showing the cleaning frame 103 with the first idler gear 108 and the second idler gear 118 attached.

[0060] As shown in Figure 13(a), the first idler gear 108 and the second idler gear 118 are helical gears and each has a circular through hole 108b, 118b in its center. The through hole 108b of the first idler gear 108 is fitted into the projection 103p of the cleaning frame 103 in the X1 direction. At this time, the claw portion 103p1 provided on the projection 103p is elastically deformed radially inward of the projection 103p by the through hole 108b of the first idler gear 108. When the claw portion 103p1 passes through the through hole 108b, the elastic deformation is released and the claw portion 103p1 protrudes toward the X2 side of the first idler gear 108, as shown in Figure 13(b). The claw portion 103p1 is positioned so as to overlap with the first idler gear 108 when viewed in the X-axis direction. In other words, at least a portion of the claw portion 103p1 is located radially outward from the through hole 108b of the first idler gear 108. As a result, the first idler gear 108 is prevented from coming off the cleaning frame 103 in the X-axis direction and is rotatably supported.

[0061] Next, the second idler gear 118 is assembled to the cleaning frame 103 in the same manner as the first idler gear 108. More specifically, the second idler gear 118 is fitted into the projection 103y of the cleaning frame 103 in the X1 direction. At this time, the claw portion 103y1 provided on the projection 103y is elastically deformed radially inward by the through hole 118b of the second idler gear 118. As the claw portion 103y1 passes through the through hole 118b, the elastic deformation is released, and the claw portion 103y1 protrudes toward the X2 side of the second idler gear 118, as shown in Figure 13(b). The claw portion 103y1 is positioned so as to overlap with the second idler gear 118 when viewed in the X-axis direction. In other words, at least a portion of the claw portion 103y1 is located radially outward from the through hole 108b of the second idler gear 118. As a result, the second idler gear 118 is prevented from coming off the cleaning frame 103 in the X-axis direction and is rotatably supported.

[0062] The first idler gear 108 and the second idler gear 118 are mounted on the cleaning frame 103, and their gear portions are engaged with each other, enabling them to transmit power to one another.

[0063] [Assembly of the discharge shutter onto the cleaning frame] Next, the assembly of the discharge shutter 114 onto the cleaning frame 103 will be explained using Figures 14(a) and 14(b). Figure 14(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the state just before the discharge shutter 114 is assembled onto the cleaning frame 103. Figure 14(b) is a perspective view showing the state after the discharge shutter 114 has been assembled onto the cleaning frame 103.

[0064] As shown in Figure 14(a), the discharge shutter 114 has a flat plate shape and a flat plate portion 114a extending along the XZ plane perpendicular to the Y axis. The ends of the flat plate portion 114a in the Z1 direction and the ends in the X2 direction are provided with protrusions 114b projecting in the Z1 direction.

[0065] At the end of the discharge shutter 114 in the Z2 direction, a cylindrical portion 114c projecting in the X2 direction and a cylindrical portion 114d projecting in the X1 direction are provided coaxially. A torsion coil spring 115 is attached to the cylindrical portion 114d. The torsion coil spring 115 has a coil portion 115a that is wound around an axis extending in the X-axis direction, an end wire 115b provided at the end of the coil portion 115a in the X2 direction, and an end wire 115c provided at the end of the coil portion 115a in the X1 direction. The end wire 115b extends in the X2 direction, and the end wire 115c extends radially outward from the coil portion 115a.

[0066] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the coil portion 115a of the torsion coil spring 115 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 114d of the discharge shutter 114. Then, the cylindrical portion 114c of the discharge shutter 114 is inserted into the recess 103t of the cleaning frame 103. At this time, the cylindrical portion 114d of the discharge shutter 114 abuts against the protrusion 103v in the Y1 direction, and abuts against the claw portion 103w1 of the protrusion 103w from above in the Z2 direction. The protrusion 103w is elastically deformed in the Y2 direction as the claw portion 103w1 is pushed in the Z2 direction by the cylindrical portion 114d. When the cylindrical portion 114d of the discharge shutter 114 overcomes the claw portion 103w1 in the Z2 direction and the elastic deformation of the protruding portion 103w is released, the claw portion 103w1 and the cylindrical portion 114d overlap when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0067] In other words, the cylindrical portion 114d of the discharge shutter 114 engages with the claw portion 103w1 in the Z-axis direction and is sandwiched between the protrusions 103v and 103w in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the discharge shutter 114 is prevented from coming off the cleaning frame 103 in the Z-axis direction and positioned in the Y-axis direction.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14(b), the end wire 115b of the torsion coil spring 115 abuts against the side surface of the flat plate portion 114a of the discharge shutter 114. Also, the end wire 115c of the torsion coil spring 115 abuts against the convex portion 103v1 of the projection portion 103v in the rotational direction of the coil portion 115a. In addition, the torsion coil spring 115 restricts the movement of the discharge shutter 114 in the X1 direction. In this way, the discharge shutter 114 is positioned relative to the cleaning frame 103 in a state where it can rotate around the cylindrical portions 114c and 114d.

[0069] At this time, the torsion coil spring 115 is in a charged state, and a rotational force is acting on the discharge shutter 114 with respect to the cleaning frame 103, centered on the cylindrical parts 114c and 114d. As a result, the flat part 114a of the discharge shutter 114 abuts against the elastic seal 104 provided on the cleaning frame 103, and the elastic seal 104 is crushed, sealing the waste toner in the waste toner chamber 103b.

[0070] [Waste toner transport component] Next, the waste toner transport member 106 will be described using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the waste toner transport member 106. As shown in Figure 15, the waste toner transport member 106 has a cylindrical shaft portion 106a extending in the X-axis direction, a screw portion 106b, and a reverse screw portion 106c. The screw portion 106b and the reverse screw portion 106c are integrally provided on the shaft portion 106a and extend in a spiral shape.

[0071] The reverse screw portion 106c is located downstream of the screw portion 106b in the X2 direction and has a helical shape that rotates in the opposite direction to the screw portion 106b. The shaft portion 106a has a shaft end 106a1 which is the end in the X1 direction and a shaft end 106a2 which is the end in the X2 direction. A D-cut portion 106d is provided at the outermost end of the shaft end 106a1.

[0072] Furthermore, a sheet member 107, which is an elastic sheet, is attached to the shaft portion 106a by adhesive or the like between the screw portion 106b and the reverse screw portion 106c. The sheet member 107 is made of a plate-shaped elastic material, with one end fixed to the shaft portion 106a and the other end being a free end. At both ends of the free end side of the sheet member 107 in the X-axis direction, there are inclined surfaces 107a and 107b that extend diagonally with respect to the X-axis direction, respectively.

[0073] [Assembly of waste toner transport component onto cleaning frame] Next, the assembly of the waste toner transport member 106 to the cleaning frame 103 will be explained using Figures 16(a) to 18. Figures 16(a) to 16(c) are cross-sectional views showing the process of assembling the waste toner transport member 106 to the cleaning frame 103. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the waste toner gear 109 to the waste toner transport member 106. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the side cover 112.

[0074] First, as shown in Figure 16(a), the shaft end 106a1 of the waste toner transport member 106 is inserted into the through hole 103c of the cleaning frame 103. The waste toner transport member 106 is inserted into the through hole 103c while being deformed, and as shown in Figure 16(b), it enters the waste toner chamber 103b, and the deformed state is released. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16(c), the shaft end 106a2 of the waste toner transport member 106 is inserted into the recess 103d1 of the cylindrical part 103d. In this way, the waste toner transport member 106 is assembled to the cleaning frame 103. After this, various parts, including the photosensitive drum 43, are attached to the cleaning frame 103, but a detailed explanation of this is omitted. Finally, the waste toner gear 109 (see Figure 17) is attached to the waste toner transport member 106.

[0075] As shown in Figure 17, a drive input coupling 110 is mounted coaxially with the photosensitive drum 43 on the end face of the cleaning frame 103 in the X1 direction. The drive input coupling 110 receives driving force from the main body A of the device. In addition, a drum gear 113 having an oblique tooth shape is mounted coaxially with the photosensitive drum 43 and is rotatable integrally with it on the end of the photosensitive drum 43 in the X1 direction.

[0076] Furthermore, the aforementioned first idler gear 108 is positioned on the Y2 direction side of the cleaning frame 103, with the recess 103j of the cleaning frame 103 in between, relative to the drum gear 113. The shaft end 106b1 of the waste toner transport member 106, which passes through the through hole 103c, protrudes in the X1 direction from the cylindrical portion 103s of the cleaning frame 103.

[0077] First, the sealing member 111 is fitted in the X2 direction toward the shaft end 106b1 and inserted into the hole 103s1 of the cylindrical portion 103s. The sealing member 111 is then inserted until it abuts against the end face 103s2 of the hole 103s1. The sealing member 111 is a cylindrical elastic member and is made of, for example, a foamed material such as sponge.

[0078] Furthermore, since the through hole 111a in the center of the sealing member 111 is smaller in diameter than the outer diameter of the shaft end 106b1 of the waste toner transport member 106, the sealing member 111 is fitted onto the shaft end 106b1 while being pushed outward in the radial direction. Moreover, since the outer diameter of the sealing member 111 is larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 103s, the sealing member 111 is assembled into the hole 103s1 of the cylindrical portion 103s while being compressed inward in the radial direction.

[0079] Next, a waste toner gear 109 is attached to the shaft end 106b1 of the waste toner transport member 106 in the X2 direction. The waste toner gear 109 has a helical gear shape and a through hole, a D-cut hole 109a, is provided in the center. The D-cut hole 109a is fitted into the D-cut portion 106d provided on the shaft end 106b1 of the waste toner transport member 106, and the waste toner gear 109 can rotate integrally with the waste toner transport member 106. In addition, the helical gear portion of the waste toner gear 109 engages with the drum gear 113 and the first idler gear 108, and the three gears are in a state where they can transmit power to each other.

[0080] Furthermore, a side cover 112 is attached to the cleaning frame 103 in the X2 direction. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the side cover 112 has a flat plate shape that extends along the YZ plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction. Two cylindrical bosses 112a and 112b protrude in the X1 direction from the Z1 side of the side cover 112, and these cylindrical bosses 112a and 112b are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction.

[0081] Furthermore, the side cover 112 is provided with a projection 112c that is positioned on the Z2 direction side of the cylindrical bosses 112a and 112b and protrudes in the X2 direction. The projection 112c has an arc shape 112c1 on its end face in the Z1 direction. A cylindrical portion 112d that protrudes in the X1 direction is provided on the projection 112c coaxially with the arc shape 112c1. The cylindrical portion 112d is provided with a recess 112d1 that is recessed in the X2 direction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 17, the side cover 112 is attached in the X2 direction to the recess 103j of the cleaning frame 103. At this time, the arc shape 112c1 of the side cover 112 is fitted into the arc shape 103k of the cleaning frame 103. Then, the shaft end 106b1 of the waste toner transport member 106 is inserted into the recess 112d1 of the cylindrical part 112d.

[0083] Furthermore, the cylindrical bosses 112a and 112b of the side cover 112 are inserted into the round recess 103m and the elongated recess 103n of the cleaning frame 103, respectively. The side cover 112 is abutted against the cleaning frame 103 in the X2 direction and fixed to the cleaning frame 103 by adhesive or the like.

[0084] When the side cover 112 abuts against the cleaning frame 103 in the X2 direction, the waste toner gear 109 is pushed in the X2 direction by the cylindrical portion 112d of the side cover 112. As a result, the sealing member 111 is crushed, and the waste toner gear 109 and the side cover 112 are assembled to the waste toner transport member 106 and the cleaning frame 103, respectively. In this way, the sealing member 111 is crushed by the cleaning frame 103, the waste toner transport member 106, and the waste toner gear 109, respectively, and the gaps between them are sealed, thereby sealing the toner contained in the waste toner chamber 103b.

[0085] [Explanation of waste toner transport] Next, the waste toner transport configuration within the cleaning unit 60 will be explained using Figures 9, 17, and 19. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the cleaning unit 60 including the waste toner transport member 106. Figure 19 shows a cross-section passing through the rotation axis of the waste toner transport member 106.

[0086] As shown in Figures 9 and 19, the waste toner scraped from the photosensitive drum 43 by the cleaning blade 17 is sent to the waste toner chamber 103b of the cleaning frame 103 by its own weight. The waste toner chamber 103b is located opposite the contact area between the photosensitive drum 43 and the cleaning blade 17. A waste toner transport member 106 is positioned in the waste toner chamber 103b. As shown in Figure 17, when the photosensitive drum 43 rotates in the R1 direction, the drum gear 113, which rotates integrally with the photosensitive drum 43, also rotates in the R1 direction. The drum gear 113 is engaged with the waste toner gear 109 and the first idler gear 108 in a drive-transmitting manner, and as the photosensitive drum 43 rotates, the waste toner gear 109 rotates in the R2 direction, which is the opposite direction to the R1 direction. In this way, the waste toner transport member 106, which is supported to rotate integrally with the waste toner gear 109, rotates in the R2 direction.

[0087] As shown in Figure 19, the waste toner transport member 106 is equipped with a screw section 106b, which, as the waste toner transport member 106 rotates, transports the waste toner in the waste toner chamber 103b in the X2 direction.

[0088] Furthermore, a reverse screw section 106c is provided on the X2 direction side of the waste toner transport member 106, and the reverse screw section 106c transports the waste toner in the waste toner chamber 103b in the X1 direction. The waste toner transported by the screw section 106b and the reverse screw section 106c collide with each other between the screw section 106b and the reverse screw section 106c and is discharged from the discharge port 103e.

[0089] Furthermore, the aforementioned sheet member 107 is positioned opposite the discharge port 103e. When the waste toner transport member 106 rotates, the sheet member 107 flexes upon contact with the arc shape 103b1. As the sheet member 107 moves toward the discharge port 103e, the flex at its free end is released, causing the waste toner to be forcefully discharged toward the discharge port 103e. In this way, the waste toner is discharged from the cleaning frame 103 to the outside through the discharge port 103e.

[0090] [Outline configuration of the waste toner unit] Next, the schematic configuration of the waste toner unit 120 will be described. Figure 20(a) is a perspective view showing the waste toner frame 121, and Figure 20(b) is another perspective view showing the waste toner frame 121. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the area around the receiving opening 121h of the waste toner frame 121, viewed in the Y2 direction.

[0091] As shown in Figure 27, which will be described later, the waste toner unit 120 has a waste toner frame 121 and a waste toner lid 122, and the waste toner lid 122 is coupled to the waste toner frame 121. First, the waste toner frame 121 will be explained using Figures 20(a) and 20(b). As shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), the waste toner frame 121 has a bucket shape that extends in the X-axis direction and is recessed in the Z2 direction. A space 121a is formed inside the waste toner frame 121.

[0092] The end of the waste toner frame 121 in the Z1 direction is provided with an end face 121b that extends along the XY plane perpendicular to the Z axis so as to surround the space 121a. Furthermore, the downstream end of the waste toner frame 121 in the Z2 direction and the downstream end in the Y1 direction is provided with a recess 121e that is recessed in the Y2 direction. The end face 121f of the recess 121e forms a surface perpendicular to the Y axis. The end of the end face 121f in the X2 direction is provided with a recess 121g that is recessed in the Y2 direction, and the recess 121g is provided with a rectangular receiving opening 121h that penetrates the waste toner frame 121 in the Y axis direction.

[0093] An elastic seal 123 is attached to the edge of the receiving opening 121h so as to surround the receiving opening 121h. The elastic seal 123 is a plate-shaped material made of a foamed material such as sponge, and has a through hole 123a that is larger than the receiving opening 121h. The elastic seal 123 is attached to the waste toner frame 121 by adhesive or the like so that the through hole 123a surrounds the receiving opening 121h.

[0094] Furthermore, the side end face of the waste toner frame 121 in the X2 direction is provided with a cylindrical boss 121c projecting in the X2 direction and a projection 121d projecting in the X2 direction. The cylindrical boss 121c is provided at the ends of the side end face in the Y2 and Z2 directions. The projection 121d is located downstream of the cylindrical boss 121c in the Y1 direction. The projection 121d is provided with an inclined surface 121d1 that is inclined to face the cylindrical boss 121c.

[0095] As shown in Figure 20(b), the side end face of the waste toner frame 121 in the X1 direction is provided with an elongated oval-shaped boss 121j, a cylindrical projection 121m, and two cylindrical bosses 121s and 121t, each projecting in the X1 direction. The boss 121j is provided at the end of the side end face in the Y2 direction and extends in the Z-axis direction. In addition, a through hole 121k is provided at the center of the cylindrical projection 121m, penetrating the waste toner frame 121 in the X-axis direction.

[0096] The inner diameter portion 121m1 of the cylindrical projection 121m is larger in diameter than the through hole 121k, and an end face 121m2 surrounding the through hole 121k is formed at the end of the cylindrical projection 121m in the X2 direction. The cylindrical bosses 121s and 121t are provided on opposite sides of the cylindrical projection 121m. The inner surface of the waste toner frame 121 in the X2 direction is provided with a cylindrical portion 121p projecting in the X1 direction, and a recess 121p1 recessed in the X2 direction is provided in the center of the cylindrical portion 121p.

[0097] As shown in Figure 21, a receiving port 121h is provided in the recess 121g of the waste toner frame 121. On the X2 side of the receiving port 121h, a wall portion 121r is provided that extends in the Z-axis direction and protrudes in the Y1 direction. A chamfered portion 121x is provided at the end of the wall portion 121r in the Z2 direction.

[0098] Furthermore, a circular through-hole 121t is provided on the Z1 side of the wall portion 121r, penetrating in the X-axis direction. On the X1 side of the recess 121g, protrusions 121v and 121w1 are provided that project in the Y1 direction. The protrusion 121v has a convex portion 121v1 that projects in the Y1 direction and an end face 121v2 that forms the lower surface of the convex portion 121v1. The end of the protrusion 121w in the Y1 direction is provided with a claw portion 121w1 that projects in the Z1 direction.

[0099] [Waste toner shutter] Next, the waste toner shutter 129 that seals the receiving port 121h will be explained using Figures 22(a) and (b). Figure 22(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the waste toner frame 121, the waste toner shutter 129, and the torsion coil spring 130. Figure 22(b) is a perspective view showing the waste toner shutter 129 and the torsion coil spring 130 assembled to the waste toner frame 121.

[0100] As shown in Figure 22(a), the waste toner shutter 129 has a flat plate shape and a flat plate portion 129a extending along the XZ plane perpendicular to the Y axis. At the ends of the flat plate portion 129a in the Z2 direction and in the X2 direction, cylindrical projections 129b protruding in the X2 direction are provided.

[0101] At the end of the waste toner shutter 129 in the Z1 direction, a cylindrical portion 129c projecting in the X1 direction and a cylindrical portion 129d projecting in the X2 direction are provided coaxially. A torsion coil spring 130 is attached to the cylindrical portion 129c. The torsion coil spring 130 has a coil portion 130a that is wound around an axis extending in the X-axis direction, an end wire 130b provided at the end of the coil portion 130a in the X2 direction, and an end wire 130c provided at the end of the coil portion 130a in the X1 direction. The end wire 130b extends in the X2 direction, and the end wire 130c extends in the X1 direction.

[0102] As shown in Figures 22(a) and 22(b), the coil portion 130a of the torsion coil spring 130 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 129c of the waste toner shutter 129. Then, the cylindrical portion 129d of the waste toner shutter 129 is inserted into the through hole 121t of the waste toner frame 121. At this time, the cylindrical portion 129c of the waste toner shutter 129 abuts against the projection 121v in the Z1 direction and abuts against the claw portion 121w1 of the projection 121w of the waste toner frame 121 in the Y2 direction. The projection 121w is elastically deformed in the Z2 direction as the claw portion 121w1 is pushed in the Y2 direction by the cylindrical portion 129c. When the cylindrical portion 129c overcomes the claw portion 121w1 in the Y2 direction and the elastic deformation of the protruding portion 121w is released, the claw portion 121w1 and the cylindrical portion 129c overlap when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0103] In other words, the cylindrical portion 129d of the waste toner shutter 129 engages with the claw portion 121w1 in the Y-axis direction and is sandwiched between the protrusions 121v and 121w in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the waste toner shutter 129 is prevented from coming off the waste toner frame 121 in the Y-axis direction and positioned in the Z-axis direction.

[0104] Furthermore, the end wire 130b of the torsion coil spring 130 abuts against the side surface of the flat plate portion 129a of the waste toner shutter 129. Also, the end wire 130c of the torsion coil spring 130 abuts against the convex portion 121v1 of the projection 121v in the rotational direction of the coil portion 130a. In addition, the torsion coil spring 130 restricts the movement of the waste toner shutter 129 in the X-axis direction. In this way, the waste toner shutter 129 is supported in a state in which it can rotate around the cylindrical portions 129c and 129d relative to the waste toner frame 121. At this time, the projection 129b of the waste toner shutter 129 protrudes from the waste toner frame 121 in the X2 direction.

[0105] At this time, the torsion coil spring 130 is in a charged state, and a rotational force is acting on the waste toner shutter 129 with respect to the waste toner frame 121, centered on the cylindrical parts 129c and 129d. As a result, the flat part 129a of the waste toner shutter 129 abuts against the elastic seal 123 provided on the waste toner frame 121, and the elastic seal 123 is crushed, sealing the waste toner inside the waste toner frame 121.

[0106] [Explanation of stirring components] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing a stirring member 124 attached to the waste toner frame 121. The stirring member 124 has a rectangular cross-section and a columnar portion 124c extending in the X-axis direction. The stirring member 124 also has a boss portion 124a provided on the end face of the columnar portion 124c in the X2 direction, and a boss portion 124b provided on the end face of the columnar portion 124c in the X1 direction. These boss portions 124a and 124b are each formed in a cylindrical shape and are arranged coaxially with each other. A D-cut portion 124b1 is provided at the end of the boss portion 124b in the X1 direction.

[0107] A stirring sheet 125 is attached to one surface of the column portion 124c by adhesive or the like. The stirring sheet 125 is a roughly rectangular sheet extending in the X-axis direction and is flexible. The stirring sheet 125 has a portion of its end in the X2 direction that is shorter than the rest. Hereinafter, the shorter portion of the stirring sheet 125 will be referred to as the short sheet portion 125a, and the remaining portion as the long sheet portion 125b. The stirring sheet 125 has a plurality of inclined slits 125c that extend in the X2 direction from the free end toward the fixed end.

[0108] [Installation of stirring component] Next, the assembly of the stirring member 124 to the waste toner frame 121 will be explained using Figures 24 and 25. Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the stirring member 124 to the waste toner frame 121. Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view showing the waste toner frame 121, cylindrical seal 126, stirring gear 127, and side cover 128.

[0109] First, as shown in Figure 24, the boss portion 124b of the stirring member 124 is inserted into the through hole 121k of the waste toner frame 121. Next, the boss portion 124a of the stirring member 124 is inserted into the recess 121p1 of the waste toner frame 121. As a result, the stirring member 124 is rotatably supported by the waste toner frame 121. The boss portion 124b of the stirring member 124 penetrates the through hole 121k and extends outward from the waste toner frame 121 in the X2 direction, as shown in Figures 24 and 25.

[0110] Next, as shown in Figure 25, a cylindrical seal 126, a stirring gear 127, and a side cover 128 are attached to the waste toner frame 121 in the X2 direction. The cylindrical seal 126 is a cylindrical elastic member, and is made of a foamed material such as sponge. The cylindrical seal 126 has an inner diameter portion 126a that forms a through hole.

[0111] The stirring gear 127 is a gear having a helical gear section, and has a D-shaped through hole 127a in its center. The side cover 128 has rectangular plate-shaped flat sections 128a, 128e, and 128f, and columns 128c and 128d extending in the X2 direction from both ends of the flat section 128a. The flat section 128a has a round through hole 128b. The flat sections 128e and 128f extend away from each other from the ends of the columns 128c and 128d in the X2 direction. The flat sections 128e and 128f have through holes 128g and 128h that penetrate in the X-axis direction, respectively. The through hole 128g is round, and the through hole 128h is elongated.

[0112] As shown in Figure 25, the inner diameter portion 126a of the cylindrical seal 126 is fitted into the boss portion 124b of the stirring member 124 in the X2 direction, and the cylindrical seal 126 is inserted through the inner diameter portion 121m1 of the cylindrical projection 121m until it abuts against the end face 121m2. Since the inner diameter portion 126a of the cylindrical seal 126 is smaller in diameter than the outer diameter of the boss portion 124b of the stirring member 124, the cylindrical seal 126 is fitted into the boss portion 124b while being pushed outward in the radial direction. Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the cylindrical seal 126 is larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the cylindrical projection 121m, the cylindrical seal 126 is assembled into the cylindrical projection 121m of the waste toner frame 121 while being compressed inward in the radial direction.

[0113] Next, the stirring gear 127 is attached to the boss portion 124b of the stirring member 124 such that the through hole 127a fits into the D-cut portion 124b1 of the boss portion 124b of the stirring member 124. This allows the stirring gear 127 to rotate integrally with the stirring member 124.

[0114] The side cover 128 is then attached to the waste toner frame 121 in the X2 direction. The cylindrical bosses 121s and 121t of the waste toner frame 121 are inserted into the through holes 128g and 128h provided in the side cover 128, respectively, and the flat portions 128e and 128f of the side cover 128 are fixed to the waste toner frame 121 by adhesive or the like. The boss portion 124b also passes through the through hole 128b of the side cover 128.

[0115] When the side cover 128 abuts against the waste toner frame 121 in the X-axis direction, the stirring gear 127 is pushed in the X2 direction by the flat plate portion 128a of the side cover 128. As a result, the cylindrical seal 126 is crushed, and the stirring gear 127 and the side cover 128 are assembled to the stirring member 124 and the waste toner frame 121, respectively. In this way, the cylindrical seal 126 is crushed by the waste toner frame 121, the stirring member 124, and the stirring gear 127, respectively, sealing the gaps between them and sealing the toner inside the waste toner unit 120.

[0116] [Explanation of the waste toner cover] Next, the configuration of the waste toner cover 122 will be explained using Figure 26. Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view showing the waste toner cover 122 and the parts assembled to the waste toner cover 122. As shown in Figure 26, the waste toner cover 122 has a rectangular flat plate shape extending in the X-axis direction. The waste toner cover 122 has gripping portions 122a and 122b that are recessed in the Z2 direction near the center in the X-axis direction.

[0117] Furthermore, the end of the waste toner cover 122 in the Z2 direction is provided with a flange portion 122c that forms the outermost shape of the waste toner cover 122 in the XY plane. In addition, the waste toner cover 122 is provided with a projection portion 122d that protrudes in the Z2 direction. The waste toner cover 122 is provided with a rectangular through hole 122e that penetrates in the Z-axis direction, and a recess 122f that is recessed in the Z2 direction so as to surround the through hole 122e.

[0118] As shown in Figure 26, a light guide 132 is assembled to the waste toner cover 122. The light guide 132 is made of a transparent material and has a rectangular plate portion 132a that extends along the XY plane perpendicular to the Z axis. From the plate portion 132a, a cylindrical boss 132b and a rectangular prism boss 132c are arranged side by side in the X axis direction, projecting in the Z1 direction. In addition, two protrusions 132d and 132e project from the plate portion 132a in the Z2 direction. At the tips of the protrusions 132d and 132e in the Z2 direction, there are inclined surfaces 132d1 and 132e1, respectively, that form approximately 45 degrees with respect to the Z axis direction.

[0119] Furthermore, a black seal 133 is attached to the light guide 132 in the Z2 direction. The black seal 133 is in sheet form and has approximately the same size as the plate portion 132a of the light guide 132. The black seal 133 is provided with a through-hole 133b and a through-hole 133c that penetrate in the Z-axis direction.

[0120] The black sticker 133 is attached to the plate portion 132a of the light guide 132 by adhesive or the like. At this time, the cylindrical boss 132b passes through the through-hole 133b, and the rectangular boss 132c passes through the through-hole 133c. In this way, the light guide 132 suppresses the intrusion of light into the cylindrical boss 132b and the rectangular boss 132c from directions other than the Z-axis direction. The light guide 132 is fitted into the recess 122f of the waste toner cover 122 in the Z2 direction and fixed without gaps by adhesive or the like.

[0121] [Attaching the waste toner cover to the waste toner frame] Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the attachment of the waste toner cover 122 to the waste toner frame 121. As shown in Figure 27, the waste toner cover 122 is attached to the waste toner frame 121 in the Z2 direction. The protruding portion 122d of the waste toner cover 122 is fitted into the space 121a of the waste toner frame 121. This positions the waste toner cover 122 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions relative to the waste toner frame 121. In this state, the flange portion 122c of the waste toner cover 122 is attached to the end face 121b of the waste toner frame 121 by adhesive or the like, so that the waste toner frame 121 and the waste toner cover 122 become one unit.

[0122] [Installing the waste toner unit into the cleaning unit] Next, the attachment of the waste toner unit 120 to the cleaning unit 60 will be explained using Figures 28 to 29(d). Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the attachment of the waste toner unit 120 to the cleaning unit 60. Figures 29(a) to (d) are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation during the attachment process of the waste toner unit 120 to the cleaning unit 60. Figures 29(a) to (d) show cross-sections perpendicular to the X-axis direction, i.e., cross-sections parallel to the YZ plane.

[0123] As shown in Figure 28, the waste toner unit 120 is attached to the cleaning frame 103 in the Z2 direction. At this time, the user operates the waste toner unit 120 by, for example, placing their fingers on the gripping parts 122a and 122b of the waste toner lid 122. The waste toner unit 120 is inserted in the Z2 direction toward the space 103f within the cleaning frame 103. At this time, the cylindrical bosses 121c and 121j of the waste toner frame 121 are fitted into the recesses 103g and 103h of the cleaning frame 103, respectively.

[0124] As shown in Figures 29(a) and (b), the waste toner unit 120 moves in the Z2 direction towards the cleaning frame 103, with its cylindrical bosses 121c and 121j guided by the recesses 103g and 103h. At this time, the leaf spring 141 provided in the recess 103g of the cleaning frame 103 is positioned to overlap with the movement trajectory of the cylindrical boss 121c. As shown in Figure 29(c), the cylindrical boss 121c presses against the leaf spring 141 as the waste toner unit 120 moves in the Z2 direction. This causes the leaf spring 141 to rotate or deform. When the cylindrical boss 121c overcomes the leaf spring 141, the leaf spring 141 returns to its original position, as shown in Figure 29(d). As a result, the cylindrical boss 121c is positioned on the Z2 side of the leaf spring 141 and overlaps with the leaf spring 141 in the Z-axis direction. Then, the installation of the waste toner unit 120 into the cleaning unit 60 is completed.

[0125] [Connection between the discharge port and the receiving port] Next, the connection between the discharge port 103e of the cleaning unit 60 and the receiving port 121h of the waste toner unit 120 will be explained using Figures 29(a) to (d). As shown in Figure 29(a), when the waste toner unit 120 is mounted to the cleaning unit 60 in the Z2 direction, the projection 129b of the waste toner shutter 129 abuts against the inclined surface 103u1 of the convex portion 103u of the cleaning frame 103.

[0126] Furthermore, as the waste toner unit 120 moves in the Z2 direction, the projection 129b of the waste toner shutter 129 moves along the inclined surface 103u1. As a result, the waste toner shutter 129 rotates in the direction of arrow R10 around the cylindrical parts 129c and 129d.

[0127] Next, as shown in Figure 29(b), the projection 114b of the discharge shutter 114 provided on the cleaning frame 103 abuts against the inclined surface 121d1 of the projection 121d of the waste toner frame 121 in the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 29(c), when the waste toner unit 120 moves further in the Z2 direction, the projection 114b of the discharge shutter 114 moves along the inclined surface 121d1. As a result, the discharge shutter 114 rotates in the direction of arrow R11 around the cylindrical parts 114c and 114d.

[0128] As shown in Figure 29(d), when the waste toner unit 120 is positioned in front of the cleaning unit 60, the receiving port 121h of the waste toner frame 121 and the discharge port 103e of the cleaning frame 103 face each other. This connects the receiving port 121h and the discharge port 103e, enabling the transfer of waste toner between the cleaning unit 60 and the waste toner unit 120.

[0129] In this configuration, the elastic seal 123 attached to the receiving port 121h and the elastic seal 104 attached to the discharge port 103e are pressed together in the Y-axis direction, and the waste toner is sealed by being crushed against each other.

[0130] [Agitation of waste toner by a stirring component] Next, the stirring of waste toner in the waste toner unit 120 by the stirring member 124 will be explained using Figures 30 to 33(b). Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the waste toner unit 120 positioned on the cleaning unit 60. Note that Figure 30 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the Y-axis. Figure 31 is a perspective view showing the waste toner unit 120 with the waste toner lid 122 omitted. Figure 32(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the 32A-32A section of Figure 31, and Figure 32(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the 32B-32B section of Figure 31.

[0131] As shown in Figure 30, when the waste toner unit 120 is positioned on the cleaning unit 60, the helical gear portion of the stirring gear 127 engages with the helical gear portion of the second idler gear 118, making it possible to transmit power.

[0132] The photosensitive drum 34 rotates due to the driving force transmitted from the main body A of the device, causing the drum gear 113 to rotate in the R1 direction. When the drum gear 113 rotates in the R1 direction, the waste toner gear 109, which meshes with the drum gear 113, rotates in the R2 direction. When the waste toner gear 109 rotates in the R2 direction, the first idler gear 108, which meshes with the waste toner gear 109, rotates in the R3 direction. When the first idler gear 108 rotates in the R3 direction, the second idler gear 118, which meshes with the first idler gear 108, rotates in the R4 direction. When the second idler gear 118 rotates in the R4 direction, the stirring gear 127, which meshes with the second idler gear 118, rotates in the R5 direction.

[0133] As shown in Figure 31, when the stirring gear 127 rotates in the R5 direction, the stirring member 124 also rotates in the R5 direction in conjunction with the stirring gear 127. When the stirring sheet 125 attached to the stirring member 124 rotates in the R5 direction, the action of the multiple inclined slits 125c causes the long sheet portion 125b to bend more than the short sheet portion 125a. As a result, a surface that inclins in the X1 direction is formed on the stirring sheet 125 during rotation, and the waste toner is transported in the X1 direction. At the same time, as the stirring sheet 125 rotates in the R5 direction, the waste toner is also transported upwards in the Z1 direction.

[0134] Here, as shown in Figure 32(a), the short sheet portion 125a of the stirring sheet 125 is positioned in the area within the waste toner frame 121 where the receiving port 121h is located, that is, on the X2 direction side within the waste toner frame 121. The short sheet portion 125a is set to a length that reaches the end face (bottom face) of the space 121a in the Z2 direction, and transports the waste toner in the Y2 direction, which is the direction away from the receiving port 121h.

[0135] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 32(b), the amount of penetration of the long sheet portion 125b into the Z2 direction end face (bottom face) of the space 121a is set to be greater than that of the short sheet portion 125a. Therefore, the long sheet portion 125b contacts the inner surface of the waste toner frame 121 and flexes, transporting the waste toner in the X1 and Z1 directions. In this way, the waste toner that flows into the waste toner unit 120 from the inlet 121h is agitated within the waste toner unit 120 and accumulates from the end of the waste toner frame 121 in the X1 direction.

[0136] [Waste toner level detection] Next, the configuration for detecting the remaining amount of waste toner in the waste toner unit 120 will be explained using Figures 33(a) and 33(b). Figure 33(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the waste toner unit 120 in the process of accumulating waste toner, and Figure 33(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the waste toner unit 120 when it is full of waste toner. Figures 33(a) and 33(b) show cross-sections cut along the XZ plane perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0137] As shown in Figure 33(a), waste toner accumulates in the waste toner unit 120 from the X1 direction. The main body of the device A (see Figure 1(a)) has a remaining toner detection unit 150, and when the waste toner unit 120 is attached to the cleaning unit 60, the light guide 132 is positioned below the remaining toner detection unit 150.

[0138] The remaining toner detection unit 150 has a light-emitting part 151 that emits light and a light-receiving part 152 that receives light. The light-emitting part 151 faces the cylindrical boss 132b, and the light-receiving part 152 faces the rectangular boss 132c. Light L1 emitted from the light-emitting part 151 of the remaining toner detection unit 150 is incident on the upper end surface 132b1 of the cylindrical boss 132b of the light guide 132 attached to the waste toner cover 122. The light L1 incident on the cylindrical boss 132b passes through the projection 132d, is reflected by the inclined surface 132d1, and is incident on the projection 132e via the space 121a inside the waste toner unit 120.

[0139] Subsequently, the light L1 incident on the projection 132e is reflected by the inclined surface 132e1 and emitted from the upper end surface 132c1 of the prismatic boss 132c. The light L1 emitted from the prismatic boss 132c is received by the light receiving section 152 of the remaining charge detection unit 150. As a result, the remaining charge detection unit 150 detects that light has passed through the light guide 132.

[0140] As described above, waste toner accumulates in the waste toner unit 120 from the X1 direction, and the light guide 132 is located on the X2 direction side of the waste toner unit 120. Therefore, when the remaining amount detection unit 150 is able to receive light L1 by the light receiving unit 152, waste toner has not accumulated up to the light guide 132, and the remaining amount detection unit 150 can detect that the waste toner in the waste toner unit 120 is not yet full.

[0141] As shown in Figure 33(b), when waste toner accumulates up to the light guide 132, the light L1 is blocked by the waste toner between the protrusions 132d and 132e. As a result, the light receiving unit 152 of the remaining toner detection unit 150 can no longer detect the light L1. This allows the remaining toner detection unit 150 to detect that the waste toner in the waste toner unit 120 is full. When the remaining toner detection unit 150 detects that the waste toner in the waste toner unit 120 is full, the operation panel 500 of the device body A displays a warning indicating that the waste toner unit 120 is full.

[0142] The user acknowledges this warning, removes process cartridge B from the main unit A, and removes the waste toner unit 120 from process cartridge B in the Z1 direction. When removing the waste toner unit 120 from process cartridge B, the receiving port 121h of the waste toner unit 120 is sealed by the waste toner shutter 129 in the reverse order of the sequence described in Figures 29(a) to (d). Also, the discharge port 103e of the cleaning unit 60 is sealed by the discharge shutter 114 in the reverse order of the sequence described in Figures 29(a) to (d).

[0143] As described above, the receiving port 121h provided in the waste toner frame 121 of this embodiment is provided in a part of the waste toner frame 121 in the X-axis direction. More specifically, as shown in Figure 20, the receiving port 121h is provided at the end of the waste toner frame 121 in the X2 direction. In other words, in the X-axis direction, the receiving port 121h is located in the first region AR1 on one side of the central CP of the waste toner frame 121 (waste toner unit 120), and is not located in the second region AR2 on the other side of the central CP.

[0144] Furthermore, the receiving port 121h has a length of 1 / 2 or less of the external dimensions of the waste toner unit 120 in the X-axis direction. Preferably, the receiving port 121h has a length of 1 / 3 or less of the external dimensions of the waste toner unit 120 in the X-axis direction. More preferably, the receiving port 121h has a length of 1 / 4 or less of the external dimensions of the waste toner unit 120 in the X-axis direction. By making the receiving port 121h shorter than the total length of the waste toner frame 121 in this way, toner leakage from the receiving port 121h can be suppressed.

[0145] Furthermore, a stirring member 124 is rotatably supported on the waste toner frame 121. The stirring member 124 conveys the waste toner from the first region AR1 to the second region AR2 while stirring it. This prevents the waste toner contained in the waste toner unit 120 from becoming biased towards the receiving port 121h, and allows for efficient use of the space for containing the waste toner within the waste toner unit 120.

[0146] Furthermore, a stirring gear 127, which functions as a gear, is attached to the stirring member 124, and the stirring gear 127 is located in the second region AR2. By positioning the stirring gear 127 far from the receiving port 121h in this way, even if waste toner leaks from the receiving port 121h, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of waste toner to the stirring gear 127, thereby suppressing malfunctions of the stirring member 124.

[0147] Furthermore, the waste toner lid 122 of the waste toner unit 120 is provided with a light guide 132 that guides the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting part 151 of the remaining toner detection unit 150, and the light guide 132 is located in the second region AR2. Since the waste toner contained in the waste toner unit 120 accumulates from the X1 direction side, that is, from the second region AR2 side, the positioning of the light guide 132 in the first region AR1 allows for the detection of a full waste toner tank.

[0148] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a contact unit 310 is positioned at the end of the cleaning frame 103 of the process cartridge B in the X2 direction. That is, the contact unit 310 is positioned in the first region AR1. By positioning the contact unit 310 on the non-drive side opposite to the drive side where the stirring gear 127 and the like are located in the X-axis direction, the weight balance of the process cartridge B can be achieved, and the ease of attaching and detaching the process cartridge B can be improved.

[0149] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when viewed in the X-axis direction, the waste toner unit 120 is positioned on the opposite side of the developing roller 16, with the photosensitive drum 43 in between. This allows the process cartridge B to be miniaturized in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and also reduces the space required in the main body A to house the process cartridge B.

[0150] Here, as shown in Figure 9, the first straight line LN1 is defined as the straight line passing through the center 12a of the charging roller 12 and the rotation axis E, which is the center of the photosensitive drum 43, when viewed in the X-axis direction. The second straight line LN2 is defined as the straight line passing through the contact point C1 between the charging roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 43 and perpendicular to the first straight line LN1. Of the four regions divided by the first straight line LN1 and the second straight line LN2, only region P1 is a region where the developing roller 16 and the charging roller 12 are not present. In this case, the receiving port 121h is located only in region P1. By arranging the receiving port 121h in this way, waste toner can be transported in a space-saving area, improving the waste toner transport efficiency.

[0151] Furthermore, as explained in Figures 28 to 29(d), the waste toner unit 120 is detachably attached to the cleaning frame 103 in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction intersects (is perpendicular to) both the X-axis direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis E of the photosensitive drum 43, and the J1 direction, which is the mounting direction in which the process cartridge B is mounted on the device body A. Since the waste toner unit 120 is attached and detached in the Z-axis direction, which is different from the J1 direction in which the process cartridge B is mounted on the device body A, incorrect attachment and detachment of the waste toner unit 120 can be suppressed, and usability can be improved.

[0152] As described above, the waste toner unit 120 is detachably attached to the cleaning frame 103. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the waste toner unit 120 is detachably attached to the main body A of the device, the configuration for transporting waste toner provided in the main body A of the device can be omitted, and the main body A can be made smaller.

[0153] Since waste toner is generated in proportion to the amount of toner used, increasing the size of the toner cartridge C necessitates increasing the size of the waste toner unit 120. In this embodiment, the waste toner unit 120 is replaceably attached to the cleaning frame 103, so it is only necessary to secure the space required for accommodating the waste toner needed for typical usage, allowing the waste toner unit 120 to be made smaller. Furthermore, the toner cartridge C can be made to a larger capacity while keeping the size of the waste toner unit 120 down. Thus, according to this embodiment, the process cartridge B can be further developed.

[0154] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the waste toner unit 120 was configured to be attached to and detached from the cleaning unit 60 in the Z-axis direction, but in the second embodiment, the waste toner unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the cleaning unit in the X-axis direction. For this reason, the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted from the illustration or will be described using the same reference numerals in the illustration.

[0155] [Cleaning Unit] First, the configuration of the cleaning unit 160 according to the second embodiment will be described. The cleaning unit 160 has the same configuration as the first embodiment, except for the configuration for detachably supporting the waste toner unit 1120 (see Figure 42), which will be described later, and the configuration for transporting the waste toner.

[0156] Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view showing the cleaning frame 1103 of the cleaning unit 160 according to the second embodiment. Note that Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view taken by cutting the cleaning frame 1103 through the center of the waste toner chamber 1103b. Figure 35(a) is a perspective view showing the cleaning frame 1103, and Figure 35(b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the waste toner discharge member 1103x and the sealing member 1104. Figure 36 is a perspective view showing the cleaning frame 1103.

[0157] As shown in Figure 34, the cleaning frame 1103, which serves as the frame for the cleaning unit 160 in this embodiment, has a waste toner chamber 1103b through which waste toner is transported. The waste toner chamber 1103b includes a straight section 1103b1 extending in the X-axis direction, a U-shaped curved section 1103b2, and a discharge section 1103b3 formed by a waste toner discharge member 1103x. The curved section 1103b2 connects the end of the straight section 1103b1 in the X2 direction to the end of the discharge section 1103b3 in the X2 direction.

[0158] The waste toner discharge member 1103x has a cylindrical shape and protrudes into the space 1103f formed by the cleaning frame 1103. The waste toner unit 1120, which will be described later, is inserted into the space 1103f. As shown in Figures 35(a) and 35(b), the waste toner discharge member 1103x extends in the X1 direction and has a rectangular through-hole discharge port 1103e on the Z2 direction side (lower side).

[0159] In this embodiment, the straight section 1103b1 and the curved section 1103b2 of the waste toner chamber 1103b were formed by the cleaning frame 1103, but this is not limited to this. For example, the waste toner discharge member 1103x may be extended to form the straight section 1103b1, the curved section 1103b2, and the discharge section 1103b3 of the waste toner chamber 1103b. In this case, the portion of the waste toner discharge member 1103x that forms the straight section 1103b1 is configured to penetrate the cleaning frame 1103 in the X-axis direction.

[0160] Furthermore, a rib 1103x1 protruding in the Z1 direction is provided at the end of the waste toner discharge member 1103x in the X1 direction. A chamfered portion 1103x2 is provided at the end of the rib 1103x1 in the X1 direction.

[0161] A sealing member 1104 is attached to the waste toner discharge member 1103x so as to surround the discharge port 1103e. In addition, an annular rib 1103x3 and a rib 1103x4 are provided on the X2 direction side of the discharge port 1103e of the waste toner discharge member 1103x. The annular rib 1103x3 is formed in a circular shape so as to cover the outer circumference of the waste toner discharge member 1103x, and the rib 1103x4 protrudes in the Z1 direction and extends from the annular rib 1103x3 in the X1 direction.

[0162] As shown in Figure 36, a pressing member 1119 protruding in the Y2 direction is provided on the inner surface of the cleaning frame 1103 in the Y1 direction. The pressing member 1119 is pressed in the Y2 direction by a biasing spring (not shown) and is supported by the cleaning frame 1103 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. The pressing member 1119 has chamfered portions 1119a and 1119b at both ends in the X-axis direction.

[0163] [Installation of the discharge shutter] Next, the attachment of the discharge shutter 1114 to the waste toner discharge member 1103x will be explained using Figures 37 to 38(b). Figure 37 is an exploded perspective view showing the waste toner discharge member 1103x and the discharge shutter 1114. Figure 38(a) is a perspective view showing the discharge shutter 1114, and Figure 38(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the discharge shutter 1114. Figure 38(b) is a cross-sectional view taken by cutting through the XZ plane passing through the center of the discharge shutter 1114.

[0164] As shown in Figure 37, a compression spring 1115 and an discharge shutter 1114 are attached to the waste toner discharge member 1103x. The compression spring 1115 is a coil spring, and its inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical part of the waste toner discharge member 1103x. The outer diameter of the compression spring 1115 is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular rib 1103x3.

[0165] The discharge shutter 1114 has a cylindrical shape centered on an axis extending in the X-axis direction, and includes an inner diameter portion 1114a and a flange 1114b projecting radially outward. The flange 1114b is provided at the end of the discharge shutter 1114 in the X1 direction.

[0166] As shown in Figure 38(a), the inner diameter portion 1114a of the discharge shutter 1114 is provided with a groove portion 1114c that is recessed in the Z1 direction, and the groove portion 1114c extends in the X direction. A claw portion 1114d is provided at the end of the groove portion 1114c in the X2 direction, facing the flange 1114b in the X direction. As shown in Figure 38(b), the claw portion 1114d protrudes in the Z2 direction, and a chamfered portion 1114d1 is provided at the end in the X1 direction.

[0167] As shown in Figure 37, the compression spring 1115 is fitted in the X2 direction against the outer circumferential surface of the waste toner discharge member 1103x. Furthermore, the discharge shutter 1114 is fitted in the X2 direction against the waste toner discharge member 1103x such that its inner diameter portion 1114a faces the outer circumferential surface of the waste toner discharge member 1103x. The rib 1103x1 of the cleaning frame 1103 enters the groove 1114c of the discharge shutter 1114, and the discharge shutter 1114 is fitted in the X2 direction against the waste toner discharge member 1103x while its rotation is restricted. The compression spring 1115 is compressed between the annular rib 1103x3 and the discharge shutter 1114.

[0168] When the discharge shutter 1114 is moved further in the X2 direction, the ribs 1103x4 of the cleaning frame 1103 enter the groove 1114c of the discharge shutter 1114. As a result, the discharge shutter 1114 is fitted in the X2 direction while its rotation is restricted relative to the waste toner discharge member 1103x.

[0169] Next, the claw portion 1114d of the discharge shutter 1114 abuts against the rib 1103x1 in the X-axis direction. The chamfered portion 1114d1 of the claw portion 1114d and the chamfered portion 1103x2 of the rib 1103x1 abut each other, and the claw portion 1114d is elastically deformed in the Z1 direction. Then, the rib 1103x1 overcomes the claw portion 1114d in the X-axis direction, causing the rib 1103x1 and the claw portion 1114d to overlap when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0170] The discharge shutter 1114 is biased in the X1 direction by the compression spring 1115, and its claw portion 1114d abuts against the rib 1103x1, thereby positioning it in the X-axis direction relative to the waste toner discharge member 1103x. At this time, the discharge shutter 1114 overlaps the discharge port 1103e provided in the waste toner discharge member 1103x in the X-axis direction. The waste toner inside the waste toner discharge member 1103x is then sealed by the sealing member 1104 being crushed by the discharge shutter 1111.

[0171] [Installation of waste toner transport components] Next, the installation of the waste toner transport member 1106 in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 39, 40, and 41. Figure 39 is a perspective view showing the waste toner transport member 1106. Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly of the transport gear 1109 to the cleaning frame 1103. Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view showing the waste toner transport member 1106 assembled in the waste toner chamber 1103b. Note that Figure 41 shows a cross-section passing through the center line of the waste toner discharge member 1103x.

[0172] As shown in Figure 39, the waste toner transport member 1106 is composed of a spiral metal coil spring and has a coil portion 1106a. One end of the waste toner transport member 1106 is provided with an end shaft portion 1106b that passes through the axis of the coil portion 1106a and is perpendicular to the axis.

[0173] As shown in Figure 41, first the waste toner transport member 1106 is attached to the waste toner chamber 1103b in a bent state. Next, as shown in Figure 40, the sealing member 111 and the transport gear 1109 are attached to the cleaning frame 1103. The end face of the cleaning frame 1103 in the X1 direction is provided with a through hole 1103c and a cylindrical portion 1103s, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0174] The conveyor gear 1109 has a disc-shaped helical gear portion 1109a perpendicular to the X-axis direction, a first cylindrical portion 1109b protruding in the X2 direction, and a second cylindrical portion 1109c having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion 1109b. The first cylindrical portion 1109b protrudes from the helical gear portion 1109a in the X2 direction, and the second cylindrical portion 1109c protrudes from the first cylindrical portion 1109b in the X2 direction. The centers of the helical gear portion 1109a, the first cylindrical portion 1109b, and the second cylindrical portion 1109c are located coaxially. A slit portion 1109d recessed in the X1 direction is provided at the end of the second cylindrical portion 1109c in the X2 direction.

[0175] The sealing member 111 is assembled to the cylindrical portion 1103s while being crushed radially inward. Next, the conveying gear 1109 is assembled to the cleaning frame 1103 in the X2 direction. The second cylindrical portion 1109c of the conveying gear 1109 passes through the through hole in the sealing member 111 and the through hole 1103c of the cleaning frame 1103. Then, the first cylindrical portion 1109b of the conveying gear 1109 is fitted into the inner diameter portion 1103s1 of the cylindrical portion 1103s, crushing the sealing member 111 in the X2 direction.

[0176] As shown in Figure 41, the slit portion 1109d at the tip of the second cylindrical portion 1109c passes through the through hole 1103c and protrudes into the waste toner chamber 1103b, and is fitted onto the end shaft portion 1106b of the waste toner transport member 1106. This allows the waste toner transport member 1106 to rotate integrally with the transport gear 1109.

[0177] Subsequently, as in the first embodiment, a side cover 112 (see Figure 17) is attached to the cleaning frame 1103, and the transport gear 1109 is rotatably supported on the cleaning frame 1103. Also, as in the first embodiment, the transport gear 1109 is engaged with the drum gear 113, the first idler gear 108, and the second idler gear 1118 in a drive-transmission manner.

[0178] In this way, the driving force input to the transport gear 1109 can be transmitted to the waste toner transport member 1106. Here, as shown in Figure 41, the second idler gear 1118 of this embodiment has a helical gear portion that meshes with the first idler gear 108, and a spur gear portion 1118a that is formed coaxially and integrally with the helical gear portion.

[0179] [Waste Toner Unit] Next, the waste toner unit 1120 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 42. Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view showing the waste toner unit 1120 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 42, the waste toner unit 1120, which serves as a waste toner storage section, comprises a waste toner frame 1121 and a waste toner lid 1122, the waste toner lid 1122 being coupled to the waste toner frame 1121. The waste toner frame 1121 has a bucket shape that is recessed in the Z2 direction, and has a circular through-hole, or receiving opening 1121h, on its end face in the X2 direction.

[0180] A sealing member 1123 is attached by adhesive or the like to the end face of the waste toner frame 1121 in the X2 direction, surrounding the receiving opening 1121h. The sealing member 1123 is cylindrical and thin, and is made of a foamed material such as sponge. In addition, two wall portions 1121b and 1121c are provided on the Z1 direction side of the receiving opening 1121h, protruding in the X1 direction, and the wall portions 1121b and 1121c are arranged side by side in the Y axis direction.

[0181] The wall portions 1121b and 1121c are provided with U-shaped grooves 1121b1 and 1121c1, which have arcs with coaxial axes in the Y-axis direction, and the U-shaped grooves 1121b1 and 1121c1 have a U-shaped groove shape that is recessed in the Z2 direction. On the Y2 direction side of the wall portion 1121b, there is a projection 1121d that protrudes in the X1 direction. The projection 1121d is provided with a U-shaped groove 1121d1 that forms an arc with an axis in the X-axis direction, and the U-shaped groove 1121d1 has a U-shaped groove shape that is recessed in the Z2 direction.

[0182] A through hole 1121k is provided on the side surface of the waste toner frame 1121 in the X1 direction, coaxial with the axis of the arc portion of the U-shaped groove 1121d1. The through hole 1121k is located in approximately the same position as the through hole 121k of the first embodiment (see Figure 20(b)) on a cross section perpendicular to the X axis. A cylindrical projection 1121m, having the same shape as the cylindrical projection 121m of the first embodiment, is provided on the side surface of the waste toner frame 1121 in the X1 direction.

[0183] Furthermore, a protrusion 1121f is provided on the side surface of the waste toner frame 1121 in the X1 direction, and the protrusion 1121f is located on the Y1 side of the cylindrical projection 1121m. The protrusion 1121f is provided with a recess 1121f1 that is recessed in the Y2 direction. In addition, a projection 1121f2 is provided at the end of the protrusion 1121f in the X1 direction, and an arc portion 1121f3 is provided at the tip of the projection 1121f2. The protrusion 1121f has the same shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the Z axis direction.

[0184] [Waste toner shutter] Next, the waste toner shutter 1129 that seals the receiving port 1121h will be described using Figure 42. As shown in Figure 42, the waste toner shutter 1129 is attached to the waste toner frame 1121 so as to be located on the X1 direction side of the sealing member 1123. The waste toner shutter 1129 has a round flat plate portion 1129a that extends along the YZ plane and a cylindrical portion 1129b that is located on the Z1 direction side of the flat plate portion 1129a. The cylindrical portion 1129b extends in the Y-axis direction. The cylindrical portion 1129b has shaft portions 1129b1 and 1129b2 that constitute the Y1 direction end and the Y2 direction end, respectively. A torsion coil spring 1130 is attached to the shaft portion 1129b1.

[0185] The torsion coil spring 1130 has a coil portion 1130a, an axial portion 1130b provided at the end of the coil portion 1130a in the Y1 direction, and an axial portion 1130c provided at the end of the coil portion 1130a in the Y2 direction. The coil portion 1130a of the torsion coil spring 1130 is fitted into the shaft portion 1129b1 of the waste toner shutter 1129 in the Y2 direction. The shaft portions 1129b1 and 1129b2 of the waste toner shutter 1129 are then fitted into the U-shaped grooves 1121b1 and 1121c1 of the waste toner frame 1121, respectively.

[0186] The axial portion 1130c of the torsion coil spring 1130 abuts against the X1-direction side surface of the flat plate portion 1129a. The axial portion 1130b of the torsion coil spring 1130 abuts against the X1-direction end surface of the wall portion 1121b. At this time, the torsion coil spring 1130 is in a charged state, and a rotational force around the cylindrical portion 1129b acts on the waste toner shutter 1129 against the sealing member 1123. The sealing member 1123 is crushed by the flat plate portion 1129a of the waste toner shutter 1129, and the receiving opening 1121h is sealed by the waste toner shutter 1129.

[0187] The waste toner shutter 1129 is rotatable around the cylindrical portion 1129b against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 1130 when the flat portion 1129a is pushed in the X1 direction. In addition, a stirring member 1124 is attached to the waste toner frame 1121, similar to the first embodiment.

[0188] The stirring member 1124 is formed in a rectangular cross-section and has a columnar portion 1124c extending in the X-axis direction. The stirring member 124 has a boss portion 1124a provided on the end face of the columnar portion 1124c in the X2 direction and a boss portion 1124b provided on the end face of the columnar portion 1124c in the X1 direction. These boss portions 1124a and 1124b are each formed in a cylindrical shape and are arranged coaxially with each other. A D-cut portion is provided at the end of the boss portion 1124b in the X1 direction, similar to the first embodiment. The stirring member 1124 is also provided with a stirring sheet 1125 having the same function as the stirring sheet 125 of the first embodiment.

[0189] The boss portion 1124b of the stirring member 1124 passes through the through hole 1121k of the waste toner frame 1121, and the boss portion 1124a of the stirring member 1124 is fitted into the U-shaped groove 1121b1. In this way, the stirring member 1124 is rotatably supported on the waste toner frame 1121 around the axes of the boss portions 1124a and 1124b. The stirring gear 1127 is attached to the D-cut portion of the boss portion 1124b of the stirring member 1124. This allows the stirring gear 1127 to rotate integrally with the stirring member 1124. The stirring gear 1127 is a cylindrical spur gear.

[0190] The waste toner cover 1122 has a flat shape, and a rib 1122d is provided at the Z1 end, forming the outermost shape of the waste toner cover 1122 in the XY plane. The waste toner cover 1122 also has a first projection 1122a, a second projection 1122b, and a third projection 1122c located at the X1 end. These first projection 1122a, second projection 1122b, and third projection 1122c protrude in the Z2 direction and are arranged side by side in the Y axis direction.

[0191] The waste toner cover 1122 is connected to the waste toner frame 1121 by adhesive or other means by which the rib 1122d is attached to the waste toner frame 1121. At this time, the first projection 1122a, the second projection 1122b, and the third projection 1122c fit into the U-shaped grooves 1121b1, 1121c1, and 1121d1, respectively. The first projection 1122a and the second projection 1122b restrict the movement of the cylindrical portion 1129b of the waste toner shutter 1129 in the Z-axis direction. The third projection 1122c restricts the movement of the boss portion 1124a of the stirring member 1124 in the Z-axis direction. In this way, the stirring member 1124 and the waste toner shutter 1129 are positioned and supported within the waste toner unit 1120.

[0192] [Installing the waste toner unit] Next, the attachment of the waste toner unit 1120 to the cleaning unit 160 will be explained using Figures 43 to 45. Figure 43 is an exploded perspective view showing the attachment of the waste toner unit 1120 to the cleaning unit 160 in the Z2 direction. Figure 44(a) is a plan view showing the attachment of the waste toner unit 1120 to the cleaning unit 160 in the X2 direction. Figure 44(b) is a plan view showing the completed attachment of the waste toner unit 1120 to the cleaning unit 160 in the X2 direction. Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view showing the completed attachment of the waste toner unit 1120 to the cleaning unit 160.

[0193] As shown in Figure 43, when the waste toner unit 1120 is attached to the cleaning unit 160, the waste toner unit 1120 is first inserted into the space 1103f of the cleaning frame 1103 in the Z2 direction. At this time, the waste toner unit 1120 is inserted into the space 1103f so as not to interfere with the discharge shutter 1114. Thus, the first operation is to move the waste toner unit 1120 in the Z2 direction, which is the direction intersecting the cleaning frame 1103.

[0194] The external dimensions of the waste toner frame 1121 in the Y-axis direction are approximately the same as the length of the space 1103f in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the waste toner unit 1120 is inserted into the space 1103f, the waste toner unit 1120 is positioned in the Y-axis direction by the cleaning frame 1103. In addition, the bottom surface of the space 1103f has a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the waste toner unit 120. Therefore, the waste toner unit 1120 is positioned in the Z-axis direction by the cleaning frame 1103.

[0195] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 44(a), the waste toner unit 1120 is inserted into the space 1103f such that the pressing member 1119 of the cleaning frame 1103 fits into the recess 1121f1 of the waste toner frame 1121. When the waste toner unit 1120 is inserted into the space 1103f, the stirring gear 1127 of the waste toner unit 1200 engages with the spur gear portion 1118a of the second idler gear 1118.

[0196] Next, as shown in Figures 44(b) and 45, the waste toner unit 1120 is pushed in the X2 direction. Thus, the second operation is performed after the first operation and moves the waste toner unit 1120 relative to the cleaning frame 1103 in the X2 direction (direction of the rotation axis E). Then, as shown in Figure 45, the waste toner discharge member 1103x, supported by the cleaning frame 1103, enters the receiving opening 1121h of the waste toner frame 1121. The waste toner discharge member 1103x comes into contact with the waste toner shutter 1129, and the waste toner shutter 1129 rotates around the cylindrical part 1129b against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 1130 (see Figure 42).

[0197] Furthermore, the discharge shutter 1114 is pressed by the side of the waste toner frame 1121, causing it to move in the X2 direction against the biasing force of the compression spring 1115. As a result, the discharge port 1103e of the waste toner discharge member 1103x is not covered by the discharge shutter 1114 and remains open.

[0198] In this state, the discharge port 1103e of the waste toner discharge member 1103x is completely inside the waste toner frame 1121. Also, as shown in Figures 44(a) and 44(b), as the waste toner unit 1120 moves in the X2 direction, the pressing member 1119 is pushed by the arc portion 1121f3 and moves in the Y1 direction against the biasing force of a biasing spring (not shown). Then, after the arc portion 1121f3 has passed in the X2 direction, the pressing member 1119 moves in the Y2 direction due to the biasing force of the biasing spring and abuts against the arc portion 1121f3.

[0199] The waste toner unit 1120 receives a biasing force in the X2 direction from the pressing member 1119 and a biasing force in the X1 direction from the discharge shutter 1114 via the arc portion 1121f3. The biasing force in the X1 direction that the waste toner unit 1120 receives from the discharge shutter 1114 is not large enough to cause the pressing member 1119 to move in the Y1 direction due to the arc portion 1121f3 of the waste toner unit 1120. In this way, the waste toner unit 1120 is positioned in the X-axis direction relative to the cleaning frame 1103, and the mounting to the cleaning frame 1103 is completed. In other words, the waste toner unit 1120 is mounted to the cleaning frame 1103 by performing the first operation and the second operation.

[0200] Furthermore, even if the waste toner unit 1120 moves in the X2 direction after being inserted into space 1103f, the engagement between the stirring gear 1127 and the spur gear portion 1118a of the second idler gear 1118 is maintained. This is because the stirring gear 1127 and the spur gear portion 1118a are composed of spur gears.

[0201] Subsequently, the photosensitive drum 43 rotates due to the driving force transmitted from the main body A of the device, causing the stirring member 1124 and the waste toner transport member 1106 to rotate. The waste toner scraped off the photosensitive drum 43 by the cleaning blade 17 (see Figure 3) is sent by its own weight to the straight section 1103b1 (see Figure 34) of the waste toner chamber 1103b of the cleaning frame 1103.

[0202] As the waste toner transport member 1106 rotates, the waste toner in the waste toner chamber 1103b is transported toward the discharge port 1103e and, as shown in Figure 45, is dropped into the waste toner frame 1121 by free fall. The stirring member 1124 inside the waste toner frame 1121 receives driving force from the second idler gear 1118, similar to the first embodiment, and rotates in the R5 direction (see Figure 42). The waste toner inside the waste toner frame 1121 is transported in the X1 direction by the stirring member 1124 and accumulates from the X1 direction side. Then, the remaining amount detection unit 150 (see Figures 33(a) and 33(b)), similar to the first embodiment, can detect that the waste toner in the waste toner unit 1120 is full.

[0203] As described above, the receiving port 1121h provided in the waste toner frame 1121 of this embodiment is provided in a part of the waste toner frame 1121 in the X-axis direction. More specifically, as shown in Figure 42, the receiving port 1121h is provided on the side surface of the waste toner frame 1121 in the X2 direction. In other words, in the X-axis direction, the receiving port 1121h is located in the first region AR11 on one side of the central CP of the waste toner frame 1121 (waste toner unit 1120), and is not located in the second region AR12 on the other side of the central CP.

[0204] Furthermore, the receiving port 1121h has a length of 1 / 2 or less of the external dimensions of the waste toner unit 1120 in the X-axis direction. Preferably, the receiving port 1121h has a length of 1 / 3 or less of the external dimensions of the waste toner unit 1120 in the X-axis direction. More preferably, the receiving port 1121h has a length of 1 / 4 or less of the external dimensions of the waste toner unit 1120 in the X-axis direction. By making the receiving port 1121h shorter than the total length of the waste toner frame 1121 in this way, toner leakage from the receiving port 1121h can be suppressed.

[0205] Furthermore, a stirring member 1124 is rotatably supported on the waste toner frame 1121. The stirring member 1124 conveys the waste toner from the first region AR11 to the second region AR12 while stirring it. This prevents the waste toner contained in the waste toner unit 1120 from becoming biased towards the receiving port 1121h, and allows for efficient use of the space for containing the waste toner within the waste toner unit 1120.

[0206] Furthermore, the stirring member 1124 is fitted with a stirring gear 1127, which is located in the second region AR12. By positioning the stirring gear 1127 far from the receiving port 1121h, even if waste toner leaks from the receiving port 1121h, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of waste toner to the stirring gear 1127, thereby suppressing malfunctions of the stirring member 1124.

[0207] Furthermore, the waste toner lid 1122 of the waste toner unit 1120 is provided with a light guide 132 that guides the light L1 emitted from the light-emitting part 151 of the remaining toner detection unit 150, similar to the first embodiment. The light guide 132 is located in the second region AR12. Since the waste toner contained in the waste toner unit 1120 accumulates from the X1 direction side, i.e., from the second region AR12 side, the placement of the light guide 132 in the first region AR11 allows for detection of the waste toner being full.

[0208] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, a contact unit 310 is positioned at the end of the cleaning frame 1103 of the process cartridge B in the X2 direction (see Figure 4). That is, the contact unit 310 is positioned in the first region AR11. By positioning the contact unit 310 on the non-drive side opposite to the drive side where the stirring gear 1127 and the like are located in the X-axis direction, the left and right weight balance of the process cartridge B can be achieved, and the ease of attaching and detaching the process cartridge B can be improved.

[0209] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, when viewed in the X-axis direction, the waste toner unit 1120 is positioned on the opposite side of the developing roller 16, with the photosensitive drum 43 in between (see Figure 9). This allows the process cartridge B to be miniaturized in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and also reduces the space required in the main body A to house the process cartridge B.

[0210] Furthermore, the receiving port 1121h in the second embodiment may also be located only in the region P1 shown in Figure 9 when viewed in the X-axis direction. By arranging the receiving port 1121h in this way, waste toner can be transported in a space-saving area, improving the efficiency of waste toner transport.

[0211] Furthermore, as explained in Figures 43 to 44(b), the waste toner unit 1120 is installed by moving it in the Z2 direction relative to the cleaning frame 103, and then moving it in the X2 direction. Since the waste toner unit 1120 is moved in the Z2 and X2 directions, which are different directions from the J1 direction in which the process cartridge B is installed on the device body A, incorrect attachment and detachment of the waste toner unit 1120 can be suppressed, and usability can be improved.

[0212] As described above, the waste toner unit 1120 is detachably attached to the cleaning frame 1103. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the waste toner unit 1120 is detachably attached to the main body A of the device, the configuration for transporting waste toner provided in the main body A of the device can be omitted, and the main body A can be made smaller.

[0213] <Other Embodiments> In all of the above-described configurations, the waste toner on the photosensitive drum 43 was removed by the cleaning blade 17, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, other cleaning components such as a cleaning brush may be used instead of the cleaning blade 17.

[0214] Furthermore, in all of the configurations described above, the receiving ports 121h and 1121h were located in the first regions AR1 and AR11, but are not limited to this. For example, the receiving ports 121h and 1121h may be located in the second regions AR2 and AR12, or they may be positioned to overlap the central CP of the waste toner units 120 and 1120. This can suppress toner contamination in both the contact unit 310 and the stirring gears 127 and 1127. Depending on the arrangement of the receiving ports 121h and 1121h, the direction in which the waste toner is transported by the stirring members 124 and 1124 may be changed.

[0215] Furthermore, although the contact unit 310 was located in the first regions AR1 and AR11 in all of the above-described embodiments, it is not limited to this. For example, the contact unit 310 may be located in the second regions AR2 and AR12. Also, although the stirring gears 127 and 1127 were located in the second regions AR2 and AR12, it is not limited to this. For example, the stirring gears 127 and 1127 may be located in the first regions AR1 and AR11.

[0216] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the receiving port 121h was located only in region P1 shown in Figure 9, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be located across regions adjacent to region P1.

[0217] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the waste toner unit 120 was attached to and detached from the cleaning frame 103 in the Z-axis direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, the waste toner unit 120 may be attached to and detached from the cleaning frame 103 in the Y-axis direction or in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis.

[0218] Furthermore, although the waste toner transport member 106 had a screw shape in the first embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, a metal coil or a sheet with slits may be used instead of the waste toner transport member 106.

[0219] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the waste toner transport member 1106 was composed of a metal coil, but it is not limited to this. For example, a sheet having screws or slits may be used instead of the waste toner transport member 1106.

[0220] Furthermore, in all of the above-described configurations, the waste toner in the waste toner units 120 and 1120 was transported by the stirring members 124 and 1124, but is not limited to this. For example, one or more screws or metal coils may be used instead of the stirring members 124 and 1124.

[0221] Furthermore, in all of the above-described configurations, the waste toner in the waste toner units 120 and 1120 was detected by a remaining amount detection unit 150 consisting of an optical sensor, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the remaining amount detection unit 150 may consist of a weight sensor that detects the weight of the waste toner units 120 and 1120, or a capacitive sensor.

[0222] Furthermore, although the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C were configured as separate components in all of the above-described configurations, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the toner cartridge C may be omitted, and a toner storage unit that integrally houses the toner may be provided in the process cartridge B. Also, although the process cartridge B integrated the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the developing unit 20 may be configured to be detachable from the cleaning unit 60.

[0223] Furthermore, the waste toner transport configuration of the first embodiment and the waste toner transport configuration of the second embodiment may be interchanged or combined.

[0224] Summary of this disclosure This disclosure includes at least the following: (Composition 1) It is a cartridge, Frame and, A photosensitive drum is supported in the frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, A cleaning member for removing waste toner from the photosensitive drum, A charging roller that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum, A developing roller that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum, A waste toner transport member that transports the waste toner removed by the cleaning member in the direction of the rotation axis, The system includes a waste toner storage section that stores the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member and is detachably attached to the frame, The waste toner storage section has, in a portion in the direction of the rotation axis, an opening for receiving waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member. A cartridge characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) It is a cartridge, Frame and, A photosensitive drum is supported in the frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, A cleaning member for removing waste toner from the photosensitive drum, A charging roller that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum, A developing roller that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum, A waste toner transport member that transports the waste toner removed by the cleaning member in the direction of the rotation axis, The system includes a waste toner storage section that stores the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member and is detachably attached to the frame, The waste toner storage section has an opening for receiving waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member, Viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the four regions are divided by a first straight line passing through the center of the charging roller and the center of the photosensitive drum, and a second straight line passing through the point of contact between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum and perpendicular to the first straight line. Of these four regions, the receiving port is located only in the region where the developing roller and the charging roller are not present. A cartridge characterized by the following features. (Composition 3) The receiving port is provided in a portion of the waste toner storage section in the direction of the rotation axis. The cartridge according to configuration 2, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 4) The receiving port has a length of 1 / 3 or less of the external dimensions of the waste toner storage section in the direction of the rotation axis. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized by the above. (Composition 5) The receiving port is located in a first region on one side of the center of the toner storage section in the direction of the rotation axis, and is not located in a second region on the other side of the center. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the above. (Composition 6) The system further includes a stirring member that transports the waste toner contained in the waste toner storage section from the first region to the second region while stirring it. The cartridge according to configuration 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 7) The stirring member further comprises a gear section attached to the stirring member, The gear portion is located in the second region. The cartridge according to configuration 6, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 8) The waste toner storage section has a light guide that guides light for detecting the waste toner stored in the waste toner storage section. The light guide is located in the first region. A cartridge according to configuration 6 or 7, characterized by the above. (Composition 9) The device further comprises a contact unit to which power is supplied from the main body of the device into which the cartridge is installed, The contact unit is located in the first region. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 5 to 8, characterized by the above. (Composition 10) When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the waste toner storage unit is located on the opposite side of the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 11) The waste toner storage section is detachably attached to the frame in a direction that intersects the direction of the rotation axis. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized by the above. (Composition 12) The aforementioned intersection direction is the direction that intersects both the direction of the rotation axis and the mounting direction in which the cartridge is mounted on the device body. A cartridge according to configuration 11, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 13) The waste toner storage unit is mounted to the frame by performing a first operation in which it is moved in a direction intersecting the rotation axis relative to the frame, and a second operation performed after the first operation, in which it is moved in the direction of the rotation axis relative to the frame. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized by the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0225] 12: Charging roller / 12a: Center / 16: Developing roller / 17: Cleaning component (cleaning blade) / 43: Photosensitive drum / 103, 1103: Frame (cleaning frame) / 106, 1106: Waste toner transport component / 120, 1120: Waste toner storage section (waste toner unit) / 124, 1124: Agitation component / 127, 1127: Gear section (agitation gear) / 132: Light guide / 310: Contact unit / A: Device body / AR1, AR11: First area / AR2, AR12: Second area / B: Cartridge (process cartridge) / C1: Contact / CP: Center / E: Rotation axis, center / J1: Mounting direction (direction) / LN1: First straight line / LN2: Second straight line / P1: Area / X: Direction of rotation axis (X-axis direction) / Z2: Intersecting direction (direction)

Claims

1. It is a cartridge, Frame and, A photosensitive drum is supported in the frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, A cleaning member for removing waste toner from the photosensitive drum, A charging roller that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum, A developing roller that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum, A waste toner transport member that transports the waste toner removed by the cleaning member in the direction of the rotation axis, The system includes a waste toner storage section that stores the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member and is detachably attached to the frame, The waste toner storage section has, in a portion in the direction of the rotation axis, an opening for receiving waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member. A cartridge characterized by the following features.

2. It is a cartridge, Frame and, A photosensitive drum is supported in the frame so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, A cleaning member for removing waste toner from the photosensitive drum, A charging roller that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum, A developing roller that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum, A waste toner transport member that transports the waste toner removed by the cleaning member in the direction of the rotation axis, The system includes a waste toner storage section that stores the waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member and is detachably attached to the frame, The waste toner storage section has an opening for receiving waste toner transported by the waste toner transport member, Viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the four regions are divided by a first straight line passing through the center of the charging roller and the center of the photosensitive drum, and a second straight line passing through the point of contact between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum and perpendicular to the first straight line. Of these four regions, the receiving port is located only in the region where the developing roller and the charging roller are not present. A cartridge characterized by the following features.

3. The receiving port is provided in a portion of the waste toner storage section in the direction of the rotation axis. The cartridge according to feature 2.

4. The receiving port has a length of 1 / 3 or less of the external dimensions of the waste toner storage section in the direction of the rotation axis. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The receiving port is located in a first region on one side of the center of the toner storage section in the direction of the rotation axis, and is not located in a second region on the other side of the center. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The system further includes a stirring member that transports the waste toner contained in the waste toner storage section from the first region to the second region while stirring it. The cartridge according to feature 5.

7. The stirring member further comprises a gear section attached to the stirring member, The gear portion is located in the second region. The cartridge according to feature 6.

8. The waste toner storage section has a light guide that guides light for detecting the waste toner stored in the waste toner storage section. The light guide is located in the first region. The cartridge according to feature 6.

9. The device further comprises a contact unit to which power is supplied from the main body of the device into which the cartridge is installed, The contact unit is located in the first region. The cartridge according to feature 5.

10. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the waste toner storage unit is located on the opposite side of the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The waste toner storage section is detachably attached to the frame in a direction that intersects the direction of the rotation axis. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The aforementioned intersection direction is the direction that intersects both the direction of the rotation axis and the mounting direction in which the cartridge is mounted on the device body. The cartridge according to feature 11.

13. The waste toner storage unit is mounted to the frame by performing a first operation in which it is moved in a direction intersecting the rotation axis relative to the frame, and a second operation performed after the first operation, in which it is moved in the direction of the rotation axis relative to the frame. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images