cartridge

Abstract

To increase a degree of freedom in design of a developer storage unit that stores a developer.SOLUTION: A developer storage unit 9 of a cartridge 10 is configured to be removably attached to a process unit 5. The developer storage unit 9 has an identification target part 9A that is provided to be engaged with an identification part 21A1 provided on the opening / closing member 21A, when the cartridge is attached to an apparatus body 2A having an opening 2S1 through which the cartridge 10 passes during the attachment / detachment of the cartridge 10, and an opening / closing member 21A for opening / closing the opening 2S1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge having a developer storage unit for storing a developer. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser beam printers and copying machines, a developer image is formed on a photosensitive member and then transferred onto a sheet serving as a recording material, thereby forming an image on the recording material.

[0003] In laser beam printers, in order to facilitate maintenance, a system is widely adopted in which some parts of the image forming device are provided in a cartridge, and the cartridge is removed from the main body of the device for maintenance or replacement.

[0004] A conventional cartridge proposed for this purpose is a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a drum frame that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum (see Patent Document 1). In this drum cartridge, in a first state in which a developing unit having a developing roller is attached to the drum frame, the toner cartridge is detachably attached to the developing unit.

[0005] Also disclosed is a configuration in which a compatible member is attached to the housing of an image forming unit so that the image forming unit can only be attached to a compatible image forming apparatus (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-10243 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-156469 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, for example, if a matching member is attached to the drum frame of a drum cartridge that can detachably mount a toner cartridge as in Patent Document 1, as in Patent Document 2, it becomes necessary to design the toner cartridge to avoid this matching member. As a result, for example, the capacity of the toner cartridge may be limited.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to increase the degree of freedom in designing a developer storage unit that stores developer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a cartridge that is mounted in an installation direction to an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus having an identification portion and is removable in a removal direction, the cartridge having a rotatable photosensitive drum, a frame that supports the photosensitive drum so as to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the mounting direction, a developing roller that supplies developer to the photosensitive drum, and a developer accommodating portion that accommodates the developer carried by the developing roller, the cartridge also comprising: a developing unit attached to the frame; and a developer storage unit having a developer storage portion that stores developer, the developer storage portion having an outlet through which developer stored in the developer storage portion is discharged into the developer accommodating portion, the cartridge being configured to be detachable from the developing unit, the developer storage unit having an identified portion that is provided to engage with the identification portion of the apparatus main body when the cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, the identified portion being farther from the photosensitive drum in the removal direction than the downstream end of the frame in the removal direction. 。 [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the developer storage unit has an identified portion that is provided to engage with an identifying portion provided on the opening / closing member of the main body of the apparatus when the cartridge is attached to the main body of the apparatus. Therefore, there is no need to design the developer storage unit while avoiding the identified portion. This increases the design freedom of the developer storage unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first image forming apparatus equipped with a process cartridge. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a process unit. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a process unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the photosensitive unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing unit and a photosensitive unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the positional relationship in the left-right direction between the photosensitive unit, the developing unit, and the developing roller. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing unit as seen from below. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the developer storage unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developer storage unit as seen from below. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a developer storage unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developer storage unit and a process unit. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter of the developing unit. [Figure 17]10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the opening and closing operation of the discharge-side shutter of the developer storage unit. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lift mechanism during the process of attaching the developer storage unit. [Figure 19] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the lift mechanism in the process of lifting the developer storage unit up. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the process cartridge is mounted in a second image forming apparatus with which it is not compatible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directions are defined relative to a user using image forming apparatus 1A, which is a first image forming apparatus. That is, the front side of image forming apparatus 1A is referred to as the "front," the rear side as the "rear," the top (top) side as the "upper," and the bottom (bottom) side as the "lower." Furthermore, the left side of image forming apparatus 1A when viewed from the front side is referred to as the "left," and the right side as the "right." The process unit 5, developer storage unit 9, and process cartridge 10 are also defined in the same manner as image forming apparatus 1A, assuming that they are in the same orientation as when they are installed in image forming apparatus 1A. Directions in each drawing are defined by arrows shown in the drawing. The front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right directions indicated by these arrows are mutually orthogonal. These directions are the same in all drawings. The up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-to-right and front-to-back directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. The left-right direction is parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member 61 and the rotation axis of the developing roller 71, respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, the developing unit 7 attached to the photosensitive unit 6 as an integrated unit is referred to as the process unit 5. A developer storage unit 9 for supplying developer to the developing unit 7 is detachably provided in the process unit 5. Furthermore, the process unit 5 attached to the developer storage unit 9 as an integrated unit is referred to as the process cartridge 10. The mounting direction S1 and removal direction S2 when mounting this process cartridge 10 in the first image forming apparatus main body 2A are parallel to the front-rear direction and perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0014] [Overall configuration of image forming device] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 1A equipped with a process cartridge 10, the cross section of which is parallel to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1A mainly comprises a paper feed unit 3 for supplying paper S into a first image forming apparatus main body 2A, an exposure device 4, the process cartridge 10 for transferring a developer image onto the paper S, and a fixing device 8 for thermally fixing the transferred developer image.

[0015] The paper feed unit 3 is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus main body 2A, and mainly includes a paper feed tray 31 and a paper feed mechanism 32. The paper S stored in the paper feed tray 31 is supplied by the paper feed mechanism 32 toward the process cartridge 10 (between the photosensitive member 61 and the transfer roller 63).

[0016] The exposure device 4 is disposed in the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 2A, and includes a laser emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror (shown without reference numerals), a lens, a reflecting mirror, etc. In the exposure device 4, the laser light based on image data emitted from the laser emitting unit is scanned at high speed over the surface of the photosensitive member 61, thereby exposing the surface of the photosensitive member 61.

[0017] The process cartridge 10 is disposed below the exposure device 4. The process cartridge 10 is configured to be mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 2A by inserting it into the storage section 23 of the image forming apparatus main body 2A in a mounting direction S1 through an opening formed when a first opening / closing member 21A provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2A is opened (indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1). When the process cartridge 10 is to be removed from the storage section 23 of the image forming apparatus main body 2A, it can be removed by moving it in a removal direction S2, which is opposite to the mounting direction S1.

[0018] This process cartridge 10 comprises a process unit 5 and a developer storage unit 9, and the process unit 5 mainly comprises a photosensitive unit 6 and a developing unit 7. The photosensitive unit 6 mainly comprises a photosensitive member 61, a corona charger 68, a pre-exposure section 69, a collection roller 62, and a transfer roller 63. The developing unit 7 is attached to the photosensitive unit 6. The developing unit 7 mainly comprises a developing roller 71, a supply roller 72, a layer thickness regulating blade 73, a first developer storage section 74 that stores developer, and a first agitating member 75 provided in the first developer storage section 74.

[0019] [Image formation process] Next, an image formation process using this process unit 5 will be described. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the process unit 5. The photoconductor 61 is rotationally driven during the image formation process. First, the surface of the photoconductor 61 is uniformly charged by the corona charger 68, and then exposed to laser light corresponding to image data emitted from the exposure device 4 (Figure 1), thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photoconductor 61.

[0020] On the other hand, the developer in the first developer storage section 74 is stirred by the first stirring member 75, and then supplied to the developing roller 71 via the supply roller 72. The developer supplied to the developing roller 71 then enters between the developing roller 71 and the layer thickness regulating blade 73 and is carried on the developing roller 71 as a thin layer of a constant thickness.

[0021] The developer carried on the developing roller 71 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 61. As a result, the developer adheres to the electrostatic latent image, making it visible, and a developer image is formed on the photosensitive member 61. That is, the developing roller 71 supplies toner to the photosensitive member 61, and the toner image is developed.

[0022] In synchronization with the process unit 5, the paper S is fed by the paper feed unit 3 from the paper feed tray 31 shown in FIG. 1 toward the transfer nip between the photosensitive member 61 and the transfer roller 63. Then, the image formed on the photosensitive member 61 is transferred onto the paper S at this transfer nip.

[0023] The paper S onto which the unfixed toner image has been transferred is then transported to the fixing device 8, where the toner image is fixed by pressure and heat applied by the heating nip between the pressure roller 81 and the heating roller 82. The paper S onto which the toner image has been fixed is then discharged onto the paper discharge tray 22.

[0024] The corona charger 68 described above with reference to Figure 5 is a charging device that charges the surface of the photoconductor 61 without contact. The pre-exposure unit 69 has a light-emitting diode as a light source and a light guide as a light-guiding member. Light emitted from the light-emitting diode is guided by the light guide and irradiates the surface of the photoconductor 61. Current is supplied to the light-emitting diode from the image forming apparatus main body 2A. The surface of the photoconductor 61 is neutralized by the light irradiation from the pre-exposure unit 69. A predetermined voltage is applied to the collection roller 62 from the image forming apparatus main body 2A, and it collects foreign matter such as paper powder and dirt adhering to the surface of the photoconductor 61, as well as residual developer that has not been transferred.

[0025] [Process unit configuration] Next, we will explain each unit of the process unit 5. As described above, the process unit 5 includes the photosensitive unit 6 and the developing unit .

[0026] [Developing unit configuration] First, the configuration of the developing unit 7 will be described. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 7, taken along the line AA in Fig. 3. The line AA is parallel to the vertical and front-to-rear directions. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the developing unit 7. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 7. Fig. 6 is a top view of the developing unit 7, with the top surface of the housing 700 removed for ease of explanation. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the developing unit 7 as seen from below.

[0027] 2, the developing unit 7 has a developing roller 71 rotatably supported at the rear thereof. Hereinafter, the configuration of the developing unit 7 will be described with the direction of the rotational axis of the developing roller 71 being referred to as the axial direction.

[0028] 4 and 6, the developing roller 71, the supply roller 72, and the first agitating member 75 are rotatably supported at their respective ends on a left side wall 704 and a right side wall 705 of the housing 700. A developing coupling 710, a developing roller gear 711, a supply roller gear 712, a first agitating gear 713, and D idle gears 715A and 715B are provided to the left of the left side wall 704 of the housing 700. The developing roller gear 711 is fixed to an end of the developing roller 71, and the supply roller gear 712 is fixed to an end of the supply roller 72. The first agitating gear 713 is fixed to an end of the first agitating rod 78 of the first agitating member 75.

[0029] The developing unit 7 can be fitted with a developer storage unit 9 for supplying developer, and is provided with a developer receiving portion 770 for receiving the developer supplied by the developer storage unit 9. It also includes a lift mechanism 760 for holding and lifting up the developer storage unit 9.

[0030] 3, the developing unit 7 is provided with a first electrical contact 720A that is electrically connected to the developing roller 71 and supplies a voltage to be applied to the developing roller 71. Also, a second electrical contact 720B that is electrically connected to the supply roller 72 and supplies a voltage to be applied to the supply roller 72 is provided. These electrical contacts come into contact with a power supply contact (not shown) that is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2A, thereby supplying power to the developing roller 71 and the supply roller 72.

[0031] Next, the drive configuration of the developing unit 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In conjunction with the closing operation of the first opening / closing member 21A (Fig. 1) provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2A, a developing drive transmission member (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2A moves to a position for engaging with the developing coupling 710. Conversely, in conjunction with the opening operation of the first opening / closing member 21A (Fig. 1), the developing drive transmission member (not shown) moves to a position for disengaging from the developing coupling 710.

[0032] When the image forming apparatus main body 2A operates after the first open / close member 21A (FIG. 1) is closed, a driving force is transmitted (input) from a developing drive transmission member (not shown) to a developing coupling 710 serving as a driving force receiving member. Next, the developing roller 71 and the supply roller 72 are rotatable via a developing roller gear 711 and a supply roller gear 712, respectively, from gears provided on the circumferential surface of the developing coupling 710. The developing drive transmission member (not shown) is configured to transmit a driving force to the developing coupling 710 while allowing for positional deviation of the developing coupling 710 within a predetermined range. Axial movement of the developing coupling 710, the developing roller gear 711, and the supply roller gear 712 is restricted by a D-side holder 719 attached to the housing 700.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, the developing unit 7 employs a first agitating member 75 to agitate the developer in the first developer storage section 74 so that it can be used up to the last drop. The first agitating member 75 includes a first agitating rod 78 and a first agitating sheet 79. The first agitating member 75 is rotatable by receiving a driving force from the development coupling 710 via a D idle gear 715A and a first agitating gear 713 (see FIG. 6). The developer near the first agitating member 75 in the first developer storage section 74 is agitated by the first agitating member 75, then supplied to the supply roller 72, and then further supplied to the developing roller 71 by the supply roller 72.

[0034] [Photoconductor unit configuration and development unit support] Next, the detailed configuration of the photosensitive unit 6 will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the process unit 5. Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the photosensitive unit 6. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the developing unit 7 and the photosensitive unit 6. Fig. 10 is a top view showing the left-right positional relationship between the photosensitive unit 6, the developing unit 7, and the developing roller 71.

[0035] 9, the photosensitive unit 6 mainly includes a frame 610 having a pair of left side walls 611 and right side walls 612, and a photosensitive member 61 rotatably supported at the rear of the frame 610. At the front of the frame 610, there are provided an attachment portion 615 to which the developing unit 7 can be attached, a grip portion 617 with which the user grips the photosensitive unit 6, and a pressing member 640 that presses the developing unit 7. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the first developer storage portion 74 of the developing unit 7 attached to the attachment portion 615 is disposed between the left side wall 611 and the right side wall 612 in the left-right direction.

[0036] As shown in Figure 9, receiving portions 641 for receiving the rotary bearing members 746A and 746B (Figure 7) of the developing roller 71 are formed on the left side wall 611 and the right side wall 612 of the frame 610, ahead of the photosensitive member 61. The receiving portions 641 are generally U-shaped recesses that are open at the front, and the rotary shaft (not shown) of the developing roller 71 is inserted into them. The receiving portions 641 support the developing unit 7 on the photosensitive member unit 6.

[0037] 10, protrusions 643 protruding upward are provided on both left and right ends of the bottom surface 613 of the frame 610. These protrusions 643 abut against bosses 718 provided on the bottom of the housing 700 of the developing unit 7, as shown in FIG. 11, thereby supporting the developing unit 7 so that it can move.

[0038] In addition, in the configuration of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a pressing member 650 is provided to prevent the development unit 7 from being removed when the development unit 7 is attached to the photosensitive unit 6.

[0039] 9, pressing members 640 are provided at both ends in the left-right direction on the front of frame 610, and are biased in the front-to-rear direction by compression springs 640A (FIG. 10) serving as biasing members. Therefore, the biasing force of compression springs 640A (FIG. 10) causes pressing members 640 to press bosses 718 (FIG. 11) provided on housing 700 of developing unit 7. By pressing developing unit 7 with pressing members 640, developing roller 71 is biased toward photosensitive member 61.

[0040] 8, a photosensitive gear 65 and a transfer gear 66 are fixed to the left end of the photosensitive member 61 and are configured to rotate integrally with the photosensitive member 61. When the process cartridge 10 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 2A, a drive gear (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 2A meshes with the photosensitive member gear 65, thereby transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive member 61 and the transfer gear 66, enabling them to rotate. Furthermore, the transfer gear 66 meshes with a transfer roller gear 67 fixed to the left end of the transfer roller 63, enabling the transfer roller 63 to rotate as well.

[0041] [Configuration of the developer storage unit] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the developer storage unit 9. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the developer storage unit 9, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the developer storage unit 9 as seen from below, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the developer storage unit 9.

[0042] 12 and 13, the developer storage unit 9 mainly includes a container member 911, a bottom member 912, a T-side holder L92, a T-side holder R93, a discharge port forming member 94, a discharge-side shutter 95, a conveying screw 96, and a second stirring member 97. In addition, in order to transmit driving force, the developer storage unit 9 also includes a conveying screw gear 980, a T idle gear 981, and a second stirring gear 982.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the developer storage unit 9 includes a storage container 920, the outer surface of which is formed by combining the container member 911, bottom member 912, T-side holder L92, and T-side holder R93. More specifically, a second developer storage section 910 is formed as a developer storage section for storing developer inside the storage container 920, within the combined portion of the container member 911 and bottom member 912. A discharge port forming member 94 is fixed to one longitudinal end of the second developer storage section 910. The discharge port forming member 94 has a discharge port forming surface 94C on its outer periphery, and a developer discharge port 94A is formed in the discharge port forming surface 94C for discharging developer to the outside. This developer discharge port 94A serves as the discharge port of the storage container 920.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 14, the conveying screw 96 and the second agitating member 97 are rotatably provided inside the second developer storage unit 910. The conveying screw 96 and the second agitating member 97 are rotated by a driving force transmitted from a conveying screw gear 980 and a second agitating gear 982 provided outside the second developer storage unit 910 (see FIG. 12). The second agitating member 97 is composed of a second agitating rod 98 and a second agitating sheet 99, similar to the first agitating member 75. The developer stored in the second developer storage unit 910 is agitated and conveyed by the second agitating member 97 serving as an agitating member toward the conveying screw 96, and is then conveyed by the conveying screw 96 toward a developer discharge port 94A shown in FIG. 13. The developer is then discharged from the developer discharge port 94A to the process unit 5, more specifically, to a developer receiving port 771 of the developing unit 7, which will be described later.

[0045] 12, a discharge-side shutter 95 is rotatably provided inside the discharge-port forming member 94. The discharge-side shutter 95 is provided with a developer passing hole 95A and a closing portion 95B, and developer can be discharged when this developer passing hole 95A and the developer discharge port 94A are aligned. On the other hand, when the closing portion 95B faces the developer discharge port 94A, developer discharge is prohibited, preventing the developer from leaking out during transportation, etc.

[0046] [Developer storage unit support] Next, we will explain the support structure of the developer storage unit 9. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the developer storage unit 9 and the process unit 5, where (a) shows the state before the developer storage unit 9 is installed, (b) shows the state in which the developer storage unit 9 is in the process of being installed, and (c) shows the state after the developer storage unit 9 has been installed.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 15, the developer storage unit 9 is configured to be detachable from the process unit 5. First, a grip portion 910A formed by a container member 911 and a bottom member 912 is provided at the front of the developer storage unit 9. A T-side holder L92 and a T-side holder R93 are fixed to both longitudinal ends of the developer storage unit 9. The T-side holder L92 and the T-side holder R93 are provided with a supported protrusion L92A and a supported protrusion R93A, respectively, for being supported by the developing unit 7. In addition, the developing unit 7 is provided with a support portion L730 and a support portion R731 for supporting the supported protrusion L92A and the supported protrusion R93A.

[0048] When the developer storage unit 9 is attached to the process unit 5, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the developer storage unit 9 is moved in the direction of arrow S3 while gripping the gripping portion 910A from above the process unit 5. After being moved in the direction of arrow S3, the developer storage unit 9 is in a state where the supported protrusions L92A and R93A are supported by the support portions L730 and R731, as shown in FIG. 15(b). From this state, the developer storage unit 9 is rotated about the supported protrusions L92A and R93A as the rotation center, thereby completing the attachment as shown in FIG. 15(c), and becoming the process cartridge 10.

[0049] In addition, in the installation complete state, the conveying screw gear 980 of the developer storage unit 9 can mesh with the D idle gear 715B of the development unit 7. This allows the driving force of the development unit 7 to be transmitted to the developer storage unit 9.

[0050] The life of the developer storage unit 9, which is determined by the amount of developer stored in the developer storage unit 9, is set to be shorter than the life of the process unit 5, which is determined by the life of the photosensitive member 61 and the life of the developing roller 71. Therefore, it is necessary to replace only the developer storage unit 9 that has reached the end of its life, separately from the process unit 5. In this case, the developer storage unit 9 can be replaced simply by opening the first opening / closing member 21A (FIG. 1), and the user can perform the replacement work without removing the process unit 5 from the image forming apparatus main body 2A.

[0051] [Opening and closing of the receiving shutter] Next, the opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter will be described. Figure 16 shows the opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter 773 of the developing unit 7, where (a) shows the receiving-side shutter 773 in a closed state, and (b) shows the receiving-side shutter 773 in an open state.

[0052] First, as shown in FIG. 4, the developer receiving portion 770 of the developing unit 7 is composed of a developer receiving port 771 provided on the top surface of the housing 700, a receiving-side shutter seal 772, a receiving-side shutter 773, a receiving port cover 774, and a connecting seal 775. Each part is provided with holes 772A, 773A, 774A, and 775A. The holes 772A, 774A, and 775A of the receiving-side shutter seal 772, the receiving port cover 774, and the connecting seal 775 are assembled in a state where they are aligned with the developer receiving port 771. The receiving-side shutter 773 also has a shielding portion 773B in addition to the hole 773A, and is assembled in a state where it can slide. This sliding movement opens and closes the developer receiving port 771.

[0053] 16, the opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter 773 is performed in conjunction with the mounting and removal operation of the developer storage unit 9. Here, a driving protrusion group 94B is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the discharge port forming member 94 of the developer storage unit 9. In addition, a driven protrusion group 773C is arranged on the receiving-side shutter 773.

[0054] As described above, the developer storage unit 9 moves to the installation complete state by performing a rotational movement during the installation process to the developing unit 7. Figure 16(a) shows the state before the rotational movement during the installation process, in which the shielding portion 773B of the receiving-side shutter 773 faces the developer receiving opening 771, and the developer receiving opening 771 is closed. At this time, the driving protrusion group 94B and the driven protrusion group 773C are in an engaged state.

[0055] Next, the developer storage unit 9 is rotated to reach the installation-completed state, as shown in Figure 16(b). At this time, the developer storage unit 9 is rotated while the drive protrusion group 94B and the driven protrusion group 773C remain engaged, and the receiving-side shutter 773 slides in conjunction with the rotation of the developer storage unit 9. As a result, the positions of the hole 773A of the receiving-side shutter 773 and the developer receiving opening 771 are aligned, and the developer receiving opening 771 is opened.

[0056] Similarly, when the developer storage unit 9 is removed from the developing unit 7, the receiving side shutter 773 slides in conjunction with the rotation of the developer storage unit 9, and the developer receiving opening 771 is closed.

[0057] As described above, when the developer storage unit 9 is attached to the developing unit 7, the developer receiving opening 771 is open, allowing developer to be received into the developing unit 7. On the other hand, when the developer storage unit 9 is not attached to the developing unit 7, the developer receiving opening 771 is closed, preventing foreign matter from entering the developing unit 7 and developer from leaking to the outside.

[0058] [Opening and closing of the discharge shutter] Next, we will explain the opening and closing operation of the discharge-side shutter 95. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the opening and closing operation of the discharge-side shutter 95 of the developer storage unit 9, where (a) shows the state in which the discharge-side shutter 95 is closed, and (b) shows the state in which the discharge-side shutter 95 is open.

[0059] As described above, the developer discharge port 94A is in an open state when the positions of the developer discharge port 94A of the discharge port forming member 94 shown in Fig. 12 and the developer passing hole 95A of the discharge-side shutter 95 are aligned. Also, the developer discharge port 94A is in a closed state when the closing portion 95B of the discharge-side shutter 95 faces the developer discharge port 94A. The opening and closing operation of the discharge-side shutter 95 is also performed in conjunction with the rotational operation when the developer storage unit 9 is attached or detached, similar to the opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter 773 described above.

[0060] 17, the discharge-side shutter 95 is provided with a locking projection 95C, which is disposed radially inward of the supported projection R93A. Also, the support portion R731 of the developing unit 7 is provided with a locking portion 731A and a notch 731B.

[0061] 17(a) shows the state before the rotational movement in the process of installing the developer storage unit 9. In this state, the closing portion 95B of the discharge-side shutter 95 and the developer discharge opening 94A face each other, so the developer discharge opening 94A is closed (see also FIG. 12). At this time, the locked protrusion 95C is sandwiched between the locking portion 731A, and the rotational movement of the discharge-side shutter 95 relative to the developing unit 7 is restricted.

[0062] Next, the developer storage unit 9 is rotated to reach the installation-completed state, as shown in Figure 17(b). At this time, the developer storage unit 9 is rotated relative to the developing unit 7 in a state in which the rotational movement of the discharge-side shutter 95 is restricted. Here, the supported protrusion R93A can fit into the notch 731B, so the rotation of the developer storage unit 9 other than the discharge-side shutter 95 is not hindered.

[0063] As described above, the rotational movement during the installation process of the developer storage unit 9 causes the discharge-side shutter 95 to rotate relatively inside the developer storage unit 9. As a result, the positions of the developer passing hole 95A (FIG. 12) of the discharge-side shutter 95 and the developer discharge port 94A (FIG. 12) are aligned, and the developer discharge port 94A (FIG. 12) is opened.

[0064] Similarly, when the developer storage unit 9 is detached from the developing unit 7, the discharge-side shutter 95 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the developer storage unit 9, and the developer discharge port 94A (FIG. 12) is closed.

[0065] [Developer storage unit lift mechanism] Next, the lift mechanism 760 of the developer storage unit 9 will be described. Figure 18 shows the operation of the lift mechanism 760 during the process of installing the developer storage unit 9, with (a) showing the state in which the developer storage unit 9 is placed on the lift mechanism 760 during the installation process. (b) showing the state in which the lift mechanism 760 is opened during the installation process of the developer storage unit 9. (c) showing the state in which the installation of the developer storage unit 9 has been completed.

[0066] Figure 19 shows the operation of transitioning the developer storage unit 9 in an installed state to a lifted-up state by the lift mechanism 760. (a) shows the state in which the developer storage unit 9 has been completely installed. (b) shows the state in which the developer storage unit 9 is being lifted up by the lift mechanism 760. (c) shows the state in which the developer storage unit 9 has reached the lifted-up state. For the sake of explanation, the D-side holder 719 of the developing unit 7 is omitted from Figure 19.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 19, the T-side holder L92 of the developer storage unit 9 is provided with a protrusion 92B, which has a contact surface 92C, a holding surface 92D, and a receiving surface 92E. As shown in FIG. 5, the lift mechanism 760 is made up of a boss 719A provided on the D-side holder 719 of the developing unit 7, a lift member 761, and a torsion coil spring 762. The lift member 761 and the torsion coil spring 762 are attached to the boss 719A and are rotatable around the boss 719A. The lift member 761 has a contact portion 761A, an operating portion 761B, and a lifting portion 761C. The lift member 761 is biased in the direction of arrow R1 by the torsion coil spring 762.

[0068] First, the movement of the lift mechanism 760 during the installation of the developer storage unit 9 will be described with reference to FIG. 18. As the developer storage unit 9 rotates during the installation process, the abutment surface 92C and the abutment portion 761A come into contact, and the developer storage unit 9 is placed on the lift mechanism 760, as shown in FIG. 18(a). Next, as the rotation of the developer storage unit 9 continues, the lift member 761 is pushed by the abutment surface 92C and rotates in the direction of arrow R2, as shown in FIG. 18(b), allowing the rotation of the developer storage unit 9. Then, as the rotation continues and the installation of the developer storage unit 9 is completed, the abutment portion 761A drops off from the abutment surface 92C, as shown in FIG. 18(c). The urging force of the torsion coil spring 762 causes the lift member 761 to rotate in the direction of arrow R1, and the abutment portion 761A comes into contact with the holding surface 92D. In this way, the developer storage unit 9 can be maintained in the completely mounted state by the lift member 761.

[0069] Next, the movement of the developer storage unit 9 from the installation completion state to the lifted-up state will be described with reference to FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 19(a), when the developer storage unit 9 is in the installation completion state, the contact portion 761A of the lift member 761 contacts the holding surface 92D, and the developer storage unit 9 cannot be removed. To remove the developer storage unit 9, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the operating portion 761B of the lift member 761 is operated to rotate the lift member 761 in the direction of arrow R2. This causes the lifting portion 761C of the lift member 761 to contact the receiving surface 92E, allowing the developer storage unit 9 to rotate. Thereafter, when the operating portion 761B is released, the lift member 761 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 due to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 762, as shown in FIG. 19(c). The contact surface 92C and the contact portion 761A come into contact with each other, and the developer storage unit 9 is lifted up on the lift mechanism 760. This makes it possible to remove the developer storage unit 9.

[0070] [Compatible Part] Next, the fitting portion 9A will be described. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the process cartridge 10 is mounted in a second image forming apparatus 1B that is incompatible with the process cartridge 10. As shown in Figures 14 to 16, at the front of the developer storage unit 9, a fitting portion 9A, which is a protrusion formed on the outer shape of the developer storage unit 9, is formed integrally with a container member 911 of a storage container 920.

[0071] More specifically, in the storage container 920, the mating surfaces between the container member 911 and the bottom member 912 are formed in a flange shape at an edge 920F on the opposite side of the second agitating member 97 from the developer discharge port 94A in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction of the second agitating member 97. As shown in Figure 15(c), this front edge 920F has a grip portion 910A formed in its center. The fitting portion 9A is formed by a plurality of protrusions 9A1 arranged in a comb-like shape in the rotational axis direction from the upper surface of the flange portion 911F of the container member 911 on the front edge 920F. That is, the matching portion (identifiable portion) 9A is provided on the opposite side of the developer discharge port (discharge port) 94A across the second agitating member 97 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the second agitating member (agitating member) 97. It can also be said that the matching portion 9A is provided on the outer surface of the developer storage unit 9 opposite the outer surface of the developer storage unit 9 that faces the photosensitive member 61 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member. The plurality of protrusions 9A1 are arranged on both sides of the flange 911F with the grip 910A in between in the direction of the rotation axis. In addition, the distance between some of the plurality of protrusions 9A1 juxtaposed with the grip 910A and the adjacent protrusions is not constant.

[0072] This fitting portion 9A engages with a main body fitting portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body into which a process cartridge 10, in which a process unit 5 and a developer storage unit 9 are integrated, is mounted, thereby ensuring compatibility of the combination with the image forming apparatus main body. For example, in the case of the first image forming apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 1, the main body fitting portion 21A1 is provided on a first opening / closing member 21A as an openable and closable cover member that covers the mounting space 2S into which the process cartridge 10 is mounted. More specifically, it is provided on the inner surface of the first opening / closing member 21A that faces the process cartridge 10 in the closed state. Since the image forming apparatus 1A is a normal combination for mounting the developer storage unit 9, even if the first opening / closing member 21A is closed, the fitting portion 9A engages with the corresponding main body fitting portion 21A1 and remains in the closed state.

[0073] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, in the case of the second image forming apparatus 1B, when an attempt is made to close the second opening / closing member 21B, the fitting portion 9A interferes with the second opening / closing member 21B, and the second opening / closing member 21B cannot be closed until it is in the closed state. This allows the user to recognize that the combination of the developer storage unit 9 and the second image forming apparatus main body 2B is not a correct combination. In particular, because the second opening / closing member 21B cannot be physically closed, the user can visually identify that the wrong developer storage unit / process cartridge has been installed. In addition, the second image forming apparatus 1B is configured so that image formation cannot be performed unless the second opening / closing member 21B is closed. This also allows the user to recognize that the developer storage unit / process cartridge has been installed incorrectly.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the adapting portion 9A is disposed so that, when the developer storage unit 9 is attached to the process unit 5, the developer storage portion 910 is located between the photosensitive member 61 and the adapting portion 9A in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the photosensitive member 61. In other words, when the developer storage unit 9 is attached to the process unit 5, the adapting portion 9A is disposed on the edge portion 920F of the storage container 920, which is located on the opposite side to the photosensitive member 61 in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the second agitating member 97. By disposing the adapting portion 9A in this manner, the adapting portion 9A is disposed upstream in the attachment direction S1 (FIG. 1) of the process cartridge 10 and close to the user of the process cartridge 10. By locating the adapting portion 9A in such a position close to the user, the user can easily recognize that the process cartridge 10 has been attached incorrectly.

[0075] As in the present embodiment, the process cartridge 10 may be mounted in the apparatus main body 2A of the image forming apparatus 1A along the mounting direction S1, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member 61, and the developer storage unit 9 may be provided upstream of the mounting direction S1. In such a configuration, the fitting portion may be configured differently from that of the present embodiment, and may be provided on the frame that constitutes the photosensitive member unit 6 or the developing unit 7. However, if the fitting portion is provided on the frame that constitutes the photosensitive member unit 6 or the developing unit 7, the developer storage unit 9 must be configured to avoid the fitting portion. As a result, there is a risk that this will restrict the degree of freedom in the shape of the developer storage unit 9 and that it will restrict the capacity of the developer storage unit 9.

[0076] In contrast, by providing the adapting portion 9A to the developer storage unit 9 as in this embodiment, the degree of freedom in the shape of the developer storage unit 9 can be improved. Furthermore, as a result, the developer storage unit 9 can have a larger capacity. In other words, the developer storage unit 9 has an outlet 94a for discharging the stored developer to the process unit 5, and can be considered a developer storage unit configured to be detachable from the process unit 5. Furthermore, the first opening / closing member 21A of the image forming apparatus 1A can be considered an opening / closing member for opening and closing the opening 2S1 through which the process cartridge (cartridge) 10 passes when the process cartridge 10 is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus main body 2A. Furthermore, the main body-side adapting portion 21A1 can be considered an identification portion provided on the opening / closing member 21A, and the adapting portion 9A can be considered an identified portion that engages with the identification portion when the process cartridge 10 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 2A. Furthermore, since the developer storage unit 9 has the identified portion 9A, it is not necessary to avoid the identified portion 9A when designing the developer storage unit 9, and the degree of freedom in designing the developer storage unit 9 is improved.

[0077] In addition, each of the multiple protrusions 9A1 that form the fitting portion 9A protrudes from the outer surface of the developer storage unit 9 and is hollow inside. The hollow space of each protrusion 9A1 is connected to the developer storage portion 910 and serves as a space for storing developer. This allows the developer storage unit 9 to store a larger amount of developer.

[0078] Furthermore, when changing the specifications of the process cartridge 10 depending on the type of image forming apparatus, the type of developer stored in the developer storage unit 9 may be changed, or the shape of the developer storage unit 9 may be changed to change the amount of developer stored. In this case, if the adapting portion is configured differently from that of the present embodiment and provided on the frame that constitutes the photosensitive unit 6 or the developing unit 7, the changes will affect not only the developer storage unit 9 but also the photosensitive unit 6 and the developing unit 7. This may complicate the production process of the process cartridge.

[0079] In contrast to this, by providing the adapting portion 9A in the developer storage unit 9 as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the manufacturing process of the process cartridge 10 from becoming complicated.

[0080] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the adapting portion 9A is formed integrally with the container member 911, it may be formed integrally with other components constituting the developer storage unit (for example, the bottom member 912, the T-side holder R93, etc.). The adapting portion 9A may also be a stand-alone component and fixed to a component constituting the developer storage unit (for example, the container member 911, the bottom member 912, the T-side holder R93, etc.). In other words, it is sufficient that the adapting portion 9A is provided on the outer shape of the developer storage unit 9, and it is sufficient that the adapting portion 9A is provided on the storage container 920 that forms the outer shape of the developer storage unit 9, whether it is integral or a separate component attached.

[0081] Furthermore, the functions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of this invention to those alone, unless otherwise specified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 2A: device main body (image forming device main body) / 5: process unit / 9: developer storage unit / 9A: identified part (matching part) / 10: cartridge (process cartridge) / 21A1: identification part (matching part on main body side) / 61: photosensitive body / 71: developing roller / 94a: discharge port (developer discharge port)

Claims

1. A cartridge that is mounted in a mounting direction relative to a main body of an image forming apparatus having an identification portion and is removable in a removal direction, a rotatable photosensitive drum; a frame that supports the photosensitive drum so as to rotate about a rotation axis that extends in a direction intersecting the mounting direction; a developing unit attached to the frame, the developing unit including a developing roller that supplies a developer to the photosensitive drum and a developer container that contains the developer carried by the developing roller; a developer storage unit having a developer storage portion for storing a developer, the developer storage section has a discharge port for discharging the developer stored in the developer storage section to the developer accommodating section, and is configured to be detachable from the developing unit; the developer storage unit includes an identified portion provided to engage with an identifying portion of the device main body when the cartridge is attached to the device main body, and the identified portion is farther from the photosensitive drum in the removal direction than a most downstream end of the frame in the removal direction. A cartridge characterized by:

2. the apparatus main body has an opening through which the cartridge passes when being attached to or detached from the apparatus main body, and an opening / closing member that is movable between an open position that exposes the opening and a closed position that covers the opening, the opening / closing member having the identification portion; the identified portion engages with the identifying portion of the opening / closing member when the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body and the opening / closing member is in the closed position; 2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

3. the developer storage unit has an agitating member inside the developer storage portion that agitates the developer in the developer storage portion, and the identified part is provided on an outer surface of the developer storage portion on the opposite side to the discharge port across the agitating member in the mounting direction.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

4. the identified portion is provided on an outer surface of the developer storage unit opposite to an outer surface of the developer storage unit facing the photosensitive drum in the mounting direction.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

5. the developer storage unit has a grip portion provided on an outer surface of the developer storage portion, the identified portion is provided on an outer surface of the developer storage portion and is arranged alongside the grip portion in the direction of the rotation axis; 2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

6. the identified portion has a plurality of protruding portions that protrude from an outer surface of the developer storage unit and are arranged side by side at intervals in the direction of the rotation axis; 2. The cartridge according to claim 1.

7. A space for accommodating a developer is provided inside each of the plurality of protrusions.

7. The cartridge according to claim 6.

8. the developer storage unit has a shutter, and the shutter is configured to be movable between a first position that closes the discharge port and a second position that opens the discharge port; the developer storage unit, when attached to the developing unit, takes a first posture and a second posture relative to the developing unit, the first posture is a posture that is transitioned to by the developer storage unit being moved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and the second posture is a posture that is transitioned to by the developer storage unit being rotated from the first posture around a second rotation axis that extends in the rotation axis direction of the agitating member, and the shutter is configured to move from the first position to the second position by transition of the developer storage unit from the first posture to the second posture, the identified portion of the developer storage unit in the second posture is configured to engage with an identifying portion of the apparatus main body when the cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main body; 4. The cartridge according to claim 3.

Images