JP2003307925A - Developing cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent rotation of a rotary when a developing cartridge is attached to the rotary incompletely. <P>SOLUTION: The developing cartridge which can be attached/detached to/ from the rotatable rotary provided in the main body of an image forming device has a developer storage part and a developing member which supplies developer in the storage part to an electrophotographic photosensitive body. The developing cartridge has a third projection 360 which, in the case the cartridge is attached to the rotary incompletely, interferes with a guide groove 41 of the main body of the image forming device, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotary. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
Used for electrophotographic image forming devices such as copying machines and electrophotographic printers.
The present invention relates to a developing cartridge used. Here, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an electronic
Form an image on a recording medium using a photographic image forming process
Things. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic pudding
(LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.),
Electrophotographic facsimile machine and electrophotographic word processor
And a processor. [0004] Conventionally, a multicolor image has been formed by an electrophotographic method.
The configuration of the forming device is as follows.
Stores developers (toners) of different colors for the optical drum
Rotation developing mechanism (rotor selection mechanism)
B) Place on top. And for the photosensitive drum
The developer cartridge containing the developer of the specified color
And the developed image is transferred to a recording medium. further,
By performing these development transfer operations for each color, many operations can be performed.
A method for obtaining a color image has been proposed. [0005] In such an image forming apparatus,
Developing cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body
Cartridge configuration. And by the user himself
It allows replacement of the developing cartridge. by this,
Maintenance work on the main unit is reduced. Also,
Developing cartridge such as developing roller, coating roller
And a developing frame that supports developing members such as
Cartridge frame combined with the stored toner frame
By adopting the system configuration, miniaturization is achieved. As a conventional example of such a configuration, for example,
There is an apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 11-072984.
Insert a cartridge with a width equal to or greater than the
There is an entrance, from which the developer cartridge can be removed
Configuration. There is an insertion guide groove on the wall of the insertion port
While the developer cartridge is provided,
The guide protrusion is provided along the groove. Also,
Guide grooves are also provided on both longitudinal walls of the rotary
When the developing cartridge is attached or detached,
Rotary rotation angle so that the rotary guide groove is straight
Is controlled. An arc rib is provided at the end of the rotary guide groove.
With the developer cartridge fully inserted
The arc rib and the guide protrusion are fitted. An opening / closing door is provided at the insertion opening.
When the user completely closes the door, the rotary rotates.
To start. In addition, a developing cartridge is installed on the door.
When the developing cart is
Protrusions that cannot be closed because of interference with the ridge
Is provided. And a door sensor that monitors opening and closing
Provided when the developer cartridge is incompletely installed.
Indicates that the sensor detects incomplete door closing and
It is controlled not to start rotating. Further, the developing cartridges of the respective colors are mutually attached.
Color identification protrusions arranged at different positions are provided.
In the designated color position of the
There is a groove to receive the identification convex part of the cartridge,
Be careful not to insert a wrong color developing cartridge by mistake.
Has become. [0009] In the above-described image forming apparatus,
Is a photoreceptor cartridge or roller
The photo cartridge is also configured to be removable,
Separate insertion openings and doors for each unit
Have been. This, for example, for all these cartridges
If the attachment and detachment can be performed from one insertion slot,
Users don't have to wonder where to open the door
Operability is improved. In such a case, the developing cartridge insertion opening and
It may be a configuration in which the rotary is arranged at some distance
Although it is possible, as described above, the developer
Large protrusions are needed to provide interference protrusions with the cartridge.
I have to use the configuration that came out. But that's the user
Is protruding toward the user when opening the door
This can cause discomfort to the user when attaching or removing
It is also conceivable that they get caught on the rollers. When the door is opened and closed, other than the developing cartridge
Cannot be arranged because of interference with
It is possible. From the above, it is necessary to provide no interference projection on the door.
This time, when the developing cartridge is incompletely installed,
But because the door closes completely, the door sensor detects incomplete installation.
Can not be detected. For example, as described above
In the configuration in which the color identification convex portion is provided on the developing cartridge,
Color developing cartridges in different color positions
Erroneous insertion, interference between the color identification protrusion and the rotary
Therefore, it is assumed that it will be incompletely mounted, but this
As with the conventional control method, the door sensor
When the rotary operation is started upon detecting the closing,
The developing cartridge is centrifuged from the rotary inside the image forming apparatus.
It may fall off due to force or gravity.
It is very difficult to repair by the user's hand. [0013] Also, the rotary may be moved with incomplete mounting.
Or when it is rotated,
Parts directly related to image quality such as the developing roller
It is conceivable that the image is damaged and the image quality is deteriorated as a result. The present invention solves the above problems,
The purpose is to ensure that the developer cartridge is
Make sure that the rotary does not rotate while wearing
To improve operability, prevent machine failure, and
Development cartridge that can prevent image deterioration due to ridge damage
Offer a luggage. [0015] To achieve the above object,
A typical configuration according to the present invention is a developer accommodating section,
Developing member for supplying the developer in the container to the electrophotographic photosensitive member
A rotatable row provided in the image forming apparatus main body.
A developing cartridge which is detachably attachable to
It is provided in the forming apparatus main body and is in the movable range of the frame.
Forward the developing cartridge along the guide groove
Developing cartridge having guide ribs for guiding to the movable frame
At a position substantially linear with the guide ribs and
The protrusion arranged at the most upstream side in the insertion direction into the movable frame body
Wherein the developing cartridge is incompletely mounted on the frame.
When it is worn, it comes into contact with the guide groove wall and
It is characterized by having a convex part for preventing erroneous rotation of the frame.
You. With such a configuration, the development
Rotary starts rotating when cartridge is incompletely installed.
Even if it starts, the convex part contacts the wall of the guide groove and the rotary
No more rotation. Easy for the user
Can be re-attached. In other words, the developer
Troubles such as dropping out of cartridges may occur
And a configuration that allows easy attachment and detachment of the developing cartridge.
Operability can be improved.
Wear. [0017] Further, the convex portion abuts the guide groove.
The image quality of the developing roller provided on the developing cartridge
To protect the part directly related to
Can be prevented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a color image according to the present invention will be described.
An embodiment of a forming apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front of the apparatus
Upstream transport of recording medium from transfer process to fixing process
Side (right side in FIG. 1),
The left and right sides of the process cartridge are
Left or right. The longitudinal direction is the surface of the recording medium.
Plane, and intersects (substantially,
(Perpendicular). [First Embodiment] (1) Outline of Image Forming Operation of Color Image Forming Apparatus
First, an overall configuration of a color image forming apparatus will be described.
Therefore, a brief description will be given with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a color electrophotographic image embodying the present invention.
A type of image forming apparatus that includes a developing cartridge and a drum car.
The cartridge and the intermediate transfer unit are attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The schematic configuration of the loaded color laser beam printer is shown.
FIG. The color image forming apparatus main body is shown in FIG.
As described above, the exposure unit 3 illuminates the light image based on the image information.
Photoconductor (hereinafter referred to as "photoconductor drum")
Form an image (hereinafter referred to as "toner image") using a developer on No. 1
I do. Then, the transfer material is synchronized with the formation of the toner image.
It is conveyed by a conveying means and formed on the photosensitive drum 1
The transferred toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 5a. Next, an intermediate transfer belt as the intermediate transfer body
5a is transferred to the transfer material by the second transfer means.
The transfer material is transferred to a pressing roller 8a and a heating roller 8b.
To a fixing unit 8 having the toner image, and fixes and transfers the transferred toner image.
It is configured to discharge to the outlet 10. The image forming process will be described in more detail. During ~
Of the photosensitive drum 1 in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediary transfer belt 5a.
1 in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise)
The surface of the ram 1 is uniformly charged by the charging device 2 and
Then, for example, light irradiation of a yellow image is performed by the exposure unit 3.
To form a yellow electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1
I do. Exposure is performed through the following steps. exposure
Means 3 is based on image information read from an external device or the like.
Irradiating the photosensitive drum 1 with a light image by irradiating light
Laser diode and polygon mirror
, Scanner motor, imaging lens, reflection mirror
It is. An image signal is given from an external device or the like.
Then, the laser diode emits light according to the image signal
Then, a polygon mirror is irradiated as the image light. this
The polygon mirror rotates at high speed by the scanner motor,
The image light reflected by the polygon mirror is an imaging lens and
The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is selectively selected via a reflection mirror.
To form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum.
You. At the same time as the formation of the electrostatic latent image, a yellow developing device
4Y is rotated to the developing position, and a predetermined bias voltage is applied.
Then, a yellow toner is adhered to the electrostatic latent image and developed.
Thereafter, a pressing roller (primary transfer roller) of the intermediate transfer belt 5a is used.
And a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to 5j.
Intermediate transfer bell for yellow toner image on photoreceptor drum 1
The primary transfer is performed on the sheet 5a. As described above, the primary transfer of the yellow toner image
Is completed, the next developer rotates and moves the photosensitive drum.
It is positioned at a position facing. The above steps
Toner developing device 4M, cyan developing device 4C, black developing device 4
Magenta, cyan, and black
Intermediate transfer by repeating for each color
The four color toner images are superimposed on the belt 5a. During this time, the secondary transfer roller 11
It is in a non-contact state with the tilt 5a. At this time, cleaning
The cleaning charging roller 5f as a unit is also in intermediate rotation.
It is located in a non-contact state with the photo belt 5a. Then, the four color toner images are placed on the intermediate transfer belt 5a.
After the formation of the toner image, the secondary transfer roller 11
It is pressed against the intermediary transfer belt 5a. Further, the secondary transfer row
Feed roller 7 as a conveying means in synchronization with the pressing of the roller 11
b, from the transfer material cassette 7a by the conveying roller pair 7c
A predetermined position near the registration roller pair 7d which is conveyed
The transfer material that has been waiting at the second transfer with the intermediate transfer belt 5a
It is sent out to the nip portion of the roller 11. Here, immediately before the registration roller pair 7d,
Detects the leading end of the transfer material and rotates the registration roller pair 7d.
Before the cash register that shuts off the power and makes the transfer material stand by at a predetermined position
A sensor 14 is provided. The secondary transfer roller 11 has a reverse polarity toner.
Bias voltage is applied and the intermediate transfer belt 5a
The toner image is collectively deposited on the surface of the transferred transfer material.
Next is transferred. The transfer material on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is conveyed.
The sheet is conveyed to the fixing means 8 via the belt unit 12 and is fixed.
Is set, and the discharge roller pair 13 follows the discharge guide 15.
And a color image is formed by the discharge roller pair 9.
The sheet is discharged to the discharge section 10 at the top of the apparatus A, and the image formation is completed.
You. On the other hand, after the completion of the secondary transfer, the cleaning belt
The electric roller 5f is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 5a,
The residual toner remaining on the surface of the photo belt and secondary transfer is
Voltage is applied to remove residual charges. The residual toner from which the charge has been removed is transferred to the primary transfer nip.
From the intermediate transfer belt 5a to the photosensitive drum 1 via the
It is electrically re-transferred and the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 5a is cleaned.
Be tuned. In addition, the secondary image re-transferred to the photosensitive drum 1
The residual toner remaining after the next transfer is cleaned by the cleaner for the photosensitive drum 1.
Removed by the blade 6 and collected. The collected residual toner is used as waste toner.
Follow the transport path for transport, which will be described later, and
Collected and accumulated at 216. Next, the configuration of each member
I will explain each. {Structure of Process Cartridge} In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1 and the intermediate rotation
The part including the photo belt 5a and the waste toner box 216
It is configured as a body process cartridge. FIG. 2 shows the left side of the process cartridge 5.
FIG. FIG. 3 shows the process cartridge 5.
4 is a perspective view from the left side, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the right side.
Is shown. The process cartridge 5 includes the photosensitive drum 1
Photoconductor drum unit 20 including an intermediate transfer belt 5a
And intermediate transfer unit 2 including waste toner box 216
It consists of two units: Sensitive in the upward projection direction of the intermediate transfer unit 21
Body drum unit 20 and the intermediate transfer body unit 21
The left and right plates 260 and 261 are on both sides of the photosensitive drum unit 20
And hold it from the side of the photosensitive drum unit 20
It has a configuration. {Photosensitive Drum Unit} The photosensitive drum unit 20 has the structure shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 4, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotatable at both ends to the right.
It is held by the side bearing 106 and the left rotating shaft 102,
Predetermined rotation drive from the device body via coupling 124
Force is transmitted. Further, as shown in FIG.
The charging roller 2 has a compression spring 1 via bearings 125 at both ends.
Pressed with a predetermined force by 26, it is driven to rotate.
ing. At least one of the bearings 125 is made of a conductive material.
And a predetermined charging bias voltage is applied to the charging roller 2.
By applying, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged.
It is made to make. The photosensitive drum unit 20 has an image type
Drum drum that opens and closes in conjunction with the
A shutter 119 is provided. The photosensitive drum 1 has a cleaning brush.
A blade 6 is provided at a predetermined position, and the intermediate transfer bell
The toner remaining on the photoreceptor 5a is collected on the photosensitive drum 1, and
Structured to scrape off residual toner on optical drum 1
Have been. Further, the scraped waste toner is squeezed.
127 prevents falling onto the intermediate transfer belt 5a.
Between the cleaning blade 6 and the squeeze sheet 127
The accumulated residual toner is removed by rotation of the feed blade 151.
Into the photosensitive drum container 129, that is, the photosensitive drum
It is swept away from 1. [0050] Then, on the deeper side than the feed blade 151,
1 screw 128 is provided, 1st screw 128 rotates
As a result, the waste toner is
2). In the photosensitive drum container 129, the first screw
An opening 152 is formed downward at the left end of the groove where the
Waste toner is provided by the first screw 128.
Transported to the left end, falls from the opening 152, and
It is sent out to the opening 253a which is the receptacle of the unit 21. Open
A seal member 254 is provided on the lower surface of the opening 152, and the opening
This prevents toner leakage at the joint with 253a. {Intermediate Transfer Unit} Next, the structure of the intermediate transfer unit 21 will be described.
Will be explained. The intermediate transfer unit 21 includes an intermediate transfer belt.
5a transfers the image transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the transfer material
And a means for collecting and storing waste toner.
I do. The configuration of the intermediate transfer body unit 21 for each means is described below.
explain. (Intermediate Transfer Means) The intermediate transfer belt 5a is an intermediate transfer member frame.
245 has two rollers, a driving roller 240 and a driven roller 241.
It is stretched around. The drive roller 240 is rotatable at both ends on the right side shaft.
The cup at the right end, held by the receiver 205 and the left bearing 201
A predetermined rotational driving force is transmitted from the apparatus main body via the ring 242.
Has been reached. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
A compression spring 244 is provided on bearings 243 at both ends of the driven roller 241.
So that a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 5a.
Has become. The photosensitive drum is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 5a.
A primary transfer roller 5j is provided at a position facing the
And through a bearing 246 at both ends, a predetermined
It is pressed by force and is driven to rotate. At least one of the bearings 246 is made of a conductive material.
And a predetermined transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 5j.
By applying a voltage, the toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is changed.
Is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 5a. The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 240 is
At the opposite position, the residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 5a is
Applying a predetermined bias voltage to remove residual charges
A cleaning charging roller unit 223 is provided. The cleaning charging roller 5f has bearings at both ends.
Via 211, it is pressed with a predetermined force by the compression spring 212,
It is driven to rotate. At least one of the bearings 211 is made of a conductive material.
The cleaning charging roller 5f is provided with a predetermined
The ass voltage is applied to remove residual charges. And the rest
The residual toner is electrostatically re-transferred onto the photosensitive drum 1,
It is removed and collected by the cleaning blade 6, and as described above.
Thus, the toner is accumulated in the waste toner box 216. (Waste Toner Collection / Saving Means) The intermediate transfer unit 21 has an intermediate transfer bell
On the opposite side of the photosensitive drum unit 20 with the center 5a
A waste toner box 216 is provided. Waste toner bottle
Box 216, as shown in FIG.
The partition plate 250 is joined to a part of the
As a result, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 1 eventually becomes this waste toner.
It is stored in the knuckle box 216. An impeller is provided on the left side of the intermediate transfer body frame 245.
The cover 253 is connected with the seal member 256 therebetween. Soshi
Therefore, as shown in FIG.
53a is provided at the lower left end of the photosensitive drum container 129.
Opening 152 and the sealing member 254
Waste toner dropped from the mouth 152 falls inside the impeller cover 253.
Down. The impeller 255 is provided inside the impeller cover 253 in FIG.
Rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the left side shown in
Is conveyed to the waste toner box 216. Waste tona
-The impeller cover 253 is over the left side of the box 216
Wrapped, the impeller
A hole 257 communicating with the inside of the bar 253 is provided. Further, it extends in the longitudinal direction from the hole 257.
A second screw 258 is provided at the position, and the impeller 2
The waste toner transported by the second screw 258 is
By rotating the waste toner box from left to right
Conveyed. The waste toner box 216 has a second screw 2
Several small rooms with multiple bulkheads 250 perpendicular to 58
From the small room on the left to the small room on the right
It is satisfied sequentially. And in the small room on the far right
A detection unit 262 for detecting the fullness of the
Have been. (2) Position of process cartridge in apparatus main body
Next, in FIG. 6, the process cartridge will be described.
5 attached to and detached from the color image forming apparatus main body A, and a predetermined position
A method for fixing the pedestal to the device will be described. Open the cover 40 of the color image forming apparatus main body A.
In addition, it is provided on the support portion 22 for supporting the photosensitive drum bearing.
A rotational driving force transmission coupling to the photosensitive drum 1,
Provided on the support section 23 that supports the bearing section of the intermediate belt drive shaft
Of rotational drive force to the intermediate transfer belt drive roller
When the coupling slides in the axial direction and retracts
(Disconnection state). Evacuation and connection mechanism of coupling
Uses a known method as described in JP-A-11-109836.
The description is omitted in the present embodiment. A guide drum for the photosensitive drum is provided inside the apparatus main body.
Roller 30, and the guide rail 31 for the intermediate transfer member provide a step
And are provided on both sides. Then, the process car shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
Photoconductor drum right bearing 106 and left rotating shaft 102 of cartridge 5
To Guideline 30 for photoreceptor drums.
4, a right bearing 205 of the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 240 shown in FIG.
The left bearing 201 and the protrusions 2 provided on the left and right side plates 260 and 261
03 and 204 are placed on the guide rail 31 for the intermediate transfer member, respectively.
Insert while sliding. Finally, the photosensitive drum right bearing 106,
The left rotation shaft 102 is a support 22 for supporting the photosensitive drum bearing.
To the right bearing 2 of the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 240.
05, Left bearing 201 supports the bearing part of the intermediate rotation belt drive shaft
Into the supporting part 23 to be formed. On the other hand, the left and right plates 260 and 261
The projected projections 203 and 204 fall into the positioning grooves 24, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 3, each torsion coil spring 2
Positioning of the device body frame by 5, 26 and 27 respectively
Pressed and fixed. {Structure of Developing Cartridge} Next, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Developing cartridge 4 contains toner
It is roughly divided into a storage unit 302 and a development unit 356. Toner storage section 302
Is filled with toner of a predetermined color, and the stirring means 303 rotates.
By doing so, the toner is transported to the developing unit by a predetermined amount. Carrying
The sent toner is sponge-like toner in the developing unit 356.
-The supply roller 304 rotates to supply
The developing blade 332 and the developing roller 3
Electric charge is given by friction with 05 and it is made thin. Thinning
The toner on the developing roller 305 is rotated by the developing unit.
And applied a predetermined developing bias.
The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 is visualized as a toner image. This contributes to visualization of the latent image on the photosensitive drum 1.
Remaining toner, that is, the remaining toner on the surface of the developing roller 305
The developed toner is removed again by the toner supply roller 304.
At the same time, new toner is
And a new developing operation is continuously performed. << Removal of developing cartridge >> Next, black, magenta, cyan, yellow
Developing cartridge 4 containing toner of each color
It is fixed at a predetermined position in the tally. Here, the development cartridge
FIGS. 8 to 8 show a method of positioning the carriage 4 on the rotary.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. A developing cartridge 4 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body.
Large enough to attach and detach the process cartridge 5
A wide opening and an openable / closable cover 40 (FIG. 1)
The developing cartridge 4 and the
To attach or remove the process cartridge 5, open the cover 40 and open the opening.
Do from. Also, from the pre-registration sensor 14 to the fixing means 8
Remove the process cartridge from the opening even if a paper jam
It takes place. FIG. 8 shows two longitudinal walls of the opening.
As shown, a cartridge for guiding the developing cartridge 4 is provided.
Guide grooves 41 are formed as guide means.
Further, a rotary is provided behind the opening. The rotary rotates about a central axis 51,
Disc-shaped rotary flanges 50 are provided on both sides of the central shaft 51.
Fixed. And the guide groove 41 is
Up to 5-6mm away from the outer circumference of the rotary flange 50
Extending. The rotary flange 50 has a developing cart
A guide groove 50c for guiding the attachment and detachment of the ridge, and a developing cartridge
The first receiving portion 50a, which is the center of positioning of the cartridge, and the developing cart
A second receiving portion 50b for stopping rotation of the ridge is formed.
You. The guide groove 50c of the rotary flange 50 is
When stopped at the developing cartridge attachment / detachment position,
The guide groove 41 is arranged in a straight line. Further, the positioning is made on the longitudinal side surface of the first receiving portion 50a.
A hole 50d is provided on the center axis. This hole 50d is behind
As described above, a pull for preventing the developing cartridge 4 from dropping off.
Serves as a hook hole. On the other hand, the left and right sides of the developing cartridge 4
Is a guide rib 35 for guiding the mounting and dismounting of the developing cartridge 4.
4 and an arc shape which is the positioning center of the developing cartridge 4
Of the first protrusion 352 and the rotation stop of the developing cartridge 4
Centering on the arc-shaped second protrusion 353 and the first protrusion 352
On the opposite side of the second protrusion 353, the upper surface of the developing cartridge
A third protrusion 360, which is a protrusion extending to
You. Further, from the end face of the first projection 352,
A protruding portion 380a that can expand and contract in the direction protrudes. This movable
As shown in FIG. 10, the protrusion 380a
A rod-shaped slider part having a length approximately half the length of 4
The slider member 380 is formed at the end of the material 380.
By sliding the first protrusion 352 as described above.
The movable projection 380a protrudes or retracts from the end face of the
I do. Then, in the vicinity of the longitudinal center of the developing cartridge,
Is equipped with a hinge-shaped handle 381,
Always urged to open upward by Lubane 382
I have. The hinge handle 381 has two hinges on the left and right.
Although the one-piece members 381a and 381b are configured as a pair,
Each hinge piece 381a, 381b is the slider part.
It is connected to the material 380 and linked to the opening and closing operation of the hinge handle 381
Then, the slider member 380 slides. In a normal state, the hinge handle 381 is connected to the screw
Open because it is biased by the coil spring 382
The protrusion 380a of the slider member 380 is
It protrudes from the end face of one protrusion 352. And in FIG.
As shown, when gripping the hinge handle 381, the hinge closes,
The protrusion 380a of the slider member 380 is the first protrusion 352.
It is configured to be retracted inward from the end face. Also, the user can grasp the hinge handle 381 and
While carrying the cartridge 4, the developing cartridge 4
0.5 on the gripping side of the hinge handle 381 to prevent it from falling
mm non-slip ribs 381c
When the handle 381 is closed,
It is formed in a socket. The hinge pieces 381a and 381b rotate.
Gear teeth 381d are formed on the opposite side of the part
And both gears are in mesh. A piece for that
Even if only one hinge piece is closed, the other hinge piece
The member is also closed. That is, both slider members 380 are always
It is configured to operate simultaneously. When the developing cartridge is inserted, the hinge handle
Grab 381 and develop in guide groove 50c of rotary flange 50
Insert the guide ribs 354 on both sides of the cartridge
To the first receiving portion 50a on the side of the rotary flange.
The arc-shaped first protrusion 352 formed on the side surface of the cartridge
Release the hinge handle 381 from the
The movable projection 380a projects from the end face of the first projection 352.
And the aforementioned catch provided on the longitudinal side surface of the first receiving portion 50a.
It is caught in the hanging hole 50d (see FIG. 10). The first projection 352 and the movable projection 380a are
Since the developing cartridge 4 is provided coaxially, the developing cartridge 4
One can swing around the protrusion 352, but the cartridge
The developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the guide groove 50c counterclockwise in FIG.
A biasing spring 53 for biasing rotation in the direction
The urging spring 53 allows the developing cartridge 4
The protrusion 353 is in close contact with the second receiving portion 50b of the rotary flange 50
Then, the position of the developing cartridge 4 is fixed. {Driving Configuration of Developing Cartridge} Next, the driving configuration of the developing cartridge will be described.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. On both sides of the rotary flange 50,
A rotary side plate 54 is disposed, and the central shaft 51 is rotatable.
Tari flange 50 and rotary side plate 54 are skewered
It is locked by. In other words, the rotary flange 50
And the central shaft 51 are supported by a rotary side plate 54 to be rotatable.
(See FIG. 9). One of the rotary side plates 54 has a plurality of gears.
Are fixed so as to be meshable. Developing cartridge 4
The input gear 307 is a gear disposed on the rotary side plate 54.
In the row, the lowermost terminal gear 55 meshes, and the developing roller 30
5. The application roller, stirring member, etc. are driven to rotate. In this embodiment, the developing cartridge
4 revolves at a predetermined angle with the rotary flange 50
As a result, it is connected to the terminal gear 55 of the rotary side plate 54. Here, the developing cartridge 4 is
When rotating along with the revolution, the terminal gear of the rotary side plate 54
A Tooth tip of 55 and input gear 307 of developing cartridge 4
There is a possibility that the teeth will not mesh properly due to collision.
To ensure that the teeth mesh even in such cases
In this embodiment, the developing cartridge 4 is a rotary cartridge.
Swing and retreat about the first receiving portion 50a of the flange 50 once.
Thus, the teeth are surely engaged with each other. This will be described in more detail.
Terminal gear 55 of side plate 54 and input gear 30 of developing cartridge 4
If the tooth tips of 7 come into contact with each other,
The cartridge 4 is used for the first receiving portion 50a of the rotary flange 50.
It slightly swings in the center of the rotary in the radial direction. This developer
Swing of cartridge 4 eliminates collision between tooth tips
Of the rotary flange 50 described above.
The developing cartridge is positioned at a predetermined position. Further, the driving of the developing cartridge 4 is completed.
And revolves the developing cartridge 4 to the next position.
In the case, the terminal gear 55 of the rotary flange 50 is
If it cannot be released to the through state,
The rotary mechanism of the cartridge 4 allows the developing cartridge 4 and the rotary
The flange 50 is separated from the meshing part of the terminal gear 55 of the rotary
it can. The input gear 307 of the developing cartridge 4 is low.
When driven by the terminal gear 55 of the tally side plate 54, the arrow in FIG.
A meshing force F is received in the direction of the mark. With this engagement force F,
The developing cartridge 4 includes a first receiving portion 50 of the rotary flange 50.
receiving the counterclockwise rotational moment shown in Fig. 12
You. This rotational moment causes the developing cartridge 4
The two protrusions 353 are pressed against the second receiving portions 50b of the rotary flange 50.
During the driving, the developing cartridge 4
Movement from the positioning portion of the flange 50 is suppressed. What
This meshing force becomes a closed force system in the rotary.
Therefore, the photosensitive drum of the developing cartridge described later
The effect on the pressure on the system is small. {Pressure Configuration of Developing Cartridge} In this embodiment, the four color developing cartridges are
The cartridge 4 is stored.
Pressurization of the optical drum 1 is performed as follows. The rotary flange 50 is opposed to the rotary side plate 54.
It is explained that it is held rotatably, but both sides
The rotary side plate 54 is rotatably disposed on its upper side.
It is positioned and fixed to the side plate of the main unit by the drive shaft 60.
You. In other words, the developing cartridge 4 and the rotary
The flange 50 and the rotary side plate 54 are integrally swung.
It is configured to operate. That is, the developing cartridge 4
The developing cartridge is driven by the swinging motion of the integrated rotary.
The cartridge 4 is pressed and separated from the photosensitive drum 1;
Has become. The operation of pressing and separating is performed by rotating the rotary side plate 54.
Push the fixed rotary stay with the rotation of a cam (not shown).
It is done by raising. {Rotary Rotation Control} The outer peripheral surfaces of the rotary flanges 50 on both sides are
As shown in FIG. 9, the gears are integrally formed.
And a pair of driven gears 59 meshing with this are arranged on both sides.
Have been. The driven gears 59 on both sides are connected by a rotating shaft 59a.
When one of the rotary flanges 50 rotates,
Of the other rotary flange 50 via the driven gear 59
Are rotated in the same phase. With such a driving configuration, the low
When revolving the tally flange 50 or driving the developing roller,
If one of the rotary flanges 50 is twisted
And has prevented. The pivot center of the rotary side plate 54, that is, the pivot shaft 60
Is a rotary drive gear that rotates the rotary flange 50
Are arranged in contact with a rotary drive motor 61 (not shown).
Has been continued. At the end of the rotary shaft of the rotary drive motor 61
Is equipped with a known encoder 62 and has a rotor
The amount of rotation of the re-drive motor 61 is detected and the number of rotations is controlled.
You. On the other hand, the outer periphery of the rotary flange 50 projects sideways.
Formed on the rotary side plate 54.
Rotating to pass through the photointerrupter 58
You. In the present embodiment, the flag 57 is
A predetermined angle with respect to when the
It is controlled so that the rotary revolves. This orbital angle
Control by detecting the amount of rotation by the encoder 62
Needless to say. On the upper surface of the apparatus main body, as described above,
For attaching and detaching the cartridge 4 and the process cartridge 5
Opening, and an openable / closable cover 40 that covers the opening is provided.
There is a door switch that detects the opening and closing of the cover
Is provided. When the power is turned on, the cover 40 is closed.
When this happens, the rotary operation of the rotary is started. The photo interrupter 57 and the encoder 62
The rotation amount for a given rotation time is always detected
And the amount of rotation for a given rotation time is more than 1/8 lap
If it is delayed, an abnormality is detected, and the motor rotates backward to the rotation start position and stops.
Stops and displays an error message on the display. Conventionally, a pulse motor or the like is used
Although the rotation of the tally was controlled, harmonics due to excitation
Although there was an obstructive aspect, in this embodiment, the motor was driven by a DC motor.
Dynamic control for quieter rotary drive.
Achieved. (4) Rotary rotation prevention in incomplete mounting state
Configuration 1 The developing cartridge 4 according to this embodiment is
The cartridge corresponding to the color is in the specified mounting position of the rotary
Erroneous attachment prevention means to prevent attachment other than
And the rotary will not rotate if it is incompletely installed.
It is configured as follows. Next, the configuration will be described. On one side surface of each color developing cartridge,
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, the positions are different from each other for each color.
The color identification convex portion 361 arranged as described above is provided. one
On the other hand, the rotary flange 50 has a corresponding color identification convex portion 361.
Color identification groove 50e for each color position
And are arranged in. Different color development at a certain rotary position
When the cartridge 4 is inserted, the color identification protrusion 361 is
Interfering with the riflange outer peripheral surface, as shown in FIG. 13,
The developing cartridge is lifted up with respect to the rotary
become. In this state, the movable projection 380a is not
d, the developer cartridge is
It is free in the insertion direction. Soshi
And the third protrusion 360 is designed from the top of the device to the rotary.
It overlaps with the inner guide groove 41. At this time
Erroneous rotation prevention means when the rotary operation is started
The third protrusion 360 as a rotary direction of the guide groove 41
Because it abuts against the wall of the improvement flow and interferes with each other,
The rotary becomes immobile. Meanwhile, drive the rotary
Although the motor load is in the applied state,
After a predetermined time elapses, the control unit of the main unit malfunctions
And an error message is displayed on the display. With this configuration, the developing car
Even if the cartridge is not completely installed, the rotary
And stay in the loading / unloading position,
To prevent the image cartridge 4 from falling off the rotary
Also, the developer cartridge 4 must be
Can be re-attached to the device. Further, a third projection 36 serving as a stopper is provided.
0 first comes into contact with the guide groove 41 of the device body,
In connection with image formation of the developing cartridge 4 such as the image roller 305,
Parts can be protected. When the developing cartridge is detached, FIG.
As shown, by moving the hinge handle 381, the movable
The protrusion 380a retracts and comes off from the hook hole 50d.
Then, it can be detached upward. [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the developing cartridge is used.
The configuration was to attach and detach the di 4 from the radial direction of the rotary,
In the second embodiment, an example of attachment and detachment from the longitudinal direction will be described.
I do. It should be noted that other than the configuration relating to the attachment / detachment of the cartridge,
Has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and performs the same process.
After that, the image is output. As shown in FIG. 14, the current
An opening 1000 larger than the cross-sectional area of the image cartridge is provided.
Have been. A cover (not shown) is opened and closed at the opening 1000.
It is provided as possible. A rotary 1050 is provided behind the opening 1000.
It is provided with the longitudinal direction as viewed from the front. Open
Is the outside of the device on the wall surface on the downstream side in the rotary
Guides developer cartridge 1004 to rotary 1050
The guide groove 1041 as a cartridge guide means is
It is formed to extend to the case of 50. And rotary 1050
Similarly, the guide groove 1050a extends to both ends in the longitudinal direction.
Is formed. Guide groove 1050a is in the rotary direction
It is a groove with an opening on the flow side,
When the rotary 1050 stops at the release position, the opening wall
Guide groove 1041 and rotary 1050 guide groove 1050a
They are arranged on a line. On the other hand, the developing cartridge 1004
Guide rib 13 extending to both ends of
60 is formed, and when mounted, the guide rib 1360 is
Guide groove 1041 and guide groove 1050a in the direction of arrow a
You will be guided. Positioned upstream in the developing cartridge insertion direction
While a boss (not shown) is provided, the rotary
1050 has a fitting hole (not shown) on the inner wall on the upstream side in the insertion direction
The developer cartridge 1004 is fully inserted.
When the boss is engaged with the fitting hole, the developing cartridge
The edge 1004 is positioned in the rotary. And during development
At the timing of the latent image of each color, the rotary 10 is moved in the direction of arrow b.
50 rotates and the developing cartridge 1004 switches. The developing cartridge 1004 is completely installed.
If not, the tip of the guide rib 1360
41 overlaps, and in this state,
When the rotary drive is applied, the guide rib 1360 is
Abuts 41 and the rotary cannot move from that position
Stop. As described above, the developing cartridge 1004
In the configuration that can be attached and detached from the hand,
Therefore, the developing cartridge 1004 is securely positioned in the rotary.
Is determined, and the development cartridge is
1004 falls off or is involved in image formation such as the development roller.
Contact with an unintended location in the main unit
Can be prevented. As described above, according to the present invention,
Rotary operation when developing cartridge is incompletely installed
Start, the protrusion interferes with the guide groove and the rotary
No more rotation. This makes it easier for the user
Can be re-attached. In other words, the development car
Troubles such as falling out of the cartridge will not occur.
And a structure that allows easy attachment and detachment of the developing cartridge
Can improve the operability.
You. Further, the projections come into contact with the guide grooves of the apparatus main body.
By contact, the development row provided in the development cartridge
To protect parts directly related to image quality, such as
It is possible to prevent the image deterioration due to.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a process cartridge. FIG. 3 is a left perspective view of the process cartridge. FIG. 4 is a right perspective view of the process cartridge. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a waste toner box. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the mounting of the process cartridge on the main body. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the developing cartridge. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the mounting of the developing cartridge on the rotary. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rotary. FIG. 10 is a front sectional view showing mounting of the developing cartridge on a rotary. FIG. 11 is a front sectional view showing detachment of the developing cartridge to the rotary. FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the contact of the developing cartridge with the photosensitive drum. FIG. 13 is a side view showing that the developing cartridge is incompletely mounted on the rotary. FIG. 14 is a side perspective view illustrating a developing cartridge attaching / detaching opening of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Description of Symbols] A: Color image forming apparatus 1: Photoconductor drum 2: Charging device 3: Exposure means 4: Developing cartridge 4Bk: Black developing unit 4C: Cyan developing unit 4M: Magenta developing unit 4Y: Yellow developing unit 5: Process cartridge 5a Intermediate transfer belt 5f Cleaning charging roller 5j Primary transfer roller 6 Cleaning blade 7 Registration roller pair 7a Transfer material cassette 7b Feeding roller 7c Transport roller pair 7d Registration roller pair 8 Fixing means 8a ... Pressing roller 8b ... Heating roller 9 ... Discharge roller pair 10 ... Discharge unit 11 ... Secondary transfer roller 12 ... Convey belt unit 13 ... Discharge roller pair 14 ... Register sensor 15 ... Discharge guide 20 ... Photosensitive drum unit 21 ... Intermediate transfer body unit 22… Support part 23… Support part 24… Positioning grooves 25, 26, 27… Torsion coil spring 30 ... guide rail for photosensitive drum 31 ... guide rail 40 for intermediate transfer member ... cover 41 ... guide groove 50 ... rotary flange 50a ... first receiving part 50b ... second receiving part 50c ... guide groove 50d ... hole 50e ... color identification Groove 51… Central shaft 53… Biasing spring 54… Rotary side plate 55… Terminal gear 57… Flag 58… Photointerrupter 59… Following gear 59a… Rotating shaft 60… Rotating shaft 61… Rotary drive motor 62… Encoder 102… Left rotation Shaft 106 Right bearing 119 Drum shutter 124 Coupling 125 Bearing 126 Compression spring 127 Squeeze sheet 128 First screw 129 Photosensitive drum container 151 Feed blade 152 Opening 203, 204 Projecting part 205 Right Bearing 211 ... Bearing 212 ... Compression spring 216 ... Waste toner box 223 ... Cleaning charging roller section 240 ... Drive roller 241 ... Followed roller 242 ... Coupling 243 ... Bearing 245 ... Intermediate transfer body frame 246 ... Bearing 247 ... Shrinking spring 250 ... Partition plate 253 ... Impeller cover 253a ... Opening 254 ... Seal member 255 ... Impeller 256 ... Seal member 257 ... Hole 258 ... Second screws 260 and 261 ... Left and right side plates 262 ... Detecting unit 302 ... Toner storage unit 303 ... Agitating means 304 ... Toner supply roller 305 ... Developing roller 307 ... Input gear 332 ... Developing blade 352 ... First protrusion 353 ... Second protrusion 354 ... Guide rib 360 ... Third protrusion 361 ... Color identification protrusion 380 ... Slider Member 380a Movable projection 381 Hinge handles 381a, 381b Hinge piece 381c Non-slip rib 381d Gear teeth 382 Torsion coil spring 1000 Opening 1004 Developing cartridge 1041 Guide groove 1050 Rotary 1050a Guide groove 1360 Guide rib

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventor Yujun Isobe             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non Corporation F term (reference) 2H077 AC04 AD02 AD06 AD13 AD35                       AE03 BA09 BA10 GA04 GA13                 2H171 FA02 FA13 GA09 GA12 GA14                       GA31 HA23 JA06 JA23 JA26                       JA30 JA31 JA47 JA48 JA52                       JA59 KA05 KA17 KA18 KA22                       KA25 KA26 KA27 LA08 LA12                       LA13 LA18 QA02 QA08 QA24                       QA29 QB03 QB07 QB08 QB15                       QB17 QB34 QB35 QB52 QC03                       QC22 QC26 QC36 QC48 SA11                       SA12 SA19 SA22 SA28 UA22                 2H300 EA05 EA06 EA07 EB02 EB08                       EB12 EC05 EF03 EF08 EG02                       EH16 EJ09 EJ15 EJ21 EL01                       GG01 GG02 GG03 GG33 GG42                       HH03 HH23 HH32 HH35

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A rotatable rotary provided in an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: a developer accommodating section; and a developing member for supplying a developer in the accommodating section to an electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developing cartridge having a detachable developing cartridge, wherein a guide rib is provided in the image forming apparatus main body and guides the developing cartridge to the movable frame along a guide groove extending up to the movable range of the frame. In the cartridge, when the developing cartridge is incompletely mounted on the frame, the protrusion is arranged substantially linearly with the guide rib and on the most upstream side in the direction of insertion into the movable frame. And a projection that abuts against a wall of the guide groove to prevent erroneous rotation of the frame.