JP6079647B2 - Process cartridge and developer cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a process cartridge and a developing cartridge configured to be mounted on an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, a developing cartridge including a developing roller is mounted on a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum, and these are detachably mounted on a main body of the image forming apparatus as a process cartridge.

  For example, in the process cartridge, the drum cartridge includes a developing cartridge mounting portion for mounting the developing cartridge, and a lock member that suppresses detachment of the mounted developing cartridge. When mounting the developing cartridge on the drum cartridge, first, the developing cartridge is positioned above the drum cartridge. Thereafter, by moving the developing cartridge downward, the developing cartridge is mounted on the developing cartridge mounting portion of the drum cartridge. At this time, the lock member engages with the boss of the developing cartridge from above, and the detachment of the developing cartridge from the drum cartridge is suppressed. Then, the process cartridge is mounted on the main body casing of the laser printer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-203365 A

  However, in the process cartridge described in Patent Document 1, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge may be mounted in an incomplete state at the developing cartridge mounting portion of the drum cartridge. If the process cartridge is mounted on the main casing in this state, a problem that an image forming operation cannot be performed occurs.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and a developing cartridge that can securely attach the developing cartridge to the photosensitive cartridge in a state where the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a process cartridge according to the present invention includes a developing cartridge for storing a developer and a photosensitive cartridge configured to detachably store the developing cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. A process cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from a main body, and the photosensitive cartridge includes a photosensitive member and a pressing member configured to press the developing cartridge toward the photosensitive member. The developing cartridge is configured to take a first position pressed by the pressing member and a second position removable from the photosensitive cartridge, and configured to receive a driving force from a driving source provided in the image forming apparatus main body. A driving mechanism having a detected body configured to be rotated by receiving a driving force and to be detected by a detecting device provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and a covering member covering the driving mechanism, A base portion orthogonal to a first direction in which the rotation axis of the body extends, a housing portion projecting from the base portion in the first direction and housing at least a part of the body to be detected, and projecting from the base portion in the first direction and housing An abutting portion that is continuous with the image forming apparatus when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body with the developing cartridge in the second position. Comprising a covering member and a contact portion to the the member moving the contact with the developing cartridge in a first position.

  According to such a configuration, the covering member includes the contact portion that protrudes from the base portion in the first direction. The abutting portion contacts the member inside the image forming apparatus main body and moves the developing cartridge to the first position when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body with the developing cartridge in the second position. Let

  For this reason, even when the developing cartridge is located at the second position, the abutting portion comes into contact with a member inside the image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, thereby It can be located in one position.

As a result, the developing cartridge can be securely attached to the photoconductor cartridge in a state where the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body.
(2) Further, the developing cartridge includes a first member having a stirring member configured to stir the developer by rotating about a first rotation axis extending in the first direction, and a developer containing chamber in which the stirring member is located. A housing may be provided. The contact portion may be located at a position overlapping the developer storage chamber in the first direction.

  According to such a configuration, the contact portion is located at a position overlapping the developer storage chamber in the first direction.

  Therefore, when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the developer storage chamber can be reliably stored in the photoreceptor cartridge.

As a result, the developing cartridge can be reliably accommodated in the photosensitive cartridge.
(3) Moreover, the first housing may include a first frame provided with a stirring member and a second frame joined to the first frame. The contact portion may be positioned closer to the second frame than the first rotation axis in a second direction in which the first frame and the second frame face each other and are orthogonal to the first direction.

  According to such a configuration, the contact portion is located on the second frame side with respect to the first rotation axis in the second direction.

Therefore, when the abutting portion comes into contact with a member inside the main body of the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge can be surely accommodated in the photosensitive cartridge in the second direction toward the first frame.
(4) The developing cartridge may further include a developing roller configured to rotate about a second rotation axis extending in the first direction. The contact portion may be located closer to the second frame than a line segment connecting the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

  According to such a configuration, the contact portion is located on the second frame side with respect to a line segment connecting the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

Therefore, when the abutting portion comes into contact with a member inside the image forming apparatus main body, the developing cartridge can be surely accommodated in the photosensitive cartridge by facing the side opposite to the second frame.
(5) The contact portion is a contact surface extending from the housing portion along a third direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction, and contacts a member in the image forming apparatus main body. A contact surface configured as described above, a first reinforcement surface that is continuous with the contact surface and extends in the second direction, and a second reinforcement surface that extends in the third direction and connects the first reinforcement surface and the housing portion. You may have.

  According to such a configuration, the contact portion includes the contact surface, the first reinforcing surface, and the second reinforcing surface.

  Therefore, the contact surface can be reinforced by the first reinforcement surface and the second reinforcement surface while the member in the image forming apparatus main body is in contact with the contact surface.

As a result, the contact state between the contact surface and the member in the image forming apparatus main body can be reliably ensured.
(6) Moreover, the base part may have an opening which overlaps with the rotating shaft of the stirring member in the first direction. The second reinforcing surface may have a shape along the peripheral edge of the opening.

  According to such a configuration, the base portion has an opening that overlaps the rotating shaft of the stirring member.

  Therefore, the phase of the stirring member can be confirmed through the opening.

  The second reinforcing surface has a shape along the peripheral edge of the opening when projected in the first direction.

For this reason, the outer region in the first direction of the base portion can be efficiently utilized.
(7) Moreover, the contact part may have a connection surface which connects the edge part in the 1st direction of a contact surface, a 1st reinforcement surface, and a 2nd reinforcement surface.

  According to such a configuration, the contact portion further includes a connection surface.

Therefore, when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent other members from being caught by the edges in the first direction of the contact surface, the first reinforcing surface, and the second reinforcing surface.
(8) Further, the angle formed between the contact surface and the housing portion when projected in the first direction may be an obtuse angle.

According to such a configuration, when the abutting portion abuts on another member inside the image forming apparatus main body, the developing cartridge is directed toward the first frame in the second direction, and is securely accommodated in the photosensitive cartridge. Can be made.
(9) The driving mechanism may include a passive member configured to receive a driving force from the outside. At least a part of the abutting portion may be located outside the passive member in the first direction.

  According to such a configuration, at least a part of the contact portion is located outside the passive member in the first direction.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the passive member from being obstructed when the contact portion and the member inside the image forming apparatus main body contact.

As a result, the contact portion and the member inside the image forming apparatus main body can be reliably contacted.
(10) The photoreceptor cartridge may further include a second housing including a cartridge housing portion that detachably houses the developing cartridge. The pressing member includes a main body portion that engages with the second housing, a pressing portion that protrudes from the main body portion toward the photosensitive member in a pressing direction in which the pressing member presses the developing cartridge, and that contacts the developing cartridge accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion. A protruding portion protruding from the main body portion toward the photosensitive member in the pressing direction and protruding in the second direction from the main body portion, and is configured to be continuous with the pressing portion and guide the developing cartridge to the cartridge housing portion. And a protrusion provided with a guide surface.

  According to such a configuration, the pressing member includes the protruding portion protruding from the main body portion along the second direction while protruding from the main body portion toward the photoconductor in the pressing direction. The protruding portion includes a guide surface that is continuous with the pressing portion and configured to guide the developing cartridge to the cartridge housing portion.

  Therefore, the developing cartridge can be smoothly accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion.

  Moreover, it can suppress that a developing cartridge engages so that it may ride on a press part.

As a result, the developing cartridge can be reliably pressed toward the photoconductor.
(11) Further, the protruding portion may have a curved surface that is located on the opposite side of the main body portion in the second direction and that is continuous with the guide surface.

  According to such a configuration, the protrusion includes a curved surface that is continuous with the guide surface.

Therefore, the developing cartridge can be guided to the guide surface via the curved surface.
(12) When viewed in the first direction, the guide surface may extend so as to be separated from the photoreceptor as it protrudes in the second direction. The angle formed by the guide surface and the pressing direction may be 45 ° or more and less than 90 °.

  According to such a configuration, the angle formed by the guide surface and the pressing direction is 45 ° or more and less than 90 °.

For this reason, the inclination angle of the guide surface can be appropriately maintained so that the developing cartridge can be smoothly accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion.
(13) When viewed in the first direction, the guide surface may extend so as to be separated from the photoreceptor as it protrudes in the second direction. The angle formed by the guide surface and the pressing direction may be 65 ° or more and 85 ° or less.

  According to such a configuration, the angle formed by the guide surface and the pressing direction is 65 ° or more and 85 ° or less.

For this reason, the inclination angle of the guide surface can be appropriately maintained so that the developing cartridge can be smoothly accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion.
(14) The guide surface may be continuous with the pressing portion and overlap the pressing portion when projected in the second direction.

According to such a structure, it can suppress more reliably that a developing cartridge engages so that it may ride on a press part.
(15) Further, the developing cartridge of the present invention can be attached to the photosensitive member cartridge including the photosensitive member, the first position pressed toward the photosensitive member by the pressing member included in the photosensitive member cartridge, and the photosensitive member A developing cartridge detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus and configured to receive a driving force from a driving source provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. A driving mechanism including a detected body configured to be rotated by receiving a driving force and to be detected by a detecting device provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and a covering member covering the driving mechanism, the detected body A base portion orthogonal to the first direction in which the rotation axis extends, a housing portion projecting from the base portion in the first direction and housing at least a part of the detected object, and a base A contact portion that protrudes in the first direction and is continuous with the housing portion, and is in contact with a member inside the image forming apparatus main body when mounted in the image forming apparatus main body in the second position. A covering member including a contact portion that is moved to the first position.

  According to such a configuration, the covering member includes the contact portion that protrudes from the base portion in the first direction. The abutting portion abuts on a member inside the image forming apparatus main body and moves the developing cartridge to the first position.

  For this reason, even when the developing cartridge is located at the second position, the abutting portion comes into contact with a member inside the image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, thereby It can be located in one position.

  As a result, the developing cartridge can be securely attached to the photoconductor cartridge in a state where the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

  In the developing cartridge and the process cartridge of the present invention, the developing cartridge can be securely attached to the photosensitive cartridge in a state where the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an embodiment of the process cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a central sectional view of a printer including the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the upper left. 4 is a plan view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the pressing member is engaged with the housing in the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3. 6A is a perspective view of the pressing member shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the upper left. 6B is a left side view of the pressing member shown in FIG. 3. 7 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the lower left. 8A is a left side view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 8B is a left side view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 3 with the gear cover removed. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting operation of the developing cartridge with respect to the drum cartridge, and is a side sectional view showing a state in which the extending portion of the developing cartridge is in contact with the curved surface of the pressing member. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting operation of the developing cartridge with respect to the drum cartridge, following FIG. 9A, and is a side sectional view showing a state where the developing cartridge is located at the first position. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting operation of the developing cartridge with respect to the drum cartridge, and is a left side view showing a state where the developing cartridge is located at the second position. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting operation of the developing cartridge with respect to the drum cartridge, following FIG. 10A, and is a left side view showing a state where the developing cartridge is located at the first position.

1. Outline of Process Cartridge As shown in FIG. 1, the process cartridge 1 includes a drum cartridge 2 as an example of a photoreceptor cartridge and a developing cartridge 3.

  In the following description, when referring to the direction of the process cartridge 1, the state in which the process cartridge 1 is placed horizontally is set as the upper and lower reference. That is, the upper side in FIG. 1 is the upper side, and the lower side in the paper is the lower side. Further, the right side of FIG. 1 is the front, and the left side of FIG. 1 is the rear. Further, when the process cartridge 1 is viewed from the front, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side of the page of FIG. 1 is the left side, and the back side of the page is the right side. The left-right direction is an example of the first direction, the up-down direction is an example of the second direction, and the front-back direction is an example of the third direction.

  The drum cartridge 2 includes a drum frame 4 as an example of a second housing, a photosensitive drum 5 as an example of a photoconductor, a transfer roller 6, and a scorotron charger 7.

  The drum frame 4 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and has a bottomed frame shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The photosensitive drum 5 is located at the rear end of the drum frame 4. The photosensitive drum 5 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The photosensitive drum 5 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis A <b> 3 extending in the left-right direction by rotatably supporting both ends in the left-right direction on the drum frame 4.

  The transfer roller 6 is rotatably supported at the rear lower end portion of the drum frame 4. The transfer roller 6 is located below the photosensitive drum 5. The transfer roller 6 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and an upper end portion thereof is in contact with a lower end portion of the photosensitive drum 5.

  The scorotron charger 7 is located above the photosensitive drum 5.

  The developing cartridge 3 includes a developing frame 10 as an example of a first housing, an agitator 11 as an example of a stirring member, a developing roller 12, a supply roller 13, and a layer thickness regulating blade 14.

  The developing frame 10 has a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. The rear end of the developing frame 10 is open in the front-rear direction. The development frame 10 includes a toner storage chamber 15 and a development chamber 16 as an example of a developer storage chamber. The toner storage chamber 15 and the developing chamber 16 are positioned so as to be juxtaposed in the front-rear direction. The toner is stored in the toner storage chamber 15.

  The agitator 11 is located at a substantially central portion in the front-rear and up-down directions of the toner storage chamber 15. The agitator 11 includes an agitator shaft 17 as an example of a rotation shaft and a stirring blade 18. The agitator shaft 17 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The stirring blade 18 extends from the agitator shaft 17 outward in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 17. The agitator 11 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis A1 as an example of a first rotation axis that extends in the left-right direction, with both left and right ends of the agitator shaft 17 being rotatably supported by the developing frame 10. Yes.

  The developing roller 12 is located at the rear end of the developing chamber 16. The developing roller 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller 12 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis A2 as an example of a second rotation axis that extends in the left-right direction by rotatably supporting both ends in the left-right direction on the developing frame 10. A rear portion of the developing roller 12 is exposed from the developing frame 10. The rear end portion of the developing roller 12 is in contact with the front lower end portion of the photosensitive drum 5.

  The supply roller 13 is positioned in front of and below the developing roller 12 in the developing chamber 16. The supply roller 13 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The supply roller 13 is configured to rotate about an axis extending in the left-right direction, with both ends in the left-right direction being rotatably supported by the developing frame 10. The rear upper end portion of the supply roller 13 is in contact with the front lower end portion of the developing roller 12.

The layer thickness regulating blade 14 extends in the vertical direction in front of the developing roller 12, and the lower end thereof is in contact with the front end of the developing roller 12.
2. Usage of Process Cartridge As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 1 is used by being mounted on an image forming apparatus 20.

  The image forming apparatus 20 is an electrophotographic monochrome printer. The image forming apparatus 20 includes an apparatus main body 21 as an example of an image forming apparatus main body, the process cartridge 1 described above, a scanner unit 22, and a fixing unit 23.

  The apparatus main body 21 has a substantially box shape. The apparatus main body 21 has an opening 24, a front cover 25, a paper feed tray 26, and a paper discharge tray 27.

  The opening 24 is opened in the front wall of the apparatus main body 21. The opening 24 communicates the inside and outside of the apparatus main body 21 in the front-rear direction so as to allow passage of the process cartridge 1.

  The front cover 25 is located at the front end of the apparatus main body 21. The front cover 25 has a substantially flat plate shape. The front cover 25 extends in the vertical direction, and is supported on the front wall of the apparatus main body 21 so as to be swingable with the lower end portion as a fulcrum. The front cover 25 is configured to open or close the opening 24.

  The paper feed tray 26 is located at the bottom of the apparatus main body 21. The paper feed tray 26 is configured to accommodate the paper P.

  The paper discharge tray 27 is located in the rear half of the upper wall of the apparatus main body 21. The paper discharge tray 27 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the apparatus main body 21 so that the paper P is placed thereon.

  The process cartridge 1 is accommodated in the center of the apparatus main body 21 in the vertical direction. The process cartridge 1 is configured to be attached to or detached from the apparatus main body 21.

  The scanner unit 22 is located above the process cartridge 1. The scanner unit 22 is configured to emit a laser beam based on image data toward the photosensitive drum 5.

  The fixing unit 23 is located behind the process cartridge 1. The fixing unit 23 includes a heating roller 28 and a pressure roller 29 pressed against the rear lower end of the heating roller 28.

  When the image forming apparatus 20 starts an image forming operation, the scorotron charger 7 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 5.

  The scanner unit 22 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 based on the image data. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5.

  In addition, the agitator 11 agitates the toner in the toner storage chamber 15 and supplies the toner to the supply roller 13. The supply roller 13 supplies the toner supplied from the agitator 11 to the developing roller 12. At this time, the toner is frictionally charged positively between the developing roller 12 and the supply roller 13 and is carried on the developing roller 12. The layer thickness regulating blade 14 regulates the layer thickness of the toner carried on the developing roller 12 to a certain thickness.

  The toner carried on the developing roller 12 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5. As a result, the toner image is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5.

  The paper P is fed from the paper feed tray 26 between the photosensitive drum 5 and the transfer roller 6 one by one at a predetermined timing by the rotation of various rollers. The toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred to the paper P when the paper P passes between the photosensitive drum 5 and the transfer roller 6.

Thereafter, the paper P is heated and pressed when it passes between the heating roller 28 and the pressure roller 29. As a result, the toner image on the paper P is thermally fixed to the paper P. Thereafter, the paper P is discharged to the paper discharge tray 27.
3. Details of Process Cartridge As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the process cartridge 1 includes a drum cartridge 2 and a developing cartridge 3.
(1) Drum Cartridge The drum cartridge 2 includes a base frame 40 and a cover frame 41.
(1-1) Base frame The base frame 40 has a bottomed frame shape that is substantially rectangular in a plan view. The base frame 40 is integrally provided with a pair of side walls 42, a rear wall 43, a front wall 44, and a lower wall 45.

  Each of the pair of side walls 42 is located at each of both ends of the base frame 40 in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of side walls 42 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in a side view. Each of the pair of side walls 42 extends in the front-rear direction. The front end portion of the left side wall 42 is provided with a receiving portion 46 having a substantially semicircular shape in a side view with an upper end portion opened.

  The rear wall 43 is constructed between the rear end portions of the pair of side walls 42. The rear wall 43 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the front, and extends in the left-right direction.

  The front wall 44 is constructed between the front end portions of the pair of side walls 42. The front wall 44 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the front, and extends in the left-right direction. The front wall 44 includes a drum cartridge gripping portion 47.

  The drum cartridge gripping portion 47 is located at the approximate center of the front wall 44 in the left-right direction. The drum cartridge gripping portion 47 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view. The drum cartridge gripping portion 47 extends forward from the upper end portion of the front wall 44.

The lower wall 45 is constructed between a lower end portion of the pair of side walls 42, a lower end portion of the rear wall 43, and a lower end portion of the front wall 44. The lower wall 45 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in plan view, and extends in the left-right direction. The lower wall 45 has two support portions 50 and two contact convex portions 51.
(1-2) Supporting portion and contact convex portion As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the two supporting portions 50 is located at each of the left and right end portions of the lower wall 45, and It is provided integrally. Each of the two support portions 50 has a substantially U shape in plan view with the rear side open, and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lower wall 45. Each of the two support portions 50 includes a pair of side plates 55 and a front plate 58.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each of the pair of side plates 55 extends substantially in the front-rear direction with a space in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of side plates 55 includes a front side plate portion 56 and a rear side plate portion 57.

  Each of the pair of front side plate portions 56 is located in the front portion of the support portion 50. Each of the pair of front plate portions 56 has a substantially rectangular shape in a side view, and extends from the rear to the rear of the front wall 44 of the drum cartridge 2 in a plan view. The pair of front side plate portions 56 are spaced from each other in the left-right direction.

  Each of the pair of rear side plate portions 57 is located in the rear portion of the support portion 50. Each of the pair of rear side plate portions 57 has a substantially rectangular shape in a side view, and extends rearward from each rear end portion of the pair of front side plate portions 56 in a plan view. Specifically, each of the pair of rear side plate portions 57 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the rear end portion of each of the pair of front side plate portions 56, then extends rearward, and then moves rearward. As it extends, it is inclined to extend outward in the left-right direction.

  The front plate 58 extends in the left-right direction between the front end portions of the pair of front side plate portions 56. A locking projection 59 protrudes rearward from the central portion of the front plate 58 in the left-right direction. The locking projection 59 restricts the movement in the left-right direction of the compression spring 81 described later. 58 A of guide holes which penetrate the front board 58 in the front-back direction are located in each of the both ends of the front board 58 in the left-right direction.

  Each of the two contact convex portions 51 is located behind each of the two support portions 50. Each of the two contact convex portions 51 is integrally provided on the lower wall 45. Each of the two contact protrusions 51 has a substantially hemispherical shape, and bulges upward from the upper surface of the lower wall 45.

A pressing member 70 is attached to each of the two support portions 50.
(1-3) Pressing Member As shown in FIG. 5, each of the two pressing members 70 is located between the pair of side plates 55 of the two support portions 50. Each of the two pressing members 70 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction, and the rear is closed. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A, each of the two pressing members 70 includes a main body portion 71, a pressing portion 72, a protruding portion 73, and a spring mounting portion 74.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the main body 71 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The main body 71 is open at the bottom and closed at the back. The main body 71 includes a pair of main body side walls 75, a main body upper wall 76, and a main body rear wall 77.

  The pair of main body side walls 75 have a substantially rectangular plate shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction. The pair of main body side walls 75 are spaced from each other in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of body side walls 75 has a notch 79 and a locking portion 80.

  Each of the pair of notches 79 has a substantially rectangular shape in side view, and each of the pair of main body side walls 75 is notched forward from the rear end. Thus, each of the pair of main body side walls 75 includes an upper end portion and a lower end portion with the notch 79 interposed therebetween in a region other than the rear end portion. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the pair of main body side walls 75 is inserted into the guide hole 58 </ b> A of the support portion 50. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a locking portion 80 is positioned between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of each of the pair of main body side walls 75.

  Each of the pair of locking portions 80 extends in the front-rear direction between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the pair of main body side walls 75. Each of the pair of locking portions 80 includes a locking base end portion 80A and a locking projection 80B. Each of the pair of locking base end portions 80A has a substantially rectangular plate shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction, and faces forward from the rear end portion of the main body side wall 75 in each of the pair of cutout portions 79. It extends. Each of the pair of locking projections 80B is located at the front end of each of the pair of locking base end portions 80A. Each of the pair of locking projections 80B protrudes in a substantially bowl shape outward in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the pair of locking protrusions 80 </ b> B is located in front of each of the pair of rear side plate portions 57 in the support portion 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the main body upper wall 76 is constructed between the upper ends of a pair of main body side walls 75. The main body upper wall 76 has a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view extending in the front-rear direction.

  The main body rear wall 77 is constructed between the rear end portions of the pair of main body side walls 75 and the rear end portion of the main body upper wall 76.

  The pressing portion 72 protrudes from the main body rear wall 77 of the main body portion 71 so as to curve backward. The pressing part 72 has a substantially arc shape in a side view. The pressing portion 72 is located at a substantially central portion of the main body rear wall 77 of the main body portion 71 in the rear view.

  The protruding portion 73 protrudes upward from the main body upper wall 76 of the main body portion 71, and protrudes rearward from the main body rear wall 77 of the main body portion 71. The protruding portion 73 has a substantially trapezoidal plate shape in side view having a certain thickness in the left-right direction. The projecting portion 73 has a pair of projecting side surfaces 73A, a projecting upper surface 73B, a projecting front surface 73C, a guide surface 73E, and a curved surface 73D.

  The pair of protruding side surfaces 73 </ b> A constitutes both side surfaces in the left-right direction at the protruding portion 73. The pair of protruding side surfaces 73 </ b> A has a substantially trapezoidal shape in side view, extends upward from the main body upper wall 76 of the main body 71, and extends rearward from the main body rear wall 77 of the main body 71. ing.

  The protruding upper surface 73 </ b> B forms an upper surface at the protruding portion 73. The projecting upper surface 73B has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view extending in the front-rear direction, and is continuous with the upper ends of the pair of projecting side surfaces 73A.

  The protruding front surface 73 </ b> C forms a front surface at the protruding portion 73. The protruding front surface 73C has a substantially rectangular shape in front view extending in the vertical direction, and is continuous with the front ends of the pair of protruding side surfaces 73A and the front end of the protruding upper surface 73B.

  The guide surface 73E forms a rear surface at the protruding portion 73. The guide surface 73E is located rearwardly with a distance from the projecting front surface 73C, and is located below the projecting upper surface 73B. The guide surface 73E has a substantially rectangular shape in rear view extending in a direction from the front upper side to the rear lower side, and a lower end portion thereof is continuous with the central portion of the pressing portion 72. The guide surface 73E is inclined forward with respect to an imaginary line L1 that passes through the central portion of the pressing portion 72 and extends in the vertical direction. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, the guide surface 73 </ b> E faces the photosensitive drum 5 and extends so as to be separated from the photosensitive drum 5 as it protrudes upward. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, in a side view, an angle θ1 formed by a virtual line L2 extending in the front-rear direction and the guide surface 73E is 45 ° or more and less than 90 °, and more specifically, 65 ° Above, it is 85 degrees or less. Specifically, the angle θ1 is 80 °. When projected in the vertical direction, the lower portion of the guide surface 73E overlaps the pressing portion 72.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the curved surface 73 </ b> D forms a rear upper surface at the protruding portion 73. The curved surface 73D is located between the protruding upper surface 73B and the guide surface 73E. The curved surface 73D has a substantially arc shape whose side view is curved rearward and upward. The upper end of the curved surface 73D is continuous with the rear end of the protruding upper surface 73B, and the lower end of the curved surface 73D is continuous with the upper end of the guide surface 73E. In the side view, the curved surface 73 </ b> D is located on the side opposite to the main body 71.

  The spring mounting portion 74 extends forward from the front surface of the main body rear wall 77 of the main body portion 71. The spring mounting portion 74 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a tapered shape that tapers forward. A compression spring 81 is attached to the spring attachment portion 74.

  The compression spring 81 is a coil spring configured by winding a wire, and extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end portion of the compression spring 81 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the spring mounting portion 74 of the pressing member 70. The front end portion of the compression spring 81 is in contact with the rear surface of the front plate 58 so as to fit the locking protrusion 59. The compression spring 81 is positioned between the spring mounting portion 74 of the pressing member 70 and the front plate 58 in the compressed state. Thereby, the compression spring 81 always urges the pressing member 70 backward.

Each of the two pressing members 70 is slidable in the front-rear direction between a front position indicated by a virtual line and a rear position indicated by a solid line in FIG. When each of the two pressing members 70 is located at the rear position, the locking projection 80B engages with the rear side plate portion 57, and further movement to the rear is restricted.
(1-4) Cover Frame As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cover frame 41 is located above the rear end portion of the base frame 40. The cover frame 41 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view, and extends in the left-right direction. A space surrounded by the rear end of each of the cover frame 41 and the pair of side walls 42, the rear wall 43, and the rear end of the lower wall 45 is a drum housing portion 85. When viewed from the side, the photosensitive drum 5 is accommodated in the central portion of the drum accommodating portion 85, the scorotron charger 7 is accommodated in the rear upper portion of the drum accommodating portion 85, and transferred to the lower portion of the drum accommodating portion 85. A roller 6 is accommodated. A space surrounded by the pair of side walls 42, the front wall 44, and the lower wall 45 in front of the drum accommodating portion 85 is a cartridge accommodating portion 86. The developing cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 86.
(2) Developing Cartridge The developing cartridge 3 includes a developing frame 100 and a drive unit 101 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A.
(2-1) Development Frame The development frame 100 has a substantially box shape. The development frame 100 includes a pair of side walls 102, a lower wall 103, a front wall 104, and an upper wall 105.

  Each of the pair of side walls 102 is located at each of both end portions of the developing frame 100 in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of side walls 102 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in a side view and extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the pair of side walls 102 has an extending portion 107. The extending portion 107 is located at each front end portion of the pair of side walls 102. The extending portion 107 has a substantially flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in a side view. The extending portion 107 extends forward from each front end portion of the pair of side walls 102. The dimension in the left-right direction of the extending portion 107 is substantially the same as the dimension in the left-right direction of the protruding portion 73 of the pressing member 70.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A, the lower wall 103 has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The left and right ends of the lower wall 103 are continuous with the lower ends of the pair of side walls 102.

  The front wall 104 has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The lower end portion of the front wall 104 is continuous with the front end portion of the lower wall 103. Each of the left and right end portions of the front wall 104 is continuous with the respective front end portions of the pair of side walls 102. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front wall 104 is provided with a developing gripping portion 106.

  The development gripping portion 106 is located at the approximate center of the front wall 104 in the left-right direction. The development gripper 106 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The development gripping portion 106 protrudes from the substantially horizontal center of the front wall 104 toward the front upper side. The developer gripping portion 106 is positioned behind the drum cartridge gripping portion 47 with a space from the drum cartridge gripping portion 47 of the drum cartridge 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 3 is stored in the cartridge storage portion 86 of the drum cartridge 2. ing.

  The upper wall 105 has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The front end portion of the upper wall 105 is continuous with the upper end portion of the front wall 104. Each of the left and right ends of the upper wall 105 is continuous with the respective upper ends of the pair of side walls 102.

The pair of side walls 102, the lower wall 103, and the front wall 104 constitute an example of the first frame, and the upper wall 105 constitutes an example of the second frame. That is, the upper wall 105 is located above and joined to the pair of side walls 102, the lower wall 103, and the front wall 104.
(2-2) Drive Unit The drive unit 101 is located to the left of the developing frame 100 at the left end of the developing cartridge 3 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A. The drive unit 101 includes a gear train 110, a detection gear 120 as an example of a detection target, and a gear cover 112 as an example of a covering member. The gear train 110 and the detection gear 120 constitute a drive mechanism.
(2-2-1) Gear Train As shown in FIG. 8B, the gear train 110 includes a development coupling 113, a development gear 114, a supply gear 115, an idle gear 116, and an agitator gear as an example of a passive member. 117.

  The development coupling 113 is located at the rear end of the development cartridge 3. The development coupling 113 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The development coupling 113 has gear teeth over the entire circumference.

  The development gear 114 is located below the development coupling 113. From the left side wall 102, the left end portion of the shaft core of the developing roller 12 described above protrudes, and the developing gear 114 is supported on the left end portion of the shaft core of the developing roller 12 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The development gear 114 meshes with the development coupling 113.

  The supply gear 115 is located below the development coupling 113. From the left side wall 102, the left end portion of the shaft core of the supply roller 13 described above protrudes, and the supply gear 115 is supported on the left end portion of the shaft core of the supply roller 13 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The supply gear 115 meshes with the development coupling 113.

  The idle gear 116 is located in front of the development coupling 113. The idle gear 116 is rotatably supported on the left side wall 102. The idle gear 116 is integrally provided with a large-diameter gear 116A and a small-diameter gear 116B located on the right side of the large-diameter gear 116A. The large diameter gear 116 </ b> A meshes with the development coupling 113.

  The agitator gear 117 is positioned in front of and below the idle gear 116. The agitator gear 117 includes a first gear portion 117A, a second gear portion 117B, and a contact rib 117C.

  The first gear portion 117A meshes with the front end portion of the small-diameter gear 116B of the idle gear 116.

  The second gear portion 117B is positioned so as to be adjacent to the left side of the first gear portion 117A. The second gear portion 117B shares the central axis with the first gear portion 117A. The outer diameter of the second gear portion 117B is smaller than the outer diameter of the first gear portion 117A.

  The contact rib 117C protrudes leftward from the left surface of the first gear portion 117A.

The agitator gear 117 is fitted to the left end portion of the agitator shaft 17 so as not to be relatively rotatable.
(2-2-2) Detection gear The detection gear 120 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The detection gear 120 is rotatably supported on the left side wall 102. The detection gear 120 includes a main body part 121, a gear part 122, and a detection part 123.

  The main body 121 has a substantially disk shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. From the right surface of the main body 121, a slide part 124 protrudes to the right. The slide part 124 has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the radial direction of the main body part 121.

  The gear portion 122 has a partial cylindrical shape that extends rightward from the right surface of the main body portion 121 and has one end portion in the radial direction opened.

The detection unit 123 protrudes leftward from the left surface of the main body 121. In the left-right direction, the position of the outer end of the detection unit 123 is substantially equal to the position of the outer edge of the storage unit 142 described later.
(2-3) Gear Cover The gear cover 112 includes a first cover 131 and a second cover 132.

  The first cover 131 is located at the rear end of the drive unit 101. The first cover 131 has a substantially rectangular tube shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The first cover 131 covers the gear teeth of the development coupling 113, the development gear 114, and the supply gear 115. The first cover 131 includes a coupling collar 133 and a developing roller collar 134.

  The coupling collar 133 is located at the center of the first cover 131. The coupling collar 133 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. A hole corresponding to the coupling collar 133 is opened in the first cover 131, whereby the coupling collar 133 penetrates the first cover 131 in the left-right direction. The inner diameter of the coupling collar 133 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the development coupling 113. The coupling collar 133 is fitted into the development coupling 113.

  The developing roller collar 134 is located below the coupling collar 133. The developing roller collar 134 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. A hole corresponding to the developing roller collar 134 is opened in the first cover 131, so that the developing roller collar 134 penetrates the first cover 131 in the left-right direction. The developing roller collar 134 is fitted to the left end of the axial center of the developing roller 12.

  The second cover 132 is located in front of the first cover 131. The second cover 132 covers the idle gear 116, the agitator gear 117 and the detection gear 120. The second cover 132 includes a base portion 140, a storage portion 142, a through hole 141 as an example of an opening, and a contact portion 143.

  The base portion 140 has a substantially rectangular tube shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The left wall of the base part 140 is orthogonal to the left-right direction.

  The accommodating portion 142 is located at the front end portion of the second cover 132. The accommodating part 142 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left surface of the base part 140 and closed at the left end. The right end portion of the accommodating portion 142 communicates with the front end portion of the base portion 140. The housing part 142 houses the main body part 121 and the detection part 123 of the detection gear 120. The accommodating part 142 has an exposure port 145.

  The exposure port 145 has a substantially C shape in side view along the peripheral edge of the left wall of the housing part 142. The exposure port 145 penetrates the left wall of the housing part 142 in the left-right direction. The exposure port 145 accommodates the detection unit 123 of the detection gear 120 therein.

  The through hole 141 is located at the approximate center in the front-rear direction of the second cover 132 and adjacent to the rear of the accommodating portion 142. The through hole 141 has a substantially circular shape in side view. The through hole 141 penetrates the left wall of the base portion 140 in the left-right direction. When projected in the left-right direction, the through hole 141 overlaps the agitator shaft 17 fitted in the agitator gear 117.

  The abutting portion 143 is located at the approximate center in the front-rear direction of the second cover 132, adjacent to the rear of the accommodating portion 142 and adjacent to the upper portion of the through hole 141. The abutting portion 143 has a substantially prismatic shape in side view protruding leftward from the left surface of the base portion 140. The front end portion of the contact portion 143 is continuous with the rear end portion of the accommodating portion 142. The contact portion 143 includes a contact surface 143A, a first reinforcement surface 143B, a second reinforcement surface 143C, and a connection surface 143D.

  The contact surface 143A constitutes the upper surface of the contact portion 143 and has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view extending in the left-right direction. The contact surface 143A extends in a direction from the front upper side to the rear lower side in a side view. The front end of the contact surface 143 </ b> A is continuous with the rear upper end of the accommodating portion 142. In a side view, an angle θ2 formed by the contact surface 143A and the outer peripheral edge of the accommodating portion 142 is an obtuse angle. Specifically, the angle θ2 is an angle formed by the contact surface 143A and the tangent line of the outer peripheral edge of the housing portion 142 at the contact point between the contact surface 143A and the housing portion 142 in a side view. Specifically, the angle θ2 is 135 °.

  The first reinforcing surface 143B constitutes the rear surface of the contact portion 143 and has a substantially rectangular shape in front view extending in the left-right direction. The first reinforcing surface 143B extends in a direction from the front upper side to the rear lower side in a side view. The upper end of the first reinforcing surface 143B is continuous with the rear end of the contact surface 143A.

  The second reinforcing surface 143C constitutes the lower surface of the contact portion 143 and has a substantially rectangular shape in rear view extending in the left-right direction. The second reinforcing surface 143C extends in a direction from the rear upper side to the front lower side in a side view. The rear end of the second reinforcing surface 143C is continuous with the lower end of the first reinforcing surface 143B, and the front end of the second reinforcing surface 143C is continuous with the rear end of the accommodating portion 142. Specifically, the second reinforcing surface 143C extends from the lower end of the first reinforcing surface 143B toward the front lower side in a side view, and then extends to the front lower side while curving toward the front upper side and continues to the housing portion 142. The first reinforcing surface 143B and the accommodating portion 142 are connected. The second reinforcing surface 143C coincides with the upper peripheral edge of the through hole 141 in a side view. That is, the second reinforcing surface 143C is along the upper peripheral edge of the through hole 141.

  The coupling surface 143D constitutes the left surface of the contact portion 143. The connection surface 143D has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side, and includes a left end of the contact surface 143A, a left end of the first reinforcement surface 143B, a left end of the second reinforcement surface 143C, and a left end of the rear end portion of the accommodating portion 142. It is continuous. In other words, the connecting surface 143D connects the left edge of the contact surface 143A, the first reinforcing surface 143B, and the second reinforcing surface 143C. The connecting surface 143 </ b> D is substantially flush with the outer edge of the accommodating portion 142 in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, the left end portion of the contact portion 143 is located to the left of the left end portion of the development coupling 113. As shown in FIG. 8A, the contact portion 143 is located above the rotation axis A <b> 1 of the agitator 11. The contact portion 143 is located above an imaginary line segment L3 connecting the rotation axis A1 of the agitator 11 and the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 12. The contact portion 143 is located at a position overlapping the toner storage chamber 15 in the left-right direction.
4). As shown in FIG. 8A, when the developer cartridge 3 is shipped, the operator visually recognizes the agitator shaft 17 of the agitator 11 through the through hole 141, that is, the phase of the agitator 11, that is, The position of the stirring blade 18 of the agitator 11 is confirmed. Then, the operator places the stirring blade 18 at a position where it does not contact the inner peripheral surface of the developing frame 10. Thereafter, the developing cartridge 3 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2 in this state.

  In the mounting operation of the developing cartridge 3 to the drum cartridge 2, the operator inserts the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 3 into the cartridge housing portion 86 of the drum cartridge 2 from above as shown in FIG. 9A.

  Then, the extending portion 107 of the developing cartridge 3 comes into contact with the curved surface 73D of the pressing member 70 of the drum cartridge 2. Then, the extending portion 107 of the developing cartridge 3 moves rearward and downward so as to slide on the curved surface 73D of the pressing member 70, and then comes into contact with the guide surface 73E and slides on the guide surface 73E as shown in FIG. 9B. In this way, it moves backward and downward. As a result, the developing cartridge 3 gradually moves rearward and downward. When the developing roller 12 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 5 from the front, the developing cartridge 3 is restricted from further rearward and downward movement.

  At this time, the developing cartridge 3 is located at the second position. When the developing cartridge 3 is positioned at the second position, the developing roller 12 contacts the photosensitive drum 5, and the extending portion 107 contacts the guide surface 73 </ b> E of the pressing member 70. When the developing cartridge 3 is located at the second position, the developing cartridge 3 is not completely attached to the drum cartridge 2. That is, the position of the developing cartridge 3 where the developing cartridge 3 can be detached from the drum cartridge 2 is the second position.

  Next, the operator presses the front end portion of the developing cartridge 3 downward.

  Then, the developing cartridge 3 rotates clockwise with the rear end portion as a fulcrum as viewed from the left side. At this time, the extending portion 107 of the developing cartridge 3 moves rearward and downward while sliding on the guide surface 73E of the pressing member 70 and comes into contact with the pressing portion 72 of the pressing member 70. As a result, the pressing member 70 moves forward against the urging force of the compression spring 81.

  When the extended portion 107 comes into contact with the contact convex portion 51 from above, as shown in FIG. 1, the development cartridge 3 is restricted from further movement.

  Then, the pressing portion 72 of the pressing member 70 presses the extended portion 107 of the developing cartridge 3 backward by the urging force of the compression spring 81. Then, the developing roller 12 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 5 by the pressing force from the pressing member 70. At this time, the developing cartridge 3 is located at the first position.

In this way, the mounting operation of the developing cartridge 3 with respect to the drum cartridge 2 is completed.
5. Attachment of Process Cartridge to Apparatus Main Body In order to attach process cartridge 1 to apparatus main body 21, an operator opens front cover 25 and inserts process cartridge 1 into apparatus main body 21 from the rear end.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10A, the process cartridge 1 may be attached to the apparatus main body 21 in a state where the developing cartridge 3 is not completely attached to the drum cartridge 2. That is, in the process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 9B, the process cartridge 1 may be mounted on the apparatus main body 21 while the developing cartridge 3 is located at the second position.

  In this case, when the operator pushes the process cartridge 1 backward, the interference object 200 as a member in the apparatus main body 21 comes into contact with the contact surface 143A of the contact portion 143 of the developing cartridge 3 from the rear.

  When the operator further pushes the process cartridge 1 backward, the contact surface 143A of the contact portion 143 of the developing cartridge 3 is pressed downward by the stress from the interference 200.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 3 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 86 so as to rotate downward about the rear end portion.

  As a result, the developing cartridge 3 that has been incompletely attached to the process cartridge 1 is completely attached to the drum cartridge 2.

Thereafter, when the operator further pushes the process cartridge 1 backward, the mounting of the process cartridge 1 to the apparatus main body 21 is completed as shown in FIG.
6). New article detection operation When the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 21 and the front cover 25 is closed, the main body coupling as a drive source (not shown) of the apparatus main body 21 is linked to the developing cup in conjunction with the closing operation of the front cover 25. It fits in the ring 113 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Then, driving force is applied to the development coupling 113.

  Then, a driving force is applied to the agitator gear 117 of the idle gear 116, the agitator gear 117 rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side, and the contact rib 117C slides the detection gear 120 when the developing cartridge 3 is new. Engage with part 124. Then, the detection gear 120 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the left side. Thereby, the gear part 122 of the detection gear 120 meshes with the second gear part 117B of the agitator gear 117, and the detection gear 120 further rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left side.

Then, when the detection device (not shown) detects the rotation of the detection unit 123 of the detection gear 120, it is detected whether or not the developing cartridge 3 is new.
7). Action Effect (1) According to the process cartridge 1 and the developing cartridge 3, as shown in FIG. 10A, the gear cover 112 includes the contact portion 143 protruding rearward from the base portion 140. The contact portion 143 contacts the interference object 200 in the apparatus main body 21 when the process cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body with the developing cartridge 3 in the second position, and causes the developer cartridge 3 to be in the first position. Move to position.

  For this reason, even when the developing cartridge 3 is located at the second position, when the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 21, the contact portion 143 comes into contact with the interference object 200 in the apparatus main body 21, thereby developing The cartridge 3 can be positioned at the first position.

As a result, the developing cartridge 3 can be securely attached to the drum cartridge 2 in a state where the process cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 21.
(2) Further, according to the process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 8A, the contact portion 143 is located at a position overlapping the toner storage chamber 15 in the left-right direction.

  Therefore, the toner storage chamber 15 can be reliably stored in the drum cartridge 2 when the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 21.

As a result, the developing cartridge 3 can be reliably accommodated in the drum cartridge 2.
(3) Further, according to the process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 8A, the contact portion 143 is located above the rotation axis A <b> 1 of the agitator 11.

Therefore, when the contact portion 143 contacts the interference 200 in the apparatus main body 21, the developing cartridge 3 can be directed downward and can be reliably accommodated in the drum cartridge 2.
(4) Also, according to this process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 8A, the contact portion 143 is above the imaginary line segment L3 connecting the rotation axis A1 of the agitator 11 and the rotation axis A2 of the developing roller 12. Located in.

Therefore, when the contact portion 143 contacts the interference 200 in the apparatus main body 21, the developing cartridge 3 can be directed downward and can be reliably accommodated in the drum cartridge 2.
(5) Further, according to the process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 8A, the contact portion 143 includes the contact surface 143A, the first reinforcing surface 143B, and the second reinforcing surface 143C.

  Therefore, the contact surface 143A can be reinforced by the first reinforcement surface 143B and the second reinforcement surface 143C while the interference member 200 in the apparatus main body 21 and the contact surface 143A are in contact with each other.

As a result, the contact state between the contact surface 143A and the interfering object 200 in the apparatus main body 21 can be reliably ensured.
(6) Further, according to the process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 8A, the base portion 140 has a through hole 141 that overlaps the agitator shaft 17 of the agitator 11.

  Therefore, the phase of the agitator 11 can be confirmed through the through hole 141.

  The second reinforcing surface 143C has a shape along the upper peripheral edge of the through hole 141 when projected in the left-right direction.

Therefore, the left area of the base part 140 can be used efficiently.
(7) Moreover, according to this process cartridge 1, as shown to FIG. 8A, the contact part 143 is further provided with connection surface 143D.

Therefore, when the process cartridge 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 21, it is possible to prevent other members from being caught on the contact surface 143A, the first reinforcing surface 143B, the second reinforcing surface 143C, and the left end.
(8) Also, according to the process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 8A, the angle θ2 formed between the contact surface 143A and the base portion 140 when projected in the left-right direction is an obtuse angle.

Therefore, when the contact portion 143 contacts the interference 200 in the apparatus main body 21, the developing cartridge 3 can be directed downward and can be reliably accommodated in the drum cartridge 2.
(9) Also, according to the process cartridge 1, the left end portion of the contact portion 143 is positioned to the left of the left end portion of the developing coupling 113 as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the development coupling 113 from being obstructed when the contact portion 143 contacts the interference object 200 in the apparatus main body 21.

As a result, the contact portion 143 and the interference object 200 in the apparatus main body 21 can be reliably contacted.
(10) Also, according to the process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 6A, the pressing member 70 includes a protruding portion 73 that protrudes rearward from the main body portion 71 and protrudes upward from the main body portion 71. . The projecting portion 73 is continuous with the pressing portion 72 and includes a guide surface 73E configured to guide the developing cartridge 3 to the cartridge housing portion 86 of the drum cartridge 2.

  Therefore, the developing cartridge 3 can be smoothly accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 86.

  Further, it is possible to prevent the developing cartridge 3 from engaging with the pressing portion 72.

As a result, the developing cartridge 3 can be reliably pressed toward the photosensitive drum 5.
(11) Moreover, according to this process cartridge 1, as shown to FIG. 6A, the protrusion part 73 is equipped with the curved surface 73D continuous with the guide surface 73E.

Therefore, the developing cartridge 3 can be guided to the guide surface 73E via the curved surface 73D.
(12) Also, according to the process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 6B, the angle formed by the guide surface 73E and the virtual line L2 is 45 ° or more and less than 90 °.

Therefore, the inclination angle of the guide surface 73E can be appropriately maintained so that the developing cartridge 3 can be smoothly accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 86.
(13) Also, according to this process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 6B, the angle formed by the guide surface 73E and the virtual line L2 is 65 ° or more and 85 ° or less.

Therefore, the inclination angle of the guide surface 73E can be appropriately maintained so that the developing cartridge 3 can be smoothly accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 86.
(14) Also, according to this process cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 6B, the guide surface 73E is continuous with the pressing portion 72 and overlaps the pressing portion 72 when projected in the vertical direction.

For this reason, it is possible to further reliably prevent the developing cartridge 3 from engaging with the pressing portion 72.
8). Modification In the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge 3 includes the developing roller 12. However, the developing cartridge 3 may include a developing sleeve including a magnetic roller therein instead of the developing roller 12, for example. it can.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the 1st cover 131 and the 2nd cover 132 were comprised as a separate member, the 1st cover 131 and the 2nd cover 132 can also be comprised integrally.

  In the above embodiment, the second cover 132 covers the idle gear 116, the agitator gear 117, and the detection gear 120. However, the second cover 132 includes the idle gear 116, the agitator gear 117, and the detection gear 120. It can also be set as the structure which coat | covers at least one part.

  In the above embodiment, the second cover 132 of the gear cover 112 includes the contact portion 143. However, the contact portion 143 may be configured as a separate member from the gear cover 112.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the detection gear 120 was set as the structure provided with the gear part 122, it replaces with the gear part 122 and the detection gear 120 can also be set as the structure provided with a friction body like an elastic body, for example. .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the left surface of the contact part 143 was comprised by the connection surface 143D, the contact part 143 can also be set as the structure by which the left side is open | released.

  In the above embodiment, the left wall of the base portion 140 of the second cover 132 is orthogonal to the left-right direction. However, the left wall of the base portion 140 of the second cover 132 is completely orthogonal to the left-right direction. There is no need. That is, the left wall of the base portion 140 of the second cover 132 may be configured to cover the gear train 110 from the left side. For example, the left wall of the base portion 140 of the second cover 132 may be configured to be inclined with respect to the side wall 102 within a range that does not inhibit the rotation of each gear.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Process cartridge 2 Drum cartridge 3 Developing cartridge 4 Drum frame 5 Photosensitive drum 10 Developing frame 11 Agitator 15 Toner storage chamber 17 Agitator shaft 21 Device main body 70 Press member 71 Main body portion 72 Press portion 73 Protruding portion 73D Curved surface 73E Guide surface 86 Cartridge Housing portion 100 Developing frame 102 Side wall 103 Lower wall 104 Front wall 105 Upper wall 112 Gear cover 113 Development coupling 120 Detection gear 140 Base portion 142 Housing portion 143 Abutting portion 143A Abutting surface 143B First reinforcing surface 143C Second reinforcing surface 143D connecting surface

Claims (15)

A process cartridge comprising a developing cartridge for storing a developer and a photosensitive cartridge configured to detachably store the developing cartridge, and is detachable from an image forming apparatus main body,
The photosensitive cartridge is
A photoreceptor,
A pressing member configured to press the developing cartridge toward the photoconductor,
The developing cartridge is
A first position pressed by the pressing member and a second position removable from the photosensitive cartridge;
A detected object configured to receive a driving force from a driving source provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and to be detected by a detection device provided in the image forming apparatus main body while rotating by receiving the driving force. A drive mechanism having
A covering member covering the drive mechanism,
A base portion orthogonal to a first direction in which the rotation axis of the detection object extends,
An accommodating portion that protrudes from the base portion in the first direction and accommodates at least a part of the detected object;
A contact portion that protrudes from the base portion in the first direction and is continuous with the housing portion, and the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body with the developing cartridge in the second position. A process cartridge comprising: a covering member provided with a contact portion that contacts the member inside the image forming apparatus main body and moves the developing cartridge to the first position. The developing cartridge is
A stirring member configured to stir the developer by rotating about a first rotation axis extending in the first direction;
A first housing having a developer storage chamber in which the stirring member is located;
2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is located at a position overlapping the developer storage chamber in the first direction. The first housing includes a first frame provided with the stirring member, and a second frame joined to the first frame,
The contact portion is positioned on the second frame side with respect to the first rotation axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction where the first frame and the second frame face each other. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the process cartridge is characterized. The developing cartridge further includes a developing roller configured to rotate about a second rotation axis extending in the first direction;
The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the contact portion is located closer to the second frame than a line segment connecting the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. The contact portion is
A contact surface extending from the housing portion along a third direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction, and configured to contact a member in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The contact surface,
A first reinforcing surface that is continuous with the contact surface and extends in the second direction;
5. The process cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising a second reinforcing surface extending in the third direction and connecting the first reinforcing surface and the housing portion. 6. The base portion has an opening that overlaps with the rotation shaft of the stirring member in the first direction;
The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the second reinforcing surface has a shape along a peripheral edge portion of the opening.   The said contact part has a connection surface which connects the edge part in the said 1st direction of the said contact surface, the said 1st reinforcement surface, and the said 2nd reinforcement surface, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The described process cartridge.   8. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein an angle formed between the contact surface and the housing portion when projected in the first direction is an obtuse angle. 9. The driving mechanism includes a passive member configured to receive a driving force from the outside,
9. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of the abutting portion is positioned outside the passive member in the first direction. 10. The photosensitive cartridge further includes a second housing including a cartridge housing portion that removably houses the developing cartridge,
The pressing member is
A main body engaged with the second housing;
A pressing portion that protrudes from the main body portion toward the photosensitive member in a pressing direction in which the pressing member presses the developing cartridge, and that contacts the developing cartridge housed in the cartridge housing portion;
A projecting portion projecting from the main body portion toward the photoconductor in the pressing direction and projecting from the main body portion in the second direction, and is continuous with the pressing portion, and the developing cartridge is placed in the cartridge housing portion. The process cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising a protrusion having a guide surface configured to guide.   11. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the protruding portion has a curved surface that is located on the opposite side of the main body portion in the second direction and that is continuous with the guide surface. When viewed in the first direction, the guide surface is inclined and extends away from the photoconductor as it projects in the second direction,
The process cartridge according to claim 10 or 11, wherein an angle formed by the guide surface and the pressing direction is 45 ° or more and less than 90 °. When viewed in the first direction, the guide surface is inclined and extends away from the photoconductor as it projects in the second direction,
The process cartridge according to claim 10 or 11, wherein an angle formed by the guide surface and the pressing direction is 65 ° or more and 85 ° or less.   The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the guide surface is continuous with the pressing portion and overlaps the pressing portion when projected in the second direction. It can be attached to a photosensitive cartridge provided with a photosensitive member,
A first position pressed against the photoconductor by a pressing member included in the photoconductor cartridge, and a second position capable of being detached from the photoconductor cartridge;
A developing cartridge that is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body,
A detected object configured to receive a driving force from a driving source provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and to be detected by a detection device provided in the image forming apparatus main body while rotating by receiving the driving force. A drive mechanism comprising:
A covering member covering the drive mechanism,
A base portion orthogonal to a first direction in which the rotation axis of the detection object extends,
An accommodating portion that protrudes from the base portion in the first direction and accommodates at least a part of the detected object;
An image forming apparatus main body that protrudes from the base portion in the first direction and is continuous with the housing section when mounted on the image forming apparatus main body in the second position. A developing cartridge comprising: a covering member that includes an abutting portion that abuts against an internal member and moves to the first position.

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