RU2673441C2 - Developing apparatus, process cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electrostatographic printing; electrophotography; magnetography.SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum, and is attachable/detachable to/from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge that forms a developer image on a photosensitive drum and is attachable/detachable to/from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus. In addition, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic technology. Claimed group of inventions includes a developer that is attachable/detachable to/from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. Developer comprises a developer bearing member, a developing frame body that rotatably supports the developer bearing member, one-end side end member that supports one-end side in an axis direction of the developer bearing member of the developing frame body, and another-end side end member that supports the other-end side in the axis direction of the developer bearing member of the developing frame body, wherein the one-end side end member is rotatable with respect to the developing frame body and the another-end side end member, and the another-end side end member is rotatable with respect to the developing frame body and the another-end side end member.EFFECT: technical result is preventing the upsizing of the developing cartridge serving as a developing apparatus.49 cl, 29 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a developing device that exhibits a latent electrostatic image formed on a photosensitive drum, and is configured to attach to the main body of the image forming / separating device, as well as to a process cartridge that forms a developer image on the photosensitive drum and is configured to be attached to the main body of the image forming / separating device. In addition, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium by using electrophotographic technology.

State of the art

[0002] At present, imaging devices are known which form images on a recording medium, such as, for example, sheets, using electrophotographic technology. As such, for example, printers (such as, for example, laser printers and light-emitting diode (LED) printers), copiers, fax machines, word processors, multifunction peripherals (multifunction printers) or the like are known.

[0003] In such an image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum is uniformly charged by the charging roller. In addition, a charged photosensitive drum is selectively exposed to form an electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum. An electrostatic image formed on a photosensitive drum appears as a powder image by a developing device. In addition, the powder image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to a recording medium, such as, for example, recording paper and a sheet of plastic. Then, the powder image transferred to the recording material is heated and pressed to fix on the recording medium. In the manner described above, an image is formed on the recording medium.

[0004] In such an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing device, and the like. combined with each other as a cartridge to create convenience during maintenance of parts inside the imaging device. Furthermore, like a process cartridge, a configuration is known, such as, for example, a cleaning cartridge having a photosensitive drum, a developing cartridge serving as a developing device having a developing means, and a powder powder cartridge that supplies the developer.

[0005] In this case, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-182036, the developing cartridge is adapted to be attached to the main body of the image forming / separating device. The developing cartridge has a first bearing housing that rotatably supports the developing roller, and a second bearing housing that rotatably supports both ends of the first bearing housing in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller. In addition, in a state in which the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the second supporting housing of the developing cartridge is positioned, while its first supporting housing is allowed to rotate. Therefore, the developing roller is allowed to come into contact with the photosensitive drum and separate from the photosensitive drum.

[0006] However, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-182036, the second carrier body that rotationally supports both ends of the first carrier body in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller is formed as one separate element. As a result of this, in order to provide areas for the connecting parts that support both ends of the first carrier body relative to the second carrier body, it is necessary to increase the size of the developing cartridge.

An object of the present invention is to prevent an increase in the size of a developing cartridge serving as a developing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a developing device according to the present invention is a developing device comprising:

developer transfer member;

a developing support housing that rotatably supports a developer transfer member;

an end member from one end that supports one end of the developing support body in the axis direction of the developer transfer member; and

an end member from the side of the other end that supports the other end of the developing support body in the direction of the axis of the developer transfer member, in which

each of the end element from the side of one end and the end element from the side of the other end is able to independently rotate relative to the developing bearing body.

To solve the above problem, the developing device according to the present invention is a developing device containing:

developer transfer member;

a developing support housing that rotatably supports a developer transfer member;

an end member that is configured to support one of a side of one end and a side of the other end of the developing supporting body, and at the same time is configured to not support the other of the side of one end and a side of the other end of the developing supporting body, and is also able to rotate relative to the developing bearing case;

a limiting element that restricts the rotation of the end element; and

a restrictive part capable of interacting with a limiting element in which

the limiting element is able to move to the position in which the limiting element interacts with the limiting part to limit the rotation of the end element, as well as to the position in which the limiting element leaves the interaction with the limiting part so that the end element can rotate.

To solve the above problem, the process cartridge according to the present invention is a process cartridge containing:

developing device; and

an image transfer member that comes into contact with and is separated from the developer transfer member in which

the process cartridge is configured to form a developer image on an image transfer member by a developing device, and is configured to be attached to the main body of the image forming / separating device.

To solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising:

developing device; and

an image transfer member that comes into contact with and is separated from the developer transfer member in which

the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using a developer image formed on the image transfer member by the developing device.

To solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising:

developing device; and

a cleaning device that cleans the image transfer element, where the developer transfer element comes into contact with it and is separated from it, in which

the developing device and the cleaning device are individually capable of being attached to / detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

To solve the above problem, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising:

developing device; and

a photosensitive device having an image transfer element, wherein the developer transfer element comes into contact with it and is separated from it, in which

the developing device and the photosensitive device are individually capable of attaching to / detaching from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0008] Other features of the present invention explicitly follow from the following description of illustrative embodiments presented with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1A and 1B are views for describing configurations of an end element of the proximal side and a proximal element of the proximal side;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drum cartridge according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum cartridge according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a mounting operation of the developing cartridge according to the first embodiment to the image forming apparatus;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts the appearance of a developing cartridge when viewed from the end element side of the rear side according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of a developing cartridge on the side of the rear side end member according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a view showing a developing cartridge in a state when it is attached to the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 depicts a modified example of a developing cartridge according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the developing cartridge according to the first embodiment is positioned relative to the image forming apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge according to the first embodiment, respectively;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge of the prior art, respectively;

FIG. 15A and 15B are partial cross-sectional views of an end element of a rear side according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an end element of a proximal side according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 17A and 17B are perspective views of a near side bounding member according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 18A and 18B are perspective views of an end element of a rear side according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a separation preventing member according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 21A and 21B are schematic cross-sectional views of an end element of a rear side according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a view showing a state in which a developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 24 depicts the appearance of a developing cartridge when viewed from the end element side of the rear side according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 25A and 25B are cross-sectional views of a developing cartridge on the side of the rear side end member according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a view showing a mounting operation of the developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment to the image forming apparatus;

FIG. 27A through 27C are views for describing mounting of a developing cartridge according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a view showing a state in which the developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment is attached to the image forming apparatus; and

FIG. 29 is a view showing a state in which the developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment is attached to the main body of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a description will be given of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, sizes, materials, shapes, relative layouts, etc. the components described in the embodiments may be modified accordingly according to configurations, various conditions, and the like. devices in which the invention is applied. As a result, sizes, materials, shapes, relative layouts, etc. the components described in the embodiments should not limit the scope of the invention to the following embodiments.

[0011] First Embodiment

Complete configuration of the imaging device

First, with reference to FIG. 2, a description will be given of the complete configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter, will be referred to as the image forming apparatus 100). As shown in FIG. 2, four cartridges 9 (9Y - 9K) with a photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as drum cartridges 9) and four developing devices 4 (4Y - 4K) (hereinafter referred to as developing cartridges 4) are attached to the device 100 imaging through fasteners (not shown). In this case, in the direction in which the drum cartridges 9 and the developing cartridges 4 are inserted into the image forming apparatus 100, the upstream side and the upstream side are defined as the proximal side and the rear side, respectively. The developing cartridges according to an embodiment of the present invention are formed separately from drum cartridges having respective photosensitive drums, each of which is capable of attaching to / detaching from the image forming apparatus 100. The developing cartridges will be described in detail below.

[0012] FIG. 2, drum cartridges 9 and developing cartridges 4 are provided adjacent to each other so that they are inclined relative to the horizontal direction in the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, electrophotographic photosensitive drums 1 (1a, 1b, 1c and 1d) (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drums 1) serving as image transfer elements and charging rollers 2 (2a, 2b are provided in the respective drum cartridges 9) 2c and 2d) serving as charging elements located around the photosensitive drums 1. In addition, processing means, such as, for example, cleaning elements 6 (6a, 6b, 6c and 6d) are provided in the respective drum cartridges 9. In this case, in the respective drum cartridges 9, photosensitive drums 1, charging rollers 2, processing means, such as, for example, cleaning elements 6, are assembled as a whole.

[0013] Furthermore, in the respective developing cartridges 4 (4Y to 4K), the developing rollers 25 (25a to 25d) serving as developer transfer members and processing means such as, for example, the developing doctor blades 35 (35a - 35d) serving as elements of a developer restriction. The charging rollers 2 uniformly charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 1, and the developing rollers 25 exhibit latent images (latent electrostatic images) formed on the photosensitive drums 1 using the developers (hereinafter referred to as coloring powder). That is, the developing rollers 25 transfer the coloring powder serving as developers for developing latent electrostatic images formed on the photosensitive drums 1. In addition, the cleaning elements 6 remove the coloring powder serving as the developers that remains on the photosensitive drums 1 after transferring the powder images serving as developer images formed on the photosensitive drums 1 to the recording medium S.

[0014] In addition, below the drum cartridges 9 and developing cartridges 4, a scanner unit 3 is provided that serves as an exposure device that selectively exposes the photosensitive drums 1 based on the image information to form latent electrostatic images on the photosensitive drums 1. In addition, a cassette 17 is attached to the bottom of the image forming apparatus 100, in which the recording medium S is placed. In addition, a means of transporting a recording medium that transports the recording medium S is provided for transporting the recording medium S to the upper part of the image forming apparatus 100 through the secondary transfer roller 69 and the fixing unit 74. In particular, a feeding roller 54 is provided as a means of transporting the recording medium , which separately delivers one copy of the recording medium S from the cassette 17, and a pair of conveyance rollers 76 that transport the supplied recording medium S. In addition, as a means of transporting the recording medium, a pair of registration rollers 55 are provided that synchronize the latent electrostatic images formed on the photosensitive drums 1 with the recording medium S.

[0015] In addition, above the drum cartridges 9 and the developing cartridges 4, as an intermediate transfer means, an intermediate transfer unit 5 is provided that transfers the powder images formed on the photosensitive drums 1 (1a, 1b, 1c and 1d). The intermediate transfer unit 5 has a drive roller 56, a driven roller 57, primary transfer rollers 58 (58a, 58b, 58c and 58d) located in opposite positions of the photosensitive drums 1 of the respective colors, and an opposing roller 59 located in the opposite position secondary transfer roller 69. In addition, the transfer belt 14 serving as an intermediate transfer member extends between the drive roller 56, the driven roller 57, the primary transfer rollers 58 and the secondary transfer roller 69. In addition, the transfer belt 14 is rotated in a circular motion, while it is facing and in contact with all the photosensitive drums 1. In addition, when voltage is applied to the primary transfer rollers 58 (58a, 58b, 58c and 58d), powder images serving as developer images are initially transferred from the photosensitive drums 1 to the transfer belt 14.

[0016] As described above, the respective photosensitive drums 1 are uniformly charged by the charging rollers 2 during rotation, and are further selectively exposed by the scanner unit 3. Thus, latent electrostatic images are formed on photosensitive drums 1. Hidden electrostatic images are developed by developing rollers 25. As a result, powder images of corresponding colors are formed on respective photosensitive drums 1. In addition, in parallel with the formation of such powder images, a pair of registration rollers 55 transport the carrier S records in the secondary transfer position, in which the opposing roller 59 and the secondary transfer roller 69 wasp come into contact with each other through the ribbon 14 transfer.

[0017] In addition, when the transfer bias voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 69, powder images of the respective colors on the transfer tape 14 are secondary transferred to the recording medium S. The recording medium S onto which the powder images serving as color images of the developer were transferred is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 74. Thus, the powder images are fixed on the recording medium S. Then, the recording medium S is unloaded onto the unloading unit 75 by the unloading roller 72. It should be noted that the fixing unit 74 is located at the top of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0018] The configuration of the drum cartridge

Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and 4, a description will be given of a drum cartridge 9 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K). It should be noted that the 9Y - 9K drum cartridges have the same configuration. In an embodiment, in the direction in which the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are inserted, the upstream side and the upstream side are defined as the proximal side and the rear side, respectively, as described above. In addition, FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum cartridge 9.

[0019] Regarding the cleaning support body 27 of the drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K), the photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably supported by the front drum support 10 and the drum rear support 11. In addition, on the side of one end in the direction of the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1, a drum connection 16 and a flange (not shown) are provided. As described above, the charging roller 2 and the cleaning element 6 are provided around the circumference of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0020] The cleaning element 6 is formed by the rubber squeegee 7 and the cleaning support member 8. The end portion 7a of the rubber squeegee 7 is positioned so that it contacts the photosensitive drum 1 in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. In addition, the remaining the coloring powder removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning element 6 falls into the chamber 27a for the removed coloring powder. In addition, a sheet of rubber scraper 21, which prevents leakage of the coloring powder from the remote paint powder chamber 27a, comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1. Furthermore, when the driving force is transmitted from the drive motor of the main body (not shown) to the drum cartridge 9 , the photosensitive drum 1 rotates and is driven according to the image forming operation. In addition, the charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to the drum cartridge 9 through the support of the charging roller 28, and is pressed in the direction of the photosensitive drum 1 by means of the clip element 33 of the charging roller. The charging roller 2 rotates so that it adheres to the photosensitive drum 1.

[0021] Development cartridge configuration

Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and 7, a configuration description of a developing cartridge 4 serving as a developing device will be presented. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) serving as a developing device. In addition, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge 4. It should be noted that, in an embodiment, the developing cartridge 4Y, in which, as a developer, a yellow coloring powder is accommodated, a developing cartridge 4M in which a purple coloring ink is housed, and a developing cartridge 4C in which the blue powder is contained, have the same configuration. In addition, the developing cartridge 4K, in which the black ink is contained, also has a similar configuration.

[0022] In this case, the developing cartridge 4, serving as the developing device, has a developing roller 25 that rotates in the direction indicated by arrow B, and at the same time is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1, as well as the ink supply roller 34, serving as a feed member that rotates and at the same time contacts the developing roller 25. In addition, the developing cartridge 4 has a developing squeegee 35 that controls or limits the coloring powder (layer thickness of the coloring powder) to the the roll-off roller 25, as well as the coloring powder conveying element 36. In this case, the developing device is a device that exhibits a latent electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum by the developer, and is also formed by the developing means, the developing supporting body supporting the developing means, components associated with the developing means, or the like. In addition, examples of the developing agent include a developing roller, a coating roller, and a developing doctor blade. In addition, the developing cartridge 4 serving as the developing device has a developing bearing housing 31 that supports the developing roller 25, the ink powder supply roller 34, the developing doctor blade 35, and the ink powder conveying member 36.

[0023] The developing carrier body 31 has a developing chamber 31c in which the developing roller 25 is located, and a coloring powder accommodating chamber 31a provided below the developing chamber 31c. In addition, the coloring powder accommodating chamber 31a and the developing chamber 31c are separated by a partition wall 31d. In addition, the partition wall 31d is provided with an open portion 31b through which the powder powder holding chamber 31a and the developing chamber 31c communicate with each other. In addition, as described above, the coloring powder storage chamber 31 of the developing support body 31 is provided with a coloring powder conveying member 36 that transports the coloring powder to the developing chamber 31c through the open portion 31b and at the same time mixes the coloring powder serving as an enclosed developer .

[0024] As shown in FIG. 7, the developing roller 25 and the coloring powder supply roller 34 are rotatably supported by the developing front support 12 and the developing rear support 13 on the sides of both ends in the axis direction of the developing roller 25. That is, the developing front support 12 and the developing rear support 13 are supports, serving as parts of a rotatably supported member or developing bearing housing 31. In addition, a developing connection 23 (drive receiving portion) is provided at the end of the rear side of the paint roller 34 its powder. In addition, a coloring powder supply gear 30 is provided at an end of the proximal side of the coloring powder supply roller 34. A developing gear 29, which is meshed with the gears 30 for feeding the coloring powder, is provided at the end of the proximal side of the developing roller 25. As a result, when the driving force is transmitted from the drive motor of the main body (not shown) to the developing connection 23, the coloring roller 34 the powder and the developing roller 25 rotate and are driven in accordance with the image forming operation.

[0025] Furthermore, a gear cover 20 is provided outside the developing gear 29 and the powder feed gear 30. That is, the gear cover 20 is a gear cover serving as part of the developing bearing housing 31. In this case, it is assumed that the configuration of the above-described developing bearing housing 31 is a developing block 39. The proximal end member 37 (corresponding to the end member from one end or the first end member) and the rear side end member 38 (corresponding to the end member from the other end or the second end member) are provided at one end and the other end in the axis direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing supporting body 31, respectively. That is, the near-end end member 37 is provided on the one end side of both ends of the developing unit 39 in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 25. In addition, the rear side end member 38 is provided on the other end side of both ends of the developing unit 39 in the direction of the developing axis a roller 25. The rear side end member 38 is provided with a receiving hole 38a (corresponding to the engaging portion from the other end side) serving as a supported rear side opening interacting with the cited 13a (corresponding to the engaging part from the other end side) serving as a rear side support shaft provided on the developing rear support 13. Furthermore, the proximal side end member 37 is provided with a receiving hole 37a (corresponding to the engaging part from one end side) serving as a supported hole of the proximal side, interacting with the protrusion 20a (corresponding to the engaging part from the side of one end), serving as a support shaft of the proximal side provided on the cover 20 Eren. It should be noted that the protrusion 20a is provided so that it protrudes from the gear cover 20 in the direction of the proximal end member 37. The near side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38 are rotatably mounted about a Y axis (corresponding to the axis of the rotation center) connecting the protrusion 13a of the developing rear support 13 and the protrusion 20a of the gear cover 20 to each other. That is, the near side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38 are rotatably mounted about an axis Y of the rotation center (corresponding to the axis of the center of rotation of the end) passing through the protrusion 13a of the developing rear support 13 and the protrusion 20a of the gear cover 20. The axis Y of the center of rotation extends in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 25. Preferably, the axis Y of the center of rotation is parallel to the direction of the axis of the developer roller 25. In addition, since the protrusion 13a and the protrusion 20a are concentric with respect to each other, the Y axis of the center of rotation consistent on both the back side and the near side. Accordingly, the developing unit 39 is allowed to rotate about one axis Y of the rotation center connecting the protrusion 13a and the protrusion 20a with each other. In addition, the near-side end member 37 is configured to rotate the side of one end in the axis direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39, and at the same time is configured to not support the other end side in the axis direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39 The rear side end member 38 is rotatably supported to rotate the side of the other end in the axis direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39, and at the same time is configured to not to support the side of one end in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39. That is, the near side end element 37 and the rear side end element 38 are configured to support one side of one end and the other end of the developing carrier in the axis direction of the developing roller 25 the housing 31, and at the same time configured to not support the other from the side of one end and the side of the other end of the developing bearing housing 31. In addition, in the embodiment, each of the end ementa proximal end 37 side and the rear end member 38 side is able to independently rotate relative to the developing carrier body 31. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the proximal side end member 37 is capable of rotating relative to the developing support body 31 and the rear side end member 38. The rear side end member 38 is able to rotate relative to the developing support body 31 and the proximal end end member 37. In other words, when the near-side end member 37 rotates relative to the developing carrier 31, the rear-side end member 38 is able to stop relative to the developing supporting chassis 31 and the near-side end member 37. In addition, when the rear side end member 38 rotates relative to the developing carrier 31, the proximal side end member 37 is able to stop relative to the developing carrier 31 and the rear side end member 38. It should be noted that, in an embodiment, the developing support body 31 occupies a plurality of positions with respect to the proximal end member 37. In addition, one of the plurality of positions is a developing position in which an image is formed on the recording medium S by means of a coloring powder.

[0026] Configuration of the mounting / separation of the drum cartridges 9 and developing cartridges 4

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a description will be given of the mounting configuration of the drum cartridges 9 and the developing cartridges 4 to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. It should be noted that in an embodiment, the drum cartridges 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) and the developing cartridges 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) are inserted into the open parts 101 (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d) of the forming apparatus 100 Images. In this case, in an embodiment, the drum cartridges 9 are inserted in the direction indicated in FIG. 6 by the arrow F, from the proximal side to the rear side in the axis direction (preferably the direction is parallel) of the photosensitive drums 1. In addition, in the embodiment, the direction in which the developing cartridges 4 are inserted into the open parts 101 (101a, 101b, 101c , and 101d) of the main body 100 of the device, was a direction (direction indicated by arrow F) parallel to the axis direction of the photosensitive drums 1. In other words, in the axis direction (preferably, the direction was parallel) are developed x rollers 25, the developing cartridges 4 are inserted in the direction indicated in FIG. 6 by the arrow F, from the proximal side to the rear side. In addition, in the embodiment, in the direction in which the drum cartridges 9 and the developing cartridges 4 are inserted, the downstream side and the upstream side are defined as the proximal side and the rear side, respectively, as described above.

[0027] On the upper side of the image forming apparatus 100, upper guide parts 103 (103a, 103b, 103c and 103d) of the main body mount are provided. On the lower side of the image forming apparatus 100, lower guide parts 102 (102a, 102b, 102c and 102d) of the main body mount are provided. Each part of the upper guide parts 103 of the mounting of the main body and the lower guide parts 102 of the mounting of the main body has a shape extending along the direction indicated by the arrow F of the drum cartridges 9 (in the direction of the axis of the photosensitive drums 1). In addition, in a state of alignment with the lower guide parts 102 of fixing the main body on the proximal side in the direction indicated by arrow F, the drum cartridges 9 are moved in the direction indicated by arrow F along the upper guide parts 103 of the mounting of the main body and lower guide parts 102 mounting the main body. In the above manner, the drum cartridges 9 are inserted into the image forming apparatus 100.

[0028] Furthermore, the upper guide parts 105 of the main body mount (corresponding to the first guide parts) and the lower guide parts 104 of the main body mount (corresponding to the second guide parts) are provided on the upper side and the lower side in the main body of the device, respectively. Each of the upper guide parts 105 of the fastening of the main body and the lower guide parts 104 of the fastening of the main body has the form of a guide extending along the direction indicated by the arrow F in which the developing cartridges 4 are inserted. The developing cartridges 4 serving as developing devices are inserted into the device 100 image forming method similar to the method of inserting drum cartridges 9 in the device 100 image formation. That is, on the proximal side in the direction indicated by the arrow F (in the direction of the axis of the developing rollers 25), the developing cartridges 4 are matched with the upper guide parts 105 of the mounting of the main body provided on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 100, as well as with the lower guide parts 104 mounts of the main body provided on the lower side of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the developing cartridges 4 move along the upper guide parts 105 of the mounting of the main body and the lower guide parts 104 of the mounting of the main body in the direction indicated by the arrow F.

[0029] In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, the proximal side end member 37 is provided with a guided portion 37k (also corresponding to a guided portion from one end side) serving as a third guided portion that is guided by the upper guide portion 105 of the mounting of the main body serving as a first guiding portion provided mainly the case of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the near-side end member 37 is provided with a guided portion 37h (also corresponding to a guided portion from one end side) serving as a fourth guided portion that is guided by a lower guide portion 104 of the main body mount serving as a second guiding portion provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, the rear side end member 38 is provided with a guided portion 38m (also corresponding to the guided portion from the other end side) serving as the first guided portion which is guided by the upper guide portion 105 of the main body fastening serving as the first guiding portion. In addition, the rear side end member 38 is provided with a guided portion 38n (also corresponding to the guided portion from the other end side) serving as the second guided portion, which is guided by the lower guide portion 104 of the main body mount serving as the second guiding portion. In addition, the guided parts 37k and 38m are guided by the upper guide part 105 of the main body, and the guided parts 38h and 38n are guided by the bottom guide part 104 of the main body. Therefore, during the insertion process of the developing cartridge 4, the developing cartridge 4 is inserted relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 7, in an embodiment, the developing cartridge 4 is inserted taking into account that the rear side end member 38 is oriented toward the lower side in the insertion direction. That is, in the insertion direction, the rear side end member 38 is located on the upstream side with respect to the near side end member 37. In other words, the rear side end member 38 is located on the upstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the developing carrier 31, while the proximal side end member 37 is located on the upstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the developing carrier 31.

[0030] Configuration of the rear side end member 38

Next, with reference to FIG. 7-9A and 9B, a configuration description of the rear side end member 38 will be presented. FIG. 8 depicts the appearance of a developing cartridge 4 when viewed from the rear end member 38. In addition, FIG. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views (cross-sectional views taken along the K-K line of FIG. 8) of the developing cartridge 4 on the side of the rear side end member 38. As shown in FIG. 7, the developing rear support 13 is provided with a rear side restricting member 40 (corresponding to the limiting element or a restricting element from the other end side) that controls or restricts the rotation of the rear side end member 38 with respect to the developing rear supporting 13. The rear side restricting element 40 is a protruding part, extending in a direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 in a position in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached etsya to the image forming apparatus 100 / separated from it. In addition, the rear side bounding member 40 is able to move in a direction in which the developing cartridge 4 serving as the developing device is attached to / detached from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9A and 9B, a control spring 41 (corresponding to the loading member from the other end side) serving as the loading member is attached to the spring support portion 13b of the developing rear support 13 inside the rear side bounding member 40. An adjustment spring 41 serving as a loading member presses the rear side restriction member 40 in a direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to / detached from the image forming device 100 in the position in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached / separated. In addition, the control spring 41 presses the rear side restriction member 40 in the direction in which the rear side restriction member 40 and the recess portion 38f (corresponding to the restrictive part or the restrictive part of the other side) interact with each other. On the other hand, the rear side end member 38 is provided with a recess portion 38f capable of interacting with the rear side bounding member 40a. The recess portion 38f extends in a direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to / detached from the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, as described above, the developing rear bearing 13 is provided with a protrusion 13a, and the rear side end element 38 is provided with a receiving hole 38a capable of interacting with the protrusion 13a.

[0032] In this case, in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the receiving hole 38a and the protrusion 13a interact with each other, as well as the bounding portion 40a and the recess portion 38f interact with each other (see FIG. 8 and Fig. 9A). Similarly, when the bounding portion 40a and the recess portion 38f cooperate with each other, the rear side end member 38 is not able to rotate around the protrusion 13a of the developing rear support 13. That is, when the back side bounding member 40 is inserted into the recess portion 38f, the developing rear support 13 is positioned relative to the rear side end member 38.

[0033] On the other hand, when the rear side bounding member 40 is pressed in the direction indicated in FIG. 9A and 9B by the arrow P, in a state in which the bounding portion 40a and the recess portion 38f are in contact with each other, the backward bounding member 40 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow P against the downforce of the control spring 41. In this case, the direction indicated by arrow P is the opposite direction to the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the interaction between the bounding portion 40a of the rear-side bounding member 40 and the recess portion 38f of the rear-side end member 38 is terminated (see FIG. 9B). In this state, the developing support body 31 is allowed to rotate freely relative to the rear side end member 38 around the protrusion 13a of the developing rear support 13. In this case, FIG. 22 is a view showing a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the rear side bounding member 40 is pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow P by the engagement stop portion 90 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0034] That is, in a state before attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100, and also in a state in which the rear side bounding member 40 is not pressed by the interaction termination portion 90 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the bounding member 40 the back side and the recess portion 38f interact with each other. As a consequence, the developing rear support 13 is positioned relative to the rear side end member 38. However, in the case where the rear side bounding member 40 is pressed by the engagement stop portion 90 in conjunction with the operation of attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100, the interaction between the back side bounding member 40 and the recess portion 38f and the developing back support 13 is allowed to rotate relative to the end element 38 of the rear side. In this case, the interaction between the rear side bounding member 40 and the recess portion 38f is stopped when the back side bounding member 40 is pressed by the interaction stopping part 90 in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is removed from the image forming apparatus 100. At this stage, the rear side bounding member 40 does not overlap with the recess portion 38f when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axis Y of the center of rotation of the developing unit 39. Therefore, the developing unit 39 is allowed to rotate relative to the rear side end member 38. It should be noted that the Y axis of the center of rotation of the developing rear support 13 is oriented in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to / detached from the image forming apparatus 100 (preferably in a direction parallel to the image forming apparatus 100) in the position in which the developing cartridge 4 attached to / separated from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0035] As described above, in the embodiment, since the bounding portion 40a and the recess portion 38f interact with each other in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the developing rear support 13 is not able to rotate relative to the end member 38 back side. On the other hand, since the interaction between the bounding part 40a and the recess portion 38f ceases in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the developing rear support 13 is able to rotate relative to the rear side end member 38. In this case, the bounding portion 40a of the rear side bounding member 40 is pressed by the engagement termination portion 90 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, in combination with the operation of inserting a developing cartridge 4 into the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the interaction between the bounding portion 40a and the recess portion 38f is terminated.

[0036] Near Side End Element Configuration

Next, with reference to FIG. 1A, 1B, 7, and 10, a configuration description of the proximal end member 37 will be presented. FIG. 1A and 1B are views for describing configurations of a proximal end element 37 and proximal side limiting element 60. FIG. 10 is a view showing a developing cartridge 4 in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 1A and 1B are views of a developing cartridge 4 shown in FIG. 10, when viewed in the direction indicated by arrow G. FIG. 1A is a view showing a state in which a developing cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, and FIG. 1B is a view showing a state in which the mounting of the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100 is completed.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, in an embodiment, the proximal side limiting member 60 is rotatably attached to the protrusion 37c of the proximal end member 37 to prevent rotation of the proximal side end member 37 relative to the developing front support 12 and gear cover 20. The proximal bounding member 60 corresponds to the bounding member or bounding member from one end side. In this case, the protrusion 37c (the axis of the center of rotation of the protrusion 37c corresponds to the axis of the center of rotation during interaction) extends in a direction that intersects (preferably the direction is orthogonal) the axis of the developing roller 25. In addition, the proximal side limiting element 60 is rotatably supported by the protrusion 37c serving as a central axis. The protrusion 37c extends in a direction crossing the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. That is, the proximal side bounding member 60 is capable of rotating about an axis of the center of rotation extending in a direction that intersects (preferably, the direction is orthogonal) the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to / detached from the image forming apparatus 100 in a position in which the developing the cartridge 4 is attached to / separated from the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a torsion coil spring 50 is attached between the proximal side limiting member 60 and the proximal end end member 37 to compress the proximal side limiting element 60 in one direction in the rotation direction of the proximal side limiting element 60. The torsion coil spring 50 corresponds to a loading element or loading element from one end. The torsion coil spring 50 compresses the proximal side limiting element 60 in the direction in which the proximal limiting element 60 and the recess portion 20c (corresponding to the limiting part or limiting part from one end side), which will be described later, interact with each other. As shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, the proximal side restricting member 60 is pressed by the loading force of the torsion coil spring 50 to the abutment portion 37d serving as the prohibitive portion of the proximal end member 37. The proximal side bounding member 60 rotates in a direction in which the proximal side bounding member 60 and the recess portion 20c interact with each other, while the abutment portion 37d controls or restricts the rotation of the proximal side bounding member 60 at a predetermined position to prevent termination of interaction between the bounding member 60 near side and recess portion 20c.

[0038] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1A, 1B, and 10, the gear cover 20 is provided with a recess portion 20c that cooperates with the proximal bounding portion 60a of the proximal side limiting member 60. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the recess portion 20c is a recess formed by ribs 20b1 and 20b2. In addition, as described above, the gear cover 20 is provided with a protrusion 20a, while the proximal end member 37 is able to rotate with the protrusion 20a serving as a central axis.

[0039] Furthermore, the proximal end member 37 is provided with a receiving hole 37a capable of interacting with the protrusion 20a. In addition, in a state in which the protrusion 20a of the gear cover 20 and the receiving hole 37a interact with each other, as well as the proximal bounding portion 60a of the proximal side limiting member 60 and the recess portion 20c of the gear cap 20 interact with each other, the proximal end member 37 is attached to the cover of 20 gears. As described above, the proximal end member 37 is attached to the gear cover 20 to enable control or restrict the rotation of the proximal side end member 37 by the protrusion 20a serving as the center axis. Furthermore, in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the proximal side bounding member 60 occupies the position shown in FIG. 1A.

[0040] Furthermore, when the contact portion 60b of the proximal side bounding member 60 comes into contact with the lower guide portion 104 of the main body mount as the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100, the proximal side bounding member 60 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1B, the interaction between the limiting portion 60a of the proximal side limiting member 60 and the recess portion 20c of the gear cover 20 is terminated. That is, in an embodiment, the lower guide portion 104 of the attachment of the main body has a function of terminating the interaction by the proximal limiting member 60 serving as part of the termination of the interaction. At this stage, the bounding portion 60a does not overlap with the recess portion 20c when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation center axis Y (corresponding to the direction of the axis of rotation of the end) of the developing unit 39. In this state, the gear cover 20 and the developing carrier 31 are allowed to rotate around the protrusion 20a relative to the end element 37 of the proximal side.

[0041] In this case, in the embodiment, the proximal bounding portion 60a of the proximal side limiting member 60 and the recess portion 20c of the gear cover 20 cooperate with each other to control or limit the rotation of the proximal end member 37 relative to the gear cover 20. However, the configuration should not necessarily be limited to the above configuration, while other configurations may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the tension spring 70 may be adapted to be fastened between the protrusion 37e of the proximal end member 37 and the protrusion 20d of the gear cover 20 so that the proximal end element 37 comes into contact with the protrusion 20f of the gear cover 20. In this case, the end side end member 37 comes into contact with the protrusion 20f of the gear cover 20 to prevent the end side end member 37 from rotating relative to the gear cover 20.

[0042] Positioning of the developing cartridge relative to the image forming apparatus

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description will be made of the positioning configuration of the developing cartridge 4 with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the proximal side end member 37 is provided with a guided portion 37k (also having a function similar to the positioned portion on the one end side) and a guided portion 37h (also having a function similar to the rotation stop portion on the one end side). On the other hand, the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a first positioning part 99a of the main body (corresponding to the first positioning part) and a first rotation stop part 106 of the main body (corresponding to the first rotation stop part). In addition, in the state in which the mounting of the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the guiding portion 37k and the first positioning portion 99a of the main body interact with each other, while the guiding portion 37h and the first rotation stopping portion 106 of the main body also interact with each other with a friend. Thus, the near-end end member 37 is positioned relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0043] Furthermore, the rear side end member 38 is provided with a second positionable portion 38c (corresponding to the positioned portion from the other end side) and a second rotation stop portion (corresponding to the rotation stop portion from the other end side). On the other hand, the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a second positioning part 98a of the main body (corresponding to the second positioning part) and a second rotation stop part 98b of the main body (corresponding to the second rotation stop part). In addition, in the state in which the mounting of the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the second positioning portion 38c and the second positioning portion 98a of the main body interact with each other, while the second rotation stop portion 38d and the second rotation stop portion 98b of the main body also interact with each other. Thus, the rear side end member 38 is positioned relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0044] In addition, as described above, the rear side bounding member 40 is pressed by the engaging stop portion 90 (see FIG. 22) in combination with the operation of attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the interaction between the rear side bounding member 40 and the recess portion 20c is terminated, with the developing rear support 13 being able to rotate relative to the rear side end member 38. On the other hand, on the side of the near-side end member 37, the contact portion 60b of the near-side bounding member 60 comes into contact with the lower guide portion 104 of the mounting of the main body in combination with the operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4 to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the proximal side restricting member 60 is rotated, and the proximal end end member 37 is allowed to rotate relative to the gear cover 20.

[0045] As described above, in the embodiment, in the state before attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100, the gear cover 20 and the developing rear support 13 are positioned relative to the near side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38, respectively, which are guided through the main body of the device during the mounting process. Therefore, it is possible to prevent contact of the developing roller 25 with the photosensitive drum 1 during the operation of attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the gear cover 20 and the developing rear support 13 are able to rotate relative to the near side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38, respectively, wherein the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 are able to come into contact with each other, as well as separate from each other. As described above, in the embodiment, it is possible to fix the position of the developing unit 39 and to prevent friction of the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 against each other during the operation of attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming / detaching apparatus 100 from it. It should be noted that in an embodiment, the position of the developing support body 31 when the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 25 come into contact with each other is determined as the developing position.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge 4 according to an embodiment, respectively. In addition, FIG. 14 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a developing cartridge 4 of the prior art, respectively. In the prior art, as shown in FIG. 14, by using a connecting member 80c that connects the near-side end member 37 to the rear-side end member 38, the near-side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38 are connected to each other. However, in an embodiment, the near side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38 are separate elements. The proximal side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38 are independently rotatable with respect to the developing unit 39. In addition, the developing unit 39 is positioned by each of the proximal end end member 37 and the rear side end member 38. Therefore, since the connecting element 80c, like the prior art, becomes impractical, it is possible to reduce the size of the developing cartridge 4.

[0047] As described above, in the embodiment, in the state before attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100, the near-side end member 37 is positioned relative to the developing unit 39. On the other hand, in the state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the device 100 of the imaging, the near end end member 37 is allowed to rotate relative to the developing unit 39. Therefore, the contact of the developing roller 25 with the photosensitive drum can be prevented 1 ohm during the mounting operation of the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, in the embodiment, it is not necessary to increase the interval between the developing cartridge 4 and the photosensitive drum 1 to prevent the developing roller 25 from contacting the photosensitive drum 1 when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus can be prevented.

[0048] Furthermore, in the embodiment, in the state before attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100, the rear side end member 38 is positioned relative to the developing unit 39. On the other hand, in the state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the forming apparatus 100 of the image, the rear side end element 38 is allowed to rotate relative to the developing unit 39. Therefore, the contact of the developing roller 25 with the photosensitive drum 1 can be prevented during steps for attaching the developing cartridge 4 to the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, in the embodiment, it is not necessary to increase the interval between the developing cartridge 4 and the photosensitive drum 1 to prevent the developing roller 25 from contacting the photosensitive drum 1 when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus can be prevented.

[0049] Further, in an embodiment, the proximal side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38 are separate elements, wherein the developing unit 39 is positioned by each of the proximal side end member 37 and the back side end member 38. As a result, since the connection element 80c, similar to the prior art, becomes impractical, it is possible to reduce the size of the developing cartridge 4.

In addition, in an embodiment, each of the proximal end element 37 and the rear side end element 38 is able to independently rotate relative to the developing unit 39. As a result, compared with the case where the proximal side end element 37 and the rear side end element 38 are combined with each other another, it is possible to further reduce the size of the developing cartridge 4. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire image forming apparatus.

[0050] It should be noted that in the embodiment, the developing cartridge 4 is capable of being attached to / detached from the image forming apparatus 100. However, other configurations may be used. For example, a process cartridge having a developing cartridge 4, a photosensitive drum 1, and a charging roller 2 may be able to attach to / detach from the image forming apparatus 100.

In addition, for example, a cleaning device having a cleaning element 6 may be able to attach to / detach from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and may be separately attached to the developing cartridge 4 /. Alternatively, the photosensitive device having the photosensitive drum 1 may be able to be attached to / detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and may be able to be attached to / the developing cartridge 4 / separately.

[0051] Second Embodiment

Next, a description will be given of the second embodiment. It should be noted that in the second embodiment, parts having functions identical to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same symbols, and description thereof will not be given. FIG. 15A and 15B are partial cross-sectional views of a rear side end member 38 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of a proximal end member 37 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 17A and 17B depict perspective views of a proximal side bounding member 60 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 18A and 18B are perspective views of a rear side end member 38 according to a second embodiment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 15A and 15B, the rear end end member 38 has a stop portion 38g, and the developing rear support 13 has a stop portion 13g. In addition, the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a pull-up member 42 that pulls the developing cartridge 4 in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted. When the developing cartridge 4 is inserted to a position where the traction force receiving portion 38h of the rear side end member 38 and the pull-up element 42 provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 comes into contact with each other, the pull-up element 42 is pressed by the receiving force of the traction parts 38h. In this case, the pulling member 42 is pressed by the pull force receiving portion 38d in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. When the pulling member 42 is pressed by the pulling force receiving portion 38h, the pulling member 42 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is rotated by the loading force of the spring 43, as shown in FIG. 15A and 15B. In addition, a part of the pull-up element 42 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 presses the receiving force of the thrust portion 38h in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted.

[0053] In this case, when the developing cartridge 4 is pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the developing cartridge 4 is pulled out against the pull force of the pulling member 42 to pull the developing cartridge 4. As a result, a torque occurs in the rear side end member 38 in the direction indicated in FIG. 15B by an arrow J, around a second center of rotation 38i (a portion of the interaction between the receiving hole 38a and the protrusion 13a). In this case, in the embodiment, the abutment portion 38g of the rear side end member 38 and the abutment portion 13g of the developing rear support 13 come into contact with each other. As a result, rotation of the rear side end member 38 in the direction indicated by arrow J around the second center of rotation 38i can be prevented.

[0054] Further, in an embodiment, the proximal end member 37 is provided with a stop portion 37f, and the gear cover 20 is provided with a stop portion 20e, as shown in FIG. 17A and 17B. Moreover, the near-side end member 37 is provided with a handle 37g, the handle 37g being held when the developing cartridge 4 is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result of this, a torque occurs in the end side end member 37 in the direction indicated in FIG. 17B with an arrow L, around a first center of rotation 37p (a portion of the interaction between the receiving hole 37a and the protrusion 20a). However, in an embodiment, the abutment portion 37f of the proximal end member 37 and the abutment portion 20e of the gear cover 20 come into contact with each other. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the proximal end member 37 in the direction indicated by the arrow L around the first center of rotation 37p.

[0055] Next, with reference to FIG. 16, 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B, an operation will be described when the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1. When the developing cartridge 4 is attached to / separated from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the abutment parts 37f and 20e come into contact with each other, while the abutment parts 38g and 13g also come into contact with each other, as shown in FIG. 17B and 18A.

[0056] Furthermore, when the developing cartridge 4 is attached, the proximal side end member 37 and the rear side end member 38 are positioned relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and furthermore, the proximal side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 are enabled rotation relative to the developing unit 39. When the developing unit 39 is able to rotate around the first center 37p of rotation of the end element 37 of the near side and the second center of rotation 38i of the end element 38 s On the other hand, the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1.

[0057] When the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 come into contact with each other, the positions of the abutting portion 37f of the proximal end element 37 and the abutting portion 20e of the gear cover 20 deviate from each other when viewed in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 25, as shown in FIG. 16. The thrust portion 37f of the proximal end element 37 and the thrust portion 20e of the gear cover 20 are separated from each other. Similarly, when the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 come into contact with each other, the positions of the abutting portion 38g of the rear side end member 38 and the abutting portion 13g of the developing rear support 13 deviate from each other when viewed in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 25, as depicted in FIG. 18B. The abutment portion 38g of the rear side end member 38 and the abutment portion 13g of the developing rear support 13 are separated from each other.

[0058] As a result, in the state in which the developing roller 25 has come into contact with the photosensitive drum 1, the abutment portion 37f of the proximal end member 37 and the abutment portion 20e of the gear cover 20 do not rub against each other. In addition, the abutment portion 38g of the rear side end member 38 and the abutment portion 13g of the developing rear support 13 do not rub against each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the force of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39 for pressing the photosensitive drum 1.

[0059] As described above, in the embodiment, the abutment portion 37f of the proximal end member 37 and the abutment portion 20e of the gear cover 20 come into contact with each other at a position remote from the first center of rotation 37p of the proximal end member 37. In addition, the abutment portion 38g of the rear side end member 38 and the abutment portion 13g of the developing rear abutment 13 come into contact with each other at a position remote from the second rotation center 38i of the rear end end member 38. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inclination of the end-side end member 37 from the first center of rotation 37p serving as the axis of rotation, and also to prevent the inclination of the end-side end member 38 from the second center of rotation 38i serving as the axis of rotation. In addition, it is possible to increase the usability in the process of attaching / separating the developing cartridge 4.

[0060] Third Embodiment

Next, a description will be made of a third embodiment. In this case, in the third embodiment, parts having functions identical to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same symbols, and description thereof will not be given. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a separation preventing member (corresponding to screw 81 and clamping ring 80) according to a third embodiment. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge 4 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 21A and 21B are schematic cross-sectional views of a rear side end member 38 according to a third embodiment.

[0061] Next, with reference to FIG. 19-21A and 21B, a description will be given of a configuration for preventing separation of the rear side end member 38 from the protrusion 13a of the developing rear support 13 in the Y axis direction of the rotation center of the rear side end member 38. In an embodiment, the rear side end member 38 is attached to the developing rear support 13 so that the surface 38a1 of one end of the receiving hole 38a of the rear side end member 38 comes into contact with the root surface 13e of the protrusion 13a.

[0062] Further, in a state in which the rear side end member 38 is attached to the developing rear support 13, the screw 81 is inserted into the threaded portion 13d of the protrusion 13a. At this stage, the clamping ring 80 is held between the front surface 13f of the protrusion 13a and the head of the screw 81. It should be noted that in the embodiment, the screw 81 and the clamping ring 80 constitute a separation preventing member. In this case, in the rear side end member 38, the length of the receiving hole 38a positioned between the one end surface 38a1 and the other end surface 38a2 (the length of the rear side end member 38 in the direction of the axis Y of the rotation center) is set smaller than the size from the root surface 13e parts to the front surface 13f. Therefore, a portion of the receiving hole 38a of the rear side end element 38 is rotatably supported around the axis Y of the center of rotation of the rear side end element 38 between the root surface 13e of the protrusion 13a and the clamping ring 80. Furthermore, since the surface 38a2 of the other end of the rear side end element 38 collide with the clamping ring 80, it is possible to prevent the separation of the rear side end element 38 from the developing rear support 13 in the direction of the Y axis of the center of rotation of the rear side end element 38 .

[0063] As described above, the length of the receiving hole 38a is set smaller between the surface 13e of the root portion of the protrusion 13a and the clamping ring 80 in the direction of the Y axis of the center of rotation of the rear side end element 38. As a result, a gap is formed between the rear side end member 38 and the root portion surface 13e of the protrusion 13a and the clamping ring 80. Therefore, there is a possibility of tilting the rear side end member 38 with respect to the axis Y of the center of rotation of the rear side end member 38. In this case, in the embodiment, the outer shape I of the surface 38a2 of the other end of the rear side end member 38 is defined to be smaller than the outer shape H of the clamping ring 80. Therefore, when the back side end member 38 is inclined, the edge portion of the outer shape H of the clamping ring 80 prevents collision with the end element 38 back side.

[0064] It should be noted that the other end surface 38a2 is the abutment surface of the rear side end member 38, which prevents the rear side end member 38 from separating from the developing rear support 13. That is, the other side end 38 of the back side 38 is only in contact with the flat portion of the clamping ring 80. Accordingly, the rear side end member 38 is able to smoothly rotate relative to the developing unit 39. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the strength of the developing roller 25 p the digging unit 39 for pressing the photosensitive drum 1. It should be noted that in the embodiment, the screw 81 and the clamping ring 80 are separate elements. However, the configuration should not necessarily be limited to the above configuration. For example, screw 81 and clamping ring 80 may be combined with each other. In addition, to further prevent separation of the rear side end member 38 from the developing rear support 13, a nut serving as a separate housing may be integrated into the protrusion 13a and molded as a threaded portion 13d of the protrusion 13a. It should be noted that in the embodiment, the proximal side end member 37 is also prevented from separating from the protrusion 20a by the clamping ring 80 and the screw 81, like the rear side end member 38, as shown in FIG. twenty.

[0065] Fourth Embodiment

Next, a description will be given of a developing cartridge 4 serving as the developing device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0066] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the developing roller 25 and the coloring powder supply roller 34 are rotatably supported by the developing bearing housing 31 by the developing front support 12 and the developing rear support 13 serving as parts of the developing bearing housing 31 provided on both sides in the direction of the axis of rotation center a developing roller 25. A developing connection 23 is provided at the end of the rear side of the coloring powder supply roller 34. In addition, a gear is provided at the end of the front side of the coloring powder supply roller 34 30 supply ink powder. At the end of the front side of the developing roller 25, a developing gear 29 is provided, which is engaged by the teeth with the gear 30 for feeding the coloring powder. Because of this, when the driving force is transmitted from the drive motor of the main body (not shown) serving as the drive source to the developing connection 23, the powder powder supply roller 34 and the developing roller 25 are rotated and driven according to the image forming operation. In addition, a gear cover 20 serving as part of the developing bearing housing 31 is provided outside the developing gear 29 and the powder feeding gear 30.

[0067] At both ends of the developing carrier body 31, in the direction of the center of rotation of the developing roller 25, a proximal end element 37 (corresponding to the element from one end side or the first end element) and a rear side end element 38 (corresponding to the element from the other end side or second end member). The rear side end member 38 is provided with a receiving hole 38a (corresponding to the engaging part from the other end side), which cooperates with a protrusion 13a (corresponding to the engaging part from the other end side) provided on the developing rear support 13. In addition, the proximal side end member 37 is provided a receiving hole 37a (corresponding to the engaging part from the side of one end), which interacts with a protrusion 20a (corresponding to the engaging part from the side of one end) provided on the cover 20 of the gears en The near-side end member 37 and the rear-end end member 38 are allowed to rotate about the y-axis of the rotation center connecting the protrusion 13a of the developing rear support 13 and the protrusion 20a of the gear cover 20 to each other. As a result of this, each of the end side end member 37 and the back side end member 38 is able to independently rotate relative to the developing support body 31.

That is, as shown in FIG. 23, the near-side end member 37 is rotatably supported on the side of one end in the axis direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39, and at the same time, it is configured to not support the other end side in the axis direction of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39. The end element 38 of the rear side is configured to support rotatably the side of the other end in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39, and at the same time is configured to not support the side of one end in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 25 of the developing unit 39. That is, the near side end element 37 and the rear side end element 38 are configured to support, in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 25, one of one side of the other end and the other end side of the developing carrier body 31 , and at the same time made with the possibility of not supporting the other from the side of one end and the side of the other end of the developing bearing body 31. In addition, the end element 37 of the proximal side is able to rotate I'm developing with respect to the supporting frame 31 and the end element 38 back. The rear side end member 38 is allowed to rotate relative to the developing support body 31 and the proximal end end member 37. In other words, when the near-side end member 37 rotates relative to the developing carrier 31, the rear-side end member 38 is able to stop relative to the developing carrier 31 and the near-side end member 37. In addition, when the rear side end member 38 rotates relative to the developing carrier 31, the proximal side end member 37 is able to stop relative to the developing carrier 31 and the rear side end member 38.

[0068] the configuration of the part of the restriction of the movement of the end element of the rear side

Next, with reference to FIG. 23-25A and 25B, a description will be given of a control configuration or rotation limitation of the rear side end member 38. FIG. 24 is a side view of a developing cartridge 4 according to an embodiment. FIG. 25A and 25B are views (sectional view taken along line K-K shown in FIG. 24) for describing a positioning configuration of the developing support body 31 relative to the rear side end member 38.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 23, the bounding member 340 (corresponding to the bounding member or the bounding member from the other end side) serving as a means for controlling or restricting the rotation of the rear side end member 38 is attached to the developing rear support 13. Furthermore, inside the bounding member 340 is provided a control spring 341 (corresponding to the loading member or the loading member from the other end side) capable of being attached to the spring support portion 313b of the developing rear support 1 3. The control spring 341 applies a loading force acting in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted to the restriction member 340. On the other hand, the rear side end member 38 is provided with a recess portion 338b (corresponding to the restrictive part or the restrictive part from the other end side) capable of interacting with the restriction portion 340a of the restriction member 340. Furthermore, as described above, the developing rear support 13 is provided with a protrusion 13a serving as the center axis of the rotated a developing carrier body 31, wherein the rear side end member 38 is provided with a receiving hole 38a capable of interacting with the protrusion 13a.

[0070] The rear side end member 38 is attached to the developing carrier 31 in a state in which the receiving hole 38a and the protrusion 13a are in contact with each other, while the bounding portion 340a of the bounding member 340 and the recess portion 338b are in contact with each other (see FIG. 24 and 25A). Therefore, when the rear side end member 38 and the bounding member 340 interact with each other, the rotation of the rear side end member 38 with the protrusion 13a serving as the axis of the center of rotation is limited. On the other hand, when the restriction member 340 is pressed in the direction indicated in FIG. 25A and 25B by arrow P, in a state in which the rear end end member 38 and the restriction element 340 are in contact with each other, the restriction element 340 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow P by means of a control spring 341 located inside the restriction element 340 in compressed state. Then, the interaction between the bounding portion 340a of the bounding member 340 and the recess portion 338b of the rear side end member 38 is terminated (see FIG. 25B). Consequently, the developing support body 31 is allowed to rotate by the protrusion 13a of the developing rear support 13 serving as a central axis relative to the rear side end member 38.

[0071] As described above, when the rear side end member 38 and the bounding member 340 interact with each other to control or limit the rotation of the rear side end member 38, the rotation of the developing carrier body 31 is limited relative to the rear side end member 38 in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, in the state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the restriction member 340 is pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow P by the restriction stop part (not shown) provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the interaction between the rear side end member 38 and the bounding member 340 is stopped, as a result of which the rear side end member 38 is allowed to rotate (the rear side end member 38 is able to perform relative movement) with respect to the developing support body 31.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 27A through 27C, an opening / closing front cover 110 is provided on the proximal side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. When the front cover 110 is opened, an open portion 101 for inserting the developing cartridge 4 is opened. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28, the upper side of the open portion 101 is provided with an upper guide 105 (corresponding to the first guide portion) serving as a guide member extending from the proximal side to the rear side. In this case, in the embodiment, the upper guide 105 is made in the form of a groove (has a concave shape). In addition, the lower side of the open part 101 is provided with a lower guide 104 (corresponding to the second guide part) serving as a guide element extending from the proximal side to the rear side. In an embodiment, the lower guide 104 is in the form of a groove (has a concave shape). Also in the embodiment, the developing cartridge 4 is inserted with a rear side end member 38 located on the far side in the insertion direction, as shown in FIG. 28. That is, in the insertion direction, the rear side end member 38 is located on the upstream side with respect to the near side end member 37. In other words, the rear side end member 38 is located on the upstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the developing carrier body, and the proximal side end member 37 is located on the upstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the developing carrier body 31.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, on the rear side end member 38, the rib 338g of the first upper guide (corresponding to the guided part from the side of the other end or the first guided part) protrudes in an upward direction (an almost vertical direction in the embodiment) orthogonal to the fastening / detachment direction (horizontal direction in the embodiment ) of the developing cartridge 4, and the rib 338h of the first lower guide (corresponding to the guided part from the side of the other end or the second guided part) protrudes downward. In this case, as described above, in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is not attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the rotation of the developing supporting body 31 of the developing cartridge 4 relative to the rear side end member 38 is limited by the restricting member 340. Therefore, in In an embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has a limiting mechanism for controlling or restricting the rotation of the developing support body 31 relative to the end member 38 days of hand.

[0074] Further, when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the first upper guide rib 338g provided on the rear side end member 38 first interacts with the upper guide 105 provided on the side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, the first lower guide rib 338h provided on the rear side end member 38 cooperates with the lower guide 104 provided on the side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Moreover, in this state, the developing cartridge 4 is pressed in the direction indicated in FIG. 26 by means of an arrow F, to move the first lower guide rib 338h along the lower guide 104. In addition, when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted to a predetermined position, the mounting portion 380b of the first lower guide 38 of the rear side end member 38 is mounted on the back side pressing member 106, provided on the rear side of the first lower guide 104, as shown in FIG. 27B. In addition, the mounting portion 337b provided on the near-side end member 37 is mounted on the front-side pressing member 107 provided on the near side of the first lower guide 104.

[0075] Furthermore, the abutment portion 338c provided on the rear side end member 38 reaches and comes into contact with the rear side plate 98 of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the developing cartridge 4 is positioned in the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted. The position in which the abutment portion 338c and the rear side plate 98 come into contact with each other is a fastening position. In addition, the back side plate 98 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a control stop portion 390 that presses the restriction member 340 of the cartridge 4. In a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the interaction between the recess portion 338b of the rear side end member 38 and the bounding member 340 is stopped when the bounding member 340 is pressed by the control stop portion 390.

[0076] In this case, FIG. 27C is a view showing a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is positioned relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, in combination with the operation of closing the front cover 110 of the image forming apparatus 100, the first lower guide 104 having a back side pressing member 106, a front side pressing member 107, a main body spring 108 and a main body spring 109 moves up. According to the operation, the rear side positioning part 380d (corresponding to the positioned part from the other end side) of the rear side end member 38 comes into contact with the abutment part 98a (corresponding to the positioning part from the other end side) of the back side plate 98 (Fig. 29). In addition, the front side positioning portion 337c (corresponding to the one end side positioning part) of the proximal side end member 37 comes into contact with the stop portion 99a (corresponding to the one end side positioning part) of the front side plate 99. Therefore, the developing cartridge 4 is positioned relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29, the rear side end member 38 is provided with a protrusion 338e (corresponding to the rotation stop portion from the other end side), which controls or restricts the rotation of the rear side end member 38. In a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the protrusion 338e of the rear side end member 38 is inserted into the rotation stopping portion 98b of the rear side plate 98. Therefore, rotation of the rear side end member 38 can be prevented within the image forming apparatus 100.

[0078] Similarly, the proximal side end member 37 is provided with a rotation stop portion 337d that controls or restricts the rotation of the proximal side end member 37. In the state in which the developing cartridge 4 is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the rotation stop portion 337d (corresponding to the rotation stop portion from the one end side) of the proximal side end member 37 is inserted into the rotation stop portion 1104 of the main body provided on the first lower guide 104. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the near-end end member 37 within the image forming apparatus 100.

[0079] As described above, in an embodiment in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is fully attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the rear side end element 38 and the proximal side end element 37 are attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, in a state in which the developing cartridge 4 is fully attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the developing supporting body 31 is allowed to rotate relative to the rear side end member 38 when the interaction between the recess portion 338b and the bounding member 340 is stopped. As a result of this, the developing carrier body 31 is allowed to rotate inside the image forming apparatus 100, while the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 are able to come into contact with each other and separate from each other.

[0080] On the other hand, when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the rotation of the developing supporting body 31 with respect to the rear side end element 38 can be limited by the restricting member 340. Therefore, the rotation of the developing supporting body 31 is limited when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, as described above, when the developing cartridge 4 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the rear side end member 38 is positioned in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the developing cartridge 4 is inserted. Therefore, the rotation of the developing carrier body 31 relative to the main body the image forming apparatus 100 is prevented and contact between the developing roller 25 and the photosensitive drum 1 is prevented. When the developing cartridge 4 is found Xia in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to reduce rattling of the developing cartridge 4, and to prevent contact of the developing roller 25 to the photosensitive drum 1.

[0081] It should be noted that in the embodiment, only the rotation of the rear side end element 38 relative to the developing support body 31 is limited by the restriction member 340. However, the configuration should not be necessarily limited to the above configuration. For example, the rotation of the proximal end member 37 relative to the developing support body 31 may also be limited by the bounding member 340.

[0082] In an embodiment, the various guide ribs are configured to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of process cartridges, wherein the control or rotation restriction configurations according to an embodiment are located at positions included in the developing cartridges when they protrude in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the layout. That is, since the control configurations or rotation limits are not configured to protrude in the direction of the arrangement, designing the arrangement of the plurality of process cartridges is not difficult. Accordingly, in the imaging device of the current system, it is possible to extremely reduce the interval between adjacent process cartridges, and also implement the aforementioned rotation control and prevent the device from increasing in size.

[0083] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the developing cartridge serving as the developing device.

[0084] While the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed illustrative embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted most broadly, encompassing all such modifications, as well as equivalent structures and functions.

Claims (167)

1. A developing device comprising: developer transfer member; a developing support housing that rotatably supports a developer transfer member; an end member from one end that supports one end of the developing support body in the axis direction of the developer transfer member; and an end element from the side of the other end, which supports the other end of the developing bearing body in the direction of the axis of the developer transfer element, while the end element from one end is able to rotate with respect to the developing supporting body and the end element from the other end, and the end element from the other end is able to rotate with respect to the developing bearing body and the end element from one end. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, in which the developing bearing housing has: the engaging part from the side of one end, which interacts with the end element from the side of one end, and the engaging part from the side of the other end, which interacts with the end element from the side of the other end, and the end element from the side of one end and the end element from the side of the other end are able to rotate around a line that connects the engaging part from the side of one end and the engaging part from the side of the other end to each other. 3. The developing device according to claim 2, further comprising: a separation preventing member that prevents the end element from separating from the side of one end and the end element from the side of the other end from the engaging part from the side of one end and the engaging part from the side of the other end, respectively. 4. The developing device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which a developing device is capable of being attached to / detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the end element from the side of one end has a positioned part from the side of one end, positioned relative to the main body of the device, and the end element from the side of the other end has a positioned part from the side of the other end, positioned relative to the main body of the device. 5. The developing device according to claim 4, in which an end element from the side of the other end is located on the downstream side of the end element from the side of one end in the insertion direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device, and the end element from the side of the other end has a guided part from the side of the other end, guided by the guide part of the main body of the device. 6. The developing device according to claim 5, in which the end element from the side of one end has a guided part from the side of one end guided by the guide part. 7. The developing device according to claim 4, in which an end element from the side of the other end is located on the downstream side of the end element from the side of one end in the insertion direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device, and the end element from the side of the other end has a first guided part guided by the first guide part of the main body of the device, and a second guided part guided by the second guide part of the main body of the device. 8. The developing device according to claim 7, in which the end element on the side of one end has a third guided part guided by the first guiding part, and a fourth guided part guided by the second guiding part. 9. The developing device according to claim 4, in which the main body of the device has an image transfer element on which a latent image is formed, and the developing carrier body is capable of rotating to a position in which the developer transfer member and the image transfer member are separated from each other, and to a position in which the developer transfer member and the image transfer member come into contact with each other. 10. The developing device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, additionally containing: a limiting element from the other end, which restricts the rotation of the end element from the other end; and the restrictive part from the other end, capable of interacting with the limiting element from the other end, and the bounding element from the side of the other end is able to move to a position in which the bounding element from the side of the other end interacts with the bounding part from the side of the other end to limit the rotation of the end element from the side of the other end, and to the position where the bounding element from the side of the other end stops interact with the restrictive part from the other end to allow the end element to rotate from the other end. 11. The developing device according to claim 10, further comprising: a loading element from the side of the other end, which loads the limiting element from the side of the other end. 12. The developing device according to claim 10, in which a limiting element from the other end is provided on the developing bearing housing, and a restrictive part from the side of the other end is provided on the end element from the side of the other end. 13. A developing device according to claim 10, further comprising: a limiting element from the side of one end, which restricts the rotation of the end element from the side of one end; and the restrictive part from the side of one end, capable of interacting with the bounding element from the side of one end, and the bounding element from the side of one end is able to move to a position in which the bounding element from the side of one end interacts with the bounding part from the side of one end to limit the rotation of the end element from the side of one end, and to the position in which the bounding element from the side of one end stops interact with the restrictive part from the side of one end to allow the end element to rotate from the side of one end. 14. The developing device according to claim 13, further comprising: a loading element from the side of one end, which compresses the limiting element from the side of one end. 15. The developing device according to claim 13, in which a limiting element on the side of one end is provided on the end element on the side of one end, and the restrictive part from the side of one end is provided on the developing bearing housing. 16. The developing device according to claim 9, further comprising: a limiting element from the other end, which restricts the rotation of the end element from the other end; a restrictive part from the other end, capable of interacting with a limiting element from the other end; a limiting element from the side of one end, which restricts the rotation of the end element from the side of one end; and the restrictive part from the side of one end, capable of interacting with the limiting element of the side of one end, and the bounding element from the side of the other end is able to move to a position in which the bounding element from the side of the other end interacts with the bounding part from the side of the other end to limit the rotation of the end element from the side of the other end, and to the position where the bounding element from the side of the other end stops interact with the restrictive part from the other end to allow the end element to rotate from the other end, and the bounding element from the side of one end is able to move to a position in which the bounding element from the side of one end interacts with the bounding part from the side of one end to limit the rotation of the end element from the side of one end, and to the position in which the bounding element from the side of one end stops interact with the restrictive part of the side of one end to allow the end element to rotate from the side of one end. 17. A developing device, comprising: developer transfer member; a developing support housing that rotatably supports a developer transfer member; an end member that is configured to support one of a side of one end and a side of the other end of the developing carrier body, and at the same time is configured to not support the other of the side of one end and a side of the other end of the developer carrier body and is capable of rotating relative to the developer carrier body ; a limiting element that restricts the rotation of the end element; and a restrictive part capable of interacting with a limiting element, moreover the bounding member is able to move to a position in which the bounding member interacts with the bounding part to limit the rotation of the end member, and to a position in which the bounding member stops interacting with the bounding part to allow the end member to rotate. 18. The developing device according to claim 17, in which a limiting element is provided on the developing bearing housing, and a restrictive part is provided on the end member. 19. The developing device according to claim 18, wherein the developing device is capable of attaching to / detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus along the axis direction of the developer transfer member, the limiting element is able to move in the direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device, and the restriction portion is a recess portion in which the restriction element is inserted in a direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device. 20. The developing device according to claim 19, further comprising: a loading member that loads the bounding member in a direction in which the bounding member and the bounding part interact with each other. 21. The developing device according to claim 20, in which the restriction element is pressed by the part of the termination of interaction provided on the main body of the device, and the part of the termination of the interaction is configured to push the restrictive element in the direction opposite to the direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device to stop the interaction between the limiting element and the restrictive part. 22. The developing device according to claim 18, in which the end element is positioned relative to the main body of the device in a state in which the developing device is attached to the main body of the device, and the developer transfer member comes into contact with the image transfer member and is separated from it when the developing carrier body rotates relative to the end member. 23. The developing device according to claim 17, in which a bounding member is provided on the end member, and a restrictive part is provided on the developing bearing housing. 24. The developing device according to claim 23, in which the developing device is capable of attaching to / detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus along the axis direction of the developer transfer member, the limiting element is able to rotate around the axis of the center of rotation of the interaction, passing in the direction crossing the direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device, and the interaction between the restriction part and the restriction element stops when the restriction element is pressed by the termination part and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device. 25. A developing device according to claim 24, further comprising: a loading member that loads the bounding member in a direction in which the bounding member and the bounding portion interact with each other; and a rotation limiting element that restricts the rotation of the limiting element in the interaction direction to prevent the interaction between the limiting element and the limiting part from stopping when the limiting element rotates in the interaction direction. 26. The developing device according to any one of paragraphs. 23-25 in which the end element is positioned relative to the main body of the device in a state in which the developing device is attached to the main body of the device, and the developer transfer member comes into contact with the image transfer member and is separated from it when the developing carrier body rotates relative to the end member. 27. The developing device, made with the possibility of fastening to the main body of the image forming device / separation from it, and the developing device contains: developer transfer member; a developing support housing that rotatably supports a developer transfer member; an end element on the side of one end, which is attached to one end of the developing bearing body in the direction of the axis of the developer transfer element, and the end element on the side of one end contains a positioned part from the side of one end, positioned relative to the main body of the device; and an end element from the side of the other end, which is attached to the other end of the developing bearing body in the direction of the axis of the developer transfer element, and the end element from the side of the other end contains a positioned part from the side of the other end, positioned relative to the main body of the device, the end element from one end is able to rotate with respect to the developing supporting body and the end element from the other end, and the end element from the other end is able to rotate with respect to the developing bearing body and the end element from one end. 28. The developing device according to claim 27, in which the developing supporting body has the engaging part from the side of one end, which interacts with the end element from the side of one end, and the engaging part from the side of the other end, which interacts with the end element from the side of the other end, and the end element from the side of one end and the end element from the side of the other end are able to rotate around a line that connects the engaging part from the side of one end and the engaging part from the side of the other end to each other. 29. A developing device according to claim 28, further comprising: a separation preventing member that prevents the end element from separating from the side of one end and the end element from the side of the other end from the engaging part from the side of one end and the engaging part from the side of the other end, respectively. 30. The developing device according to any one of paragraphs. 27-29 in which an end element from the side of the other end is located on the downstream side of the end element from the side of one end in the insertion direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device, and the end element from the side of the other end has a guided part from the side of the other end, guided by the guide part of the main body of the device. 31. The developing device according to p. 30, in which the end element from the side of one end has a guided part from the side of one end guided by the guide part. 32. The developing device according to any one of paragraphs. 27-29 in which an end element from the side of the other end is located on the downstream side of the end element from the side of one end in the insertion direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device, and the end element from the side of the other end has a first guided part guided by the first guide part of the main body of the device, and a second guided part guided by the second guide part of the main body of the device. 33. The developing device according to p. 32, in which the end element on the side of one end has a third guided part guided by the first guiding part, and a fourth guided part guided by the second guiding part. 34. The developing device according to any one of paragraphs. 27-29 in which the main body of the device has an image transfer element on which a latent image is formed, and the developing carrier body is capable of rotating to a position in which the developer transfer member and the image transfer member are separated from each other, and to a position in which the developer transfer member and the image transfer member come into contact with each other. 35. The developing device according to any one of paragraphs. 27-29, further comprising: a limiting element from the other end, which restricts the rotation of the end element from the other end; and the restrictive part from the other end, capable of interacting with the limiting element from the other end, and the bounding element from the side of the other end is able to move to a position in which the bounding element from the side of the other end interacts with the bounding part from the side of the other end to limit the rotation of the end element from the side of the other end, and to the position where the bounding element from the side of the other end stops interact with the restrictive part from the other end to allow the end element to rotate from the other end. 36. A developing device according to claim 35, further comprising: a loading element from the side of the other end, which loads the limiting element from the side of the other end. 37. The developing device according to claim 35, in which a limiting element from the other end is provided on the developing bearing housing, and a restrictive part from the side of the other end is provided on the end element from the side of the other end. 38. A developing device according to claim 35, further comprising: a limiting element from the side of one end, which restricts the rotation of the end element from the side of one end; and the restrictive part from the side of one end, capable of interacting with the bounding element from the side of one end, and the bounding element from the side of one end is able to move to a position in which the bounding element from the side of one end interacts with the bounding part from the side of one end to limit the rotation of the end element from the side of one end, and to the position in which the bounding element from the side of one end stops interact with the restrictive part from the side of one end to allow the end element to rotate from the side of one end. 39. A developing device according to claim 38, further comprising: a loading element from the side of one end, which compresses the limiting element from the side of one end. 40. A developing device configured to be attached to a main body of an image forming / separating device, the developing device comprising: developer transfer member; a developing support housing that rotatably supports a developer transfer member; an end element that is attached to one of the sides of one end and the sides of the other end of the developing bearing housing and is capable of rotating relative to the developing bearing housing, and wherein the end element comprises a positionable portion positioned relative to the main body of the device; a limiting element that restricts the rotation of the end element; and a restrictive part capable of interacting with a limiting element, moreover the bounding member is able to move to a position in which the bounding member interacts with the bounding part to limit the rotation of the end member, and to a position in which the bounding member stops interacting with the bounding part to allow the end member to rotate. 41. The developing device according to claim 40, in which a limiting element is provided on the developing bearing housing, and a restrictive part is provided on the end member. 42. The developing device according to p. 41, and the developing device is capable of attaching to / detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus along the axis direction of the developer transfer member, the limiting element is able to move in the direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device, and the restriction portion is a recess portion in which the restriction element is inserted in a direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device. 43. A developing device according to claim 42, further comprising: a loading member that loads the bounding member in a direction in which the bounding member and the bounding part interact with each other. 44. The developing device according to claim 43, in which the restriction element is pressed by the part of the termination of interaction provided on the main body of the device, and the part of the termination of the interaction is configured to push the restrictive element in the direction opposite to the direction in which the developing device is inserted into the main body of the device to stop the interaction between the limiting element and the restrictive part. 45. The developing device according to claim 40, in which the end element is positioned relative to the main body of the device in a state in which the developing device is attached to the main body of the device, and the developer transfer member comes into contact with the image transfer member and is separated from it when the developing carrier body rotates relative to the end member. 46. Technological cartridge containing: developing device according to one of paragraphs. 1, 17, 27, 40; and an image transferring element that comes into contact with the developer transferring element and is separated from it, and the process cartridge is configured to form a developer image on an image transfer member by means of a developing device, and is configured to be attached to the main body of the image forming / separating device. 47. An image forming apparatus comprising: developing device according to one of paragraphs. 1, 17, 27, 40; and an image transferring element that comes into contact with the developer transferring element and is separated from it, and the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using a developer image formed on the image transfer member by the developing device. 48. An image forming apparatus comprising: developing device according to one of paragraphs. 1, 17, 27, 40; and a cleaning device that cleans the image transfer element with which it comes into contact and from which the developer transfer element is separated, moreover the developing device and the cleaning device are capable of being attached to / separated from the main body of the image forming apparatus. 49. An image forming apparatus comprising: developing device according to one of paragraphs. 1, 17, 27, 40; and a photosensitive device having an image transfer element with which it comes into contact and from which the developer transfer element is separated, moreover a developing device and a photosensitive device are capable of being attached to / separated from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Images