JP2000075609A - Developing cartridge, electrophotographic image forming device and side cover - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a charge imparting member to be grounded between a device body by arranging a ground contact point for grounding the device body and the charge imparting member at the other end side of a cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction by exposing it from the cartridge frame. SOLUTION: The side cover 63E of a developing cartridge is provided with a voltage generation circuit to a charge imparting roller 91. The voltage generation circuit is arranged inside the cover 63E together with a bias supply metal plate, a ground connection metal plate or the like. A projection part 63g as a shutter pin is fitted to the almost center of the other side surface 63i of the cartridge frame 63 in the longitudinal direction detachably from the frame 63. By inserting the inserting part 63g1 of the projection part 63g in a hole formed at the side surface 63i, the frame 63 is attached to the device body. The frame 63 is connected to the ground contact point part being the ground connection metal plate exposed on the hole in which the conductive part 63g8 of the projection part 63g is inserted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a developing cartridge, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a side cover used for the developing cartridge.

Here, a developing cartridge is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that includes a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member using toner and a toner storing portion for storing toner. It refers to one that is detachably attached to the forming apparatus body.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus refers to an apparatus which forms an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic image forming method. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, and the like), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, an electrophotographic word processor, and the like.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a configuration of an apparatus for forming a multicolor image by an electrophotographic image forming method, a plurality of developing cartridges containing toners of different colors are developed on a photosensitive drum which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member. Place on rotary. Then, a developing cartridge containing toner of a predetermined color is opposed to the photosensitive drum. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed. Thereafter, the toner image is transferred to a recording medium. Further, by performing these steps for each color, a multicolor image is obtained. In such a color image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. The user can replace the developing cartridge by himself / herself. As a result, maintenance work of the apparatus main body is reduced.

[0005]

The present invention is a further development of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which, when a developing cartridge is mounted in an apparatus main body, a ground for a charge applying member for applying electric charge to toner on the peripheral surface of the developing member is provided between the developing apparatus and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. It is another object of the present invention to provide a developing cartridge, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a side cover which can be used in the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge which can connect a capacitor and a resistor to an electric circuit by attaching the side cover to a cartridge frame because the side cover has a capacitor and a resistor. An object of the present invention is to provide a forming device and a side cover.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a side cover having improved assembling operability.

[0009]

A typical configuration according to the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows: (1): In a developing cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, a cartridge frame and a toner are provided. A toner storage unit for storing, a developing member that rotates by attaching toner to a peripheral surface to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and a toner that rotates on the peripheral surface of the developing member. A charge applying member for applying an electric charge to the toner, a bias for supplying to the developing member when the developing cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, and a charge applying member. A bias contact for receiving a bias for supply from the apparatus main body, wherein the bias contact is provided at one end of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction. A ground contact provided to be exposed from the ridge frame, for grounding the device main body and the charge applying member when the developing cartridge is mounted on the device main body; and wherein the ground contact is provided. Is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame. (2) In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in which a developing cartridge is detachable,
(A) a body ground contact, (b) a body bias contact,
(C) a cartridge frame, a toner storage section for storing toner, and a developing member that rotates by attaching toner to a peripheral surface to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; A charge applying member for applying an electric charge to the toner in order to attach the toner to the peripheral surface of the developing member; and a charge applying member for supplying the developing member when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A bias, and a bias contact for receiving a bias for supplying the charge applying member from the apparatus main body, wherein the bias contact is exposed from the cartridge frame at one longitudinal end of the cartridge frame. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the developing cartridge is grounded between the apparatus main body and the charge applying member. Mounting means for detachably mounting a developing cartridge, comprising: a ground contact; wherein the ground contact is provided at the other end of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame. And (d) conveying means for conveying the recording medium. (3) In a developing cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, a cartridge frame, a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner, and an image forming apparatus for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developing member that rotates by attaching toner to the peripheral surface, a charge applying member that applies an electric charge to the toner in order to attach the toner to the peripheral surface of the developing member, and the developing cartridge includes the device main body. A bias contact for receiving a bias for supplying the charge applying member from the apparatus main body when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body; A grounding contact for grounding the member, wherein the grounding contact is provided at the other end of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction. Is provided exposed from the over-time,
A side cover constituting a part of the cartridge frame detachably attached to the cartridge frame at a longitudinal side end of the cartridge frame, a capacitor and a resistor provided on the side cover. Here, the capacitor and the resistor are provided in a part of a circuit for electrically connecting the ground contact and the charge applying member. (4): In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in which a developing cartridge is detachable,
(A) a body ground contact, (b) a body bias contact,
(C) a cartridge frame, a toner storage section for storing toner, and a developing member that rotates by attaching toner to a peripheral surface to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; A charge applying member for applying an electric charge to the toner for attaching the toner to the peripheral surface of the developing member, and a charge applying member for supplying the electric charge to the toner when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A bias contact for receiving the bias from the apparatus main body, and a ground contact for grounding the apparatus main body and the charge applying member when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, The ground contact is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame. A side cover removably attached to the cartridge frame, the side cover constituting a part of the cartridge frame, a capacitor and a resistor provided on the side cover, and Mounting means for removably mounting a developing cartridge, comprising: a capacitor and a resistor provided in a part of a circuit for electrically connecting the ground contact and the charge applying member; and An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit for conveying a medium. (5): a cartridge frame, a toner storage section for storing toner, and a developing member that rotates by attaching toner to a peripheral surface to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A charge applying member for applying an electric charge to the toner so that the toner adheres to the peripheral surface of the developing member, and a charge applying member for supplying the charge to the toner when the developing cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. And a bias contact for receiving a bias from the apparatus main body, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body,
A side cover used for a developing cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the ground cover having an earth contact for grounding the device main body and the charge applying member, wherein the side cover A cover is removably attached to the cartridge frame at a longitudinal side end of the cartridge frame, forms a part of the cartridge frame, and when the side cover is attached to the cartridge frame. , A side cover comprising a capacitor and a resistor provided in a part of a circuit for electrically connecting the ground contact and the charge applying member.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same will be described. In the following description, the longitudinal direction refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction and a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the recording medium.

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
3 to 3 are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
4 and 5 are perspective explanatory views of the developing cartridge, and FIGS. 6 to 10 are mounting structural explanatory views of the developing cartridge.
11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams of the drive transmission configuration.

Here, the overall configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described first, and then the configuration of the developing cartridge will be described.

(Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus) First, a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a laser beam printer which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus for forming a color image by an electrophotographic method. The surface of a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as a photosensitive drum) 1 rotating at a constant speed is uniformly charged by charging means 2. Then, the photosensitive drum 1 is irradiated with laser light according to image information from the exposure means 3 to form a latent image, and the latent image is formed by four developing devices Dy, Dm, D
Develop with c and Db. Then, the developed images formed on the photosensitive drum 1 are successively superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 4 and transferred to form a color image. This color image is recorded on the recording medium P conveyed from the feeding unit by the conveying unit 5 (for example,
(Recording paper, OHP sheet, etc.). Then, the recording medium P is transported to the fixing unit 7 to fix the color image, and is discharged to the discharge unit 8 on the upper surface of the apparatus.

Next, the configuration of each unit will be specifically described.

First, the photosensitive drum 1 is used as a process cartridge (hereinafter, referred to as a drum unit) U to remove the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 after transferring an image of a developer (hereinafter, referred to as "toner") to a recording medium P. Of the cleaning means 9 for cleaning.
The process cartridge U is detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus main body, and can be replaced by the user according to the life of the photosensitive drum 1.

The photosensitive drum 1 is formed by coating an organic photoconductive layer on the outside of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of about 50 mm, and is rotatably supported by a frame 9a of cleaning means 9 which also serves as a holder for the photosensitive drum 1. Have been. On the periphery of the photosensitive drum 1, a cleaning blade 9b for scraping and removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 and a charging unit 2 are provided. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 1, the cleaning unit 9, and the charging unit 2 are unitized as a unit, and the process cartridge U is detachable from the apparatus main body 30.
Is composed.

The photosensitive drum 1 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 according to the image forming operation by transmitting the driving force of the driving motor M (see FIG. 11).

The charging means 2 according to the present embodiment uses a so-called contact charging method, and applies a voltage to a conductive roller which rotates in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to apply a voltage to the photosensitive drum 1. Is charged uniformly.

When an image signal is given to a laser diode (not shown), the exposure means 3 for exposing the charged photosensitive drum 1 irradiates the polygon mirror 3a with image light corresponding to the image signal. .
The polygon mirror 3a is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor 3b, and the image light reflected by the mirror 3a selectively exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 rotating at a constant speed via the imaging lens 3c and the reflection mirror 3d. To form an electrostatic latent image.

The latent image is developed for each color by the latent image developing cartridge (developing device). The configuration of this developing cartridge will be described later.

The toner image developed by the developing cartridge is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 4. This intermediate transfer member 4
During the color image formation, the toner images on the drums developed by the respective developing cartridges are transferred four times (each image of four colors by the four developing cartridges) in a superimposed manner. Therefore, the intermediate transfer member 4 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 in synchronization with the outer peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 1. Then, the intermediate transfer body 4 having received the transfer of the toner image in a superposed manner sandwiches and conveys the recording medium P between the intermediate transfer body 4 and a transfer roller 6 as a transfer unit to which a voltage is applied, so that the intermediate transfer body 4 Are simultaneously transferred in a superimposed manner.

The intermediate transfer member 4 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the outer circumference of an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of about 150 mm is covered with an elastic layer such as medium resistance sponge or medium resistance rubber. Then, it is rotatably supported and rotated by being driven by a gear that is integrally fixed.

After the transfer of the toner image to the intermediate transfer member 4, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the cleaning means 9. The cleaning means 9 includes a cleaning blade 9b abutting on the drum surface.
The toner is scraped off. The scraped toner is stored in the toner container 9c. The amount of the removed toner stored in the container 9c is such that the container 9c is not filled earlier than the life of the photosensitive drum 1, and the removed toner in the container 9c When the drum unit U is replaced by replacement, it is integrally replaced.

The transfer means for transferring the toner image superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 4 onto the recording medium P is constituted by a transfer roller 6 in this embodiment. It is wound around an elastic body and is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG.

The transfer roller 6 is attached to the intermediate transfer body 4
While the color toner image is being formed, that is, while the intermediate transfer body 4 is rotated a plurality of times, the intermediate transfer body 4 is positioned below as shown by the solid line in FIG. is seperated.

After the toner image is overlaid and transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 4 to form a color image, the transfer roller 6 is moved by a cam (not shown) in accordance with the timing of transferring the color image onto the recording medium P. 1 moves to the upper position as shown by the dashed line. As a result, the recording medium P is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 4 with a predetermined pressure. At the same time, a bias voltage is applied to the transfer roller 6, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer member 4 is transferred to the recording medium P.

The conveying means 5 for conveying the recording medium P includes
As shown in FIG. 1, a cassette 5a containing a plurality of recording media P, a pick-up roller 5b, and a feeding roller 5c.
1 and a double feed prevention retard roller 5c2, a transport roller pair 5d, a registration roller pair 5e, a discharge roller pair 5f, and a transport guide 5g.

During image formation, the pickup roller 5a is driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation, and separates and feeds the recording media P in the cassette 5a one by one. Then, the recording medium P sent out from the cassette 5a is guided by the conveyance guide 5f, and reaches the registration roller pair 5e via the conveyance roller pair 5d. During the image forming operation, the registration roller 5e performs a non-rotational operation of causing the recording medium P to stand still,
The rotation operation of transporting the recording medium P toward the intermediate transfer body 4 is performed in a predetermined sequence, the image in the next transfer step, the recording medium P, is positioned, and the color image is transferred by the above-described transfer unit. Is transferred.

The recording medium P to which the color image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing means 7 where the toner image is fixed. The fixing unit 7 includes a fixing roller 7a for applying heat to the recording medium P.
And a pressure roller 7b for pressing the recording medium P against the fixing roller 7a. Both rollers 7a and 7b are hollow rollers, each of which has a heater inside and is driven to rotate. Then, the recording medium P is conveyed while applying heat and pressure to fix the toner image on the recording medium P.

Then, the recording medium P on which the toner is fixed is discharged by a discharge roller pair 5f constituting a conveying means.
Is discharged to

(Developing Cartridge (Developing Apparatus)) Next, the structure of a developing cartridge for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 will be described.

This image forming apparatus has four developing cartridges D (Dy, Dm, Dc, Db) for enabling development of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black in order to form a full-color image. . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the developing cartridge D is detachably mounted on a rotary unit 11 that rotates about a shaft 10. Then, at the time of image formation, each developing cartridge D is rotated about the shaft 10 while being held by the rotary unit 11. Then, a developing cartridge D containing a predetermined color toner
Stops at the developing position facing the photosensitive drum 1. Furthermore,
After a developing roller, which will be described later, is positioned so as to face the photosensitive drum 1 at a small interval (about 300 μm), toner is supplied in accordance with the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 to supply the latent image. Develop.

When forming a color image, one of the intermediate transfer members 4
The rotary unit 11 rotates for each rotation, and the yellow developing cartridge D containing the yellow toner
The developing process is performed in the order of y, a magenta developing cartridge Dm containing magenta toner, a cyan developing cartridge Dc containing cyan toner, and a black developing cartridge Db containing black toner.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the developing cartridge D (for example, yellow developing cartridge Dy) is positioned at the developing position facing the photosensitive drum 1 and is stationary. The developing cartridge D includes a developing roller 12 that is a toner carrier that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 1 and a toner storage unit 13a that stores toner to be supplied to the developing roller 12. The frame 13 includes a frame 13 that supports the developing roller 12, and a shutter 14 that exposes the developing roller 12 and that can open and close an opening provided in the frame 13. Further, a toner feeding member 15 is provided in the toner storage section 13a. Note that a toner seal 30 is attached to the new developing cartridge so that the toner stored in the toner storage section 13a does not leak. Therefore, before the user attaches the new developing cartridge to the apparatus main body, the user peels off the toner seal 30 and opens the toner storage portion 13a.
Thus, the toner in the toner storage section 13a can be supplied to the developing roller 12.

When the driving force is obtained from the apparatus main body, the toner feeding member 15 rotates to feed the toner in the storage portion 13a to the developing roller 12. The developing roller 12 is a rotatable aluminum roller, and a developing blade 16 is pressed against the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12. For this reason, when the developing roller 12 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3, a thin layer of toner is applied to the peripheral surface thereof, and a charge is applied to the toner (frictional charging).

The photosensitive drum 1 on which the latent image has been formed
By applying the developing bias supplied from the apparatus main body to the developing roller 12 facing the toner image, a toner image can be formed on the photosensitive drum 1 according to the latent image.

The above-described configuration and developing steps are the same for the yellow developing cartridge Dy, the magenta developing cartridge Dm, the cyan developing cartridge Dc, and the black developing cartridge Db. When each developing cartridge D is moved to the developing position, each developing roller 12 of each developing cartridge D is connected to a high-voltage power supply and a driving source for each color provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. A developing bias voltage is sequentially and selectively applied to each of the cartridges D, and a driving force is transmitted to the developing roller 12.
Etc. rotate.

(Mounting of Developing Cartridge to Image Forming Apparatus Main Body) Next, a configuration for mounting the developing cartridge D to the image forming apparatus main body 30 will be described. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, an insertion port 17 having a width equal to or longer than the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge D is provided at a predetermined position of the main body 30 of the image forming apparatus.
8 is attached so that opening and closing is possible. Usually, the cover 18
The opening 17 is closed.

The apparatus main body 30 is provided with a developing device exchange switch (not shown). Then, when the user presses the switch when replacing the developing cartridge D due to toner consumption or the like, the rotary unit 11 rotates and the developing cartridge of the color to be replaced moves to the position of the insertion port 17.

When the user opens the cover 18, guides 19 constituting the mounting means of the developing cartridge D are provided at four places of the rotary unit 11 in the image forming apparatus main body 30. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS.
0 is provided. Then, the user can insert the developing cartridge D into the image forming apparatus main body 30 by inserting the guide portion 20 along the guide 19. The guide 19 and the guide portion 20 are both provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge D (the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 12) (only one side is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).

After the developing cartridge D is inserted into the apparatus main body 30 in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 as described above, the user rotates the developing cartridge D so that the shutter 14 is opened. The developing roller 12 faces the photosensitive drum 1 exposed from the frame 13 and is mounted in a state capable of developing.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the rotary unit 11 as a mounting member is provided with a black developing cartridge Db for developing a latent image using black toner, and a yellow developing cartridge for developing a latent image using yellow toner. A developing cartridge Dy, a magenta developing cartridge Dm for developing a latent image using magenta toner, and a cyan developing cartridge Dc for developing a latent image using cyan toner are mounted.

Here, the structure of the guide 19 and the structure of the shutter 14 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 6, an opening 13b is formed in the frame 13 of the developing cartridge D in a longitudinal direction, and the developing roller 12 is attached to the frame 13 so as to be exposed from the opening 13b. I have. And
At both sides in the longitudinal direction of the frame 13 and substantially at the center, a protruding portion 13c is formed integrally with the frame 13. The projecting portion 13c is connected to the developing cartridge D as described later.
And a rotation center of the developing cartridge D when the image forming apparatus is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 30.
At least one of the protrusions 13c provided on both side surfaces is formed in a cylindrical shape.

A round hole 14a is provided on both side walls in the longitudinal direction of the shutter 14. The round hole 14a is rotatably attached to the frame 13 by fitting the round hole 14a into the protruding portion 13c. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the shutter 14 is closed, the opening 13 is closed and the developing roller 12 is covered with the shutter 14. When the developing cartridge D is detached from the apparatus main body 30, the shutter 14 is closed, so that dust and the like do not adhere to the developing roller 12, and the roller 12 and the like are not damaged.

Further, a lock member 21 for locking the shutter 14 in a closed state is provided near the projecting portion 13c of the frame 13. This lock member 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes an engagement portion 21b formed on an arm portion 21a as an elastic support portion. On the other hand, a shutter engaging recess 14b serving as an engaging portion is provided at a predetermined position on the shutter side wall.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, when the shutter 14 is in the closed state, the engaging portion 21b is engaged with the engaging concave portion 14b, and the shutter 14 is locked in the closed state. Will not open.

When the developing cartridge D is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 30, the lock is automatically released and the shutter 14 is opened. Next, a specific description will be given.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the guide 19 provided on the inner wall of the rotary unit 11 has a guide member insertion portion 19a comprising two substantially parallel ridges and a linear rib 1.
9b1 and a projection insertion portion 19 comprising an arc rib 19b2 portion
b. Then, when inserting the developing cartridge D into the apparatus main body 30, the user first inserts the guide portion 20 provided on the shutter 14 while guiding it to the guide insertion portion 19a.

When the developing cartridge D is further inserted, as shown in FIG. 8, the protruding portions 13c provided on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge D enter the linear portion of the protruding portion insertion portion 19b. The protrusion 13c is formed by connecting the cylinder to the straight rib 1
9b1 has a cut portion 13c1 which is partially linearly cut at an angle parallel to 9b1, and the two linear ribs 19b1 fitted with the cut portion 13c1 have a width which can be passed only in the direction in which the cut portion 13c1 moves in parallel. Have. Therefore, the cut portion 13c1 is fitted and inserted into the straight rib 19b1, and the developing device D is inserted into the device main body 30 while maintaining a predetermined angle (posture).

Then, as shown in FIG.
Is inserted up to the arcuate rib 19b2, one end of the two linear ribs 19b1 abuts on the arm portion 21a that locks the shutter 14, and pushes it upward as shown in FIG. Thereby, the arm portion 21a
Is elastically deformed so that the engaging portion 21b can come out of the engaging concave portion 14b, so that the lock of the shutter 14 is released. Make up).
In this state, the shutter 14 becomes rotatable with respect to the developing cartridge frame 13. The arc rib 19b2 has a radius that allows the cylindrical protrusion 13c to rotate, and the developing cartridge D is in a state where it can rotate around the cylindrical protrusion 13c.

As shown in FIG. 9, projections 13d, which are hemispherical fitting portions, are provided on both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge frame 13, and the shutter 14 is also provided at a position corresponding thereto. A hole 14c is provided, which is a fitting portion to which the projection 13d can fit. For this reason, when the shutter 14 is closed, the protrusion 13d is fitted into the hole 14c, and thus the locking member 2 of the shutter 14 is used as described above.
Even if the lock by 1 is released, the developing cartridge frame 13 does not rotate to an unstable position with respect to the shutter 14.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, when the user presses the handle 13e of the frame 13 by hand, the shutter 14 is pressed.
Is fixed because the guide portion 20 is sandwiched between the guide portion insertion portions 19a, but the frame 13 has a cylindrical protrusion 13
c is rotatable within the arcuate rib 19b2, and the hemispherical projection 13d rides over the hole 14c of the shutter 14 and rotates to a predetermined position (the X direction shown in FIG. 10). As described above, in the present embodiment, since the insertion guide portion 20 is provided on the shutter 14, the frame 13 can be easily rotated with the shutter 14 fixed. Then, when the frame 13 is rotated to a predetermined position, the frame 13 is positioned by a positioning means (not shown), and the developing cartridge D is mounted.

As a result, the shutter 14 opens with respect to the frame 13 to expose the developing roller 12, and faces the photosensitive drum 1. At the time of this mounting, as described above, the hemispherical projection 13 d is
The rotation start position of the developing cartridge D can be recognized by a click feeling when the user exits the position c.

Here, since the diameter of the arc portion of the protrusion 13c is larger than the distance between the cut portions 13c1, when the protrusion 13c is rotated at the position of the arc rib 19b2,
The protrusion 13c does not come out of the straight rib 19b1.

On the other hand, when taking out the developing cartridge D from the image forming apparatus main body 30, when the user rotates the frame 13 in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned case, the cut portion 13c
1 is parallel to the straight rib 19b1, and the shutter 14 is closed. At this time, the hemispherical projection 13
The user can recognize the rotation end position of the developing cartridge D by a click feeling when d enters the hole 14c. In this state, the developing cartridge D is
8, the arm portion 21a of the lock member 21 is elastically restored, and the locking portion 2
1b enters the engagement recess 14b. As a result, the shutter 14 is automatically locked.

By providing the shutter 14 on the developing cartridge D as described above, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the developing roller 12. In addition, since the shutter 14 is provided with a lock mechanism, the shutter 1
4 can be prevented from being opened carelessly.

When the shutter 14 is inserted into the main body 30 of the image forming apparatus, the shutter 14 is kept closed so that the developing roller 12 is not damaged during the insertion. Further, the user does not need to manually remove the developing roller protection member or the like before inserting the developing cartridge as in the related art.

Further, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body 30 of the image forming apparatus, the shutter lock is automatically released, and the shutter 14 can be rotated simply by inserting the developing cartridge.
Is released and the developing roller 12 faces the photosensitive drum 1 and mounting is completed, so that mounting operability is improved.

(Driving Unit of Developing Cartridge) Next, a description will be given of a drive transmission structure from the apparatus main body to the developing cartridge D.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, among the protrusions provided on both side walls of the frame, a cylindrical protrusion 13c provided on one side is provided inside the developing roller 12 with the main assembly 30 of the apparatus.
A driving force receiving portion 22 for transmitting the rotational driving force from the motor is provided, and a gear 23a is fixed to the driving force receiving portion 22. A roller gear 23b attached to a rotating shaft of the developing roller 12 meshes with the gear 23a. When a driving force is transmitted to the driving force receiving portion 22, the developing roller 12 rotates. The gear 23a is a gear 23
The gear 23b meshes with the gear 23b attached to the rotation shaft of the toner feeding member 15 via the line c, and transmits the rotational force to the toner feeding member 15 as well.

The distal end of the drive receiving portion 22 is formed in a rib shape, and this portion is formed in a coupling shape to be connected to a drive transmitting member of the apparatus main body described later.

On the other hand, the rotary unit 11 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 30 has the developing cartridge D
A drive transmission member 24 for transmitting the driving force from the motor M is provided coaxially with the driving force receiving portion 22 at the position where the motor M is mounted. The transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force is schematically shown by a two-dot chain line). As shown in FIG. 11, the drive transmission member 24 is mounted so as to be movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the drive force receiving portion 22, and the tip of the drive transmission member 24 can be fitted to a rib of the drive force receiving portion 22. It is formed in a ring shape. Here, the coupling shape means that when the drive transmission member 24 moves in the axial direction with respect to the drive force receiving portion 22, the two are engaged, and when one rotates, the other also rotates integrally. Refers to the configured shape.
In the present embodiment, the driving force receiving portion 22 is provided with a plurality of concave portions 22a, while the drive transmitting member 24 is provided with a plurality of convex portions 24a. When the drive transmission member 24 rotates with the concave portion 22a and the convex portion 24a fitted, the drive force receiving portion 22 rotates.

When the mounted developer cartridge D is moved to the image forming position by the rotation of the rotary unit 11 during image formation, the drive transmitting member 24 is driven by a driving mechanism (not shown) by a driving mechanism (not shown). 22
, And is coupled to the receiving portion 22 to transmit driving force to the developing roller 12 and the like.
With this configuration, even if the stop position of the developing cartridge D with respect to the photosensitive drum 1 is slightly shifted, or the photosensitive drum 1 and the rotary unit 11
Of the developing cartridge D
Since the driving force is always transmitted from the same position and only the driving torque due to the coupling is transmitted, it is possible to reduce pitch unevenness and the like due to gear meshing disorder.

(Second Embodiment) Next, as a second embodiment, a configuration for stabilizing the pressing force of the developing roller 12 against the photosensitive drum 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the same reference numerals are given to components that perform the same functions as those of the above-described first embodiment, and the description is referred to.

As described in the first embodiment,
In the developing cartridge D, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive transmitting member 24 provided to the image forming apparatus main body 30 to the driving force receiving portion 22 at the developing position.

Here, as shown in FIG. 13, when the developing cartridge D is at the developing position,
X1 is a straight line connecting the rotation center of the developing cartridge D and the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 1 around the center c, and X2 is a straight line connecting the rotation center of the protrusion 13c and the rotation center of the developing roller 12. When viewed from the center of rotation of the protruding portion 13c, the straight line X2 is positioned upstream of the straight line X1 with respect to the driving rotation direction R to the driving force receiving portion 22.

With this configuration, a force is always applied to the developing roller 12 in a direction in which the developing roller 12 bites into the photosensitive drum 1, and the developing roller 12 is arranged so as to be able to bite the developing roller 12. Direction, the toner is always stably pressed, and stable development is performed. This is effective in so-called contact development, but is particularly effective in non-contact development because a stable gap is maintained.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when the developing cartridge is at the developing position, the urging means 2 urges the developing cartridge toward the photosensitive drum 1 to fix it.
5, the direction of the moment generated in the developing cartridge D by the urging direction P of the urging means 25 is M
X1 represents a straight line connecting the rotation center of the developing cartridge D by the protrusion 13c and the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 1.
Assuming that a straight line connecting the rotation center of the protrusion 13c and the rotation center of the developing roller 12 is X2, the straight line X2 is the straight line with respect to the direction M of the moment when viewed from the rotation center of the protrusion 13c. The same effect as described above can be obtained even if the configuration is such that it is located on the upstream side of X1. Here, the urging means 25 presses the rear part of the toner cartridge 130 at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge D.

(Third Embodiment) Now, FIGS.
Another embodiment of the developing cartridge D will be described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, also in the present embodiment, the developing cartridge D can be detachably mounted on the full-color laser beam printer shown in FIG.

Also in the present embodiment, the developing cartridge D is provided in the cartridge frame 63 with the developing roller 1.
2, a developing blade 16 and a toner storage section 63a.

When the user opens the cover 18, a guide 59, which constitutes a mounting means for the developing cartridge D, is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 30.
It is provided in the place. On the other hand, a guide portion 70 is provided on the shutter 64 of the developing cartridge D, as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the user can insert the developing cartridge D into the image forming apparatus main body 30 by inserting the guide portion 70 along the guide 19. The guide 70 is provided only on one side in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge D (in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 12). Therefore, the guide 59 is also provided only on one wall surface 11a of the rotary unit 11 (see FIG. 19).

Here, the developing cartridge D is moved from the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 to the developing roller 12.
The handle 63e is grasped by hand with the front facing and the rotary unit 11 is invaded.

After the developing cartridge D is inserted into the apparatus main body 30 as described above, the user rotates the developing cartridge D to open the shutter 64 to expose the developing roller 12 from the frame 63 and to expose the photosensitive member. It is opposed to the drum 1 and is mounted so as to be capable of developing.

Here, the developing cartridge D mounted at each mounting position of the rotary unit 11 has a spherical pressing member located at the arcuate fitting portion 26a of the guide 26 provided on the other wall surface 11b of the rotary unit 11. 2
6b (the driving force receiving member 2).
2). The pressing member 26b is elastically urged by a spring (not shown). Then, the developing cartridge D is urged toward the driving side. Therefore, the developing cartridge D is
2 is attached to the rotary unit 11 (apparatus main body 30) with reference to the side on which the driving force receiving member 22 is provided in the longitudinal direction.

Here, the construction of the developing cartridge D is shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 17 (b) and FIGS.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge D, and shows a state where the shutter 64 and the like are removed. Also, FIGS. 17 (a) and (b)
FIGS. 18A and 18B are side views of the developing cartridge D in a state where the shutter 64 is closed.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the developing cartridge in a state in which is opened.

As shown in FIG. 15, the developing cartridge D
The frame 63 has an opening 63b formed in the longitudinal direction, and the developing roller 12 is attached to the frame 63 so as to be exposed from the opening 63b. A projecting portion 63c is formed integrally with the frame 13 on one longitudinal side surface 63h of the frame 63 and substantially at the center. The projecting portion 63c serves as a guide for inserting the developing cartridge D into the image forming apparatus main body 30 and serves as a rotation center of the developing cartridge D as described later. The protrusion 63c is formed in a cylindrical shape.

The other side surface 63i in the longitudinal direction of the frame 63
At substantially the center, a protruding portion 63g is detachably attached to the frame 63 (in FIG. 15, the detached state is shown). 63 g of this projection part is 6
It is attached to the frame 63 by inserting the insertion portion 63g1 into a hole (not shown) provided in 3i.
The insertion portion 63g1 has a claw-shaped portion (not shown) at the tip thereof, and the protrusion 63g is attached to the frame 63 by engaging the claw portion with the frame 63. When the developing cartridge D is mounted at the mounting position of the rotary unit 11, the distal end surface 63g2 of the protrusion 63g is pressed by the pressing member 26b. Therefore, the developing cartridge D is pushed in the direction of the side surface 63h (the direction of arrow Q). Therefore, the developing cartridge D is mounted on the rotary unit 11 (apparatus main body 30) on the basis of the side surface 63h provided with the driving force receiving member 22.

At both ends of the developing roller 12, spacer rollers 12a and 12b are attached. Therefore, in the developing position, the urging means 2
By pressing the spacer rollers 12a and 12b against the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the urging force of 5, the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 1 maintain a predetermined gap.

The rubber developing blade 16 has a sheet metal 16a attached to a frame 63 by screws 16b.

Further, one side 63h of the developing cartridge D
Is provided with a lock member 71 (however, FIG. 15 shows a state where the lock member 71 is removed). The lock member 71 is attached to the cartridge frame portion 63h provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 as the developing means, and includes a shutter engaging portion 64b provided on the shutter portion 64. A lock engagement portion 71b to be engaged with the lock engagement portion 71b;
And a mounting portion 71c mounted on the cartridge frame portion 63h.
have. Here, 63j is a hole into which the mounting portion 71c is inserted. Then, the lock member 71
Is an integrally molded product made of plastic, the lock engagement portion 71b is engaged with the shutter engagement portion 64b to lock the shutter in the closed position, and the developing cartridge D is In the process of mounting at the mounting position, a portion of the lock member 71 comes into contact with a fixed portion provided on the apparatus main body 30 so that the support portion 71a bends and the lock engagement portion 7
1b is disengaged from the shutter engaging portion 64b to unlock the shutter 64.

As shown in FIGS. 15, 17, and 18, only one side surface of the developing cartridge frame 63 in the longitudinal direction is provided.
A projection 63d, which is a hemispherical fitting portion, is provided. Then, the protrusion 63 is also provided at a position corresponding to the shutter 64.
There is provided a hole 64c which is a fitted portion to which d can be fitted.
Therefore, when the shutter 64 is closed, the protrusion 6
Since 3d is fitted in the hole 64c, even if the lock of the shutter 14 by the lock member 21 is released as described above, the developing cartridge frame 13 rotates to an unstable position with respect to the shutter 14. It will not be lost.

Further, one side surface 63h and the other side surface 63i of the cartridge frame 63 are provided with a posture determining boss 63 described later.
m and the spring receiving portion 63k protrude.

As shown in FIG. 17A, reference numeral 73 denotes a toner seal pulling handle, which is used when pulling out the toner seal 30 described above.

Next, the shutter 64 will be described.
Now, both longitudinal side walls 64e and 64f of the shutter 64
Is provided with a circular hole 64a, and the shutter 64 is rotatably attached to the frame 63 by fitting the circular hole 64a into the protrusions 63c and 63g. And
As shown in FIG. 17, when the shutter 64 is closed, the opening 63 b is closed, and the developing roller 12 is covered by the shutter 64. Since the shutter 64 is closed when the developing cartridge D is detached from the apparatus main body 30, dust and the like do not adhere to the developing roller 12, and the roller 12 and the like are not damaged. Further, no foreign matter enters the developing cartridge D. When the shutter 64 is closed by the lock portion 71 as shown in FIG. 17, the engagement portion 71b engages with the engagement recess 64b and the shutter 6
4 is locked in the closed state, so that it is not opened carelessly.

When the developing cartridge D is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 30, the lock is automatically released, and the shutter 64 is opened.

Next, the developing cartridge D is inserted into the main assembly 30 of the apparatus.
The step of mounting the device and the step of positioning the device in the apparatus main body 30 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 19, a guide 59 as a support member provided on one inner wall 11a of the rotary unit 11 is substantially parallel to a guide insertion portion 59b having an inclined portion 59a which is opened upward and inclined. Straight ribs 59c
Projecting portion 59d, a fitting portion 59f as a support member comprising an arc rib 59e, and the fitting portion 59
It has a guide insertion portion 59h consisting of substantially parallel DC ribs 59g connected to f.

Then, the developing cartridge D is inserted into the main assembly 30 of the apparatus.
When the user inserts the guide portion 70 and the projecting portion 63c provided on the shutter 64,
a while guiding it (see FIG. 20).

When the developing cartridge D is further inserted, as shown in FIG. 21, the projecting portion 63c provided at one longitudinal end of the developing cartridge D enters the linear portion of the projecting portion inserting portion 59d. The protruding portion 63c has a cut portion 63c1 obtained by partially cutting a cylinder linearly at an angle parallel to the straight rib 59c, and the two straight ribs 59c fitted with the cut portion 63c1 move in parallel with the cut portion 63c1. The width (W1 in FIG. 19) is such that it can pass only in the direction in which Therefore, the cut portion 63c1 has the straight rib 59c.
The developing cartridge D is inserted into the apparatus main body 30 while maintaining a predetermined angle (posture).

Then, as shown in FIG.
When c is inserted until it reaches the arcuate rib 59e, one end of the two inclined portions 59a contacts the arm portion 71a that locks the shutter 64, and pushes it upward as shown in FIG. Thereby, the arm portion 71a
Is elastically deformed and the engaging portion 71b comes out of the engaging concave portion 64b, so that the lock of the shutter 64 is released (that is, in this embodiment, the inclined portion 59a also has a function of releasing the lock of the lock member 21). There). In this state, the shutter 64 becomes rotatable with respect to the developing cartridge frame 63. Further, the arc rib 59e has a radius that allows the cylindrical protrusion 63c to rotate, and the developing cartridge D is rotatable around the cylindrical protrusion 63c.

On the other hand, the other side 63i of the developing cartridge D
Of the guide 26 is guided by the inclined portion 26c of the guide 26 and enters the guide insertion portion 26d. When the developing cartridge D is further inserted, the cut portion 63g3 is fitted and inserted into the linear rib 26e as in the case of the protruding portion 63c, and the developing cartridge D is maintained at a predetermined angle (posture) and the apparatus main body 30 is maintained. It is inserted inside. Then, the protruding portion 63g is inserted until it reaches the arcuate rib (fitting portion) 26a. Here, the arc rib 26 a is
g has a rotatable radius. Therefore, in the developing cartridge D, one end of the frame 63 in the longitudinal direction is formed by the arcuate rib 59e of the guide 59 using the projection 63c as a support member.
The other end is supported by the arcuate rib 26a of the guide 26 with the protrusion 63g as a support member, and is supported by the rotary unit 11 so as to be rotatable around both the protrusions 63c and 63g. You.

Next, in the state shown in FIG. 22, when the user pushes the handle 63e of the frame 63 by hand, the shutter 64 is fixed because the guide 70 is sandwiched by the guide insert 59h. However, the frame 63 has a cylindrical projection 63c rotatable within the arcuate rib 59e.
Since g can be rotated by the arc rib 26a, the hemispherical projection 63d passes over the hole 64c of the shutter 64 and rotates to a predetermined position (the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 22). As described above, in the present embodiment, since the insertion guide 70 is provided on the shutter 64, the frame 63 can be easily rotated with the shutter 64 fixed.
When the frame 63 is rotated to a predetermined position, the frame 63 is positioned by the positioning means described later, and the developing cartridge D is mounted.

The developing cartridge D in the state shown in FIG.
Is rotated in the arrow X direction, the developing device frame 63
Positioning bosses 63m provided at both ends 63h and i in the longitudinal direction are provided at both ends of the center shaft 10 of the rotary unit, and push down a slide member 10a which can be moved in parallel by being biased by a spring 10b (see FIG. 23). ). The slide portion 10a is slidable because the elongated hole 10a1 is fitted on the shaft 10c. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, when the frame 63 is further rotated, the spring receiving portions 63k provided on both longitudinal ends 63h and i of the frame 63 are pressed by the springs 11a provided on both ends of the rotary unit. As a result, the frame 63 moves in the arrow Y direction (FIG. 2).
4) A rotating force is applied. However, since both bosses 63m abut the center axis 10 of the rotary unit 11, the posture of the frame 63 is stabilized at the mounting position shown in FIG.

That is, the developing cartridge D is mounted on the rotary unit 11 at a predetermined mounting position.

Reference numeral 11j denotes a guide portion, and the boss 63
Guide m.

As a result, the shutter 64 opens with respect to the frame 63 to expose the developing roller 12, and the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed.
Opposes. At the time of this mounting, the user can recognize the rotation start position of the developing cartridge D by the click feeling when the hemispherical projection 63d comes out of the hole 64c of the shutter 64 as described above.

Here, since the diameter of the arc portion of the protrusion 63c is larger than the distance between the cut portions 63c1, when the protrusion 63c is rotated at the position of the arc rib 59e, the protrusion 63c moves from the straight rib 59c. There is no escape.

On the other hand, when taking out the developing cartridge D from the image forming apparatus main body 30, when the frame 63 is rotated in a direction opposite to the case described above, the cut portion 63c1 becomes parallel to the linear rib 59c, and the shutter 63c is released. 64 closes. At this time, the user can recognize the rotation end position (removal position) of the developing cartridge D by a click feeling when the hemispherical projection 63d enters the hole 64c as described above. When the developing cartridge D is pulled out of the apparatus main body 30 in this state, the state as shown in FIG. 21 is obtained, and the arm portion 71a of the lock member 71 elastically returns.
The engaging portion 71b enters the engaging recess 64b. As a result, the shutter 64 is automatically locked.

By providing the shutter 64 on the developing cartridge D as described above, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the developing roller 12, and since the shutter 64 is provided with a lock mechanism, Inadvertent opening can be prevented.

When the shutter 64 is inserted into the main body 30 of the image forming apparatus, the shutter 64 is kept closed so that the developing roller 12 is not damaged during the insertion. Further, the user does not need to manually remove the developing roller protection member or the like before inserting the developing device.

Further, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body 30 of the image forming apparatus, the shutter lock is automatically released, and the shutter 64 is rotated only after the insertion.
Is released and the developing roller 12 faces the photosensitive drum 1 and mounting is completed, so that mounting operability is improved.

Next, the positioning of the developing cartridge D will be described.

First, referring to FIG. 25, the spring receiving portion 63k
The arrangement of (63k1, 63k2) and the posture determining boss 63m will be described.

The longitudinal side 6 of the developing roller 12
The 3h side will be described as an example, but the other side 63i has the same arrangement.

In this embodiment, the spring receiving portion 6
3k is the rotation center M1 of the developing roller 12 and the driving force receiving portion 2 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12.
About a straight line l1 connecting the rotation center M2 of FIG.
It is arranged in the range of 0 to 130 degrees.

A specific description according to this embodiment will be given below.
When viewed from the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12, a straight line l1 connecting the rotation center of the developing roller 12, M1 and the rotation center M2 of the driving force receiving member 22, and a spring receiving portion 63k
1 (63k2) so that the angle formed by the spring receiving surface 63k3 and the straight line 12 connecting the rotation center M1 is within a range of about 100 degrees to 130 degrees.
2) is arranged. In the present embodiment, they are arranged at about 115 degrees.

The boss 63m (63m1 / 63m)
2) is disposed within a range of about 130 ° to 150 ° with respect to the straight line 11 on a side opposite to the side where the spring receiving portion 63k is provided.

A specific description according to this embodiment will be given below.
The straight line l1, the center 63m of the boss 63m and the rotation center M
The angle between the straight line 13 connecting 1 and the straight line 13 is about 130 degrees to 150 degrees.
The boss 63m is arranged so as to be within the range of degrees. In the present embodiment, they are arranged at about 140 degrees.

As described above, the spring receiving portion 63k (63k1 ·
63k2) and the boss 63m (63m1, 63m2), the spring receiving portion 63k is attached to the apparatus main body 30.
, The elastic force of the spring 11a provided can be satisfactorily received. Further, the boss 63m can satisfactorily abut the shaft 10. Therefore, the positioning of the developing cartridge D with respect to the mounting position can be performed with high accuracy.

The boss 63m (63m1 / 63m)
2) is approximately 2 mm to 1 from the side 63 h · i of the frame 63.
It protrudes 5 mm outward. In the present embodiment, the boss 63m protrudes by about 4 mm.

The spring receiving portion 63k (63k1.6)
3k2) is about 2 m from the side 63 h · i of the frame 63.
It protrudes outward by m to 20 mm. In the present embodiment, the spring receiving portion 63k1 is about 10 mm, and 63k2 is about 6 mm.
mm. Therefore, the spring receiving portion 63k1 provided on the driving force receiving side has a larger protrusion amount.

The configuration relating to the shutter of the developing cartridge D described above is summarized as follows.

A developing cartridge D which is detachable from the main body 30 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and develops a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is provided. The device body 30
A body guide 59 for guiding in the direction of the mounting position of
And a fixed portion (inclined portion) 59a. A plastic cartridge frame 63 and a developing roller 12 for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30 with toner when the cartridge frame 63 is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30. The amount of toner adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 is regulated by the developing blade 16. A driving force receiving member 22 for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing roller 12 from the apparatus main body 30 when the developing roller 12 is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30;
A driving force receiving member 22 provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame portion 63h; and a toner storage portion 63 for storing the toner.
a, a shutter shutter made of plastic that can take a closed position covering a portion where the developing roller 12 is exposed from the cartridge frame 63, and an open position retreating from the closed position to expose the developing roller.
And a shutter 64 for guiding the developing cartridge D toward the mounting position of the apparatus main body 30 in cooperation with the main body guides 26 and 59 when the developing cartridge D is mounted to the mounting position of the apparatus main body 30. A cartridge guide provided on the outer surface of the shutter roller 64e, the cartridge guide being provided on the shutter portion 64e movable along the cartridge frame portion 63h provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12. 70, wherein the cartridge guide 70 has an elongated shape and is provided in a direction in which the driving force receiving member 22 is arranged. The shutter 64
A lock member 71 made of plastic for releasably locking the developing roller 12 in the closed position.
A lock engagement portion 71b that is attached to the cartridge frame portion 63h provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the shutter and engages with a shutter engagement portion 64b provided on a part of the shutter 64; A lock member 71 having a support portion 71a for supporting the joint portion 71b, and an attachment portion 71c attached to the cartridge frame portion 63h, wherein the lock engagement portion 71b Engagement with the portion 64b locks the shutter 14 in the closed position. In the process of mounting the developing cartridge D at the mounting position of the mounting main body 30, a part of the lock member 71 comes into contact with the fixed portion 59a provided on the apparatus main body 30, so that the support portion 71a is bent. The lock engagement portion 71b is provided with the shutter engagement portion 6
4b to release the lock of the shutter 64. Here, when the developing cartridge D is mounted in the mounting position of the apparatus main body 30, the shutter 64 contacts the fixed portion 59 a provided on the apparatus main body during the process of mounting the developing cartridge D to the mounting position. The lock engagement portion 71b is disengaged from the shutter engagement portion 64b by bending the 71a, and the lock of the shutter 64 is released. And the cartridge guide 7
0 is engaged with the main assembly guide 59 provided on the main assembly of the apparatus, and the operator inserts the developing cartridge D into the main assembly 30 of the main assembly.
The shutter is positioned at the open position by rotating the cartridge frame to mount the shutter at the mounting position.

The shutter 64 pivots the arc-shaped portion 64 g along the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 and the arc-shaped portion 64 g to the cartridge frame 63 to cover the exposed portion of the developing roller 12. Support portions 64e provided at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the arc-shaped portion 64g for supporting as much as possible.
Wherein the support portions 64e and f are rotatably attached to the cartridge frames 63h and i provided at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12, respectively. I have. The cartridge guide 70 is provided on the support portion 64e provided on the one end side.

The support portion 64e attached to the cartridge frame portion 63h provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 has its center on the same axis as the rotation center of the driving force receiving member 22. To rotate.

The cartridge guide 70 has an elongated shape and is provided in the direction in which the driving force receiving member 22 is arranged.

Further, the developing cartridge D has a pressed portion (protruding portion) 63g in the cartridge frame portion 63i provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12, wherein the pressed portion is Device body 3
It is pressed by the elastic force of the spring member provided on the zero.
The developing cartridge D is urged toward the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 by the elastic force of the spring member.

Next, the configuration relating to the mounting of the developing cartridge D to the apparatus main body 30 will be summarized as follows.

In the developing cartridge D which is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30 and develops a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, a cartridge frame 63, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30 A developing roller 12 for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photoreceptor provided on the apparatus main body 30 with toner when attached to the apparatus main body 30; and a developing roller 12 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12. The provided cartridge frame portion 6
First protrusion (projection) 6 protruding from 3h
3c, a first support member (guide) provided on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the main body is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
A first protrusion 63c supported by the first protrusion 59 and a second protrusion (projection) 63g provided to protrude from the cartridge frame portion 63i provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12. A second projection 63g supported by a second support member (guide) 26 provided on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; A driving force receiving member 22 for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing roller 12 from the apparatus main body 30 when attached to the
The cartridge frame portion 63 provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12.
h, a driving force receiving member 22 exposed from
A guide 70 for guiding the developing cartridge G toward the mounting position when mounted on the main body 30 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the guide 70 being provided movably with respect to the cartridge frame 63. .

The guide 70 is connected to the developing roller 12.
Is movable along the outside of the cartridge frame portion 63h provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame.

The guide 70 has an elongated shape.
It rotates about the driving force receiving member 22. Here, the guide 70 has its longitudinal direction set to the driving force receiving member 2.
Suitable for 2.

Further, the developing cartridge D has a rotating member (for example, a shutter) 64 rotatably attached to the cartridge frame 63. The guide 70 is provided on the rotating member 64.

The rotating member (for example, the shutter 6)
Reference numeral 4) denotes a shutter 64 for covering a portion where the developing roller 12 is exposed from the cartridge frame 63. Here, the shutter 64 is movable between a closed position that covers the exposed portion and an open position that retreats from the closed position and exposes the developing roller 12. The guide 70 is provided on the shutter 64 so as to project outward in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller.

The guide 70 is provided on a shutter portion which moves along the outside of the cartridge frame portion 63h provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12.

The first projecting portion 63c has two opposing flat portions 63c1 for guiding the developing cartridge toward the mounting position of the apparatus main body when the apparatus is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30. And two opposed curved surface portions 63c2 for fitting into the concave portions (fitting portions) 59f of the first support member (guide) 59. The second projecting portion 63g has two opposing flat portions 63g3 for guiding the developing cartridge in the direction of the mounting position of the apparatus main body when the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It has two opposing curved surface portions 63g4 for fitting into the concave portions (fitting portions) 26a of the two support members (guides) 26. The distance l1 between the outer side surfaces of the planar portion 63c1 of the first protrusion 63c.
(FIG. 17B) is larger than the distance 12 (FIG. 17A) between the outer side surfaces of the flat portion 63g3 of the second protrusion 63g.

The distance l1 between the outer side surfaces of the flat portion 63c1 provided opposite the first protrusion 63c is about 13 mm to 15 mm, and the distance l1 is provided opposite the second protrusion 63g. The distance l2 between the outer side surfaces of the flat portion 63g3 is about 2 mm to 9 mm. In this embodiment, l1 is about 15 mm, l2
Is about 9 mm.

The distance 13 (FIG. 17 (b)) between the farthest outer side surfaces of the curved portion 63c2 provided opposite the first protrusion 63c is about 13 mm to 17 mm.
mm, and a distance 14 (FIG. 17A) between the farthest outer side surfaces of the curved surface portion 63g4 provided to face the second protrusion 63g is about 7 mm to 11 mm. In the present embodiment, l3 is about 17 mm, l4
Is about 11 mm.

The driving force receiving member 22 is surrounded by the first protrusion 63c. The driving force receiving member 22 has a concave portion 22a for engaging with the convex portion 24a of the apparatus main body 30 (see FIG. 11). Here, the convex portion 24a is engaged with the concave portion 22a. Thereby, the driving force of the apparatus main body is transmitted to the developing unit.

The curved surface has a continuous arc shape.

When the developing cartridge D is rotated from a mounting position (FIG. 24) to a developing position (FIGS. 13 and 14) for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1, It rotates around the first projection 63c and the second projection 63g.

The developing cartridge D is rotated about 90 ° to 120 ° from the mounting / dismounting position (FIG. 22) about the first projecting portion 63c and the second projecting portion 63g. 24), wherein the attachment / detachment position (FIG. 22) is
c and the second protruding portion 63g correspond to the first support member 59.
And the position where the flat portion 63g3 has entered the inside of the second support member 26, and the flat portion 63g3 is the fitting portion 19b2.2 of the first support member 59 and the second support member 26.
6a. Here, in the present embodiment, it rotates about 105 degrees.

Further, the developing cartridge D further reaches the developing position by rotating about 5 to 10 degrees from the mounting position around the first projecting portion 63c and the second projecting portion 63g. Here, the developing position is a position where the developing roller 12 presses the electrophotographic photosensitive drum via spacer rollers 12a and 12b.
In this embodiment, the rotation is about 7 degrees.

The guide 70 is a guide 70 for guiding the developing cartridge D into the apparatus main assembly, and is provided so as to be displaceable with respect to the first projecting portion 63c. Thus, in the present embodiment, since the guide 70 is displaceable, the developing cartridge can be smoothly rotated when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body. Further, in attaching and detaching the developing cartridge to and from the apparatus main body, a substantially linear operation and a substantially rotational operation are combined,
The developing cartridge can be smoothly attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.

The guide 70 has an elongated shape, and rotates about 90 to 120 degrees with respect to the first protrusion 63c in order to mount the developing cartridge at a mounting position in the apparatus main body.

Further, when the developing cartridge D is mounted on the apparatus main body 30,
It has a driving force receiving member 22 for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing roller 12 from the apparatus main body 30. Here, the driving force receiving member 22 is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12. The first protrusion 63c is arranged on the same side as the arrangement, and the guide 70 is arranged only on the same side. As described above, since the guide 70 is provided only on one side surface 63h (not provided on the other side surface 63i), the guide 70 can be smoothly mounted when the developing cartridge D is mounted on the apparatus main body 30. it can.

The mounting position of the developing cartridge is a position where the developing cartridge is positioned and mounted on the apparatus main body.

Further, the developing position of the developing cartridge is a position where the developing cartridge is positioned with respect to the mounting main body in order to perform the developing.

The mounting / detaching position of the developing cartridge is a position for mounting the developing cartridge on a support member provided on the apparatus main body and for taking out the developing cartridge.
Here, the support member supports the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is mounted at the mounting position.

Next, the configuration relating to the positioning of the developing cartridge D with respect to the apparatus main body 30 will be summarized as follows.

In the developing cartridge D which is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30 and develops the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1, a cartridge frame 63, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30 A developing roller 12 for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 provided in the apparatus main body by using toner when mounted on the apparatus main body; and one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 A first protruding portion (protruding portion) 6 protruding outward from the cartridge frame portion 63h.
3c, wherein the first protrusion 63c is
When it is mounted on the main body 30, it is supported by a first support member (guide) 59 provided on the apparatus main body 30. The developing roller 12
A second protruding portion (protruding portion) 63g provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction so as to protrude outward from the cartridge frame portion 63i, and the second protruding portion 63g is mounted on the apparatus main body. At this time, it is supported by a second support member (guide) 26 provided in the apparatus main body. A first urging force receiving portion (spring receiving portion) 63k1 provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 so as to protrude outward from the cartridge frame portion 63h; and the first urging force receiving portion here. A biasing force is applied to 63k1 by a first elastic member (coil spring) 11a provided on the apparatus main body when the apparatus is mounted on the apparatus main body. The first urging force receiving portion 63k1 is formed integrally with the cartridge frame 63. A second urging force receiving portion (spring receiving portion) 63k2 provided to protrude outward from the cartridge frame portion 63i on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12, and the second urging force receiving portion here; The second elastic member (coil spring) 11 provided on the device main body when mounted on the device main body has a portion 63k2.
The urging force is given by a. Further, the second urging force receiving portion 63k2 is formed integrally with the cartridge frame. A first contact portion (posture determining boss) 63m1 provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12a so as to protrude outward from the cartridge frame portion 63h, and the first contact portion 63m1 is provided here. When it is mounted on the apparatus main body, it comes into contact with a first fixed portion (central shaft) 10 provided on the apparatus main body. The first contact portion 10 is formed integrally with the cartridge frame. A second contact portion (posture determining boss) 63m2 provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12a so as to protrude outward from the cartridge frame portion 63i.
Here, the second contact portion 63m2 comes into contact with a second fixed portion (center shaft) 10 provided on the apparatus main body when the second contact section 63m2 is mounted on the apparatus main body. Further, the second contact portion 63m2
Are integrally formed with the cartridge frame.

A driving force receiving member 22 for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing roller from the apparatus main body when the developing roller is mounted on the apparatus main body. Is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame portion 63h.

Here, when viewed from a side surface direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12, the developing roller 1
The first biasing force receiving portion and the second biasing force receiving portion are disposed within a range of about 100 to 130 degrees with respect to a straight line connecting the rotation center of the second and the rotation center of the driving force receiving member. ing. Further, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are approximately 130
It is arranged in the range of degrees to 150 degrees.

Here, the first urging force receiving portion 63k and the second urging force receiving portion 63k have a flat plate shape, and are formed by flat portions so that the urging force of the first elastic member 11a and the second elastic force receiving portion 63k are formed. It receives the urging force of the member 11a.

The first contact portion 63m1 and the second contact portion 63m2 have a cylindrical shape, and the peripheral surface portions of the column shape have the first fixed portion 10 and the second fixed portion. Contact 10

The cartridge frame, the developing roller, the driving force receiving member, the toner storage unit, the shutter,
Cartridge guide, lock member, fixed portion, first protrusion, second protrusion, first urging force receiving portion, second urging force receiving portion, first contact portion, second contact The portion, the first fixed portion, the second fixed portion, and the like are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the shape, structure, and the like can be appropriately selected and used.

Next, another embodiment will be described.

FIG. 26 is a side view of one end of the developing cartridge D.

In the present embodiment, the above-described protrusion 6
3c shows another shape.

The side surface 63 of the frame 63 of the developing cartridge D
25, the width of W2 is smaller than the rib interval W1 at the entrance of the guide 59 (FIG. 19), even if a part of the cylindrical protrusion 63c provided on the guide h is not cut straight. As described above, the straight portion 63c1 has at least one protrusion 63c.
Insertion is possible even if 3 is provided.

As a result, the contact resistance between the guide 59 and the rib is reduced, and the insertion of the developing cartridge D becomes smooth.

Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 27 shows a cylindrical projection 63c provided on the side surface 63h of the frame 63 of the developing cartridge.
A shape having a plurality of protrusions 63c4 in contact with an arc having a diameter D2 so as to fit with the diameter D1 (FIG. 19) of the 9-shaped arc-shaped rib.

Thus, the contact resistance between the guide 59 and the ribs is reduced, and the rotation when the developing cartridge D is mounted on the apparatus main body 30 becomes smooth.

The other embodiment shown in FIG. 28 is a combination of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, and the above-described effects can be obtained.

Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the user removes the shutter 80 from the cartridge frame 63 by hand.
Or it is something to attach. Further, the guide 70 is provided not on the shutter 80 but on the rotating member 81. The rotation member 81 is rotatable around the protrusion 63C along the side surface 63h of the cartridge frame 63. It is locked by the lock member 71 described above. Therefore, the guide 70 functions in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and the developing cartridge D is
0 can be attached.

Further, the shutter 80 is provided with the developing cartridge D.
The user is detached from the frame 63 prior to mounting on the apparatus main body 30. Then, when the developing cartridge D is taken out of the apparatus main body 30, the user attaches it to the frame 63 again as needed.
Note that the shutter 80 is not always necessary and may not be provided.

The guide 70 may not be provided on the rotating member 81, but may be directly mounted on the cartridge frame 63. In this case, the guide needs to be movably attached to the cartridge frame 63.

According to each of the above-described embodiments, since the developing cartridge is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus by guiding the protrusions provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge frame, it is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. It can be inserted in the direction (transverse direction), the insertion stroke can be shortened, and the insertion operability is improved.

Further, the drive connection to the developing cartridge is performed by the coupling shape, so that it is possible to prevent a decrease in drive accuracy due to, for example, drive gear pitch unevenness.

The above-mentioned cartridge frame, shutter and the like are made of plastic such as polystyrene, ABS resin, polycarbonate, polyethylene or polypropylene.

The process cartridge is not limited to the above-described embodiment. At least one of the charging means and the cleaning means as the process means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge to form a cartridge for the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. It is made detachable.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the mounting operability of the developing cartridge can be improved.

According to the present embodiment, the developing cartridge can be accurately positioned and mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Further, according to the present embodiment in which the urging force receiving portion and the contact portion are provided to protrude outward from the cartridge frame portion, the urging force receiving portion and the contact portion are not restricted by the shapes of the urging force receiving portion and the contact portion. The shape of the cartridge frame can be determined.

(Fourth Embodiment) Now, FIGS.
Another embodiment of the developing cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, also in the present embodiment, the developing cartridge D can be detachably mounted on the full-color laser beam printer shown in FIG. Also in the present embodiment, the developing cartridge D includes the developing roller 12, the developing blade 16, and the toner storage section 63 in the cartridge frame 63.
a.

As shown in FIG. 33, the developing cartridge D
An opening 63b is formed in the cartridge frame 63 of the cartridge frame 63 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction.
Attached to. A projecting portion 63c is provided substantially at the center of one longitudinal side surface 63h of the cartridge frame 63.
Are formed integrally with the cartridge frame 63. The projecting group 63c serves as a guide when the developing cartridge D is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 30 and a pivot center when the developing cartridge D is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 30 as described above. The protrusion 6
3c is formed in a cylindrical shape.

A projecting portion 63g as a shutter pin is detachably attached to the cartridge frame 63 at substantially the center of the other side surface 63i in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame 63 (FIG. 33 shows the detached state). ). The projecting portion 63g is attached to the cartridge frame 63 by inserting an insertion portion (hereinafter, referred to as a "pin attaching portion") 63g1 into a hole 63Eq (see FIG. 56) provided in the side surface 63i. The projecting portion 63g includes a conductive portion 63g8 as described later and includes a magenta developing cartridge Dm, a cyan developing cartridge Dc, and a yellow developing cartridge for magenta, cyan, and yellow toners, which are non-magnetic toners. Although used only for Dy, the protrusion 63g used for the black developing cartridge Db for black toner, which is a magnetic toner, does not include the conductive portion 63g8.
This is because the magenta developing cartridge Dm, the cyan developing cartridge Dc, and the yellow developing cartridge Dy include a charge applying roller 91 as a charge applying member described later. The projecting portion 63g is provided with the developing cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy, Db).
It functions as an axis that becomes the center of rotation when it is attached to zero.
The projecting portion 63g is provided with the hole 63Eq provided on the side surface 63i.
The cartridge is attached to the cartridge frame 63 by inserting the pin attaching portion 63g1 into the cartridge frame 63. The pin mounting portion 63g1 has a claw portion 63b13 in the shape of an inverted claw at the tip thereof, and the cartridge frame 63 has the claw portion 6b.
The projection 63 g is attached to the cartridge frame 63 by the engagement of 3 b 13. When the developing cartridge D is mounted at the mounting position of the rotary unit, the distal end surface 63g2 of the protruding portion 63g is pressed by the above-described pressing member 26b which elastically protrudes from the other wall surface of the rotary unit. Therefore, the developing cartridge D
Is pushed in the direction of the side surface 63h (the direction of arrow Q in FIG. 33). Therefore, the developing cartridge D is mounted on the rotary unit (the apparatus main body 30) with reference to the side surface 63h on which the driving force receiving member 22 is provided.

(Structure of Projection (Shutter Pin)) Next, the structure of the projection 63g as a shutter pin will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 33, 53, and 54.

The projection 63g as a shutter pin is
From one end in the longitudinal direction to the other end, the pin mounting portion 6
3g1, shutter mounting portion 63g6, and head 6
3g7. The pin mounting portion 63g1 is provided on the cartridge frame 63 with the protruding portion 63g.
The shutter mounting portion 63g6 is a portion for mounting a shutter 64 to be described later to the cartridge frame 63. 63g7 head
Is located outside the cartridge frame 63 when the projection 63g is attached to the cartridge frame 63.

The pin mounting portion 63g1 has a cylindrical portion 63g11 which enters the inside of the cartridge frame 63, and a projecting portion 63
and a locking portion 63b12 which locks to the cartridge frame 63 for mounting g. Locking part 63
b12 has a claw portion 63b13 elastically engaged with the cartridge frame 63. The claw 63b13 is provided in the shape of an inverted claw at the tip of the protruding portion 63g, and is elastically locked to the cartridge frame 63 (see FIG. 56).

The shutter mounting portion 63g6 has a fitting portion 63g61 for fitting into a round hole 64a provided in the shutter 64, and the fitting portion 63g61 is provided with the round hole 6g61.
4a. Then, the shutter mounting portion 63g6
The fitting portion 63g61 is formed in a circular shape to form a first circle, and the restricting portion 63g62 is formed in a circle having a larger diameter than the fitting portion 63g61 to form a second circle. When the projection 63 g is attached to the cartridge frame 63, the second circular regulating portion 63 g 62 faces the side surface of the shutter 64.

The head portion 63g7 has cut portions (flat portions) 63g3 facing each other on the peripheral surface thereof and cylindrical portions (arc-shaped surface portions) 64g4.

Further, when the developing cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy) is mounted on the apparatus main body 30, the projecting portion 63g contacts the developing cartridge D (D
m, Dc, Dy), a conductive portion 63g8 for grounding
Having. The conductive portion 63g8 is made of metal and includes a cylindrical portion 63g81 and a D-cut portion 63g82. The conductive portion 63g8 is press-fitted into the pin mounting portion 63g1, the shutter mounting portion 63g6, and the head portion 63g7. Penetrating in the direction.

The pin mounting portion 63g1, the shutter mounting portion 63g6, and the head portion 63g7 of the protruding portion 63g are integrally formed of plastic, and for example, polystyrene can be used as plastic. The conductive portion 63g8 is made of metal, and for example, iron or the like can be used as the metal.

[0177] Spacer rollers 12a and 12b are attached to both ends of the developing roller 12, respectively. Therefore, at the developing position, the spacer rollers 12a, 12b are moved by the urging force of the urging means or the compression coil spring urging the slide member of the first embodiment.
Of the developing roller 12
And the photosensitive drum 1 maintain a predetermined gap.

The developing blade 1 made of rubber or the like
6 (see FIG. 30), the sheet metal 16a is attached to the cartridge frame 63 by small screws 16b. The developing blade 16 of the developing cartridge Dy shown in FIG.
Is attached to the sheet metal 16a on the back side of a holding member 90 that holds a charge applying roller 91 for applying an electric charge to the toner on the developing roller 12. The holding member 90 and the sheet metal 16a are connected to the cartridge frame 6 by small screws 16b.
3 is attached. The configuration of the developing blade 16 will be described later in detail.

(Description of developer charge applying roller (developer charge applying member)) Here, the magenta developing cartridge D
m, a developer charge applying roller 91 (hereinafter simply referred to as a “charge applying roller”) as a developer charge applying member that applies an electric charge to the non-magnetic one-component toner used in the cyan developing cartridge Dc and the yellow developing cartridge Dy. Will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 30 and 33, the charge applying roller 91 is rotatably disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12. More specifically, the toner on the developing roller 12 is provided on the upstream side of the contact portion N of the developing blade 16 with the developing roller 12 in the rotation direction of the developing roller 12, more specifically, on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 12. The developing unit R is arranged downstream of the developing unit R that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 so as to contact the developing roller 12. Things.

The charging rollers 91 are arranged at both ends of the developing roller 12 in the longitudinal direction. Each charging roller 91
Are connected by a conductive shaft 91s rotatably supported by a hook-shaped support portion 90a provided on the holding member 90. The conductive shaft 91 s is in contact with a charging roller conductive plate 93 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the holding member 90 via a metal conductive spring 92. The charging roller 91 is in contact with both the non-toner-coated portion (unroughened portion) A2 and the toner-coated portion (roughened portion) A1 on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12. This is because the toner as the non-magnetic one-component developer has a high fluidity, so that the contact of only the toner coat portion A1 causes the charge applying roller 91 to easily slip, and the driven rotation may not be obtained. For driving, a driven or the same peripheral speed is indispensable between the charge applying roller 91 and the developing roller 12, and if a peripheral speed difference occurs between the charge applying roller 91 and the developing roller 12, the toner coat becomes non-uniform, and during development, This causes the toner to transfer to the photosensitive drum 1 as a fog, or causes scattering or leakage of the toner.

The charge applying roller 91 is a coating roller 1
9 and a gap region between the application roller 19 and a longitudinal side wall of the toner supply opening 63 </ b> Ae of the developing frame 63 </ b> A as a contact region with the developing roller 12. The reason why the contact area of the charge applying roller 91 is set as described above is that the area where the application roller 19 is not provided and the end of the application roller 19 have an insufficient amount of triboelectric charge with respect to the toner. This is because the electric adhesion (mirror power) to the substrate 12 is weak.

The conductive shaft 91 s is provided with a charging roller conductive plate 93 provided at both longitudinal ends of the holding member 90.
And a conductive spring 92 made of metal.

In the present embodiment, by providing the charge applying roller 91 including the contact area as described above at both ends of the developing roller 12 in the longitudinal direction, the toner is
The developing blade 16 is lifted up by being sandwiched between the contact portions N near both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the toner layers at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the contact portion N of the developing blade 16 with the developing roller 12 are gradually thickened in a streak shape. Even if the toner is formed and the electric adhesion to the developing roller 12 is reduced, the electric adhesion to the developing roller 12 is restored by the electric charge applied to the toner by the charge applying roller 91, and the toner is applied to the photosensitive drum 1. This prevents so-called toner leakage, in which the toner is transferred as fog and the toner spills out of the surface of the developing roller 12 to the outside, and the inside of the apparatus main body 30 is significantly contaminated.

Further, in the gap region between the end of the application roller 19 and the longitudinal side wall of the toner supply opening 63Ae of the developing frame 63A, the amount of triboelectric charge for the toner becomes insufficient, and the electric charge to the developing roller 12 is reduced. Even if the adhesion decreases, the electric adhesion to the developing roller 12 is restored by the electric charge applied to the toner by the charging roller 91, and the toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 1 as fog, The so-called toner leakage, which spills out of the surface of the developing roller 12 to the outside and significantly contaminates the inside of the apparatus main body 30, is prevented.

As a result, generation of uncharged toner at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 can be reliably prevented.
A thin layer of toner on the developing roller 12 can be stably and favorably formed. A bias is supplied to the charge applying roller 91 by a voltage generating circuit 100 (see FIG. 55) provided inside a side cover (first side cover) 63E on the opposite side to be described later. The configuration of the circuit 100 will be described later.

A lock member 71 is attached to one side surface 63h of the developing cartridge D.
In FIG. 3, it is shown in a detached state). The lock member 71 is attached to a side surface 63h of the cartridge frame 63 provided on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 as a developing unit. A lock engaging portion 71b which engages with a shutter engaging recess 64t provided on a side wall 64e of the shutter 64;
It has a support portion 71a for supporting the lock engagement portion 71b, and mounting portions 71c and 71d mounted on one side surface 63h of the cartridge frame 63. Incidentally, 63jl and 63j2 are holes provided in the side surface 63h, into which the mounting portions 71c and 71d are inserted. Further, the lock member 71 is an integral molded product made of plastic. In the process of mounting at the mounting position, the arm portion 71g, which is a part of the lock member 71, comes into contact with a fixed portion provided on the apparatus main body 30, whereby the support portion 71a bends and the lock engagement portion 71b is The shutter 64 is disengaged from the shutter engaging recess 64t.
Unlock.

(Shutter) Next, the shutter 64 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 38, a round hole 64a is provided in both longitudinal side walls 64e and 64f of the shutter 64, and the round hole 64a is fitted into the projecting portions 63c and 63g to form the cartridge frame 63. , A shutter 64 is rotatably mounted. And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 32, when the shutter 64 is closed, the opening 63 b is closed, and the developing roller 12 is covered with the shutter 64. Since the shutter 64 is closed when the developing cartridge D is detached from the apparatus main body 30, dust and the like do not adhere to the developing roller 12, and the developing roller 12 and the like are not damaged. Further, no foreign matter enters the developing cartridge D.

The support portion 71a of the lock member 71 is provided with grooves 71f so that the mounting portions 71c and 71d are provided.
The cantilever shape can be used as a cantilever with the side provided with the base as the base side so as to be elastically deformable.
And an unlocking arm 71g. The mounting portion 71c has a cylindrical shape in the longitudinal direction, and fits in the mounting hole 63jl. The three mounting portions 71d provided around the mounting portion 71c are rectangular dowels projecting in the longitudinal direction. Each of the locking members 71 has an inverted claw (not shown), and is fitted into a square mounting hole 63j2 provided around the mounting hole 63jl, whereby the lock member 71 is mounted on the side surface 63h of the cartridge frame 63.

Then, as shown in FIG.
When the shutter 4 is open, the tip of the lock engagement portion 71b is on a cam edge 64m having an arc portion concentric with the hole 64a of the side wall 64e of the shutter 64. When the shutter 64 is closed, the lock engagement portion 71b is locked as shown in FIG. The portion 71b engages with the engaging recess 64t provided on the cam edge 64m of the shutter 64, so that the shutter 64 is locked in the closed state and does not accidentally open.

When the developing cartridge D is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 30, the lock is automatically released, and the shutter 64 is opened.

(Means for Preventing Erroneous Mounting of Developing Cartridge) Here, the structure of the means for preventing erroneous mounting of the developing cartridge D will be described with reference to FIGS. 38, 39 and 50.

Developing cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy,
Db) has the same mounting portion such as mounting shape and size, and can be mounted on any of a plurality of cartridge mounting portions of the rotary unit. Therefore, by preventing a developing cartridge other than the developing cartridge to be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion from being mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of a predetermined color of the rotary unit,
The operability of the user to mount the developing cartridge on the cartridge mounting portion can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge mounting portions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary unit (specifically, the cartridge mounting portions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary unit in this example). A partition plate 11b (see FIG. 39) for partitioning these cartridge mounting portions is connected to both flanges 11 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rotary unit.
f, 11g by bridging between the two flanges 11f, 11g.
Are combined. The partition plate 11b extends in the axial direction of the rotary unit 11. The partition plate 11b is provided with body identification portions 11ml, 11cl, 11yl, and 11bl at the end portions near one flange 11g (on the driving force receiving portion side), respectively, on the partition plates 11f and 11g (see FIG. 50). .

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 50, the shutter 64 (64 m, 64 c, 64
y, 64b) include cartridge identifying sections 64M, 64C, 64Y,
64B are provided (FIG. 38 shows the identification unit 64B). These identification sections 64M, 64C, 64Y, 64B
Are provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical outer periphery of the shutter 64 of the developing cartridge D. This identification unit 6
4M, 64C, 64Y, and 64B are provided as protrusions protruding from the outer periphery of the shutter 64. This identification unit 6
4M, 64C, 64Y, and 64B are substantially orthogonal to the linear projections 70 that face the shutter 64 when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and are oriented substantially toward the center of the round hole 64a provided in the shutter 64. The center exists at a position substantially at the center of 64a. The identification units 64M, 64C, 64
Y and 64B are collectively provided near the open end 64h, which is the edge of the shutter 64 on the side facing the developing roller 12, and near the driving force receiving side in the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 38, four seats 64s are provided on the shutter 64 at four regular intervals so that the pieces 64r can be attached at regular intervals in a straight line in the longitudinal direction in order to attach the identification portions 64M, 64C, 64Y and 64B. It is. This seat 64
In s, holes 64p and 64q for frame positioning have shutters 64.
The hole 64p is a round hole and the hole 64p is
q is a long hole that is long in the circumferential direction of the shutter 64. Piece 64
r has a hexagonal cuboidal shape, and a projection facing the holes 64p and 64q is provided on a surface facing the seat 64s which is not visible in FIG. 54. The projections are fitted into the holes 64p and 64q and positioned. Then, the seat 64s and the piece 64r are fixed by bonding.

A piece 64r is attached to any one of these four seats 64s, and the identification portion 64 of the developing cartridge D is attached.
M, 64C, 64Y, and 64B. When the developing cartridge D having such identification portions 64M, 64C, 64Y, and 64B is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, respectively, the identification portions 64M, 64C,
Reference numerals 64Y and 64B denote identification portions 11ml, 11cl, 11yl, and 11b of the cartridge mounting portion 14 as shown in FIG.
1 and the cartridge mounting portions 14m and 14 respectively.
c, 14y, and 14b, but any of the identification portions 64M, 64C, and 64B of the developing cartridges Dm, Dc, and Db with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 14y does not have the identification portion 11yl of the partition plate 11y of the cartridge mounting portion 14. Therefore, the developing cartridges Dm, Dc, and Db cannot be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 14y for the yellow developing cartridge Dy.

Similarly, the cartridge mounting section 14m for mounting the magenta developing cartridge Dm cannot be mounted on the developing cartridges Dy, Dc and Db. The developing cartridges Dy, Dm, and D are attached to the cartridge mounting portion 14c for mounting the cyan developing cartridge Dc.
b cannot be attached. The developing cartridges Dy, Dm, and Dc cannot be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion for mounting the developing cartridge Db containing the black toner.

(Structure of Developing Frame) FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 32, a cartridge frame indicated by the reference numeral 63 is a developing frame (main cartridge frame).
63A, toner frame 63B, cover frame 63
C, side cover (developer cartridge side cover)
63D and 63E and a coupling frame 63F.

As shown in FIG. 30, the developing frame 63A and the toner frame 63B are formed with flanges 63Aa provided along both sides of the developing frame 63A in the short direction along the longitudinal direction.
A triangular ridge in the longitudinal direction is provided on a surface 63n of the toner frame 63B and a flange 63Ba provided along the longitudinal direction, and the ridge is ultrasonically welded to the two frames 63A,
The DT container unit DU is constituted by connecting the 63B.

[0202] Toner frame 63B and cover frame 6
3C, a flange 63Ba of the toner frame 63B has a key-shaped cross section so that the upper surface thereof is a coupling surface 63p, and the coupling surface 63p is a flat surface so that the opening 63o of both frames is combined into one toner container. 63Bb
Is provided so as to surround the opening 63o. Flange 63Cb surrounding opening 63o on cover frame 63C side
Is connected to the flange 63 of the toner frame 63B by the coupling surface 63p.
Ultrasonic welding is performed in contact with Bb.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, which are perspective views, both ends of the developing frame 63A and the toner frame 63B, which are connected as described above, in the longitudinal direction are side covers 63.
D and 63E cover, the side cover (first side cover) 63E is screwed to the developing frame 63A, and the side cover (second side cover) 63D is a coupling frame fixed to the developing frame 63A. (Bearing unit) Screwed to 63F. As a result, all the frames form an integral cartridge frame 63.

(Coupling Frame) FIG. 44 in Perspective View
As shown in the figure, a coupling frame (bearing unit) 63F is inserted through a small screw hole 63Fa into a bearing surface 63Ak1 (see FIG. 43) of a shaft portion on the driving force receiving side of the developing frame 63A, and a small screw (not shown) is inserted. Developing member support frame 63A
Is fixed by screwing it into the female screw 63Am on the longitudinal end face of. Thereby, the developing member supporting frame 6
A bottom surface 63Akl on the driving force receiving side of 3A and a flat mounting surface 63Fk of the coupling frame 63F shown in FIG.
Abuts. The shape of the mounting surface 63Fk of the coupling frame 63F is the seating surface 63A of the developing frame 63A.
It has almost the same shape as kl. The mounting surface 63Fk is provided with longitudinal cylindrical dowels 63Fg that fit into the positioning holes 63An and 63Ap of the bearing surface 63Ak1 of the developing frame 63A, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 44, one end of the rotating shaft 12c of the developing roller 12 is supported by a developing roller bearing 38 fitted in the coupling frame 63F. A protruding shaft 63Fb that supports the driving force receiving member 22 is integrally formed with the coupling frame 63F. A projection shaft 63Fc as a dowel rotatably supports a stepped idler gear 23c having a small gear 23c2 meshing with a gear 23d integrally provided on a journal 33 supporting the toner feed member 15 (FIG. 51). reference). The application roller 19
The hole 63Fd through which the rotary shaft 19a is inserted is provided. The coupling frame 63F is provided with a female screw 63Fe for attaching the side cover 63D.

Next, the support of the other end of the developing roller 12 and the outlet of the toner seal 27 will be described.

(Side Cover on the Opposite Drive Side) As shown in FIG. 45, a side cover (first side cover) 63E provided on the opposite side to the drive side is a longitudinal end face of the developing frame 63A and the toner frame 63B. It has a shape to cover. A flat mounting surface 63Ea that is in contact with the side cover mounting bottom surface 63Ak2 of the longitudinal end surface of the developing frame 63A is provided. The mounting surface 63Ea is provided with positioning holes 63An, of the seating surface 63Ak2 of the developing frame 63A.
63Ap, each of which has a longitudinal cylindrical dowel 63Eb fitted to each other
Is provided. A small screw (not shown) is inserted from the outside into a position corresponding to the female screw 63Am of the developing frame 63A and screwed into the female screw 63Am to fix the side cover 63E to the developing frame 63A.
Ec penetrates in the longitudinal direction. A developing roller bearing 39 that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 12c of the developing roller 12 with the side cover 63E attached to the developing frame 63A is fitted in the hole of the side cover 63E in the longitudinal direction.

A cylindrical protrusion 63Ef protrudes from the mounting surface 63Ea in the longitudinal direction, and the tip of the protrusion 63Ef has a rotating shaft 19a of the coating roller 19 shown in FIG.
Is pressed against the shaft mounting portion 63q of the rotating shaft 19a of the application roller 19 of the developing frame 63A. Further, a cover 63Eg that covers the outer periphery of the protruding end of the rotating shaft 12c of the developing roller 12 is provided integrally. The cover portion 64Eg has the same inner surface 63Eh as the seal surface of the elastic seal member 32 shown in FIG. 41 (a perspective view showing the end of the application roller), and is substantially flush with the seal surface in the mounted state.

The side cover 63E has a toner seal opening 63E through which an end of the toner seal 27 is inserted to draw the toner seal 27 out of the developing cartridge D.
i penetrates in the longitudinal direction. This toner seal opening 6
3Ei is a rectangle that is long in the width direction of the toner seal 27, and the length of the toner seal opening 63Ei in the vertical direction in FIG. 45 is larger than the width of the toner seal pulling handle 73 (see FIG. 34).

FIG. 42 is a horizontal sectional view of the toner frame 63B including the toner supply opening 63Bc. The toner seal 27 is attached to the entire periphery of the edge of the toner supply opening 63Bc, and then is folded back at the folded portion 27b. It is adhered to the pull handle 73. The end 27c of the toner seal 27 and the handle 73 for pulling out the toner seal are connected to the toner seal opening 63E.
i and is outside the developing cartridge D.

As shown in FIG. 42, a toner seal outlet slope 63Ej is provided inside the toner seal opening 63Ei. The slope 63Ej is a flat surface and is inclined toward the side where the toner frame 63B is provided.
Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The toner frame 63B is guided obliquely upward from the portion of the attached toner frame 63B (the toner supply port 63B).
(the side provided with p). The side cover 63E has a flat surface 63Ek parallel to the sticking surface 63B of the toner seal 27 of the toner frame 63B on the outer side in the pull-out direction following the slope 63Ej. The slope 63Ej derived from the toner seal is not limited to a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

When the pullout handle 73 is pulled outward, the toner seal 27 is pulled out of the pullout handle 7.
3 is pulled out through the toner seal opening 63Ei to the outside, the folded portion 27b moves leftward in FIG. 42, and the toner seal 27 is moved from the folded portion 27b side.
Is peeled off from the edge of the toner supply opening 63Bc. By completely pulling out the toner seal 27, the toner supply opening 63Bc is fully opened. As a result, the toner in the toner frame 63B can be supplied to the developing chamber 63At (see FIG. 30) of the developing member support frame 63A. When the toner seal 27 is pulled out, the toner seal 27 has a corner 63Bm sealed by the end seal 31a of the toner frame 63B, a toner seal outlet slope 63Ej which is an inner wall of the toner seal opening 63Ei of the side cover 63E, and a flat surface 63Ek. Since the toner seal 27 is stretched between the corner 63Em and the toner seal 27, the toner seal 27 folded back on the front surface of the toner seal supply opening 63Bc is formed on the toner seal surface at the edge of the toner seal supply opening 63Bc. Is pulled along the folded portion 27b.
From the toner seal 27 to the end seal 31a.
Until it passes through the side cover 63E.
The direction in which the user pulls the toner seal 27 can be restricted by the toner seal opening 63Ei, and the toner seal 27 can be pulled in an abnormal direction to prevent the end seal 31a from being torn or the toner from leaking. .

In the above-described embodiment, a developing roller 12 for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a toner storage section 63a for storing toner used for development by the developing roller 12, The toner storage section 63a has a toner supply opening 63Bc for supplying the stored toner to the developing roller 12, and the toner seal 2 for sealing the toner supply opening 63Bc.
7, wherein the toner supply opening 6 is removed by being pulled out before using the developing cartridge D.
3Bc is opened, and the toner stored in the toner storage portion 63a is supplied to the developing roller 12 so that the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 is removed. A developing cartridge side cover 63 </ b> E used for a developing cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30 for developing, and a shaft support for rotatably supporting a shaft 12 c at one end of the developing roller 12. (For example, developing roller bearing 39) and toner supply openings 63Bc, 6 of toner storage portion 63a.
A developing cartridge side cover having a toner seal opening 63Ei for guiding the toner seal 27 to the outside when the 3Ae is opened.

Further, the developing cartridge side cover has a fitting portion (for example, a cylindrical projecting portion) for fitting one end of a shaft 19a of an application roller 19 for adhering toner to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12. 63Ef).

Further, when the developing cartridge D is mounted on the apparatus main body 30, the developing cartridge side cover 63E is provided with an elastic member (for example, an elastic member) provided on the apparatus main body 30 so as to be positioned on the apparatus main body 30. An urging force receiving portion (for example, a spring receiving surface) for receiving an urging force from a compression coil spring) and a contact portion (for regulating the rotation of the developing cartridge by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion). For example, the boss 63m2).

Further, the developing cartridge side cover 63E is provided with a shaft (for example, the projecting portion 63) which becomes a rotation center when the developing cartridge D is mounted on the apparatus main body 30.
g) for mounting a shaft (for example, hole 63)
Eq).

The developing cartridge side cover 6
3E is a plastic integral molded product.

The grip provided on one end of the toner seal 27 in the longitudinal direction is a plastic grip (for example, a handle 73) attached to one end of the toner seal 27 in the longitudinal direction.

Further, the developing cartridge side cover 63E is provided with a toner filling opening (for example, a toner replenishing port 63Bp) for filling the toner container 63a with toner.
(See FIG. 40) has a cover portion 63Er for covering the toner cap 37 (see FIG. 42) attached to the toner filling opening for sealing.

Furthermore, the developing cartridge side cover 63E is provided with a voltage generating circuit 1
00.

(Explanation of the Voltage Generating Circuit for the Charge Applying Roller) As shown in FIGS. 45 and 55, the voltage generating circuit 100 includes a bias supply metal plate 101, a bias supply connection metal plate 102, and a ground connection metal plate 103. It is arranged inside the cover 63E. The bias supply connection metal plate 102 and the ground connection metal plate 103 are respectively attached to the back surface of the side cover 63E by a method such as press fitting or thermal caulking. The earth connection plate 103 has an earth contact portion 103a on the hole 63Eq into which the protruding portion 63g as the shutter pin described above is inserted. This ground contact portion 103a will be described later.

On the other hand, a developing bias is supplied to the voltage generation circuit 100 from the bias supply connection metal plate 102. The voltage generating circuit 100 includes a ground contact portion 103a as a ground portion of the ground connection metal plate 103, and a conductive portion 63 of a protrusion 63g.
g8 (see FIG. 56). When the side cover 63E is mounted on the developing frame 63A and the toner frame 63b, the bent portion 102a of the bias supply connection sheet metal 102 comes into contact with the charging roller conductive plate 93 shown in FIG. Charging roller 91
Through the shaft 91s of the metal plate, the metal conductive spring 92 and the charging roller conductive plate 93 are electrically connected, and the bias supply connecting plate 102
Is supplied to the voltage generation circuit 100.

In FIG. 55, a voltage generating circuit 100 includes a capacitor (capacitor element) 10 as an electric element.
4 and a resistor (resistance element) 105 are used. The capacitor 105 is received by a receiving portion 63Et provided integrally with the side cover 63E, and is held by the electric element pressing portion 103b of the earth connection sheet metal 103 so as not to float.

Here, the capacitor 104 and the resistor 105 of the voltage generation circuit 100 are connected in parallel by the bias supply connection metal plate 102 and the earth connection metal plate 103 to generate the voltage applied to the charge applying roller 91.
00a.

The voltage generating circuit 100 having such a configuration is
A developing bias that has passed through a rectifier circuit 41E provided on a driving-side side cover 63D, which will be described later, is received via a bias supply connection metal plate 102, and a voltage (bias) applied to the charge applying roller 91 by the voltage generator 100a using the bias is used. ), And via the earth connection sheet metal 103,
The protruding portion 63g is grounded to the conductive portion 63g.

The developer cartridge D having the above configuration
In (Dm, Dc, Dy), the voltage generation circuit 100
On one side in the longitudinal direction of the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy), that is, the voltage generator 10 of the voltage generator 100.
1a and the ground contact portion 103a are provided inside the side cover 63E attached to one longitudinal side of the DT container unit DU, so that a bias can be supplied to the charge applying roller 91 without increasing the number of high voltage contacts.

As a result, it is possible to avoid a decrease in contact reliability due to an increase in the number of high-voltage contacts, and it is not necessary to newly provide an area for laying contacts due to an increase in the number of high-voltage contacts. Dc, Dy) can be prevented from increasing in size. Further, since the voltage generating circuit 100 is incorporated in the side cover 63E on the non-driving side, which has a relatively large space, extra protrusions for circuit incorporation are removed from the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy). There is no need to provide the outer surface of the developer cartridge 9Y, and the appearance of the developer cartridge 9Y is not impaired.

The electric elements such as the capacitor 104 and the resistor 105 used in the voltage generating circuit 100 are connected to the bias supply connection plate 102 and the ground connection plate 103.
, The wiring for connecting these electric elements becomes unnecessary, and the developer cartridge D (Dm,
Dc, Dy) is significantly improved.

Since the resistor 105 is arranged in parallel with the capacitor 104 in the voltage generating circuit 100, the rotary unit 11 rotates while the capacitor 104 in the circuit is charged at the end of the developing operation, and Even if the developing bias contact (high-voltage contact) 41 is turned off, since the resistor 105 consumes the charged current in the capacitor 104, even if the developing bias contact 41 is turned on again in the developing state, Condenser 104
Since there is no remaining charge, there is no danger that a current will flow back to the apparatus main body 30 to generate noise.

(Explanation of the ground contact of the charge applying roller) Next, the ground contact 103a of the charge applying roller 91 will be described. Hole 63E of side cover 63E shown in FIG.
When the protrusion 63g serving as a shutter pin is inserted into q, as shown in FIG. 56, the D-cut-shaped portion 63g82 of the conductive portion 63g8 of the protrusion 63g contacts the ground contact portion 103a of the ground connection plate 103. . As a result, the ground of the voltage generating circuit 100 is grounded by the ground portion (not shown) of the device main body 30 through the conductive portion 63g8 of the projecting portion 63g. That is, the conductive portion 63g8 functions as a ground contact of the charge applying roller 91.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy) is
1 is grounded by the ground portion of the device main body 30 through the conductive portion 63g8 of the protruding portion 63g, so that the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy) and the device main body 30 are particularly connected to the ground of the voltage generating circuit 100. It is not necessary to provide a contact for the power supply, and the ground of the voltage generating circuit 100 can be taken at low cost.

The side cover according to the above-described embodiment is used for developing a cartridge frame, a toner storage section for storing toner, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum 1). A developing member (12) that rotates by attaching toner to the peripheral surface; a charge applying member (91) that applies an electric charge to the toner to attach the toner to the peripheral surface of the developing member; A bias contact (101b) for receiving a bias for supplying the charge applying member (91) from the apparatus main body when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and a bias contact (101b) when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A ground contact (10) for grounding the device body and the charge applying member (91).
3a), wherein the side cover is used for a developing cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the side cover is provided at a longitudinal side end of the cartridge frame. The ground contact (103a) and the charge applying member (91) are removably attached to the cartridge frame and constitute a part of the cartridge frame, and when the side cover is attached to the cartridge frame. Is a side cover having a capacitor (104) and a resistor (105), which is provided in a part of a circuit for electrically connecting the circuit and the circuit.

The mounting of the side cover 63E has the following steps.

In the mounting method of the developing cartridge side cover 63E detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30 and used for the developing cartridge D for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1,
(A) a developing frame preparing step of preparing a developing frame 63A having a developing roller mounting portion (for example, a concave portion 63s) for mounting a developing roller 12 for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1; (B) a toner frame preparation step of preparing a toner frame 63B having a toner storage section 63a for storing toner used for development by the developing roller 12, wherein the toner storage section 63a stores the stored toner. To the developing roller 1
Supply openings 63Bc, 63Ae for supplying to
(C) a shaft supporting portion (for example, developing roller bearing 39) for rotatably supporting a shaft at one end side of the developing roller 12; and toner supply openings 63Bc and 63Ae of the toner storage portion 63a. A developing cartridge side cover preparing step of preparing a developing cartridge side cover 63E having a toner seal opening 63Ei for guiding the toner seal 27 to the outside for gripping when opening the developing cartridge; and (d) the developing frame 63A. And (e) the developing frame 63A coupled by the coupling step.
A side cover attaching step of attaching the developing cartridge side cover 63E with the toner seal 27 guided outward from the toner seal opening 63Ei to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the toner frame 63B;
This is a method of attaching a developing cartridge side cover having the following.

In the side cover attaching step, the developing cartridge side cover 63E is fixed to the developing frame 63A by screws.

In the joining step, the developing frame 63A and the toner frame 63B are joined by ultrasonic welding.

Alternatively, in the connecting step, the developing frame 63A and the toner frame 63B are connected by a snap fit and / or a snap clip.

The number of parts can be reduced by integrally forming the shaft support member into which the bearing 39 of the developing roller 12 is fitted and the side cover 63E.

(Driving Force Receiving Side Cover (Developing Bias Contact)) As shown in FIG. 46, the side surface 63h of the side cover (second side cover) 63D provided on the driving force receiving side of the developing cartridge D is It is a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the assembled state.
A cylindrical projection 63c surrounding the driving force receiving member 22 is integrally formed on the side surface 63h.

The tip of the projection 63c and the driving force receiving member 2
The axial tip of 2 is on a plane parallel to the side surface 63h,
They are almost coplanar.

On the side surface 63h, the developing bias contact 41 is exposed on the same plane as the side surface 63h.
The shape of the developing bias contact 41 is substantially rectangular,
One side 41al is the rotation center 22 of the driving force receiving member 22.
It is on a straight line L63D2 passing through c. The developing roller 1
2 and the center of the rotation center 22c of the driving force receiving member 22 and the center of the rotation shaft 12c of the developing roller 12 (developing roller 12) as viewed from the outside of the side cover 63D provided with the developing bias contact. Center of rotation) 12c
α1 = counterclockwise with respect to the straight line L63D1 connecting
The rotation center 22 of the driving force receiving member 22 is positioned at about 175 degrees.
The straight line L63D2 passing through c is located. A straight line L63D3 connecting the corner 41a2 of one side of the developing bias contact 41 facing the one side 41al and the rotation center 22c of the driving force receiving member 22, and a straight line connecting the rotation center 22c of the driving force receiving member 22 and the developing roller 12 respectively. The angle α2 formed with L63D1 is 140 degrees. That is, when viewed from the outside of the side cover 63D as the portion of the cartridge frame 63 where the developing bias contact 41 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12, the developing bias contact 41 Rotation center 2 of member 22
With respect to a straight line L63D1 connecting the rotation center 12cl of the developing roller 12 with the rotation center 2cl, it is arranged in a region from 140 degrees to 175 degrees counterclockwise.

Here, the meaning that the developing bias contact 41 is arranged in the above-mentioned region means that a portion which comes into contact with a main assembly developing bias contact member (contact pin (not shown)) provided in the apparatus main body is in the above-mentioned region. It is located within. Therefore, the developing bias contact portion other than the contacting portion may protrude from the region. However, more preferably, the entire area of the developing bias contact 41 is located within the area.

When the developing cartridge D is mounted on the rotary unit, the developing bias contact 41 comes into contact with a developing bias contact pin provided on the flange of the rotary unit 11 and projecting from the wall surface with elasticity in the axial direction. In FIG. 46, a portion surrounded by a dotted line 41a is a portion that comes into contact with the contact pin during development. Incidentally, FIG.
The portion surrounded by the dotted line 41b is the portion that rubs against the contact pin. When the rotary unit performs the rotary indexing operation with the developing cartridge D mounted on the rotary unit, the spacer rollers 12a and 12b at both ends of the developing roller 12 abut against the photosensitive drum. Then, the developing cartridge D projects the projecting portions 63c, 63c of the cartridge frame 63 against the spring force of the compression coil spring.
g is supported by the arcuate ribs of the rotary unit supporting each, and swings around the centers of the protruding portions 63c and 63g, that is, the rotation center 22c of the driving force receiving member 22.
Since the developing bias contact 41 is arranged in the above-described region, the developing bias contact pin protruding from the rotary unit does not come off from the developing bias contact 41 when this swing is performed. Therefore, the developing bias contact pin and the developing bias contact 41 are rubbed by the indexing operation in the developing process, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of conduction failure due to foreign matter caught between the contact 41 and the contact pin. Further, since the developing bias contact pin does not come into contact with the surface of the synthetic resin on one side surface 63h in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge D due to the rotation of the rotary unit, the side surface 63h is not scraped.

At the time of development, a frequency of 2000 Hz and a peak-to-peak voltage of 20 are applied to the developing roller 12 via the contact pin and the developing bias contact 41 as a developing bias.
A voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage of 00V and a DC voltage of -400V is applied.

As described above, the developing bias contact 41 of the developing cartridge D mounted on the rotary unit 11 is substantially rectangular, and the central portion of this rectangle is in contact with the developing bias contact pin provided on the rotary unit 11.

The driving force receiving members 22, the developing bias contacts 41, and the positioning protrusions (pins) 63d arranged as described above are arranged substantially in a straight line.

As described above, when the developing cartridge D of the present embodiment is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge D receives a driving force for rotating the developing roller 12 from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The force receiving member 22 and the driving force receiving member 22 are provided so as to be exposed to the outside from a cartridge frame portion (for example, a side cover 63D) provided at one end of the developing roller 12 in the longitudinal direction. A developing bias contact 4 for receiving a developing bias applied to the developing roller 12 from the apparatus main body when the apparatus is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.
1, and the developing bias contact 41 is connected to the developing roller 1
2 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside from the cartridge frame portion (for example, the side cover 63D) provided at the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller. The developing bias contact 41
Frame portion 63D provided with
When viewed from the outside, the developing bias contact 41 is connected to the rotation center 22 c of the driving force receiving member 22 and the developing roller 1.
The second rotation center 12cl is connected to the straight line L63Dl in a region between 140 degrees and 175 degrees counterclockwise.

The developing bias contact 41 has a substantially rectangular shape, and a substantially central portion of the rectangle contacts a developing bias contact pin provided on the apparatus main body, whereby the developing bias contact 41 is connected to the developing bias contact pin. The developing device receives a developing bias applied to the developing roller 12 from the main assembly of the apparatus.

The substantially rectangular developing bias contact 4
1, a short piece of the substantially rectangular shape is formed by the driving force receiving member 22;
Rotation center 22c of the developing roller 12 and the rotation center 12 of the developing roller 12.
It is arranged along a straight line L63D2 located at about 175 degrees counterclockwise with respect to a straight line L63D1 connecting the cl.

The developing contact 4 having a substantially rectangular shape is provided.
1 is that the corner portion of the substantially rectangular shape is the driving force receiving member 2
2 and the rotation center 12 cl of the developing roller 12.
About 14 counterclockwise with respect to the straight line L63Dl connecting
It is arranged to be in contact with the straight line L63D3 located at 5 degrees.

Further, the developing cartridge D further comprises:
A developing blade 16 for regulating the amount of toner adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 is provided.

Further, when the toner stored in the toner storage section 63a is a yellow toner, a magenta toner, or a cyan toner, the developing cartridge D has a peripheral surface of the developing roller 12. And a charge applying roller 91 for applying an electric charge to the toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12. The developing bias contact 41 is received from the apparatus main body. The applied bias is applied to the developing roller 12, the developing blade 16, and the application roller 19.

As shown in FIG. 48, the bias applied to the developing bias contact 41 from the apparatus main body is applied to the sheet metal 1 of the developing blade 16 via a first leaf spring portion (41d).
6a is applied. In addition, the second leaf spring portion (41
c) is applied to the application roller 19. Also,
The conductive plate 1 (41m), the diode (41n), and the conductive plate 2 that are in contact with the bias contact 41 as the rectifier circuit 41E.
(41p), the contact portion (41) of the conductive plate 2 (41p)
k) is brought into contact with the contact plate (93) of the charge applying roller, and a bias is applied to the charge applying roller 91 via the contact spring (92) and the shaft (91s). The developing bias contact 41 is applied to a shaft portion (12c) of the developing roller 12 via a coil spring (46) as a developing bias contact spring.
d) and the second leaf spring portion (41c) are an integral metal member.

When the toner stored in the toner storage portion 63a is a black toner, the developing bias contact 41 receives the bias received from the main assembly of the developing roller 12a. , And not applied to the developing blade 16.

As described above, the developing cartridge D has the developing cartridge side cover 63 D having the opening for exposing the driving force receiving member 22 and the developing bias contact mounting portion for mounting the developing bias contact 41, and the cartridge frame 63. It has as a part of. The developing cartridge side cover 63D receives an urging force for receiving an urging force of a compression coil spring provided on the rotary unit 11 of the apparatus main body 30 when the developing cartridge D is mounted on the electronic image forming apparatus main body 30. (Spring receiving portions) 63kl, 63k2 and abutting against the rotary unit 11 of the apparatus main body 30 for regulating the rotation of the developing cartridge D rotated by the force received by the urging force receiving portions 63kl, 63k2. Bosses 63ml and 63m2 as parts. The developing bias contact 41 has a cylindrical portion 63c having an opening for exposing the driving force receiving member 22.
2 and the urging force receiving portion 63kl,
It is located at a position farther than 63k2 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12.

The side cover 63D is formed by inserting the small screw 43 into a hole 63Dr (see FIGS. 46 and 48) provided in the side cover 63D.
An F female screw 63Fe (see FIG. 44) is screwed and fixed. The dowels 63 provided on the side cover 63D are provided.
Du is a hole 6 provided in the coupling frame 63F.
3Fr for positioning the side cover 63D and the coupling frame 63F. Here, one hole is a long hole.

As shown in FIG. 47, a spring holding projection 63Ds is provided on the inner side of the side cover 63D so as to project in the axial direction toward the end of the rotation shaft 12c of the developing roller 12, and around the spring holding projection 63Ds. Developing bias inner contact portion 41b
Is provided. An application roller contact portion 41c in contact with the end of the rotation shaft 19a of the application roller 19 is provided as a cantilever-shaped second leaf spring portion. In the case of the color developing cartridges Dy, Dm, and Dc, the pressing plate 44 is superimposed on the blade supporting plate 16a in order to press the blade supporting plate 16a, which is a resilient and flexible thin slope. A small screw 45 is screwed into the developing member support frame 63A by being fitted and positioned in a not-shown dowel (not shown) formed integrally with the developing member support frame 63A, passing through a hole of the holding plate 44. The pressing plate 44 extends close to the back surface of the side surface 63i of the side cover 63D on the driving force receiving side, and the front end 44a is in contact with the developing blade contact portion 41d of the developing bias contact 41 so as to overlap. As shown in FIG. 48, the developing blade contact portion 41d is
Of the developing blade contact portion 41d.
Bends. That is, the developing blade contact portion 41d is a first leaf spring portion. The shaft 9 of the charging roller 91
In 1s, a charging roller contact portion 41k that is in contact with the charging roller conductive plate 93 via a metal conductive spring 92 is provided as a third leaf spring portion.

The contact 41, the developing bias inner contact 41b, the application roller contact 41c, and the developing blade contact 41d are integrally made of sheet metal and constitute a developing bias member. Then, the developing roller 12, the developing blade 16, and the coating roller 19 are charged to the same potential. The material of the developing bias contact member is phosphor bronze, beryllium bronze,
Stainless steel or the like. The contact point (41k) to the charging roller contact plate is separated from the developing bias contact (41) by
The rectifier circuit 41E is connected via a conductive plate (41m), a diode (41n), and a conductive plate 2 (41p).

A developing bias contact spring 46 made of a metal compression coil spring is contracted between the developing bias inner contact portion 41b and the end surface of the rotating shaft 12c of the developing roller 12.

In the black developing cartridge Db, the metal plate 16a for supporting the elastic blade 16c of the developing blade 16 is a rigid band-like plate.
The holding plate 44 used for Dm and Dc is not provided. Therefore, the developing blade contact portion 4 of the black developing cartridge Db
The developing blade 1d is electrically separated from the developing blade 16 so that the developing blade contact portion 41d does not function. Therefore, the developing bias is applied to the developing roller 12 but not to the developing blade 16 of the black developing cartridge Db.

As shown in FIG. 47 showing the inside of the side cover 63D on the driving force receiving side, the side surface 63h of the side cover 63D
The rear surface 63De parallel to the surface is flat, and the developing bias inner contact portion 41b is in contact therewith. The connection from the outer exposed portion 41a to the inner contact portion 41b is formed in the dowel 63Dk provided in the elongated hole 63Dj penetrating between the side surface 63h and the back surface 63De as shown in FIG. One end 41e on the side of the exposed portion 41a is bent to form a bent portion 41f.
Is fitted. Slot 63D parallel to slot 63Dj
n is provided, and the other side of the external exposed portion 41a is bent to form a long hole 6
3Dn to the inner side and the inner side cover 63D
The conductive plate portion 41g along the back surface 63De of the side cover 63De is in contact with the back surface 63De and is flush with the outer peripheral side of the lower circle of the developing bias inner contact portion 41b as shown in FIG. Dowel 63D protruding from
p is fitted and fixed in a hole 41h with a reverse claw of the conductive plate portion 41g. In FIG. 48, the developing bias inner contact portion 41
The guide plate portion 41i extending on the same plane above b is provided on the dowel 63Dq protruding inside the side cover 63D.
The hole 41h with the inverted claw provided in i is fitted. The conductive plate portion 41i is in contact with the back surface 63De of the side cover 63D. 48 is bent from the upper side edge of the conductive plate portion 41i and the surface of the conductive plate portion 41i seen in FIG.
Blade contact portion 41 inclined at an angle of 0 degree or more
d is provided. The leading end of the blade contact portion 41d contacts the wall surface 63Dt erected on the back surface 63De of the side cover 63D so that the blade contact portion 41d does not slack.

Reference numeral 63Ds denotes a supporting portion for supporting a magnet provided inside the developing roller 12 of the black developing cartridge. 63Dsl is a pressing portion for pressing the magnet in the slice direction by the elastic force of the mold.

The application roller contact portion 41c extends downward from a part of the lower edge of the conductive plate portion 41g, and its tip is bent upward to form a contact portion 41c at its tip.

As described above, the developing bias applied to the externally exposed portion 41a of the developing bias contact 41 is applied to the developing roller 12 through the developing bias inner contact 41b, the developing bias contact spring 46, and the developing roller shaft 12c. The application roller 19 is applied to the rotating shaft 19a of the application roller 19 which is in contact with the application roller contact portion 41c, so that the application roller 19 has the same potential as the developing roller 12. Further, the developing bias applied to the externally exposed portion 41a is applied to the developing blade 16 through the pressing plate 44 which is in contact with the developing blade contact portion 41d, and is applied to the developing roller 12 and the developing blade 1.
6 have the same potential. The developing bias applied to the externally exposed portion 41a is applied to the charging roller 91 via the rectifying circuit 41E.

As described above, since the developing bias is applied to the developing roller 12, the developing blade 16, the coating roller 19, and the rectifying circuit 41E as an integral member which is the developing bias contact member 41, there are few contact portions on the way and the electric bias is stable. I have.

In the black developing cartridge Db, no voltage is applied to the developing blade 16. Also, it has no application roller.

As described above, regarding the developing bias contact,
The developing bias contact and the developer cartridge are oscillated about the rotation center of the driving force receiving member 22 in the rotary unit (a pressure is applied to press the developing roller against the photosensitive drum during development). By preventing the developing bias contact pins protruding from the rotary unit of the main body from coming off the developing bias contacts of the developing cartridge, the outer wall of the developing cartridge (the surface of the side cover) is prevented from being scraped, and foreign matters between the developing bias contacts and the pins are prevented. Can be prevented from being pinched and a conduction failure occurs.

In the above description, the side cover 63D covers all gears such as the developing roller gear 23b, the stepped idler gear 23c, the stirring gear 23d, and the application roller gear 23e connected to the stepped driving gear 23a. However, no external force for driving the developing cartridge D is applied to the side cover 63D.

The side cover 63D has a cylindrical projection around the opening for the driving force receiving portion to be positioned and a contact mounting portion on the same side surface of the same member, so that the contact with the apparatus main body and the driving input portion are provided. Position accuracy can be improved.

As described above, the side cover 63D of the present embodiment is used for a developing cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An opening for exposing the driving force receiving member 22 (for example, a cylindrical portion 63c2 as a protruding portion)
And a developing bias contact mounting portion for mounting the developing bias contact.

Further, when the developing cartridge side cover 63D is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30, the developing cartridge side cover 63D receives an urging force of a spring member (for example, a compression coil spring) provided on the apparatus main body 30. An urging force receiving portion (e.g., a spring receiving portion 63k) and an abutting portion (e.g., an abutting portion (e.g., Boss 63m).

The biasing force receiving portion has a flat plate shape provided to protrude, and the abutting portion has a columnar shape provided to protrude.

The opening 63c4 for exposing the driving force receiving member is provided in a cylinder provided so as to protrude so as to surround the driving force receiving member 22.

Further, the developing cartridge D has a shutter 64 which can take a closed position covering an exposed portion of the developing member (for example, the developing roller 12) and a retracted position retracted from the closed position. The cylindrical portion 63c2 rotatably attaches one end of the shutter 64 in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, the developing cartridge side cover 63D has a mounting portion 71c for mounting a lock member 71 for locking the shutter 64 at the closed position.

Further, a coupling frame 63F for supporting a coupling member 22d as the driving force receiving member 22 is provided on the developing cartridge side cover 63D.
A hole 63Dr for detachably attaching the developing cartridge side cover 63D is provided. The coupling frame 63F includes a developing frame 63A having a mounting portion for the developing roller 12.
Attached to.

The developing cartridge side cover 63
D, when attached to the developing frame 63A via the coupling frame 63F, the coupling member 22d as the driving force receiving member is connected to the main assembly 30 of the apparatus.
Roller 1 serving as the developing member
2 (for example, the developing roller gear 23)
Cover b).

When the developing cartridge side cover 63D is attached to the developing frame 63A, the coupling member 22 serving as the driving force receiving member is provided.
The developing frame 63A is attached to the developing frame 63A with a coupling frame 63F supporting the component d.

The developing cartridge side cover 63D is an integrally molded plastic product.

Here, the method of attaching the developing cartridge side cover 63D is as follows.

In the method of attaching a developing cartridge side cover detachable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and used for a developing cartridge for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the method of (a) A developing member for developing a latent image formed on the body (for example,
Preparing a developing frame 63A having a developing member mounting portion for mounting the developing roller 12); and (b) rotating the developing member from the apparatus main body 30 when the developing frame 63A is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30. A step of preparing a coupling frame 63F for supporting the driving force receiving member 22 for receiving the driving force for causing the driving force to be applied; (c) an opening 63c4 for exposing the driving force receiving member 22; A developing bias contact 41 for receiving a developing bias applied to the developing member from the apparatus main body 30 when the apparatus is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 30.
(D) a coupling frame attaching step of attaching the coupling frame 63F to the developing frame 63A; and (e) then, the developing bias contact 41 is connected to the developing bias contact 41. So that it is electrically connected to the members
A developing cartridge side cover attaching step of attaching the cartridge side cover 63D to the coupling frame 63F such that the driving force receiving member 22 is exposed from the opening 63c4 of the developing cartridge side cover 63D.

Here, in the coupling frame attaching step, the coupling frame 63F is attached to the developing frame 63A using screws, and in the developing cartridge side cover attaching step, the cartridge is attached to the coupling frame 63F. Attach the side cover 63D using screws.
In the embodiment, the side cover 63E and the developing member supporting frame 63A are connected by screws, but the connecting method may be a snap fit and / or a snap clip.

According to the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge oscillates around the center of rotation in the rotary unit (a pressure is applied to press the developing roller against the drum during development). By preventing the contact pins protruding from the apparatus main body from coming off from the contacts of the developing cartridge at the time of the swinging, it is possible to prevent the outer wall of the developing cartridge from being scraped or to prevent foreign matter from being caught in the contacts and foreign matter.

(Method of Assembling Developing Cartridge) Here, a method of assembling the developing cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. (A) As shown in FIG. 57, a DT container unit DU having a toner frame 63 having a toner storage portion 63a storing toner and a developing frame 63A connected to the toner frame 63 is prepared. (B) an application roller setting step of setting the toner application roller 19 on the development frame 63A, wherein the toner application roller 19 is for applying toner to the development roller 12; A developing blade setting step of setting a developing blade 16 (not shown) on the frame 12, wherein the developing blade 16 is for regulating the amount of toner adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12. (D) a shaft 12c at one end of the developing roller 12;
Is fitted into the hole 39 of the first side cover 63E, and the dowel 63Eb of the first side cover 63E is aligned with the positioning holes 63Ap, 63A of the DT container unit DU.
m, the first side cover 6
A first side cover attaching step of attaching 3E to the DT container unit DU, and (e) as shown in FIG.
The shaft 12c at the other end of the developing roller 12 is connected to a hole 63Fd of a bearing unit (coupling frame) 63F.
To the dowel 6 of the bearing unit 63F.
3Fg is inserted into the positioning hole 63A of the DT container unit DU.
p, 63An to insert the bearing unit 63F into the DT container unit DU, and (f) as shown in FIG. 59, a developing roller gear 23 is attached to the bearing unit 63F.
b, a step of attaching a stepped idler gear 23c, a stirring gear 23d, an application roller gear 23e, and a stepped driving gear 23a, and (g) as shown in FIG. 60, the developing roller gear 23b, stepped idler gear 23c, and stirring gear 23d , Coating roller gear 23e, stepped drive gear 2
Dowel 6 of second side cover 63D so as to cover 3a.
A second side cover attaching step of attaching the second side cover to the DT container unit DU by inserting 3Du into the hole of the hole 63Fr of the DT container unit DU. .

The method of assembling the developing cartridge further includes a toner seal attaching step of attaching the toner seal 27 between the toner frame 63B and the developing frame 63A of the DT container unit DU. The toner seal is for preventing toner from leaking out of the toner storage section 63a, and the toner seal 27 is removed by a user before using the developing cartridge D. .

In the method for assembling the developing cartridge, the toner application roller 19 may be mounted on the DT container unit DU prior to being mounted.
There is a toner attaching step of attaching toner to the peripheral surface.

In the assembling method of the developing cartridge, the toner application roller 19 has one end shaft 19a inserted into the hole 63q1 provided in the DT container unit DU, and the other end shaft. 19a
Is fitted in a hole 63Fd of the bearing unit 63F in the bearing unit attaching step,
It is attached to the container unit DU.

In the method for assembling the developing cartridge, the developing blade 16 is attached to the DT container unit DU with a screw 16b in the developing blade attaching step.

In the method for assembling the developing cartridge, in the first side cover attaching step, the first side cover 63E may include a screw for the DT.
It is attached to the DT container unit by screwing into the female screw 63Am of the container unit UD (see FIG. 57).

In the method for assembling the developing cartridge, in the bearing unit attaching step,
The bearing unit 63F is attached to the DT container unit UD by screwing a screw into the female screw 63Fe of the DT container unit UD.

In the assembling method of the developing cartridge, in the gear attaching step, the stepped drive gear gear 23a and the developing roller gear 23b are connected to the projecting shaft 6 as a dowel provided on the bearing unit 63F.
3Fc and 63fc are attached by fitting holes provided in the gears 23a and 23b.

In the method for assembling the developing cartridge, the toner is supplied to the toner accommodating portion 63a from a toner supply port 63Bc provided at one longitudinal end of the toner frame 63B. After that, the toner supply port (toner supply opening) 63Bc is closed with a cap (toner cap) 37.

In the method for assembling the developing cartridge, further, a charge applying roller 91 is attached to the DT container unit UD. The charge applying roller 91 applies electric charge to the toner. The charge applying roller 91 is mounted after the developing blade mounting step.

Then, the conduction of the sleeve is checked for the developing cartridge D assembled through the above-described steps (a) to (g). As shown in FIG. 61, the tip of one tester lead T1 of the tester is applied to the bare aluminum surface of the developing roller 12, and the other end of the tester lead T2 is applied to the developing bias contact 41 of the second side cover 63D. Confirm that the indicated value is less than or equal to the specified resistance value.

Next, the conduction of the developing roller of the developing cartridge D is checked. As shown in FIG. 62A, the tip of one tester lead T1 of the tester is applied to the developing bias contact 41 of the second side cover 63D, and the tip of the other tester lead T2 is placed as shown in FIG. The display unit of the tester is checked against the rotating shaft 12c of the developing roller 12 to confirm that the numerical value is within the standard.

After the completion of the sleeve continuity check and the developing roller continuity check, the round hole 64a of the shutter 64 is set in accordance with the drive shaft (projection) 63c projecting from the second side cover 63D. Thereafter, the shutter 64 is attached to the first side cover 63E.
The projection 63g as a shutter pin is patch-fitted into the round hole 64a of the shutter 64 with the.

Thus, the assembly of the developing cartridge is completed.

(Method of Replacing Developing Blade) Next, a method of replacing the developing blade 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. (A) a toner frame 63B having a toner storage section 63a for storing toner, and the toner frame 63
B: a first side cover removing step of removing the first side cover 63E from the DT container unit DU having the developing frame 63A coupled to the first side cover 63E; Cover 63E
Is removed from the shaft 12c on one end side of the developing roller 12, and the first side cover 63E is
Remove from the T container unit DU (see FIG. 57),
(B) a step of removing the second side cover 63D from the DT container unit DU (see FIG. 60), and (c) a developing roller gear 23b, a stepped idler gear 23c, and a stirring gear 2 from the bearing unit (cartridge frame) 63F.
3d, a step of removing the application roller gear 23e and the stepped driving gear 23a (see FIG. 59), and (d) a bearing unit removing step of removing the bearing unit 63F from the DT container unit DU, wherein the bearing unit 63F The hole 63 of the bearing unit 63F
Fd is pulled out from the shaft 12c at the other end of the developing roller 12, and the bearing unit 63F is removed from the DT container unit DU (see FIG. 58). (E) Development in which the developing roller 12 is removed from the developing frame 63B A roller removing step, and (f) the developing frame 63B.
A coating roller removing step of removing the toner coating roller 19 from the developing roller, wherein the toner coating roller 19 is for applying toner to the developing roller 12; and (g) a developing blade attached to the developing frame 63B. A developing blade removing step of removing the developing blade 16, wherein the developing blade 16 controls the amount of toner adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12;
(H) The toner application roller 19 is mounted on the developing frame 63B.
And a step of setting the application roller, wherein the toner application roller 19 is for applying toner to the development roller 12. (i) A development blade set for setting a new development blade on the development frame 63B. And wherein the developing blade regulates the amount of toner adhering to the peripheral surface of the developing roller. (J) A shaft 12c at one end of the developing roller 12 is moved to a first side. By fitting into the hole 39 of the cover 63E,
A first side cover attaching step of attaching the first side cover 63E to the DT container unit DU (see FIG. 57), and (k) a shaft 1 on the other end side of the developing roller 12.
2c is fitted into a hole 63Fd of the bearing unit 63F, and the bearing unit 63F is mounted on the DT container unit DU (see FIG. 58). (L) The developing roller gear 23b is mounted on the bearing unit 63F. Stepped idler gear 23c, stirring gear 23d, application roller gear 23e, stepped drive gear 23a
(M) the developing roller gear 23b, the stepped idler gear 23c,
A developing blade having a second side cover attaching step of attaching a second side cover 63D to the DT container unit DU so as to cover the stirring gear 23d, the application roller gear 23e, and the stepped drive gear 23a (see FIG. 60). This is the exchange method.

The method of replacing the developing blade further includes a toner seal attaching step of attaching a toner seal 27 between the toner frame 63B and the developing frame 63A of the DT container unit DU. The toner seal is for preventing toner from leaking out of the toner storage section 63a, and the toner seal 27 is removed by a user before using the developing cartridge D. .

Further, the method for replacing the developing blade further includes a toner adhering step of adhering toner to a peripheral surface of the toner applying roller 19 before attaching the toner applying roller 19 to the DT container unit DU.

In the method of replacing the developing blade, the toner application roller 19 may be provided with a shaft 19 at one end thereof.
a is a hole 63q1 provided in the DT container unit DU.
And the other end side shaft 19a is fitted to the hole 63Fd of the bearing unit 63F and attached to the DT container unit DU in the bearing unit attaching step.

In the method of replacing the developing blade, the developing blade 16 is mounted to the DT container unit DU by a screw 16b in the developing blade mounting step.

[0303] In the method for replacing the developing blade, in the first side cover attaching step, the first side cover 63E may be screwed into the female screw 63Am of the DT container unit UD. It is attached to the DT container unit (FIG. 57).
reference).

[0304] In the method of replacing the developing blade, in the bearing unit attaching step, the bearing unit 63F may be configured such that a screw is attached to the DT container unit UD.
It is attached to the DT container unit UD by being screwed into a female screw 63Fe.

In the method of replacing the developing blade, in the gear attaching step, the stepped drive gear gear 23a and the developing roller gear 23b are provided with a projecting shaft 63Fc as a dowel provided on the bearing unit 63F.
It is attached by fitting holes provided in the gears 23a and 23b with 63fc.

In the method for replacing the developing blade, the toner supply port 6 provided at one longitudinal end of the toner frame 63B is provided in the toner storage section 63a.
3Bc, and after the toner is supplied, the toner supply port (toner supply opening) 63
Bc is closed with a cap (toner cap) 37.

In the method of replacing the developing blade, further, the DT container unit UD further includes a charge applying roller 91 attached thereto.
Is for applying a charge to the toner. Here, the charge applying roller 91 is attached after the developing blade attaching step.

In the method of replacing the developing blade, the toner is refilled in the toner storage section 63a.

In the method for replacing the developing blade, the developing roller 12 is a reusable part.

In the method of replacing the developing blade, the toner application roller is a reusable part.

[0311]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the developing cartridge is attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the electric charge for applying electric charge to the toner adhered to the peripheral surface of the developing member is provided. The ground of the applying member can be taken between the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the ground.

According to the present invention, since the side cover has the capacitor and the resistor, the capacitor and the resistor can be connected to the electric circuit by attaching the side cover to the cartridge frame.

According to the present invention, assembling operability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a developing cartridge and a rotary unit.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a developing cartridge.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a mounting unit of a developing cartridge provided in the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory perspective view of the developing cartridge in a state where a shutter is closed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory perspective view of the developing cartridge in a state where a shutter is opened.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a drive transmission configuration for stabilizing a positional relationship between a developing roller and a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a drive transmission configuration for stabilizing a positional relationship between a developing roller and a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration for stabilizing a pressing force of a developing roller against a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 14 is a configuration explanatory view for stabilizing the pressing force of the developing roller against the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge using another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a guide portion provided in the apparatus main body.

FIG. 17A is a side view of the other end of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 15 (in a state where a shutter is closed).
FIG. 16B is a side view of one end of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 15 (when the shutter is closed).

FIG. 18A is a side view of the other end of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 15 (when the shutter is open).
FIG. 16B is a side view of one end of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 15 (with the shutter open).

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a guide portion also received by the apparatus main body.

FIG. 20 is a side view illustrating a process of mounting the developing cartridge on the rotary unit.

FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating a process of mounting the developing cartridge on the rotary unit.

FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating a step of attaching the developing cartridge to the rotary unit.

FIG. 23 is a side view showing a step of mounting the developing cartridge on the rotary unit.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a step of mounting the developing cartridge on the rotary unit.

FIG. 25 is a side view showing an arrangement relationship between a spring receiving portion and a boss.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a developing cartridge according to another embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a developing cartridge according to another embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a developing cartridge according to another embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a side view of a developing cartridge showing another embodiment. _

FIG. 30 is a longitudinal sectional view of the color developing cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge with a shutter opened.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge with a shutter closed.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge schematically showing a periphery of a shutter in an exploded manner.

FIG. 34 is a side view on the non-driving side of the developing cartridge with the shutter closed.

FIG. 35 is a driving side view of the developing cartridge with the shutter closed.

FIG. 36 is a side view on the opposite side to the drive side of the developing cartridge in a state where the shutter is opened.

FIG. 37 is a driving side view of the developing cartridge in a state where the shutter is opened.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a shutter.

FIG. 39 is a plan view showing the mounting of the rotary unit of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 40 is a side view of the developing member supporting frame.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an end of a developing member support frame.

FIG. 42 is a horizontal sectional view of the toner frame.

FIG. 43 is a side view showing a longitudinal end portion of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing a coupling frame portion of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the anti-drive side side cover.

FIG. 46 is a side view of the drive side cover.

FIG. 47 is a front view of an end portion of the developing cartridge viewed with a shutter removed.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the inside of the drive side cover.

FIG. 49 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 48.

FIGS. 50 (a), (b), (c) and (d) are plan views schematically showing developing cartridge identification means.

FIG. 51 is a side view of a driving unit of the developing cartridge.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a cartridge frame.

FIG. 53 is an exploded perspective view of a shutter pin.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a shutter pin.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the inside of the anti-drive side side cover.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing connection between a shutter pin and a ground connection sheet metal of a voltage generation circuit.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory view for assembling the non-drive side side cover to the DT container unit.

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram for assembling the coupling frame to the DT container unit.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram for assembling each gear to the DT container unit.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram for assembling the drive side cover to the DT container unit.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram of a conduction check of a developing bias supplied to a DT container unit.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram of a check of conduction of the developing bias supplied to the DT container unit to the developing roller.

FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram of assembling a shutter to a driving force receiving member of the DT container unit.

FIG. 64 is an assembly explanatory diagram for assembling a shutter to a DT container unit with a shutter pin.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive body) 5 Conveying means 12 Developing roller (developing member) 27 Toner seal 30 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 41 Developing bias contact (bias contact) 41 g Conducting part (conductive metal member) 63 Carton Ridge frame 63D Driving side cover (second side cover) 63E Non-driving side side cover (first side cover) 63Ei Toner seal opening (opening) 63g Projecting portion (shutter pin) 63g8 Conducting portion (earth contact) 91 Charging roller (Charging member) 91s Shaft (Conductive shaft) 104 Condenser 105 Resistance A1 Toner coat part (roughened part) A2 Non-toner coated part (non-roughened part) D Developer cartridge DU DT container unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Toru Oguma 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2H077 AA31 AC04 AD06 AD13 AD35 AE08 BA08 BA09 BA10 CA12 EA14 FA01 FA21 FA25 FA26 GA13

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a cartridge frame; a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner; and a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developing member that rotates by attaching toner to the peripheral surface thereof; a charge applying member that applies electric charge to the toner in order to attach the toner to the peripheral surface of the developing member; When mounted on the main body, a bias for supplying to the developing member, and a bias contact for receiving a bias for supplying to the charge applying member from the apparatus main body, wherein the bias contact is The developing cartridge is provided on one end side of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame. A ground contact for grounding the device main body and the charge applying member when mounted on the main body, wherein the ground contact is provided at the other end of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction from the cartridge frame. A developing cartridge, which is provided so as to be exposed. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the charge applying member includes a conductive shaft, a first roller provided at one end of the shaft, and a second roller provided at the other end. A developing cartridge having two rollers. 3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the first roller and the second roller have portions where the peripheral surface of a developing roller as the developing member is roughened and are not roughened. A developing cartridge provided so as to straddle the portion and contact a peripheral surface of a developing roller as the developing member. 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the bias received by the bias contact from the apparatus main body is charged by the conductive metal member provided on one end side of the cartridge frame as the charge applying member. A developing cartridge supplied to an application roller and a developing roller as the developing member. 5. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the ground contact is provided on a first side cover detachable from a DT container unit that is a part of the cartridge frame. The first side cover is attached to one end of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction, and is a part of the cartridge frame. 6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, further comprising, inside the first side cover, a circuit for electrically connecting the ground contact and a charge applying roller as the charge applying member. A developing cartridge characterized in that a resistor and a capacitor are provided in a part thereof. 7. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the ground contact is attached to a shutter pin, wherein the shutter pin is detachably attached to a first side cover. The shutter pin is for attaching one end of the shutter in the longitudinal direction to the cartridge frame, and the shutter covers a portion where a developing roller as the developing member is exposed from the cartridge frame. And a developing cartridge. 8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the first guide cover has an opening for pulling out a toner seal, wherein the toner seal is provided in the DT container unit. And a toner seal for preventing toner from leaking out of a toner storage portion of the DT container unit. 9. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the bias contact is provided on a second side cover detachable from a DT container unit which is a part of the cartridge frame. The developing cartridge, wherein the second side cover is a part of the cartridge frame. 10. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said toner is a non-magnetic one-component toner. 11. The developing cartridge according to claim 10, wherein said toner is any one of a yellow toner, a magenta toner, and a cyan toner. 12. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of attaching and detaching a developing cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) a body ground contact, (b) a body bias contact, and (c) a cartridge frame. A toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner, a developing member that rotates by attaching toner to a peripheral surface to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a peripheral surface of the developing member. A charge applying member for applying an electric charge to the toner for attaching the toner to the toner; a bias for supplying the developing member when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body; and the electric charge A bias contact for receiving a bias for supplying to the application member from the apparatus main body, wherein the bias contact is provided at one end of the cartridge frame in a longitudinal direction. A ground contact, which is provided so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame, and grounds the device main body and the charge applying member when the developing cartridge is mounted on the device main body; Mounting means for detachably mounting a developing cartridge having: a ground contact provided on the other end side of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame; and (d) mounting the recording medium. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: conveying means for conveying. 13. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a cartridge frame; a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner; and a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developing member that rotates by attaching toner to the peripheral surface thereof; a charge applying member that applies electric charge to the toner in order to attach the toner to the peripheral surface of the developing member; A bias contact for receiving a bias for supplying the charge applying member from the apparatus main body when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body; An earth contact for grounding with the applying member, wherein the earth contact is provided at the other end of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction. A side cover constituting a part of the cartridge frame, removably attached to the cartridge frame at a longitudinal side end of the cartridge frame, provided so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame; A capacitor and a resistor provided on the side cover, wherein the capacitor and the resistor are provided in a part of a circuit that electrically connects the ground contact and the charge applying member. Developing cartridge. 14. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein said ground contact is further attached to said side cover. 15. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the charge applying member has a conductive shaft, a first roller provided at one end of the shaft, and a second roller provided at the other end. A developing cartridge having two rollers. 16. The developing cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the first roller and the second roller each include:
The developing roller as the developing member is provided so as to straddle a portion where the peripheral surface of the developing roller is roughened and a portion where the peripheral surface is not roughened, and is provided in contact with the peripheral surface of the developing roller. Development cartridge. 17. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the bias received by the bias contact from the apparatus main body is charged by the conductive metal member provided on one end side of the cartridge frame as the charge applying member. A developing cartridge supplied to an application roller and a developing roller as the developing member. 18. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the ground contact is attached to a shutter pin, wherein the shutter pin is detachably attached to the side cover.
The shutter pin is for attaching one end of the shutter in the longitudinal direction to the cartridge frame, and the shutter is for covering a portion where a developing roller as the developing member is exposed from the cartridge frame. A developing cartridge, comprising: 19. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the side cover is provided with an opening for pulling out a toner seal, wherein the toner seal is provided on the DT container unit. The developing cartridge is characterized in that the toner seal is for preventing the toner from leaking out of the toner storing portion of the DT container unit. 20. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the bias contact is provided on a second side cover that is detachably attached to the other end of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction. The developing cartridge, wherein the second side cover is a part of the cartridge frame. 21. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein said toner is a non-magnetic one-component toner. 22. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the toner is any one of a yellow toner, a magenta toner, and a cyan toner. 23. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in which a developing cartridge is detachable, wherein (a) a main body ground contact, (b) a main body bias contact, and (c) a cartridge frame. A toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner, a developing member that rotates by attaching toner to a peripheral surface to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a peripheral surface of the developing member. A charge applying member for applying an electric charge to the toner so that the toner adheres to the toner; and a bias for supplying the charge applying member to the device when the developing cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. And a ground contact for grounding the device main body and the charge applying member when the developing cartridge is mounted on the device main body. And wherein the ground contact is provided at the other end of the cartridge frame in the longitudinal direction so as to be exposed from the cartridge frame. At the longitudinal end of the cartridge frame, A side cover that is detachably attached and forms a part of the cartridge frame; a capacitor and a resistor provided on the side cover, wherein the capacitor and the resistor are the ground contact and the charge application And (d) transport means for transporting the recording medium, the mounting means being provided in a part of a circuit for electrically connecting the member to the developing medium. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: 24. A cartridge frame, a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner, and a developing member which rotates by attaching toner to a peripheral surface to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A charge applying member for applying an electric charge to the toner so that the toner adheres to the peripheral surface of the developing member, and a charge applying member for supplying the electric charge to the toner when the developing cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. A bias contact for receiving a bias from the apparatus main body for performing a bias operation, and a ground contact for grounding the apparatus main body and the charge applying member when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. A side cover used for a developing cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the side cover is At a longitudinal side end of the cartridge frame, detachably attached to the cartridge frame, forming a part of the cartridge frame; and when the side cover is attached to the cartridge frame, the ground contact. Provided in a part of a circuit for electrically connecting the charge applying member and
A side cover having a capacitor and a resistor. 25. The side cover according to claim 24, further comprising, when the side cover is attached to the cartridge frame, a charge applying roller as the charge applying member and the capacitor. A side cover, wherein a contact is provided for electrically connecting the resistor to the conductive member provided on the cartridge frame to electrically connect the resistor to the resistor. 26. The side cover according to claim 25, wherein the contact is flat. 27. The side cover according to claim 25, wherein the ground contact is further attached to the side cover. 28. The side cover according to claim 27, wherein the ground contact is attached to a shutter pin, wherein the shutter pin is detachably attached to the side cover. The shutter pin is for attaching one end of the shutter in the longitudinal direction to the cartridge frame.
The side cover is characterized in that the shutter covers a portion where a developing roller as the developing member is exposed from the cartridge frame. 29. The side cover according to claim 25, further comprising an opening for pulling out a toner seal in the side cover, wherein the toner seal is provided in the DT container unit. Wherein the toner seal is for preventing toner from leaking out of a toner storage portion of the DT container unit.