JP2000075657A - Developing device, developing cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To prevent leakage of a developer from the upper side of an opening of a developing container to the outside. SOLUTION: At an opening 29a2 of a developing container 29a, a base sheet metal back sealing member 302 for sealing the longitudinal direction of the back surface of the base sheet metal 300, and a developing blade 29YB.
Back sealing member 3 for sealing the longitudinal direction of the back of the blade
03 is disposed separately, only the blade back seal member 303 is disposed on the back surface of the developing blade 29YB, and the end surface of the blade back seal member 303 is brought into close contact with the side surface of the end peripheral surface seal member 158.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or an electrophotographic printer, a developing device used in the image forming apparatus, and a developing cartridge including at least the developing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier is visualized as a developer image by a developing device.

As one of such developing devices, various dry single-component developing devices have been proposed and put into practical use. However, it is difficult for any developing device to form a thin layer of a developer, which is a one-component developer, on a developer carrier.

However, at present, there is a demand for improvements in image resolution, sharpness, and the like, and research on a method and apparatus for forming a thin layer of a developer is indispensable. Has been proposed.

For example, as described in JP-A-54-43038, a developing blade as a developer regulating member made of a material such as metal or rubber is brought into contact with a developing sleeve as a developer carrier. By restricting the developer by passing it between the abutting portion of the developing blade and the developing sleeve, a thin layer of the developer is formed on the developing sleeve, and the developer at the abutting portion is sufficiently formed. It is intended to provide a simple tribo.

In this case, when the non-magnetic developer is regulated by the developing blade, a developer supply member for supplying the developer onto the developing sleeve is separately required. this is,
This is because, in the case of a magnetic developer, the developer on the developing sleeve can be supplied by the magnetic force of a magnet in the developing sleeve, but in the case of a non-magnetic developer, the developer cannot be supplied by the magnetic force.

Therefore, a developing device 50 as shown in FIG. 9 has been proposed. In this conventional developing device 50, a polyurethane foam, a sponge, or the like that comes into contact with a developing container 54 containing a non-magnetic developer 53 as a one-component developer at a position upstream of the developing blade 51 in the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 52. An elastic roller 55 using a foam or a fur brush is provided, and the developer 53 is supplied onto the developing sleeve 52 by rotating in the direction of arrow D.

The developer 53 supplied onto the developing sleeve 52 is sent to the contact portion between the developing blade 51 and the developing sleeve 52 with the rotation of the developing sleeve 52 to be thinned, and the static electricity on the photosensitive member is reduced. It is used for developing the latent image.

Then, the developer 53 remaining without being consumed in the development on the developing sleeve 52 is peeled off by the elastic roller 55 and, as described above, by the elastic roller 55.
New developer 53 is supplied to the developing sleeve 52, and the above operation is repeated.

In this case, when the developing sleeve 52 is made of a metal material, the developing blade 51 made of a thin metal plate is not preferable in terms of abrasion of the developing sleeve 52, and a good developer thin layer is obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to use a rubber material such as urethane or silicon.

The base end of the developing blade 51 is fixed by a base plate 200 and a blade plate 201.

By adopting such a configuration, a thin layer of non-magnetic developer can be formed on the developing sleeve 52 satisfactorily.

However, since a non-magnetic developer is used, a magnetic attracting force is used as compared with a magnetic developing device which uses a magnetic developer and can easily hold the developer on the developing sleeve surface by the action of a magnetic field. Therefore, the developer leaks out from the lower portion and the vicinity of the end of the developing sleeve 52 to the outside, that is, so-called developer leakage is likely to occur, which tends to cause the inconvenience of soiling the inside of the image forming apparatus with the developer.

Therefore, one end is fixed to the frame 57 of the developing container 54 at the developer collecting portion below the developing container 54,
A flexible seal member 56 is provided which is lightly pressed against the developing sleeve 52 to allow the passage of undeveloped developer and to prevent the developer 53 in the developing container 54 from leaking from the lower part of the developing container 54. ing.

The developing device described above is used in a small-sized copying machine or page printer. However, recently, in order to facilitate maintenance, a developing cartridge in which the developing device is unitized or a developing device or a photosensitive drum (electronic drum) is used. An image forming apparatus that can be exchanged as a process cartridge in which a photographic photosensitive member), a cleaner, and a charging device (not shown) are integrated has been put to practical use.

[0016]

The problem to be solved by the present invention will be further described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional developing device 50 includes a developing container 5.
4, an end peripheral surface sealing member 58 whose surface is made of felt or electrostatic flocking and whose base material is formed of an elastic member, and an opening provided on both ends of the opening 54a of the base sheet metal 200. There was provided an integral seal member 202 provided on the back side of the developing blade 51 and the longitudinal direction on the back side of the developing blade 51 to seal the longitudinal direction on the upper side of the opening and to be in contact with the end peripheral surface sealing member 58.

However, in the developing device having such a configuration, the rear surface of the base plate 200 and the developing blade 51
A portion 210 that does not adhere to the integral seal member 202 is formed due to a step with respect to the back surface of the developing container 54, and there is a problem that toner leaks from the upper side of the opening 54a of the developing container 54 to the outside.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a developing device, a developing cartridge, and an image forming apparatus provided with the developing device or the developing cartridge which can prevent the leakage of the developer from the upper side of the opening of the developing container to the outside. To provide.

[0019]

The above object is achieved by a developing device, a developing cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In summary, the present invention provides a developer container for storing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container and carrying the developer, and a carrier carried by the developer carrier. A developer regulating member that regulates a developer, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, and a base plate and a supporting plate that support the developer regulating member; A base sheet metal back sealing member provided on the back surface of the base sheet metal and sealing the longitudinal direction above the opening; and a seal member provided on the back surface of the developer regulating member to seal the longitudinal direction above the opening and the end face is the end portion. A regulating member back sealing member that is in contact with a side surface of the peripheral surface sealing member, wherein the base sheet metal back sealing member and the regulating member back sealing member are configured separately from each other, and only the regulating member back sealing member is used for the development. Regulations A developing device for causing contact with the rear surface of the member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer container for storing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container, and carrying and transporting the developer; A developer regulating member that regulates the developer carried and conveyed by the body; an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening; and a base metal plate and a supporting metal plate that support the developer regulating member. In the developing cartridge detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body, a base sheet metal back seal member provided on the back surface of the base sheet metal and sealing a longitudinal direction above the opening, and a back surface of the developer regulating member. A regulating member back seal member that is provided and seals the longitudinal direction above the opening, and has an end surface in contact with a side surface of the end peripheral surface seal member; and the base sheet metal back seal member,
There is provided a developing cartridge having a configuration separate from the regulating member back seal member, wherein only the regulating member back seal member is brought into contact with the back surface of the developer regulating member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer container for storing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container for carrying and transporting the developer, A developer regulating member that regulates the developer carried and conveyed by the developer carrier, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, a base sheet metal and a supporting sheet metal that support the developer regulating member, An image forming apparatus provided with a developing device having: a base metal back seal member provided on the back surface of the base metal plate to seal a longitudinal direction above the opening; and the opening provided on the back surface of the developer regulating member. A regulating member back sealing member that seals the upper longitudinal direction and an end surface of which is in contact with a side surface of the end peripheral surface sealing member, wherein the base sheet metal back sealing member and the regulating member back sealing member are configured separately. In , The image forming apparatus is provided, characterized in that is brought into contact with only the regulating member back seal member on the back surface of the developer regulating member.

In the above invention, a step is provided between the base sheet metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member,
Preferably, only the regulating member back seal member is brought into contact with the back surface of the developer regulating member. It is preferable that the base metal back seal member is attached using a double-sided tape made of a PET base material. According to another aspect, it is preferable that the regulating member back seal member is attached using a double-sided tape of a PET base material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer container for storing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container, and carrying and transporting the developer; A developer regulating member that regulates the developer carried and conveyed by the body; an end peripheral sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening; and a base metal plate and a supporting metal plate that support the developer regulating member. In the developing device, a base sheet metal back seal member provided on the back surface of the base sheet metal and sealing the longitudinal direction above the opening, and sealing the longitudinal direction above the opening provided on the back surface of the developer regulating member, A regulating member back sealing member having an end surface in contact with a side surface of the peripheral surface sealing member, wherein the base sheet metal back sealing member and the regulating member back sealing member are integrally formed, and correspond to a lower end of the base sheet metal. Developing apparatus is characterized in that a slit is provided in a position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer container for storing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container, and carrying and transporting the developer; A developer regulating member that regulates the developer carried and conveyed by the body; an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening; and a base metal plate and a supporting metal plate that support the developer regulating member. In the developing cartridge detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body, a base sheet metal back seal member provided on the back surface of the base sheet metal and sealing a longitudinal direction above the opening, and a back surface of the developer regulating member. A regulating member back sealing member having an end surface in contact with a side surface of the end peripheral surface sealing member, the sealing member being provided in a longitudinal direction above the opening, and the base sheet metal back sealing member and the regulating member back seal being provided. Seal member is integral structure, the developing cartridge, characterized in that a slit at a position corresponding to the lower end of the base sheet metal is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing container for storing a developer, a developer carrying member rotatably supported by an opening of the developing container and carrying and transporting the developer; A developer regulating member that regulates the developer carried and conveyed by the developer carrier, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, a base sheet metal and a supporting sheet metal that support the developer regulating member, An image forming apparatus provided with a developing device having: a base metal back seal member provided on the back surface of the base metal plate to seal a longitudinal direction above the opening; and the opening provided on the back surface of the developer regulating member. A regulating member back seal member that seals the upper longitudinal direction, and an end surface of which is in contact with a side surface of the end peripheral surface sealing member, wherein the base sheet metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member are integrally formed. Image forming apparatus is provided, characterized in that a slit at a position corresponding to the lower end of the base sheet metal.

In the above invention, it is preferable that the integrally formed base sheet metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member are attached using a double-sided tape of a PET base material.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a developing device, a developing cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 [Overall Description of Image Forming Apparatus] First, the overall configuration of a color image forming apparatus will be schematically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a color laser printer which is an embodiment of a color image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the color laser printer includes an image carrier (photosensitive drum) 2 which rotates at a constant speed.
1 and a fixed black developing device (also referred to as “developing device”) 30
B, and three rotatable color developing devices (yellow developing device 29Y, magenta developing device 29M, cyan developing device 29C,
An image forming unit composed of:
Further, the transfer material 19 which has been developed in the image forming unit and holds the multi-transferred color image, and which has been fed from the transfer material feeding unit.
Is provided with an intermediate transfer member 33 for further transferring the image. The transfer material 19 on which the color image has been transferred from the intermediate transfer body 33 is conveyed to the fixing unit 44 to be fixed on the transfer material 19, and the discharge roller 16,
It is discharged to the discharge section 49 on the upper surface of the apparatus by 17 and 18.

The three color developing units and the fixed black developing unit are configured to be individually detachable as developing cartridges with respect to the printer main body.

Next, the configuration of each part of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail sequentially.

[Image Carrier Unit] Image Carrier Unit 2
Numeral 0 indicates that the image carrier 21 and the container 22 of the cleaning device also serving as a holder for the image carrier 21 are integrally formed. The image carrier unit 20 is detachably supported by the printer main body, and is configured so that the unit can be easily replaced according to the life of the image carrier 21.

The image carrier 21 according to this embodiment has a diameter 62
mm of an aluminum cylinder is coated with an organic photoconductor layer on the outside thereof.
It is supported rotatably.

On the periphery of the image carrier 21, a cleaner blade 23 and primary charging means 24 are arranged.
By transmitting the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) to one end of the image bearing member 1, the image carrier 21 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure according to the image forming operation.

[Charging Means] The primary charging means 24 is a conductive roller using a contact charging method. The conductive roller is brought into contact with the image carrier 21 and an image is formed by applying a voltage to the conductive roller 24. This is to uniformly charge the surface of the carrier 21.

[Exposure Unit] Exposure to the image carrier 21 is performed from the scanner unit 25. That is, when an image signal is given to the laser diode, the laser diode irradiates the polygon mirror 26 with an image corresponding to the image signal.

The polygon mirror 26 is a scanner motor 26
a, the image light reflected by the polygon mirror 26 selectively exposes the surface of the image carrier 21 rotating at a constant speed via the imaging lens 27 and the reflection mirror 28, and as a result, the image carrier An electrostatic latent image is formed on 21.

[Developing Means] The developing means serves to make each of the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) colors as described above to visualize the electrostatic latent image. Three rotary developing devices 29Y, 29M, 29 that enable development
C and one black developing unit 30B.

The black developing device 30B is a fixed developing device, and a developing sleeve 30BS, which is a developer carrying member, is provided at a position facing the image carrying member 21 at a minute interval (300
.mu.m) and a developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve 30BS, whereby the surface of the image carrier 21 is visualized as a developer image.

The black developing device 30B sends the developer in the container to the developing sleeve 30BS by a feeding mechanism, and the coating blade 30BB pressed against the outer periphery of the developing sleeve 30BS.
The developing sleeve 30B rotates clockwise in the drawing.
A thin layer of a developer is applied to the outer periphery of S, and a charge is applied to the developer (frictional charging).

Three rotary developing units 29Y, 29M, 29C
, Each of which contains a developer equivalent to 6000 pages (A4, 5% printing) and is detachably held as a developing cartridge on a developing rotary 32 which rotates about an axis 31.

At the time of image formation, each developing device is rotated around the shaft 31 while being held by the developing rotary 32, a predetermined developing device is stopped at a position facing the image carrier 21, and the developing sleeve is further moved. After being positioned so as to face the image carrier 21 with a small interval (about 300 μm), a visible image is formed corresponding to the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier 21.

When forming a color image, one of the intermediate transfer members 33 is used.
The developing rotary 32 rotates with each rotation, and the yellow developing device 2
9Y, a magenta developing unit 29M, a cyan developing unit 29C, and then a black developing unit 30B are developed in this order.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the yellow developing unit 29Y is positioned at a position facing the image carrier unit 20 and is stationary. The yellow developing device 29Y sends the developer in the developing container 29a to the coating roller 29YR by a feeding mechanism 29YA, and rotates the coating roller 29YR clockwise in the drawing and the developing sleeve 29 as a developer carrier.
A developing blade 29 </ b> YB as a developer regulating member pressed against the outer periphery of YS applies a thin layer of the developer to the outer periphery of the developing sleeve 29 </ b> YS rotating clockwise in the drawing, and applies a charge to the developer (friction charging). I do.

By applying a developing bias to the developing sleeve 29YS facing the image carrier 21 on which the latent image is formed, the developer is developed on the image carrier 21 in accordance with the latent image.

Magenta developing device 29M, cyan developing device 29
For C, developer development is performed by the same mechanism as described above.

Each of the rotary developing devices 20Y, 20M, 20C
Each developing sleeve is connected to a high-voltage power supply for each color development provided in the printer main body and a driving source when each developing device is rotated to the developing position, and a voltage is selectively applied to each color development sequentially. Is applied to transmit the drive.

[Intermediate Transfer Body] The intermediate transfer body 33 transfers the developer image on the image carrier 21 visualized by each developing device four times (in four colors of Y, M, C, and B) during a color image forming operation. The image carrier 21 receives multiple transfer over each image).
And rotates clockwise in FIG. Further, the intermediate transfer body 33 that has undergone the multiple transfer transfers the transfer material 19 between the transfer rollers 34 to which a voltage is applied, and conveys the developer images of the respective colors on the intermediate transfer body 33 onto the transfer material 19 at the same time. I do.

The intermediate transfer member 33 according to this embodiment has a diameter of 1
The outer circumference of an 86 mm aluminum cylinder 35 is covered with an elastic layer 36 of medium resistance sponge, medium resistance rubber or the like. The intermediate transfer member 33 is rotatably supported, and is rotated by being driven by a gear (not shown) fixed integrally.

[Cleaning Unit] The cleaning unit is configured to transfer the developer visualized on the image carrier 21 by the developing unit to the intermediate transfer body 33 and then transfer the developer to the image carrier 21.
This is for cleaning the remaining developer. The removed removed developer is stored in the cleaner container 22. The amount of the removed developer stored in the container 22 does not fill the container 22 earlier than the life of the image carrier 21.
Therefore, when the life of the image bearing member 21 is replaced, the container 22 is simultaneously replaced.

[Paper Feeding Unit] The paper feeding unit feeds the transfer material 19 to the image forming unit, and includes a cassette 37 containing a plurality of transfer materials 19, a paper feed roller 38, a feed roller 39,
It mainly includes a retard roller 40 for preventing double feed, a paper feed guide 41, a transport roller 43, and a registration roller 42.

During image formation, the paper feed roller 38 is driven and rotated in accordance with the image forming operation, and the transfer material 1 in the cassette 37 is rotated.
9 are separated and fed one by one, guided by a guide plate 41, and reach a registration roller 42 via a transport roller 43.

During the image forming operation, the registration roller 42
Non-rotational operation of making the transfer material 19 stand still and the transfer material 1
The rotation of the transfer material 9 toward the intermediate transfer body 33 is performed in a predetermined sequence, and the position of the image and the transfer material 19 at the time of the transfer process, which is the next process, is aligned.

[Transfer Section] The transfer section is composed of a swingable transfer roller 34. The transfer roller 34 has a metal shaft wound with a medium-resistance foam elastic material, and can move up and down in the figure and has driving. .

While a four-color developer image is being formed on the intermediate transfer member 33, that is, while the intermediate transfer member 33 is rotating a plurality of times, the transfer roller 34 is connected with a solid line in FIG. And is separated from the intermediate transfer member 33.

After the formation of the four-color developer images on the intermediate transfer member 33, the transfer roller 34 is moved by a cam member (not shown) in a thin line in FIG. It is pressed at a predetermined pressure to the intermediate transfer body 33 via the transfer material 19 at the upper position shown. At this time, a bias is applied to the transfer roller 34 at the same time, and the developer image on the intermediate transfer body 33 is transferred to the transfer material 19.

Here, since the intermediate transfer member 33 and the transfer roller 34 are driven respectively, the transfer material 19 sandwiched between the two is subjected to the transfer process and at the same time, at a predetermined speed in the left direction in the figure. And is sent to the fixing unit 44 which performs the next process.

[Fixing Section] The fixing section 44 includes the developing devices 29 and 3
The fixing of the developer image formed on the transfer material 19 via the intermediate transfer member 33 is performed on the developer image formed by the process No. 0 as shown in FIG. A roller 45 and a pressure roller 46 for pressing the transfer material 19 against the fixing roller 45 are provided. Each roller 4
Reference numerals 5 and 46 denote hollow rollers, each of which has a heater 4 inside.
7 and 48, and is configured to be driven to rotate and to convey the transfer material 19 at the same time.

That is, the transfer material 19 holding the developer image is conveyed by the fixing roller 45 and the pressure roller 46, and the developer is fixed to the transfer material 19 by applying heat and pressure.

Next, the configuration of the Y, M, and C rotary developing units, which are characteristic parts of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 using the yellow developing unit 29Y shown in FIG. 2 as a representative example.

The developing device 29Y includes a container 29a in which a developer is stored and in which a developer feeding member 29YA is disposed.

When the developing device 29Y is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, it is indexed and rotated by the developing rotary 32, and when the developing sleeve 29YS reaches the developing position facing the photosensitive drum 21, the driving source of the image forming apparatus is used. Developing sleeve 29Y via shaft coupling and gear train (not shown)
S and the developer feeding member 29YA are rotated, and the developing sleeve 29YS rotates in the direction of the arrow α in the figure. Further, the developer feeding member 29YA rotates in the direction of arrow β shown in the figure. As a result, the developer in the developing container 29a
9YR side, and the developer is applied to the developing sleeve 29YS by the application roller 29YR.
The thickness of the developer on the YS is regulated by the developing blade 29 </ b> YB and is sent toward the photosensitive drum 21.

To further explain with reference to FIG. 2, in the developing device 29Y of this embodiment, the base end of the developing blade 29YB is fixed by a base metal plate 300 and a blade metal plate 301.

A flexible seal member 156 having one end fixed to the frame 29a1 of the developing container 29a and lightly abutting against the developing sleeve 29YS is provided in a developer collecting portion below the developing container 29a. To allow the undeveloped developer to pass therethrough and to allow the developer in the developing container 29a to
It prevents leakage from the lower part of a.

Further, the developing device 29a is provided at both ends of the opening 29a2 of the developing container 29a, and has an end peripheral surface sealing member 158 whose surface is made of felt or electrostatic flocking and whose base material is formed of an elastic member. Developing sleeve 29YS
Of the developer in the horizontal direction.

Then, the opening 29a2 of the developing container 29a
, A base sheet metal back seal member 302 for sealing the longitudinal direction on the back surface of the base sheet metal 300 is arranged, and a blade back seal member 303 for sealing the longitudinal direction on the back surface of the developing blade 29YB is arranged. Has a configuration in which the end surface of the end portion is in close contact with the side surface of the end peripheral surface sealing member 158.

As described above, the rear surface of the base metal plate 300 and the rear surface of the developing blade 29YB are separately sealed by separate seal members, that is, the base metal back seal member 302 and the blade back seal member 303, respectively. Unlike the related art, it was possible to prevent the developer from leaking to the outside of the opening 29a2 from the step between the base plate 302 and the developing blade 29YB.

Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described below.

The present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment, that is, as a seal around the opening 29a2, in order to prevent the developer from leaking in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 29YS, the peripheral surface of the end portion is used. A seal member 158, a base metal back seal member 302 for sealing the longitudinal direction above the opening 29a2, and a seal member 158 provided on the back surface of the developing blade 29YB to seal the upper longitudinal direction of the opening 29a2 and have an end face at the end. In the configuration including the blade back seal member 303 in contact with the side surface of the peripheral surface seal member 158, as shown in FIG. 3, a step 310 is provided in advance on the base sheet metal back seal member 302 and the blade back seal member 303, and the blade back seal is provided. Only the member 303 is a developing blade 29YB
Abutted against the back of

In this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 3 Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, that is, as a seal around the opening 29a2, in order to prevent the developer from leaking in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 29YS, an end peripheral surface sealing member is used. 158 and opening 29
a base sheet metal back sealing member 302 for sealing the longitudinal direction above a2, and provided on the back surface of the developing blade 29YB to seal the upper longitudinal direction of the opening 29a2;
In the configuration including the blade back seal member 303 whose end face is in contact with the side surface of the end peripheral surface seal member 158, as shown in FIG. By using a double-sided tape of a PET base as the tape 312, the base metal back seal member 302 can be reliably disposed in the longitudinal direction or the bonding surface without any gap, and the workability can be improved. .

In this embodiment, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 4 Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

This embodiment has the same construction as the first embodiment, that is, as a seal around the opening 29a2, in order to prevent the developer from leaking in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 29YS, an end peripheral surface sealing member is used. 158 and opening 29
a base sheet metal back sealing member 302 for sealing the longitudinal direction above a2, and provided on the back surface of the developing blade 29YB to seal the upper longitudinal direction of the opening 29a2;
As shown in FIG. 6, when the blade back seal member 303 is attached to the back surface of the developing blade 29YB, a double-sided tape is used in a configuration including the blade back seal member 303 whose end surface is in contact with the side surface of the end peripheral surface seal member 158. 313
By using a PET-based double-sided tape as
The blade back seal member 303 can be reliably arranged without a gap with respect to the longitudinal direction or the attachment surface, and workability can be improved.

In this embodiment, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 5 Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In a configuration substantially similar to the configuration of the first embodiment, that is, as a seal around the opening 29a2, an end peripheral surface sealing member 158 is provided to prevent the developer from leaking in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 29YS. In a configuration comprising an integral sealing member 320 which seals the longitudinal direction above the opening 29a2 and the longitudinal direction above the opening 29a2 on the back surface of the developing blade 29YB, and whose end surface is in contact with the side surface of the end peripheral sealing member 158. , Integral seal member 3
When attaching 20, PET as double-sided tape 330
Using a double-sided tape of the base material,
0, a slit 320a is formed at a position corresponding to the lowermost end of the base sheet metal 300, and a portion above the slit 320c of the seal body 320a is provided on the back surface of the base sheet metal 300,
The lower portion is securely attached to the back surface of the developing blade 29YB without any gap, so that leakage of toner is reliably prevented.

[0079]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the developing device, the developing cartridge and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the back of the base sheet metal provided on the back surface of the base sheet metal and sealing the longitudinal direction above the opening. A base member back seal member, comprising: a seal member; and a control member back seal member provided on a back surface of the developer control member and sealing in a longitudinal direction above the opening and having an end surface in contact with a side surface of the peripheral seal member. The member and the regulating member back seal member are separate components, and only the regulating member back seal member is brought into contact with the back surface of the developer regulating member, or alternatively, the base sheet metal back seal member and the regulating member. The member back seal member is an integral structure, and a slit is formed at a position corresponding to the lower end of the base sheet metal, so that the developer can be discharged from the upper side of the developing container opening to the outside. Les can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus using a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of members are omitted for easy understanding of a characteristic portion.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of members are omitted for easy understanding of a characteristic portion.

5 is a front view (a) and a side view (b) showing a base metal back seal member of the developing device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view (a) and a side view (b) showing a blade back seal member of a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a developing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of members are omitted for easy understanding of a characteristic portion.

8 is a front view (a) and a side view (b) showing an integral seal member of the developing device of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a conventional developing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

21 Photosensitive drum (image carrier) 29Y, 29M, 29C Developing device (developing device / developing cartridge) 29YB Developing blade (developer regulating member) 29YS Developing sleeve (developer carrier) 29a Developing container 29a2 Opening 158 Edge circumference Surface seal member 300 Base sheet metal 301 Blade sheet metal 302 Base sheet metal back seal member 303 Blade back seal member

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A developer container containing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container and carrying the developer, and a developer carried and transported by the developer carrier. A developer regulating member for regulating, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, and a base sheet metal and a supporting sheet metal supporting the developer regulating member; A base sheet metal back sealing member provided on a back surface for sealing a longitudinal direction above the opening, and a longitudinal direction above the opening provided on a back surface of the developer regulating member to seal an end surface of the end peripheral surface; A regulating member back seal member that is in contact with a side surface of the member, wherein the base sheet metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member are separate components, and only the regulating member back seal member is the developer regulating member. of A developing device for causing contact with the surface. 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein a step is provided between the base metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member, and only the regulating member back seal member is brought into contact with the back surface of the developer regulating member. . 3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the base sheet metal back seal member is attached using a double-sided tape made of a PET substrate. 4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein said regulating member back seal member is attached using a double-sided tape made of a PET substrate. 5. A developer container for storing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container and carrying the developer, and a developer carried and transported by the developer carrier. A developer regulating member for regulating, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, and a base sheet metal and a supporting sheet metal supporting the developer regulating member; A base sheet metal back sealing member provided on a back surface for sealing a longitudinal direction above the opening, and a longitudinal direction above the opening provided on a back surface of the developer regulating member to seal an end surface of the end peripheral surface; A regulating member back seal member in contact with a side surface of the member, wherein the base sheet metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member are integrally formed, and a slit is formed at a position corresponding to a lower end of the base sheet metal. Developing apparatus is characterized in that. 6. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein said base sheet metal back seal member and said regulating member back seal member are integrally attached to each other using a double-sided tape of a PET base material. 7. A developer container containing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container and carrying the developer, and a developer carried and transported by the developer carrier. A developer regulating member for regulating, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, a base metal plate and a supporting metal plate for supporting the developer regulating member, and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. In the developing cartridge to be mounted, a base sheet metal back sealing member provided on the back surface of the base sheet metal and sealing the longitudinal direction above the opening, and a longitudinal member provided on the back surface of the developer regulating member and above the opening. Sealing direction, has a regulating member back seal member whose end surface is in contact with the side surface of the end peripheral surface sealing member, the base sheet metal back sealing member, the regulating member back sealing member is a separate structure, Developing cartridge, characterized in that is brought into contact with only the serial regulating member back seal member on the back surface of the developer regulating member. 8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein a step is provided between the base metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member, and only the regulating member back seal member is brought into contact with the back surface of the developer regulating member. . 9. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the base sheet metal back seal member is attached using a double-sided tape made of a PET substrate. 10. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the regulating member back seal member is attached using a double-sided tape made of a PET base material. 11. A developer container containing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container and carrying the developer, and a developer carried by the developer carrier. A developer regulating member for regulating, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, a base metal plate and a supporting metal plate for supporting the developer regulating member, and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. In the developing cartridge to be mounted, a base sheet metal back sealing member provided on the back surface of the base sheet metal and sealing the longitudinal direction above the opening, and a longitudinal member provided on the back surface of the developer regulating member and above the opening. A regulating member back sealing member having an end surface in contact with a side surface of the end peripheral surface sealing member, wherein the base sheet metal back sealing member and the regulating member back sealing member are integrally formed, Developing cartridge, characterized in that a slit at a position corresponding to the lower end of the serial-based metal plate. 12. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, wherein said integrated base sheet metal back seal member and said regulating member back seal member are attached using a PET base double-sided tape. 13. A developer container accommodating a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container and carrying the developer, and a developer carried and carried by the developer carrier. An image forming apparatus including a developing device having a developer regulating member for regulating, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, and a base metal plate and a supporting metal plate for supporting the developer regulating member; A base metal back seal member provided on the back surface of the base metal plate to seal the longitudinal direction above the opening, and a longitudinal direction above the opening provided on the back surface of the developer regulating member to seal the longitudinal direction, A regulating member back sealing member that is in contact with a side surface of the end peripheral surface sealing member; the base sheet metal back sealing member and the regulating member back sealing member are configured separately from each other; An image forming apparatus characterized in that in contact with the back surface of the developer regulating member. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a step is provided between the base metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member, and only the regulating member back seal member is brought into contact with the back surface of the developer regulating member. apparatus. 15. The base sheet metal back seal member is made of PET.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus is attached using a double-sided tape on a substrate. 16. The control member back seal member is attached using a double-sided tape of a PET base material.
4 is an image forming apparatus. 17. A developer container containing a developer, a developer carrier rotatably supported by an opening of the developer container and carrying the developer, and a developer carried and transported by the developer carrier. An image forming apparatus including a developing device having a developer regulating member for regulating, an end peripheral surface sealing member disposed at both ends of the opening, and a base metal plate and a supporting metal plate for supporting the developer regulating member; A base metal back seal member provided on the back surface of the base metal plate to seal the longitudinal direction above the opening, and a longitudinal direction above the opening provided on the back surface of the developer regulating member to seal the longitudinal direction, A regulating member back seal member in contact with a side surface of the peripheral surface seal member, wherein the base sheet metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member are integrally formed, and a position corresponding to a lower end of the base sheet metal. Image forming apparatus characterized by a slit in. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the base sheet metal back seal member and the regulating member back seal member of the integrated structure are attached using a double-sided tape of a PET base material.