Shutter pin and developing cartridge

Abstract

A shutter pin usable with a developing cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a pin mounting portion for mounting the shutter pin to a cartridge frame of the developing cartridge; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to the cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of the developing cartridge is exposed from the cartridge frame; and an electroconductive portion for establishing electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

The present invention relates to a shutter pin for a developing cartridge and a developing cartridge provided with the same.

The term “developing cartridge” refers to a cartridge integrally comprising a developing member for developing with toner an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a toner accommodating portion for containing the toner, the cartridge being demountably mounted to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic image forming process. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (e.g. an LED printer, a laser beam printer or the like), an electrophotographic printer-type facsimile machine, an electrophotographic word processor or the like.

Heretofore, the following structure is known as multi-color image forming apparatus for forming a multi-color image on a recording material through an electrophotographic process. A plurality of developing devices accommodating different color developers, which are arranged on a rotation selection mechanism, are disposed around an electrophotographic photosensitive drum. A developing device accommodating a color developer is brought to face the photosensitive drum to develop a latent image thereon. The developed image is transferred onto the recording material. The developing and transferring operations are carried out for respective colors, so that a multi-color image is formed. The developing device is in the form of a cartridge that is detachably mountable to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to facilitate the maintenance operation of the users.

Generally, the structure for inserting the developing device into the main assembly of the apparatus is such that the developing device is inserted in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller from a predetermined position, in order to reduce the area of the opening of the main assembly.

The present invention is intended to further improve such a developing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a shutter pin for creating a grounding connection between a developing cartridge and a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a developing cartridge provided with a shutter pin capable of establishing a grounding connection between a developing cartridge and a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when it is mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shutter pin that a good operativity in assembling, and developing cartridge having the shutter pin. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shutter pin usable with a developing cartridge that is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising a pin-mounting portion for mounting the shutter pin to a cartridge frame of the developing cartridge; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to the cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of the developing cartridge is exposed from the cartridge frame; an electroconductive portion for establishing an electrical grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon a consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 2 is illustrations of a rotary unit and a developing cartridge.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a developing cartridge.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a mounting means for a developing cartridge, provided in the main assembly of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge when the shutter is closed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge when the shutter is opened.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a developing cartridge when it is inserted into a main assembly.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a developing cartridge when it is inserted into a main assembly.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a developing cartridge when it is inserted into a main assembly.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a developing cartridge when it is inserted into a main assembly.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a drive transmission structure that stabilizes the positional relation between a developing roller and a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a drive transmission structure that stabilizes the positional relation between a developing roller and a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a structure for stabilizing the pressure of a developing roller relative to a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a structure for stabilizing the pressure of a developing roller relative to a photosensitive drum.

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

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a guide portion providing the main assembly of the apparatus.

FIG. 17 , ( a ), is a side view of the other end of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 15 (shutter is closed), and ( b ) is a side view of one end of a developing cartridge shown in FIG. 15 (shutter is closed).

FIG. 18 , ( a ), is a side view of the other end of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 15 (shutter is open), and ( b ) is a side view of one end of a developing cartridge shown in FIG. 15 (shutter is open).

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a guide portion in the main assembly of the apparatus.

FIG. 20 is a side view showing a process of mounting a developing cartridge to a rotary unit.

FIG. 21 is a side view showing a process of mounting a developing cartridge to a rotary unit.

FIG. 22 is a side view showing a process of mounting a developing cartridge to a rotary unit.

FIG. 23 is a side view showing a process of mounting a developing cartridge to a rotary unit.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a process of mounting a developing cartridge to a rotary unit.

FIG. 25 is a side view showing a positional relation between a spring receptor 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 shows another embodiment.

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

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge in which a shutter is shown as being in its open position.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge in which the shutter is shown as being in its closed position.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge wherein the shutter and parts therearound are disassembled.

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

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

FIG. 36 is a side view of a non-driving side of a developing cartridge wherein the shutter is opening.

FIG. 37 is a side view of a driving side of a developing cartridge wherein the shutter is opening.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a shutter.

FIG. 39 is top plan view illustrating mounting of a rotary unit of a developing cartridge.

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a non-driving-side cover.

FIG. 46 is a side view of a driving-side cover.

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

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an inside of the driving-side cover.

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

FIG. 50 , ( a ), ( b ), ( c ), ( d ) are schematic top plan views of developing-cartridge discriminating means.

FIG. 51 is a side view of driving means of a developing cartridge.

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

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

FIGS. 54 ( a ) and 54 ( b ) are perspective views of a shutter pin.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an inner side of a side cover of a non-driving side cover.

FIG. 56 in an illustration of connection between the shutter pin and a grounding metal plate in a voltage generating circuit.

FIG. 57 is an illustration of assembling of a side cover to a DT container unit at a non-driving side.

FIG. 58 is an illustration of assembling of a coupling frame to a DT container unit.

FIG. 59 is an illustration of assembling of gear to the DT container unit.

FIG. 60 is an illustration of assembling of a side cover to a DT container unit at a driving side.

FIG. 61 is an illustration of conduction check of developing bias voltage supplied to the DT container unit.

FIG. 62 is an illustration of a conduction check of developing bias to a developing roller in a DT container unit.

FIG. 63 is an illustration of mounting of a shutter to a driving-force receiving member of a DT container unit.

FIG. 64 is an illustration of mounting of a shutter to a DT container unit using a shutter pin.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A developing cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described.

First Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12 , the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 1 to FIG. 3 illustrate an electrophotographic image forming apparatus; FIGS. 4 to 5 are perspective views of a developing cartridge; FIGS. 6 to FIG. 10 are a mounting structure of the developing cartridge; and FIGS. 11 and 12 , illustrate a drive-transmission structure.

First, a description will be provided as to a general arrangement of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and then as to the structure of the developing cartridge.

Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus

The general arrangement of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view of a laser-beam printer as an exemplary image forming apparatus for forming a color image through an electrophotographic process. Charging means 2 uniformly charges a surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member in the form of a drum (photosensitive drum) 1 which rotates at a constant speed. A laser beam corresponding to image information is projected through exposure means 3 onto the photosensitive drum 1 to form latent images thereon, which are developed by developing device Dy, Dm, Dc or Db. The developed images formed on the photosensitive drum 1 are superimposedly transferred sequentially onto an intermediary transfer member 4 so that a color image is formed. The color image is transferred by transferring means 6 onto a recording material P, such as recording paper, OHP sheet or the like, fed by feeding means 5 from a sheet feeding portion. The recording material P is fed to fixing means 7 , where the color image is fixed. The recording material P is then discharged to a discharging portion 8 at an upper surface of the device.

The structures of the respective portions will be described.

The photosensitive drum 1 is integrally mounted to a frame of cleaning means 9 for removing developer (toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer of the toner image onto the recording material P, thus constituting a process cartridge (drum unit) U. The process cartridge U is demountably mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and is exchanged by a user by himself when the lifetime of the photosensitive drum 1 ends.

The photosensitive drum 1 comprises an aluminum cylinder having a diameter of approximately 50 mm, and an organic photoconductive layer thereon, and is rotatably supported on a frame 9 a of the cleaning means 9 , which frame also functions as a holder for the photosensitive drum 1 . Around the photosensitive drum 1 , there are provided a cleaning blade 9 b for scraping and removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 , and charging means 2 . In this example, the photosensitive drum 1 , the cleaning means 9 and the charging means 2 are unified into a process cartridge U detachably mountable to the main assembly of the apparatus.

The photosensitive drum 1 receives a driving force from an unshown driving motor to rotate in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1 in accordance with an image forming operation.

The charging means 2 in this example is of a contact-charging type, and comprises a rotatable electroconductive roller in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 , which roller is supplied with a voltage to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 .

In the exposure means 3 for exposing the charged photosensitive drum 1 , an image signal is supplied to an unshown laser diode, in response to which the laser diode projects the image light corresponding to the image signal onto the polygonal mirror 3 a . The polygonal mirror 3 a is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor 3 b , and the image light reflected by the mirror 3 a is projected onto the photosensitive drum 1 rotating at a constant speed through an imaging lens 3 c and a reflection mirror 3 d , so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is image wisely exposed to the light, thus forming an electrostatic latent image.

The latent image is developed for each color by the latent image developing cartridge (developing device). The structure of the developing cartridge will be described, hereinafter.

The toner image developed by the developing cartridge is transferred onto the intermediary transfer member 4 . Onto the intermediary transfer member 4 , four color toner images on the drum are sequentially and superimposedly transferred. Therefore, the intermediary transfer member 4 is rotated clockwisely in FIG. 1 in synchronism with the outer peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 1 . The intermediary transfer member 4 having the toner images is passed to sandwich the recording material P with a transfer roller 6 as transferring means supplied with a voltage, by which the toner images are simultaneously transferred from the intermediary transfer member 4 onto the recording material P.

The intermediary transfer member 4 in this example comprises an aluminum cylinder having an outer diameter of approximately 150 mm, and an elastic layer of a material, such as a intermediate resistance sponge, an intermediate resistance rubber or the like thereon. It is rotated by a gear fixed thereto.

After the toner image is transferred onto the intermediary transfer member 4 , a small amount of toner remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 , and is removed by cleaning means 9 . The cleaning means 9 has a cleaning blade 9 b, which contacts the drum surface and which scrapes the toner off the drum surface. The scraped toner is accumulated in a toner container 9 c . The capacity of the container 9 c is such that it is not filled with the removed toner accumulated before the lifetime of the photosensitive drum 1 ends. The removed toner in the container 9 c is taken out by exchange of the drum unit U when the life of the photosensitive drum 1 ends.

The transferring means for transferring the toner images from the intermediary transfer member 4 onto the recording material P, is in the form of a transfer roller 6 in this example, and the roller 6 comprises a metal shaft and an intermediate resistance foamed-elastic-member thereon, and is vertically movable in FIG. 1 .

The transfer roller 6 takes a solid line position in FIG. 1 (lower position) away from the intermediary transfer member 4 so that it does not disturb the image while the four toner images are being transferred thereonto, that is, while the intermediary transfer member 4 is rotated a plurality of times.

After the toner images are superimposedly transferred onto the intermediary transfer member 4 , and the color image formation is completed on the intermediary transfer member 4 , the transfer roller 6 is moved to the upper position indicated by the chain line in FIG. 1 by an unshown cam at a timing for transfer of the color image onto the recording material P. Thus, the roller press-contacts the recording member P to the intermediary transfer member 4 at a predetermined time. Simultaneously with this, the transfer roller 6 is supplied with a bias voltage so that toner image is transferred from the intermediary transfer member 4 onto the recording material P.

The feeding means 5 for feeding the recording material P, comprises a cassette 5 a accommodating a plurality of recording materials P, a pick-up roller 5 b , feeding rollers 5 c 1 , retarding rollers 5 c 2 for preventing double feeding, a pair of feeding rollers 5 d , a pair of registration rollers 5 e , a pair of discharging rollers 5 f , and a feeding guide 5 g.

At the time of the image formation, the pick-up roller 5 a is rotated in the image forming operation, so that recording material P in the cassette 5 a is separated and fed in seriatim. The recording material is fed out of the cassette 5 a , and is guided by the feeding guide 5 f , and then is fed to the pair of registration rollers 5 e via the pair of feeding rollers 5 d . In the image forming operation, the registration roller 5 e is at rest for stopping and retaining the recording material P, and is rotated to feed the recording material P to the intermediary transfer member 4 in a predetermined sequence to align the recording material P with the intermediary transfer member 4 for the transfer process. Then, the color image is transferred by the transferring means.

The recording material P now having the transferred color image is fed to the fixing means 7 where the toner image is fixed. The fixing means 7 comprises a fixing roller 7 a for applying heat to the recording material P, and a pressing roller 7 b for press-contacting the recording material P to the fixing roller 7 a . These rollers 7 a , 7 b are hollow rotatable rollers, and have heaters therein. The toner image is fixed on the recording material P while the recording material P is being fed therethrough while being pressed and heated.

The recording material P on which the toner image is fixed, is discharged to the discharging portion 8 by the discharging rollers 5 f (feeding means).

Developing Cartridge (Developing Device)

A description will be provided as to the developing cartridge for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 .

The image forming apparatus has four developing cartridges D (Dy, Dm, Dc, Db) for development in four colors (yellow, magenta, cyan and black) to form a full-color image. The developing cartridges D, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , are demountably mounted on a rotary unit 11 , which is rotatable about a shaft. In the image formation operation, each developing cartridge D is revolved while being supported on the rotary unit 11 , about the shaft 10 . A developing cartridge D accommodating predetermined color toner is stopped at a development position facing the photosensitive drum 1 . The developing roller, which will be described hereinafter, is positioned with a small clearance relative to the photosensitive drum 1 (approximately 300 μm), and then the toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 to develop the latent image.

During color-image formation, the rotary unit 11 is rotated for each rotation of the intermediary transfer member 4 to permit developing operations of the yellow developing cartridge Dy accommodating the yellow color toner, the magenta developing cartridge Dm accommodating the magenta color toner, cyan developing cartridge Dc accommodating the cyan color toner, and the black developing cartridge Db accommodating the black color toner, in this order.

FIG. 3 shows a developing cartridge D (yellow developing cartridge Dy, for example) placed at the development position facing to the photosensitive drum 1 . The developing cartridge D comprises a developing roller 12 as a toner carrying member for supplying the toner to the photosensitive drum 1 , and a toner accommodating portion 13 a for accommodating the toner to be supplied to the developing roller 12 . It further comprises a frame 13 for supporting the developing roller 12 , and a shutter 14 for an opening provided in the frame 13 to expose the developing roller 12 . Furthermore, it comprises a toner feeding member 15 in the toner accommodating portion 13 a . A fresh developing cartridge is provided with a toner seal 30 for preventing leakage of the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 13 a . A user pulls out the toner seal 30 prior to the mounting of the fresh developing cartridge to the main assembly of the apparatus to open the toner accommodating portion 13 a . By this, the toner in the toner accommodating portion 13 a is permitted to be supplied to the developing roller 12 .

The toner feeding member 15 is rotated by a driving force from the main assembly of the apparatus to feed the toner from the accommodating portion 13 a to the developing roller 12 . The developing roller 12 is a rotatable aluminum roller, and a development blade 16 is press-contacted to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 . By this, when the developing roller 12 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 , the toner is applied on the peripheral surface as a thin layer, and the toner is supplied with an electric charge (triboelectric charge).

The developing roller 12 facing to the photosensitive drum 1 having a latent image, is supplied with a developing bias, so that toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 in accordance with the latent image.

The above-described structure and the developing process are the same in the yellow developing cartridge Dy, the magenta developing cartridge Dm, the cyan developing cartridge Dc and the black developing cartridge Db. The developing roller 12 of each developing cartridge is connected with the driving source and a high voltage generating source for each color development provided in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge D is moved to a development position, so that a developing bias voltage for each developing cartridge D is sequentially applied thereto, and the driving force is transmitted to rotate the developing roller 12 or the like.

A description will be provided as to the structure for mounting the developing cartridge D to the main assembly 30 of the image formation device. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , at a predetermined position of the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, an insertion opening 17 having a width not less than the longitudinal direction length of the developing cartridge D, is formed, and a cover 18 is openable mounted in the insertion opening 17 . The insertion opening 17 is normally closed by a cover 18 .

The main assembly of the apparatus 30 is provided with a developing-device exchange switch (unshown). When the developing cartridge D is exchanged after the toner therein is consumed, the user actuates the switch. Then, the rotary unit 11 rotates to bring the developing cartridge to be replaced to the position of the insertion opening 17 .

When the user opened the cover 18 , guides 19 constituting the mounting means for the developing cartridge D are provided at four positions of the rotary unit 11 in the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, the shutter 14 of the developing cartridge D is provided with guide portions 20 as shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 . By inserting the cartridge so that guide portion 20 is guided along the guide 19 , the developing cartridge D is inserted into the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus. The guide 19 and the guide portion 20 are extended in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the rotation axial direction of) of the developing cartridge D at both sides (only one side is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ).

After the developing cartridge D is inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus in a direction crossing with the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 in this manner, the user rotates the developing cartridge D, the shutter 14 is opened, and the developing roller 12 faces the photosensitive drum 1 exposed through the frame 13 , so that a developing operation is enabled.

In this example, the rotary unit 11 as the mounting member carries the black developing cartridge Db for developing the latent image using the black color toner, the yellow developing cartridge Dy for development the latent image using yellow color toner, the magenta developing cartridge Dm for developing the latent image using the magenta color toner, and the cyan developing cartridge Dc for developing the latent image using the cyan color toner.

The structures of the guide 19 and the shutter 14 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the frame 13 of the developing cartridge D is provided with an opening 13 b extending in the longitudinal direction, and the developing roller 12 is mounted on the frame 13 so as to be exposed through the opening 13 b . Substantially at a central portion of each longitudinal end side of the frame 13 , a projected portion 13 c integral with the frame 13 is formed. The projected portion 13 c functions as a guide when the developing cartridge D is inserted into the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus and as a center of rotation for the developing cartridge D. At least one of the projected portions 13 c is cylindrical.

In both side walls of the shutter 14 , round holes 14 a are formed, and by engaging the projected portion 13 c with the round hole 14 a , the shutter 14 is rotatably mounted on the frame 13 . As shown in FIG. 5 , when the shutter 14 is closed, the opening 13 is closed so that developing roller 12 is covered by the shutter 14 . When the developing cartridge D is out of the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , the shutter 14 is closed, so that the developing roller 12 is protected from the deposition of foreign matter such as dust, and the roller 12 or the like is protected from damage.

Adjacent to the projected portion 13 c of the frame 13 , there is provided a locking member 21 for locking the shutter 14 at the closed state. The locking member 21 has an engaging portion 21 b in an arm portion 21 a as a supporting portion having an elastic. On the other hand, a shutter engagement recess 14 b as an engaging portion is provided at a predetermined position of the shutter side wall.

By this, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the shutter 14 is in the closed position, the engaging portion 21 b is engaged with the engagement recess 14 b so that the shutter 14 is locked in the closed state, thus preventing unintended opening thereof.

When the developing cartridge D is mounted on the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, the locking is automatically released to permit the opening of the shutter 14 . This will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7 , the guide 19 provided on the inner wall of the rotary unit 11 , comprises two guiding-member inserting portions 19 a , which are substantially parallel with each other, and a projection inserting portion 19 b comprising a linear rib 19 b 1 and an arcuate rib 19 b 2 . When the developing cartridge D is inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus, the user causes the guide portion 20 of the shutter 14 to be guided by the guide inserting portion 19 a , and inserts the developing cartridge D.

When the developing cartridge D is inserted, the projections 13 c of the developing cartridge D are brought to the linear portions of the projection inserting portions 19 b , as shown in FIG. 8 . The projected portion 13 c has cutting portions 13 c 1 that are provided by linearly cutting the cylindrical 1 portion in a direction parallel with the linear rib 19 b 1 . The two linear ribs 19 b 1 engageable therewith, each have a width for permitting movement of the cutting portion 13 c 1 only in a direction parallel with the cutting portions 13 c 1 . Therefore, when the developing device D is inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , it is maintained at a predetermined angle (orientation) by the cutting portions 13 c 1 and the linear ribs 19 b 1 .

When the projections 13 c are inserted to the arcuate rib 19 b 2 , as shown in FIG. 9 , a leading end of one of the linear ribs 19 b 1 abuts the arm portion 21 a, which locks the shutter 14 to raise it upwardly as shown in FIG. 9 . By this, the arm portion 21 a is elastically deformed so that the engaging portion 21 b is releasable from the engagement recess 14 b , and therefore, the locking of the shutter 14 is released (namely, in this embodiment, the linear rib 19 b 1 is a releasing means for the locking member 21 ). With this state, the shutter 14 is in a rotatable state relative to the development cartridge frame 13 . The arcuate rib 19 b 2 has a radius for permitting rotation of the cylindrical projected portion 13 c , and the developing cartridge D is in a rotatable state about the cylindrical projected portion 13 c.

At both longitudinal ends of the developing cartridge frame 13 , projections 13 d, which are semi-spherical engaging portions, are provided as shown in FIG. 9 , and correspondingly, the shutter 14 has holes 14 c that are to be engaged with the projections 13 d . Therefore, when the shutter 14 is closed, the projections 13 d are engaged with the holes 14 c . So, even if the locking by the locking member 21 of the shutter 14 is released, the developing cartridge frame 13 is prevented from rotating to an unstable position relative to the shutter 14 .

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10 , the user presses the grip portion 13 e of the frame 13 . At this time, the cylindrical projected portion 13 c of the frame 13 is rotatable in the arcuate rib 19 b 2 although the shutter 14 is not, because the guide portion 20 is sandwiched by the guide-portion inserting portion 19 a . Therefore, the semi-spherical projection 13 d rotates to the predetermined position beyond the hole 14 c of the shutter 14 (x direction in FIG. 10 ). Since the shutter 14 is provided with the insertion-guide portion 20 , the frame 13 is easily rotated while the shutter 14 is in the fixed state. When it is rotated to a predetermined position, the frame 13 is positioning by a positioned means (unshown), so that developing cartridge D is mounted in place.

By this, the shutter 14 is opened to expose and face the developing roller 12 to the photosensitive drum 1 . During this mounting operation, the user can feel the rotation-start position for the developing cartridge D on the basis of a click feeling provided by the removal of the semi-spherical projection 13 d from the hole 14 c the shutter 14 .

The diameter of the arcuate portion of the projected portion 13 c is larger than the distance between the cutting portions 13 c 1 , and therefore, the projected portion 13 c is not disengaged from the linear rib 19 b 1 when the projected portion 13 c is rotated at the position of the arcuate rib 19 b 2 .

On the other hand, when the developing cartridge D is removed from the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, the user rotates the frame 13 in a direction opposite from the foregoing, the cutting portions 13 c 1 become parallel with the linear rib 19 b 1 , and the shutter 14 is closed. The user can feel the rotation-completion position of the developing cartridge D on the basis of the click feeling upon the engagement of the semi-spherical projection 13 d into the hole 14 c . When the developing cartridge D is pulled out of the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , the situation is as shown in FIG. 8 , so that the arm portion 21 a of the locking member 21 elastically restores to engage the locking portion 21 b into the engagement recess 14 b . By this, the shutter 14 is automatically locked.

By the provision of the shutter 14 in the developing cartridge D, the developing roller 12 is prevented from being contaminated by dust or the like. Since the shutter 14 is provided with a locking mechanism, the shutter 14 is prevented from inadvertent opening.

When the developing device is inserted into the main assembly 30 of image forming apparatus, the shutter 14 maintains its closed state, and therefore, the developing roller 12 is not damaged during insertion. In addition, the user is not required to remove the developing roller protection member by his hands before insertion of the developing cartridge as in conventional system.

Furthermore, the shutter locking is automatically released when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, and only by rotation thereof after the insertion, the shutter 14 is released, and the developing roller 12 faces the photosensitive drum 1 , thus completing the mounting operation. Thus, the mounting operativity is improved.

A description will be provide as to a drive-transmission structure from the main assembly of the apparatus to the developing cartridge D.

As shown in as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , a driving force receptor 22 for receiving a driving force from the main assembly of the apparatus 30 to rotate the developing roller 12 , is provided in one of the cylindrical projected portions 13 c at one of the frame ends. The gear 23 a is meshed with a roller gear 23 b mounted on the rotation shaft of the developing roller 12 . When the driving force is transmitted to the receptor 22 , the developing roller 12 rotates. The gear 23 a is meshes also with the gear 23 b mounted on the rotation shaft of the toner feeding member 15 through a gear 23 c to transmit the rotating force to the toner feeding member 15 .

The end of the driving force receptor 22 is in the form of a rib, which constitutes a coupling connectable with a drive transmission member of the main assembly of the apparatus.

On the other hand, the rotary unit 11 in the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, is provided with a drive transmission member 24 for transmitting the driving force from a motor N, on the shaft faced to the driving force receptor 22 when the developing cartridge D is mounted in place. The transmitting mechanism for transmitting the driving force to the drive transmission member 24 from the motor M, is schematically shown by chain lines. The drive transmission member 24 , as shown in FIG. 11 , is mounted for movement toward the shaft of the driving-force receptor portion 22 , and the end thereof is formed into a coupling engageable with the rib of the driving-force receptor. The coupling has any shape by which when the drive transmission member 24 is moved to the receptor 22 , they are engaged, and when one rotates the other rotates. In this example, the receptor 22 has a plurality of recesses 22 a , and the drive transmission member 24 is provided with a plurality of projections 24 a , correspondingly. By rotation of the drive transmission member 24 while the meshing engagement between the recess 22 a and the projection 24 a is maintained, the driving-force receptor portion 22 is rotated.

When the developing cartridge D is moved by rotation of the rotary unit 11 during image formation, the drive transmission member 24 is moved toward the receptor 22 by a moving mechanism (unshown), and is engaged therewith to permit transmission of a driving force to the developing roller 12 or the like. By this structures, even if the stop position of the developing cartridge D relative to the photosensitive drum 1 is more or less deviated, or even if the generating lines of the photosensitive drum 1 and the rotary unit 11 , are more or less deviated, the driving-force transmission to the developing cartridge D is properly transmitted from the same position, and only the driving torque is transmitted, so that the influence of the meshing offset between gears due to pitch non-uniformity or the like can be reduced.

Second Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , a description will be provided as to a structure for stabilizing the pressure of the developing roller 12 to the photosensitive drum 1 , according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted for simplicity.

As described in the first embodiment, the developing cartridge D receives the rotating force at the driving-force receptor from the drive transmission member 24 of the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus at the development position.

As shown in FIG. 13 , a line X 1 is defined as a line connecting a rotation center of the developing cartridge D about the projected portion 13 c and the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 , and a line X 2 is defined as a line connecting the rotation center of the projected portion 13 c and the center of rotation of the developing roller 12 . When the developing cartridge D is at the development position, the line X 2 is located upstream of the line X 1 with respect to the driving rotational direction R toward the driving-force receptor 22 , as seen from the rotation center of the projected portion 13 c.

By this structure, the developing roller 12 receives normally the force to bite into the photosensitive drum 1 , so that the developing roller 12 is stably urged toward the photosensitive drum 1 normally. This is advantageous in so-called contact development, but it particularly advantageous in non-contact development since the gap is stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the consideration will be made as to the case where an urging means is provided to fix the developing cartridge while urging it toward the photosensitive drum 1 when the developing cartridge is at the development position, When M is a direction of the moment produced in the developing cartridge D by the urging direction P of the urging means, and designated by X 1 is a line connecting the center of rotation of the developing cartridge D provided by the projected portion 13 c and the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 , and designated by X 2 is a line connecting the rotation center of the projected portion 13 c and the center of rotation of the developing roller 12 , and the line X 2 is located upstream of the line X 1 with respect to the moment direction M as seen from the rotation center of the projected portion 13 c . The same effects are provided with this structure, too. The urging means urges the rear-surface portion adjacent the toner accommodating portion 130 at each of the longitudinal ends of the developing cartridge D.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 24 , another embodiment of the developing cartridge D will be described. In this embodiment, the developing cartridge D is demountably mountable relative to the full-color laser beam printer shown in FIG. 1 .

Also, the developing cartridge D comprises a developing roller 12 , a development blade 16 and toner accommodating portion 63 a in the cartridge frame 63 .

When the user opens the cover 18 , guides 59 , constituting mounting means for the developing cartridge D, are provided at four positions 4 of the rotary unit 11 in the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, the shutter 64 of the developing cartridge D is provided with a guide portion 70 , as shown in FIGS. 15 , 17 and FIG. 18 . By inserting the cartridge so that the guide portion 70 is guided along the guide 19 , the developing cartridge D is inserted into the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus. The guide portion 70 is provided only on one side (in the longitudinal direction or the rotation axial direction of the developing roller 12 ) of the developing cartridge D. Therefore, the guide 59 is also provided only on one of the wall surfaces 11 a of the rotary unit 11 .

The developing cartridge D is inserted to the rotary unit 11 in a direction crossing with the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 with the developing roller 12 being at a leading side, while the user grips the grip 63 e.

After the developing cartridge D is inserted to the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , the user rotates the developing cartridge D, by which the shutter 64 is opened to permit the developing roller 12 to be exposed and face, through the frame 63 , the photosensitive drum 1 , thus enabling the developing operation.

The developing cartridge D mounted to the mounting position of the rotary unit 11 is urged in the longitudinal direction by a spherical urging member 26 b positioned at the arcuate engaging portion 26 a of the guide 26 provided on the other wall surface 11 b of the rotary unit 11 (namely, urged to the side having the driving force receptor 22 ). The urging member 26 b is urged elastically by a spring (unshown). The developing cartridge D is urged toward the driving side. Therefore, the developing cartridge D is mounted to the rotary unit 11 (main assembly of the apparatus), using as a reference the side having the driving-force receptor member 22 in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 .

The developing cartridge D will be described in more detail, referring to FIGS. 15 , 17 ( a ), ( b ), and FIGS. 18 , ( a ) and ( b ). FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge D wherein shutter 64 or the like is omitted. FIGS. 17 ( a ) and ( b ), are both side views of the developing cartridge D when the shutter 64 is closed, and FIGS. 18 ( a ) and ( b ), are both side views of the developing cartridge when the shutter 64 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the frame 63 of the developing cartridge D is provided with an opening 63 b extending in the longitudinal direction, and the developing roller 12 is mounted on the frame 63 so as to be exposed through the opening 63 b . Substantially at a central portion of one longitudinal direction end side 63 h of the frame 63 , a projected portion 63 c integral with the frame 13 is formed. The projected portion 63 c functions as a guide when the developing cartridge D is inserted into the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus and as a center of rotation for the developing cartridge D. The projected portion 63 c is cylindrical.

At substantially the central portion of the other side of the frame 63 , a projected portion 63 g is demountably mounted on the frame 63 (frame 63 shows the demounted state). The projected portion 63 g is mounted to the frame 63 by inserting the inserting portion 63 g 1 into a hole (unshown) formed in the side 63 i . The end of the inserting portion 63 g 1 is provided with a claw configuration portion (unshown), and by engaging the claw portion with the frame 63 , projected portion 63 g is mounted on the frame 63 . When the developing cartridge D is mounted to the mounting position of the rotary unit 11 , the end surface 63 g 2 of the projected portion 63 g is urged to the member 26 b . Therefore, the developing cartridge D is urged toward the side 63 h (in the direction indicated by the arrow Q). The developing cartridge D is mounted to the rotary unit 11 of the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , using, as a reference, the side 63 h of the driving-force receptor member 22 .

Both of the longitudinal ends of the developing roller 12 are provided with spacer rollers 12 a , 12 b , respectively. Therefore, at the development position, the spacer rollers 12 a , 12 b are urged to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the urging force of the urging means 25 , similarly to the foregoing, so that a predetermined gap is maintained between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 1 .

The developing blade 16 made is of rubber, and is mounted to the frame 63 by mounting a plate 16 a to the frame with screws 16 b.

A locking member 71 is mounted to one side of the developing cartridge D (in FIG. 16 , it is omitted). The locking member 71 is mounted on a cartridge frame portion 63 h at one longitudinal end portion of the developing roller 12 as the developing means. It comprises a locking engaging portion 71 b engageable with the shutter engaging portion 64 b provided in the shutter portion 64 , a supporting portion 71 a for supporting the locking engaging portion 71 b , and a mounting portion 71 c mounted to the cartridge frame portion 63 h . Designated by 63 j is a hole into which the mounting portion is inserted. The locking member 71 is an integrally-molded product of plastic resin material, and locks the shutter at the closing position by engagement between the locking engaging portion 71 h and the shutter engaging portion 64 b . In the process of mounting the developing cartridge D to the mounting position of the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , a part of the locking member 71 contacts a fixing portion provided in the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , by which the supporting portion 71 a is elastically deformed, so that the locking engaging portion 71 b is disengaged from the shutter engaging portion 64 b to release the locking of the shutter 64 .

A projection 63 d, as a semi-spherical engaging portion, is provided only on one longitudinal end of the developing cartridge frame 63 , as shown in FIG. 18 . Correspondingly, the shutter 64 is provided with an engaging portion in the form of a hole 64 c engageable with the projection 63 d . Therefore, when the shutter 64 is in the closing position, the projection 63 d is engaged in hole 64 c . So, even if the locking by the locking member 21 of the shutter 14 is released, the developing cartridge frame 13 is prevented from rotating to an unstable position relative to the shutter 14 .

One and the other ends of the cartridge frame 63 are provided with an orientation-determination boss 63 m and a spring-receptor portion 63 k in the form of projections.

As shown in FIG. 17 , ( a ), designated by 73 is a grip for pulling a toner seal out, and it is used when it is to be removed.

The shutter 64 will be described.

Both side walls 64 e , 64 f of the shutter 64 are provided with round holes 640 a , which are engaged with the projected portion 63 c , 63 g , by which the shutter 64 is rotatably mounted to the frame 63 . As shown in FIG. 17 , when the shutter 64 is closed, the opening 63 b is closed, and the developing roller 12 is coveted by the shutter 64 . When the developing cartridge D is out of the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , the shutter 64 is closed, so that the developing roller 12 is protected from the deposition of foreign matter such as dust, and the roller 12 or the like is protected from damage. In addition, foreign matter does not enter the developing cartridge D. As shown in FIG. 17 , when the shutter 64 is in the closing position by the locking portion 71 , the shutter 64 is locked at the closing position by the locking of the engaging portion 71 b and the engagement recess 64 b , so that it is prevented from unintentional opening.

When the developing cartridge D is mounted on the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, the locking is automatically released to permit the opening of the shutter 64 .

Referring to FIG. 19 - FIG. 24 , a description will be provided as to a process of mounting the developing cartridge D to the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , and a process of positioning the main assembly of the apparatus 30 .

As shown in FIG. 19 , a guide 59 as a supporting member provided in one of the inner walls 11 a of the rotary unit 11 , comprises a guide inserting portion 59 b having an inclined portion 59 a inclined and open upwardly, a projected-portion inserting portion 59 d having substantially parallel linear ribs 59 c , an engaging portion 59 f as a supporting member having an arcuate rib 59 e , and a guide-portion inserting portion 59 h having substantially parallel DC ribs 59 g continuing to the engaging portion 59 f.

When the developing cartridge D is inserted to the main assembly of the apparatus 30 , the user inserts the developing cartridge D while guiding the guide portion 70 and projected portion 63 c of the shutter 64 along the guide-inserting portion 59 a (FIG. 20 ).

When the developing cartridge D is inserted, as shown in FIG. 21 , the projected portion 63 c at one end of the developing cartridge D enters the linear portion of the projected-portion inserting portion 59 d . The projected portion 63 c is provided with a cutting portion 63 c 1 , which is provided by linearly cutting a cylinder at an angle parallel the linear rib 59 c . The two linear ribs 59 c , which are engageable therewith, has a width that permits only the parallel translational motion of the cutting portion 63 c 1 (direction W 1 in FIG. 19 ). Therefore, when the developing cartridge D is inserted while the cutting portion 63 c 1 is engaged with the linear rib 59 c , the developing cartridge D maintains a predetermined angle (orientation).

As shown in FIG. 22 , when the projected portion 63 c is inserted into the arcuate rib 59 e , an end of one of the two inclined portions 59 a , is abutted to an arm portion 71 a locking the shutter 64 and raises it, as shown in FIG. 22 . By this, the arm portion 71 a elastically deforms so that the engaging portion 71 b is disengaged from the engagement recess 64 b to release the locking of shutter 64 (in this embodiment, the inclined portion 59 a also functions to release the locking member 21 ). Thus, the shutter 64 becomes rotatable relative to the developing cartridge frame 63 . The arcuate rib 59 e has a radius for permitting rotation of the cylindrical projected portion 63 c , and the developing cartridge D is in a rotatable state about the cylindrical projected portion 63 c.

On the other hand, the projected portion 63 g at the other side 63 i of the developing cartridge D, is guided by the inclined portion 26 c of the guide 26 and enters the guide inserting portion 26 d . When the developing cartridge D is inserted further, the cutting portion 63 g 3 is engaged with the linear rib 26 e , and the developing cartridge D is inserted, maintaining the predetermined angle (orientation), similarly to the case of the projected portion 63 c . It is inserted until the projected portion 63 g reaches the arcuate rib (engaging portion) 26 a . The arcuate rib 26 a has a radius for permitting rotation of the projected portion 63 g . Therefore, the projected portion 63 c of one longitudinal end of the frame 63 is supported by the arcuate rib 59 c of the guide 59 , and the projected portion 63 g at the other end is supported by the arcuate rib 26 a of the guide 26 , and the developing cartridge D is supported on the rotary unit 11 for rotation about both projected portions 63 c and 63 g.

The user pushes by hand the grip portion 63 e of the frame 63 in the state shown in FIG. 22 . The shutter 64 is fixed since the guide portion 70 is sandwiched by the guide-portion inserting portion 59 h , but the frame 63 is rotatable since the cylindrical projected portion 63 c is rotatable in the arcuate rib 59 e . Since the projected portion 63 g is rotatable at the arcuate rib 26 a , the semi-spherical projection 63 d rotates beyond the hole 64 c of the shutter 64 to a predetermined position (in the direction of an arrow X in FIG. 22 ). As described above in the foregoing, in this example, the shutter 64 is provided with an insertion guide portion 70 , and therefore, the frame 63 is easily rotated while the shutter 64 is stationary. When it is rotated to the predetermined position, the frame 63 is positioned by positioning means, which will be described hereinafter, and the developing cartridge D is mounted in place.

When the developing cartridge D is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow X in the state shown in FIG. 22 , the orientation determination bosses 63 m provided on the ends 63 h, i of the developing-device frame 63 lowers translatable slide members 10 a provided on the opposite ends of the center shaft 10 of the rotary unit and urged by springs 10 b . The slide portion 10 a is slidable by engagement between the elongated hole 10 a 1 and the shaft 10 c . When the frame 63 is further rotated, as shown in FIG. 24 , the spring-receptor portion 63 k provided on the opposite lateral ends of the frame 63 , are pressed by the spring 11 a provided at the end portions of the rotary unit. By this, the frame 63 is urged in the direction of rotation in the direction of arrow Y (FIG. 24 ). However, since the orientation-determination bosses 63 m abut the center shaft 10 of the rotary unit 11 , the orientation of the frame 63 is stabilized at the mounting position shown in FIG. 24 .

Thus, the developing cartridge D is mounted at a predetermined position of the rotary unit 11 .

Designated by 11 j is a guide portion for guiding the boss 63 m.

By this, the shutter 64 is opened relative to the frame 63 to permit the developing roller 12 exposed and faces the photosensitive drum 1 . During this mounting operation, the user can feel the rotation-start position for the developing cartridge D on the basis of the click feeling provided by the removal of the semi-spherical projection 63 d from the hole 64 c of the shutter 64 .

The diameter of the arcuate portion of the projected portion 63 c is larger than the distance between the cutting portions 63 c 1 , and therefore, the projected portion 63 c is not disengaged from the linear rib 59 c when the projected portion 63 c is rotated at the position of the arcuate rib 59 c.

On the other hand, when the developing cartridge D is taken out of the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, the user rotates the frame 63 in the opposite direction, by which the cutting portion 63 c 1 is brought parallel to the linear rib 59 c , and the shutter 64 is closed. The user can feel the rotation-completion position of the developing cartridge D on the basis of the click feeling upon the engagement of the semi-spherical projection 63 d into the hole 64 c . When the developing cartridge D is taken out of the main assembly of the apparatus, the arm portion 71 a of the locking member 71 elastically restores, and the engaging portion 71 b enters the engagement recess 64 b , as shown in FIG. 21 . By this, the shutter 64 is automatically locked.

Since the developing cartridge D is provided with a shutter 64 , the developing roller 12 is protected from the deposition of foreign matter such as dust, and since the shutter 64 is provided with the locking mechanism, the shutter 64 is prevented from unintentionally opened.

When the developing device is inserted into the main assembly 30 of image forming apparatus, the shutter 64 maintains its closed state, and therefore, the developing roller 12 is not damaged during insertion. Additionally, it is not necessary for the user to remove a developing-roller protection member or the like before insertion of the developing device.

Furthermore, the shutter locking is automatically released when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, and only by rotation thereof after the insertion, the shutter 64 is released, and the developing roller 12 faces the photosensitive drum 1 , thus completing the mounting operation. Thus, the mounting operativity is improved.

A description will be provided as to positioning of the developing cartridge D.

Referring to FIG. 25 , arrangements of the spring-receptor portion 63 k ( 63 k 1 , 63 k 2 ) and the orientation-determination boss 63 m , will be described.

One longitudinal end portion 63 h of the developing roller 12 will be described, and the same applies to the other end portion 63 i.

In this example, the spring-receptor portion 63 k is disposed within a range of approximately 100-130 degrees from a line 11 connecting a center of rotation M 1 of the developing roller 12 and the center of rotation M 2 of the driving-force receptor portion 22 as seen in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 .

More particularly, in this example, the spring-receptor portion 63 k 1 ( 63 k 2 ) is disposed at such a position that the angle formed between the line 11 connecting the center of rotation M 1 of the developing roller 12 and the center of rotation M 2 of the driving-force receptor member 22 , and the line 12 connecting the spring receptor surface 63 k 3 and the center of rotation M 1 , is approximately 100-130 degrees. In this example, the angle is approximately 115 degrees.

The boss 63 m ( 63 m 1 , 63 m 2 ) is disposed within a range of approximately 130-150 degrees from the line 11 across the line 11 from the spring-receptor portion 63 k.

More particularly, in this example, the angle formed between the line 11 and a line 13 connecting the center of the boss 63 m and the center of rotation M 1 , is approximately 130-150 degrees. In this example, the angle is approximately 140 degrees.

By disposing the spring-receptor portion 63 k ( 63 k 1 , 63 k 2 ) and the boss 63 m ( 63 m 1 , 63 m 2 ), the spring-receptor portion 63 k can properly receive the elastic force of the spring 11 a provided in the main assembly of the apparatus 30 . In addition, the boss 63 m properly abuts the shaft 10 . Therefore, the developing cartridge D is accurately positioned to the mounting position.

The boss 63 m ( 63 m 1 , 63 m 2 ) is projected outwardly from the side surface 63 h, i of the frame 62 by approximately 2 mm-15 mm. In this example, the boss 63 m is projected by approximately 4 mm.

The spring-receptor portion 63 k ( 63 k 1 , 63 k 2 ) is projected outwardly from the side surface 63 h, i by approximately 2 mm-20 mm. In this example, the spring-receptor portion 63 k 1 is projected by approximately 10 mm, and 63 k 2 is projected by approximately 6 mm. Therefore, a projection length is larger in the spring-receptor portion 63 k 1 provided at a driving-force receiving side.

The features of the shutter of the developing cartridge D are summarized as follows.

The developing cartridge for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, wherein said developing cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and wherein the main assembly includes a main-assembly guide for guiding the developing cartridge toward a mounting position in the main assembly, and includes a fixed portion, the developing cartridge comprises: a cartridge frame of plastic resin material; a developing roller 12 for developing, with toner, the latent image formed on the photosenstive member 1 of the main assembly of the apparatus, when mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the developing roller carries on its peripheral surface an amount of toner regulated by a development blade 16 ; a driving-force receptor member 22 for receiving, from the main assembly of the device, a driving force for rotating the developing roller when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the driving-force receptor means being provided exposed adjacent one end of the cartridge frame portion 63 h in a longitudinal direction of the developing roller; a toner accomodating portion 63 a for accommodating the toner; a shutter 64 of plastic resin material which is movable between a closing position for covering a portion of the developing roller exposed from the cartridge frame portion 63 and an opening position for exposing the developing roller; a cartridge guide 70 for guiding the developing cartridge toward the mounting position by cooperation with the main assembly guide 26 , 59 when the developing cartridge is to be mounted to the mounting position, the cartridge guide being provided on the shutter portion 64 e which is movable along the cartridge-frame portion 63 h provided adjacent the one end, wherein the cartridge guide has an elongated shape and is extended toward the driving force receptor member 22 ; a locking member 71 , made of plastic resin material; for releasably locking the shutter at the closing position, said locking position 71 including a locking-engaging portion 71 b engageable with a shutter-engaging portion 64 b provided in the shutter portion, a supporting portion 71 a for supporting the locking engaging 71 b , and a mounting portion 71 c mounted on the cartridge frame portion, wherein the locking member is an integrally molded product made of plastic resin material, and the shutter is locked at the closing position by engagement between said locking engaging portion and the shutter engaging portion, wherein in the process of mounting of the developing cartridge to a mounting position of the main assembly of the apparatus, a part of the locking member contacts a fixed portion 59 a of the main assembly of the apparatus, so that the supporting portion 71 a is flexed to disengage the locking engaging portion from the shutter engaging portion, thus releasing locking of the shutter; wherein in the process of mounting of the developing cartridge to a mounting position of the main assembly of the apparatus, a part of the locking member contacts a fixed portion 59 a of the main assembly of the apparatus, so that supporting portion 71 a is flexed to disengage the locking engaging portion 71 b from the shutter engaging portion 64 b , thus releasing locking of the shutter 64 , and wherein the shutter is positioned at the opening position by a user rotating the cartridge frame to mount the developing cartridge at the mounting position while the guide is in engagement with a main assembly guide of the main assembly of the apparatus.

The supporting portion 64 e is rotatable about the same axis as that of driving forcereceptor member 22 .

The cartridge guide 70 has an elongated shape, and is extended toward the driving-force receptor means 22 .

The cartridge D further comprises an urged portion 63 g on the cartridge-frame portion adjacent the one end, wherein the urged portion is urged by the elastic force of a spring member provided in the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein the developing cartridge is urged toward the one end by the elastic force of the spring member.

The features of the structure for the mounting of the developing cartridge D to the main assembly of the apparatus 30 are summarized as follows.

The developing cartridge D is for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member 1 , is detachably mountable to a main assembly 30 of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and comprises: a cartridge frame 63 ; developing means (roller 12 ) for developing, with toner, the latent image formed on the photosensitive member of the main assembly of the apparatus, when mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; a first projected portion 63 c projected from a frame portion 63 h of the cartridge adjacent one longitudinal end of the developing means, wherein the first projected portion is supported by a first supporting member 59 provided in the main assembly, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; a second projected portion 63 g projected from the frame portion 63 i adjacent the other longitudinal end of the developing means, wherein the second projected portion is supported by a second supporting member 26 provided in the main assembly, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; a driving-force receptor member 22 for receiving, from the main assembly of the device, a driving force for rotating the developing means, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, wherein the driving-force receptor member is exposed from the frame portion 63 h adjacent the one end; and a guide 70 for guiding the developing cartridge toward a mounting position when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly.

The guide 70 is movable along an outside of the frame portion 63 g adjacent the one end.

The guide 70 has an elongated shape, and is rotatable about the driving force receptor member 22 . A longitudinal direction of the guide 70 is directed to the driving-force receptor member 22 . The cartridge further comprises a rotatable member (shutter 64 ) rotatably mounted on the frame portion 63 .

The guide is provided on the rotatable member.

The guide 70 is provided on the rotatable member 64 .

The rotatable member 64 includes a shutter 64 for covering a portion of the developing means exposed from the cartridge frame 63 .

The shutter 64 is movable between a closing position for covering the exposed portion and an opening position for exposing the developing means.

The guide 70 is projected longitudinally outwardly and is provided on the shutter 64 .

The guide 74 is provided on a portion of the shutter 64 which is movable along an outside of the cartridge frame portion 63 h adjacent the one end.

The first projected portion 63 c includes two flat surface portions 63 c 1 , opposed to each other, for guiding the developing cartridge toward the mounting position in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, and two curved surface portions 63 c 2 , opposed to each other, for engaging a recess 59 f of the first supporting member 59 .

The second projected portion 63 g includes two flat surface portions 63 g 3 , opposed to each other, for guiding the developing cartridge toward the mounting position in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, and two curved surface portions 63 g 4 , opposed to each other, for engaging with a recess 26 a of the second supporting member 26 . A distance L 1 ( FIG. 17 , ( a )) between outside surfaces of the flat surface portion 63 c 1 of the first projected portion 63 c , is larger than a distance L 2 ( FIG. 17 , ( a )) between outside surfaces of the flat surface portion 63 g 3 of the second projected portion 63 g.

A distance L 1 between outer surfaces of the flat surface portions 63 c 1 of the first projected portion is approximately 13 mm-15 mm, and a distance L 2 between outer surfaces of the flat surface portions 63 g 3 of the second projected portion 63 g is approximately 2 mm-9 mm. In this embodiment, L 1 is approximately 15 mm, and L 2 is approximately 9 mm.

A distance L 3 ( FIG. 17 , ( b )) between remotest outer surface portions of the curved surface portions 63 c 2 of the first projected portion 63 c is approximately 13 mm-17 mm, and a distance L 4 ( FIG. 17 , ( a )) between remotest outer surface portions of the curved surface portions 63 g 4 of the second projected portion 63 g is approximately 7 mm-11 mm. In this embodiment, L 3 is approximately 17 mm, and L 4 is approximately 11 mm.

The driving-force receptor member 22 is enclosed by the first projected portion 63 c . The driving-force receptor member 22 is provided with a recess 22 a for engagement with a projection 24 a of the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein by engagement between the projection and the recess, a driving force is transmitted from the main assembly to the developing means.

The curved surface portion is of continuous arcuate configuration.

When the developing cartridge D rotates from the mounting position ( FIG. 24 ) to a development position ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ) for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, the developing cartridge rotates about the first projected portion 63 c and second projected portion 63 g.

The developing cartridge reaches the mounting position ( FIG. 24 ) by approximately 90-120 degrees rotation from a mounting-and-remounting position ( FIG. 22 ) about the first projected portion 63 c and the second projected portion 63 g . The mounting-and-demounting position ( FIG. 22 ) is a position where the first projected portion 63 c and the second projected portion 63 g enters the first supporting member 59 and the second supporting member 26 , and where the flat surface portion 63 g 3 opposes to engaging portions of the first supporting member and the second supporting member, respectively. In this embodiment, it is rotated through approximately 105 degrees.

The developing cartridge reaches a developing position by approximately 5-10 degrees rotation from the mounting position about the first projected portion 63 c and the second projected portion 63 g . The developing position is a position where spacer rollers 12 a of the developing member are urged to the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 . In this embodiment, it is rotated through approximately 7 degrees.

The guide 70 functions to guide the developing cartridge D into the main assembly, and is displaceable relative to the first projection.

The guide 70 has an elongated shape, and rotates through approximately 90-120 degrees the first projected portion 63 c to mount the developing cartridge at the mounting position in main assembly of the apparatus.

The cartridge further comprises a driving-force receptor member 22 for receiving, from the main assembly of the device, a driving force for rotating the developing roller 12 when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the device, wherein the driving-force receptor member 22 is provided on the same longitudinal end as having the first projected portion 63 c , and wherein the guide is provided only of the same side. Thus, the guide 70 is provided only on one side 63 h , and therefore, the developing cartridge D can be smoothly mounted.

The mounting position of the developing cartridge is a position where the developing cartridge is correctly positioned in place in the main assembly of the apparatus.

The development position of the developing cartridge is a position where the developing cartridge is positioned for effecting the development operation.

The mounting-and-demounting position of the developing cartridge is a position where the developing cartridge is mounted to or demounted from the supporting member provided in the main assembly of the apparatus. The supporting member is a member for supporting the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is to be mounted to the mounting position.

The features for the positioning of the developing cartridge D relative to the main assembly of the apparatus are summarized as follows.

The developing cartridge D is for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member 1 , is detachably mountable to a main assembly 30 of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and comprises: a cartridge frame 63 ; a developing roller 12 for developing, with toner, the latent image formed on the photosensitive member 1 of the main assembly of the apparatus, when mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; a first projected portion 63 c outwardly projected from the cartridge-frame portion 63 h adjacent one longitudinal end of the developing means, wherein the first projected portion is supported by a first supporting member 59 provided in the main assembly 30 of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; a second projected portion 63 g outwardly projected from the cartridge frame portion adjacent the other longitudinal end of the developing means, wherein the second projected portion is supported by a second supporting member 26 provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly 30 ; a first urging-force receptor portion 63 k 1 outwardly projected from the cartridge-frame portion 63 h adjacent one longitudinal end of the developing means, wherein the first urging-force receptor portion receives an urging force by a first elastic member 11 a provided in the main assembly 30 when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, and wherein the first urging-force receptor portion is integrally molded with the cartridge frame; a second urging-force receptor portion 63 k 2 outwardly projected from the cartridge frame portion 63 i adjacent the other longitudinal end of the developing means, wherein the second urging force receptor portion receives an urging force by a second elastic member 11 a provided in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, and wherein the second urging force receptor portion is integrally molded with the cartridge frame; a first contact portion 63 m 1 outwardly projected from the cartridge frame portion 63 h adjacent one longitudinal end of the developing means, wherein the first contact portion contacts a first fixed portion 10 provided in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, wherein said first contact portion is integrally molded with the cartridge frame; a second contact portion 63 m 2 outwardly projected from the cartridge frame portion 63 i adjacent one longitudinal end of the developing means, wherein the second contact portion contacts a second fixed portion 10 provided in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, and wherein the second contact portion is integrally molded with the cartridge frame; a driving-force receptor member 22 for receiving, from the main assembly 30 , a driving force for rotating the developing means when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, wherein the driving force receptor member is exposed from the cartridge-frame portion adjacent one longitudinal end of the developing roller; wherein as seen in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developing means, the first urging-force receptor portion and second urging-force receptor portion are within a range of approximately 100-130 degrees from a line connecting a center of rotation of the developing means and a center of rotation of the driving-force reception member, and wherein the first contact portion and second contact portion are within a range of approximately 130-150 degrees.

The first receptor portion 63 k and the second one 63 k are flat in shape, and receive the urging forces from the first urging member 11 a and the second one 11 a.

The first contact portion 63 m 1 and second contact portion 63 m 2 are in the form of circular columns, and its peripheral surface portions contact the fixed portion 10 and second fixed portion 10 .

The structures of the cartridge frame, the developing roller, the driving force receptor member, the toner accommodating portion, the shutter, cartridge guide, the locking member, the fixing portion, the first projected portion, the second projected portion, the first and second urging force receptors, the portion, the second urging force receptor, the portion, the first contact portion, the second contact portion, the first fixing portion, and second fixing portion, are not limited to those described above, but may be modified.

A further embodiment will be described.

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

In this example, another shape of the projected portion 63 c is used.

It is not inevitable to cut a cylindrical portion provided on an end surface of the frame 63 of the developing cartridge D to provide the projected portion 63 c . As shown in FIG. 25 , the linear portion 63 c 1 may be provided with at least one projection 63 c 3 so that its width is smaller than the rib clearance W 1 ( FIG. 19 ) of the inlet of the guide 59 . The insertion is possible with the structure.

By this, the contact resistance with the rib of the guide 59 can be reduced to make the insertion of the developing cartridge D smoother.

Referring to FIG. 27 , a further embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 27 , cylindrical projection 63 c provided on a side 63 h of the frame 63 of the developing cartridge, has a configuration having a plurality of projections 63 c 4 contactable to the arcuation of such a diameter D 2 as is engageable with the diameter D 1 ( FIG. 19 ) of the arcuate rib of the guide 59 .

By this, the contact resistance with the rib of the guide 59 can be decreased to make smooth the rotation upon mounting of the developing cartridge D to the main assembly of the apparatus 30 .

FIG. 28 shows a further example wherein the structures of FIGS. 26 and 27 are used in combination, as will be understood from this figure.

Referring to FIG. 29 , another embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, the shutter 80 is removed from the cartridge frame 63 by a user, or is mounted by the user. The guide 70 is provided in a rotatable member not in the shutter 80 . The rotatable member 81 is rotatable about a projection 63 c along a side 63 h of the cartridge frame. It is locked by the above-described locking member 71 . Therefore, the guide 70 has the same function as described in the foregoing, and the developing cartridge D can be mounted to the main assembly 30 in the same manner.

Prior to mounting the developing cartridge D to the main assembly 30 , the shutter 80 is removed from the frame 63 by the user. When the cartridge D is demounted from the main assembly 30 , the shutter is remounted to the frame by the user, as desired. The shutter is not inevitable, and may not be provided.

The guide 70 may not be provided on the rotatable member 81 , but may be mounted directly on the cartridge frame. In this case, the guide is rotatably mounted on the cartridge frame 63 .

According to the foregoing embodiments, the projections on longitudinal end surfaces of the developing cartridge frame are guided when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, so that the developing cartridge can be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and therefore, the insertion stroke can be reduced to improve the insertion operativity.

The driving connection between the developing cartridge and the main assembly is effected with the coupling configuration, so that a decrease of the driving accuracy due to the driving-gear-pitch non-uniformity, for example, can be prevented.

The foregoing cartridge frame, shutter or the like are of plastic resin material such as polystyrene, ABS resin, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like.

The process cartridge is not limited to those described in the foregoing, but may contain as a unit at least one process means, such as charging means, cleaning means or the like, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein cartridge is detachably mountable relative to the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, the mounting operativity of the developing cartridge is improved.

Additionally, the developing cartridge can be mounted in the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus with high positional accuracy.

Furthermore, since the urging-force receptor portion and the contact portion are projected outwardly from the cartridge frame, the configuration of the cartridge frame can be selected with higher latitude.

Fourth embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 30-33 , a description will be provided as to a further embodiment of the developing cartridge. In this embodiment, the developing cartridge D can be mounted demountably to the full-color laser beam printer shown in FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the developing cartridge D has a cartridge frame 63 containing the developing roller 12 , the developing blade 16 and the toner accommodating portion 63 a.

Referring to FIG. 33 , the cartridge frame 63 of the development cartridge D is provided with an opening 63 b , which extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame 63 . The development roller 12 is attached to the cartridge frame 63 in such a manner that developing roller 12 is exposed through the opening 63 b . Further, the cartridge frame 63 is provided with a projection 63 c , which is integrally formed with the cartridge frame 63 , and projects outward from the approximate center of a longitudinal end wall 63 h of the cartridge frame 63 . The projection 63 acts as a guide when the development cartridge D is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 30 , and also acts as a rotational axis when the development cartridge D is installed, or removed from, the apparatus main assembly 30 . The projection 63 c is in the form of a circular cylinder.

The development cartridge D comprises a projection 63 g as a shutter pin, which is removably attached to the approximate center of the longitudinal end wall 63 i of the cartridge frame 63 , that is, the counterpart of the wall 63 h ( FIG. 33 depicts the projection 63 g that has been removed from the cartridge frame 63 ). The projected portion 63 g is mounted to the cartridge frame 63 by inserting the inserting portion 63 g 1 (pin mounting portion) into a hole 63 E q ( FIG. 56 ) formed in the side surface 631 . The projected portion 63 g is provided with an electroconductive portion 63 g 8 , as will be described, and provided for only the magenta developing cartridge Dm, cyan developing cartridge Dc and yellow developing cartridge Dy using non-magnetic toners of magenta color, cyan color and yellow color, respectively but the projected portion 63 g for the black developing cartridge Db using magnetic toner of black color is not provided with the electroconductive portion 63 g 8 . This is because the magenta developing cartridge Dm, the cyan developing cartridge Dc and the yellow developing cartridge Dy are provided with charging rollers 91 as charging members. When the developing cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy Db) is mounted to the main assembly 30 , the projected portion 63 g functions as a pivot. The projected portion 63 g is mounted to the cartridge frame 63 by inserting the pin mounting portion 63 g 1 into the hole 63 E q formed in the side surface 631 . At the end of the pin mounting portion 63 g 1 , there is provided a claw portion 63 b 13 (opposite claw-like), and by the opposite claw portion 63 b 13 engaging with the cartridge frame 63 , the projected portion 63 g is secured to the cartridge frame 63 . When the developing cartridge D is mounted to the mounting position of the rotary member unit, the free end surface 63 g 2 of the projected portion 63 g is pressed against the press-contact member 26 b projected elastically from the other wall surface of the rotary member unit. Therefore, the developing cartridges D is urged toward the side 63 h (in the direction indicated by the arrow Q). Therefore, the developing cartridge D is mounted to the rotary member unit (main assembly 30 of the apparatus) with the side surface 63 h having the driving-force receiving member 22 functioning as a reference.

Structure of the Projected Portion (shutter pin)

Referring to FIGS. 33 , 53 , a description will be provided as to the structure of the projected portion 63 g (shutter pin).

The projected portion (shutter pin) 63 g includes a pin-mounting portion 63 g 1 , a shutter mounting portion 63 g 6 and a head portion 63 g 7 in this order from one longitudinal end to the other end. The pin-mounting portion 63 g 1 functions to mount the projected portion 63 g to the cartridge frame 63 , and the shutter-mounting portion 63 g 6 functions to mount the shutter 64 which will be described hereinafter to the cartridge frame 63 . The head portion 63 g 7 is located outside of the cartridge frame 63 when the projected portion 63 g is mounted to the cartridge frame 63 .

The mounting portion 63 g 1 includes a cylinder configuration portion 63 g 11 inserted into the inside of the cartridge frame 63 and a locking portion 63 b 12 for locking with the cartridge frame 63 to secure the projected portion 63 g to the cartridge frame 63 . The locking portion 63 b 12 has a claw portion 63 b 13 elastically engaged with the cartridge frame 63 . The claw 63 b 13 is in the form of an opposite claw-like provided at the end of the projected portion 63 g , and is engaged elastically with the cartridge frame 63 .

The shutter mounting portion 63 g 6 includes an engaged portion 63 g 61 for engaging with the round hole 64 a of the shutter 64 , and a regulating portion 63 g 62 for preventing the engaging portion 63 g 61 from disengaging from the round hole 64 a . The shutter mounting portion 63 g 6 constitutes a first circle by the engaging portion 63 g 61 formed in a circle, and the regulating portion 63 g 62 is formed into a circle having a diameter than that of the engaging portion 63 g 61 to constitute a second circle. When the projected portion 63 g is mounted to the cartridge frame 63 , the regulating portion 63 g 62 as the second circle is opposed to a side surface of the shutter 64 .

The peripheral surface of the head portion 63 g 7 has diagonally opposed cut portions(flat surface portions) 63 g 3 and cylindrical portions (arcuate surface portions) 64 g 4 .

The projected portion 63 g has an electroconductive portion 63 g 8 for electrically grounding the developing cartridge D(Dm, Dc, Dy) to the main assembly 30 of the apparatus, when the developing cartridge D(Dm, Dc, Dy) is mounted to the main assembly 30 of the apparatus. The electroconductive portion 63 g 8 is made of metal, and has a columnar portion 63 g 81 and a cutting portion 63 g 82 , and is press-fitted into the insides of the pin mounting portion 63 g 1 , the shutter mounting portion 63 g 6 and the head portion 63 g 7 to penetrate them in the longitudinal direction.

The pin mounting portion 63 g 1 of the projected portion 63 g , the shutter mounting portion 63 g 6 and the head portion 63 g 7 are integrally molded of a plastic resin material, such as polystyrene or the like. The electroconductive portion 63 g 8 is made of metal such as iron or the like.

Spacer rollers 12 a , 12 b are mounted at each side of the developing roller 12 . Therefore, in the developing position, a predetermined gap is maintained between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 1 by pressing the spacer rollers 12 a , 12 b against the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the urging force of the compression-coil spring urging the sliding member or the urging means of the first embodiment.

The developing blade 16 made of rubber or the like ( FIG. 30 ) is mounted to the cartridge frame 63 by mounting the supporting metal plate 16 a for the blade with small screws 16 b . The developing blade 16 of the developing cartridge Dy shown in FIG. 30 , is mounted to the plate 16 a at a back side of the holding member 90 holding the charging roller for applying an electrical charge to the toner on the developing roller 12 . The holding member 90 and the plate 16 a are mounted to the cartridge frame 63 by small screws 16 b . The developing blade 16 will be described in detail hereinafter.

Developer Charging Roller (member)

A description will be provide as to a developer charging roller 91 (charging roller) for applying electrical charge to the one-component non-magnetic toner in the magenta developing cartridge Dm, the cyan developing cartridge Dc and the yellow developing cartridge Dy.

As shown in FIGS. 30 and 33 , the charging roller 91 contacts the opposite longitudinal end portions of the developing roller 12 and are rotatable. More particularly, it contacts the developing roller 12 at a position upstream of the contact portion N between the developing blade 16 and the developing roller 12 in the rotational direction of the developing roller 12 and downstream of the developing means R for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 on the developing roller 12 with the toner, and it electrically charges the toner in the form of a thin layer while being rotated by the developing roller 12 .

The charging roller 91 is provided at a position corresponding to each opposite ends of the developing roller 12 . The charging rollers 91 are connected with each other by an electroconductive shaft 91 s rotatably supported on a hook-like supporting portion provided on the holding member 90 . The electroconductive shaft 91 s contacts the electroconductive plate 93 of the charging roller provided at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the holding member 90 through metal electroconductive spring 92 . The charging roller 91 contacts both the non-toner coating portion of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 (not roughened portion) A 2 and to the toner coating portion (roughened portion A 1 ). This is because there is a risk that contact only at the toner coating portion A 1 does not assure the driving of the charging roller 91 due to a possible slip, since the flowability of the toner (one-component non-magnetic developer) is high. As regards the driving, the charging roller 91 is driven by the developing roller 12 or is rotated at the same peripheral speed as the developing roller 12 , since if there is provided a peripheral-speed difference between the charging roller 91 and the developing roller 12 , the toner coating is non-uniform with the result that toner is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 1 during development (fog) or is scattered.

With the charging roller 91 , a contact region of the developing roller 12 includes the longitudinal end portions of the application roller 19 and the gap region between the application roller 19 and the longitudinal side wall of the toner supply opening 63 A e of the developing frame 63 A. This is because in the region where there is no application roller 19 or at the ends of the application roller 19 , the triboelectric charge amount tends to be insufficient so that the electrical attraction force to the developing roller 12 ((mirror force) is weak.

The electroconductive shaft 91 s electrically contacts the electroconductive plate 93 of the charging roller provided at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the holding member 90 , through a metal electroconductive spring 92 .

According to this embodiment, there is provided a charging roller 91 with the contact region at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the developing roller 12 . Therefore, even if the toner is sandwiched in the contact portion N adjacent the opposite longitudinal end portions of the developing blade 16 , by which the developing blade 16 is raised, and the thickness of the toner layer is gradually increased in the form of stripes at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the contact portion N between the developing blade 16 and the developing roller 12 with the result of decreased electrical attraction force to the developing roller 12 , the electrical attraction force of the toner to the developing roller 12 is refreshed by the charging of the toner by the charging roller 91 , and therefore, fog toner transfer onto the photosensitive drum I or the scattering of the toner out of the surface of the developing roller 12 (toner leakage) can be prevented.

Additionally, even if the triboelectric charge amount of the toner becomes insufficient at the gap region between the ends of the application roller 19 and the longitudinal direction side wall of the toner supply opening 63 A e of the developing frame 63 A with the result that the electrical attraction force to the developing roller 12 decreases, the electrical attraction force to the toner to the developing roller 12 is refreshed by the charging to the toner by the charging roller 91 , so that fog-toner transfer onto the photosensitive drum 1 or the scattering of the toner out of the surface of the developing roller 12 (toner leakage) can be prevented.

Thus, the occurrence of uncharged toner can be assuredly prevented at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the developing roller 12 , and the thin layer formation of the toner on the developing roller 12 is stabilized. The charging roller 91 is supplied with a bias voltage from a voltage generating circuit 100 ( FIG. 55 ) provided inside the side cover (first side cover) 63 E at the non-driving side, which will be described hereinafter, and the voltage-generating circuit 100 will be described in detail hereinafter.

A locking member 71 is mounted to a side surface 63 h of the developing cartridge D (in FIG. 33 , it is removed). The locking member 71 is mounted to one side surface 63 h portion of the cartridge frame 63 provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 (developing roller 12 ). It includes a locking engaging portion 71 b for engagement with a shutter engagement recess 64 t provided on the side wall 64 e of the shutter 64 , a supporting portion 71 a for supporting the locking engaging portion 71 b , and mounting portions 71 c and 71 d mounted to a side surface 63 h of the cartridge frame 63 . Designated by 63 j 1 , 63 j 2 are holes formed in the side surface 63 h , and the mounting portions 71 c and 71 d are inserted thereinto. The locking member 71 is of an integrally molded plastic resin material. In the process of mounting it to the mounting position, an arm portion 71 g , which is a part of the locking member 71 , contacts a fixed portion of the main assembly 30 of the apparatus, so that supporting portion 71 a is flexed to disengage the locking engaging portion 71 b from the shutter engagement recess 64 t , thus releasing the shutter 64 .

Shutter

The shutter 64 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 38 , the longitudinal end walls 67 e and 64 f of the shutter 64 are provided with a round hole 64 a , in which the projections 63 c and 63 g are engaged, one for one, so that shutter 64 is rotatably attached to the cartridge frame 63 . As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 , when the shutter 64 is closed, the opening 63 b is closed, and the developing roller 12 is covered by the shutter 64 . When the development cartridge D is out of the apparatus main assembly 30 , the shutter 64 is closed. No foreign matter enters the developing cartridge D.

The supporting portion 71 a of the locking member 71 is shaped in the form of a cantilever, being therefore rendered elastically bendable, by providing the locking member 71 with a groove 71 f . The base end of the supporting portion 71 a in the form of a cantilever is the side where the anchoring portions 71 c and 71 d are located. The latching portion 71 b and the lock releasing arm 71 g are located at the extending end portion of the supporting portion 71 a . The anchoring or mounting portion 71 c is cylindrical, extending in the longitudinal direction of the development cartridge D, and fits in the hole 63 j 1 . The three anchoring portions 71 d located adjacent to the anchoring portion 71 c have a square cross section, extending in the longitudinal direction of the development cartridge D. They each are provided with the aforementioned latching claw (unshown). The locking member 71 is locked with the longitudinal end wall 63 h of the cartridge frame 63 by engaging the anchoring portions 71 d in the square holes 63 j 2 cut adjacent to the hole 63 j 1 .

Referring to FIG. 37 , when the shutter 64 is open, the tip of the latching portion 71 b is in contact with the edge portion of a cam 64 n in the form of an arc that is concentric with the hole 64 a of the side wall 64 e of the shutter 64 . As the shutter 64 is closed, the latching portion 71 b engages in the latching-portion catching recess 64 t of the edge portion 64 n of the cam of the shutter 64 , whereby the shutter 64 is locked shut, thereby being prevented from unexpectedly opening.

When the developing cartridge D is mounted to the main assembly 30 of the image forming apparatus, the locking is automatically released to open the shutter 64 .

Erroneous Mounting-Prevention Means for Developing Cartridges

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39 , a description will be provided as to an erroneous mounting-prevention means for the developing cartridges D.

The developing cartridges D (Dm, Dc, Dy, Db) have the mounting portions which are the same in the configurations, dimensions or the like, and are mountable to any of the cartridge mounting portions of the rotary unit 11 . By providing means for preventing the user from mounting an improper developing cartridge to any one of the cartridge-mounting portion of the rotary unit 11 , the operativity is improved.

In this embodiment, the circumferential direction of the unit is equidistantly divided into four sections in this embodiment, to provide cartridge-mounting portions, and partition plates 11 b ( FIG. 39 ) are provided to define the cartridge-mounting portions, and extend between the flanges 11 f and 11 g provided at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the rotary member unit to couple the flanges 11 f and 11 g . The partition plates 11 b extend in the axial direction of the rotary member unit 11 . The partition plates 11 b are provided with main-assembly discriminating portions 11 m 1 , 11 c 1 , 11 y 1 , 11 b 1 on the respective separation plates 11 f , 11 g at end portions adjacent a flange 11 g at the driving-force receiving portion (FIG. 50 ).

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 50 , the shutter 64 ( 64 m , 64 c , 64 y , 64 b ) of the developing cartridge D is provided with a cartridge-discriminating portion 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y or 64 B for distinguishing the developing cartridges D ( FIG. 38 indicates discriminating portion 64 B). The discriminating portions 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y, 64 B are disposed at longitudinally different positions on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portions of the shutter 64 of the developing cartridge D. The discriminating portions 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y, 64 B are in the form of projections extending from the outer periphery of the shutter 64 . The centers of the discriminating portions 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y, 64 B are on a line substantially passing through the center of the round hole 64 a and perpendicular to a guide 70 that is in the form of a linear rib extending toward the center of the round hole 64 a provided in the shutter 64 , as seen in the longitudinal direction of the shutter 64 . The discriminating portions 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y, 64 B are concentrated at an open end 64 h of the shutter 64 facing the developing roller 12 and adjacent the driving-force reception side in the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 38 , the shutter 64 has four seats 64 s arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction, to which blocks 64 r are mountable to establish the discriminating portions 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y, 64 B. The seat 64 s has block positioning holes 64 p, 64 q spaced in the circumferential direction of the shutter 64 . The hole 64 p is a round hole, and the hole 64 q is elongated hole elongated in the circumferential direction of the shutter 64 . The block 64 r is substantially cubic and is provided, on a side that is not seen in FIG. 54 and that is opposed to a side opposing to the seat 64 s , with projections engageable with the holes 64 p , 64 q . By engagement therebetween, the block 64 r is correctly positioned and is fixed by bonding material.

The block 64 r is mounted to one of the four seats 64 s to provide a discriminating portion 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y or 64 B of the developing cartridge D. When the developing cartridge D provided with the discriminating portion 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y or 64 B and is mounted to the mounting portion 14 m , 14 c , 14 y , 14 b , the discriminating portion 64 M, 64 C, 64 Y, 64 B of the developing cartridge D is engaged with the discriminating portion 11 m 1 , 11 c 1 , 11 y 1 , 11 b 1 of the cartridge-mounting portion 14 , so that it may be permitted to enter the cartridge-mounting portion 14 m , 14 c , 14 y or 14 b . However, to the cartridge-mounting portion 14 y , for example, any one of the developing cartridges Dm, Dc, Db is not mountable because any one of the discriminating portions 64 M, 64 C, 64 B abuts the edge without the discriminating portion 11 y 1 of the separation plate 11 y.

Similarly, the cartridge-mounting portion 14 m for the magenta-color developing cartridge Dm rejects any one of the developing cartridges Dy, Dc, Db by the cartridge-mounting portion 14 m . The cartridge-mounting portion 14 c for the cyan-color developing cartridge Dc rejects any one of the developing cartridges Dy, Dm, Db. The cartridge-mounting portion for the black-toner developing cartridge Db rejects any one of the developing cartridges Dy, Dm, Dc.

Developing Frame

As shown in FIGS. 30 , 31 and 32 , the cartridge frame generally indicated by a reference numeral 63 is constituted by the developing frame(main cartridge frame) 63 A, the developing frame, the cover frame 63 C, the side covers (developer cartridge side covers) 63 D, 63 E, and the coupling frame 63 F.

As shown in FIG. 30 , the developing frame 63 A and the toner frame 63 B are welded together by ultrasonic welding at a triangular projections on a connecting surface 63 n between the flanges 63 A a extended along the longitudinal direction at both of the lateral sides of the developing-member supporting frame 63 A and a flange 63 B a extended along the longitudinal direction of the toner frame 63 B thus constituting a DT container unit DU.

The toner frame 63 B and the cover frame 63 C are coupled so as to face the openings 630 of the frames, thus constituting a toner container. To accomplish this, flange 63 B a of the toner frame 63 B has a L-shaped cross-section, and the upper surface thereof functions as a connecting surface 63 p , and the flange 63 B b constitutes the connecting surface 63 p and is formed to enclose the opening 630 . The flange 63 C b enclosing the opening 630 of the cover frame 63 C is welded by ultrasonic welding with the flange 63 B b of the toner frame 63 B at the connecting surface 63 p.

As shown in FIGS. 6 , 7 as perspective views, the opposite longitudinal end portions of the thus welded developing frame 63 A and toner frame 63 B are covered by side covers 63 D, 63 E, and side cover 63 E (first cover) is screwed to the developing frame 63 A, and the side cover 63 D (second cover) is screwed to the coupling frame 63 F (bearing unit) fixed to the developing frame 63 A. In this manner, the frames constitutes an integral cartridge frame 63 .

Coupling Frame

As shown in FIG. 44 (perspective view), to the seat 63 k A 1 ( FIG. 44 ) at the driving force reception side end of the developing frame 63 A, the coupling frame 63 F is fixed by threading unshown small screws through the holes 63 F a into the screws 63 A m at the end surface of the developing member supporting frame 63 A. By this, the seat 63 A k 1 at the driving force reception side of the developing member supporting frame 63 A and the flat mounting surface 63 F k of the coupling frame 63 F shown in FIG. 52 are contacted to each other. The configuration of the mounting surface 63 F k of the coupling frame 63 F has substantially the complementary configuration with the seat 63 A k 1 of the developing frame 63 A so that they are closely nested. The mounting surface 63 F k is provided with a longitudinal cylindrical dowels 63 F g engageable with the positioning holes 63 A n , 63 A p of the seat 63 A k 1 of the developing frame 63 A.

As shown in FIG. 34 , one end of the rotation shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 is supported on a developing roller bearing 38 engaged into the coupling frame 63 F. The projected shaft 63 F b supporting the driving-force receiving member 22 is integrally molded with the coupling frame 63 F. A projected shaft 63 F c rotatably supporting an idler gear 23 c including a small gear 23 c 2 engaged with the gear 23 d integral with a journal 33 supporting the toner feeding member 15 , is integrally provided (FIG. 51 ). There is provided a hole 63 F d through which the rotation shaft 19 a of the application roller 19 is penetrated. The coupling frame 63 F is provided with a screw 63 F e for mounting the side cover 63 D.

A description will be provided as to a support at the other end of the developing roller 12 and a toner seal 27 .

Side Cover at Non-driving Side

As shown in FIG. 45 , a side cover 63 E (first side cover) provided at the opposite side from the driving side has a configuration covering the longitudinal end surfaces of the toner frame 63 B and the developing frame 63 A. There is a flat mounting surface 63 E a contacting the side-cover mounting seat 63 A k 2 at the longitudinal end surface of the developing frame 63 A, the mounting surface 63 E a is provided with a cylindrical dowel 63 E b extending in the longitudinal direction and engageable with the positioning holes 63 A n , 63 A p of the seat 63 A k 2 of the developing frame 63 A. At the position aligned with the female screw 63 A m of the developing frame 63 A, a hole 63 E c is formed in the longitudinal direction to fix the side cover 63 E to the developing-member supporting frame 63 A by threading an unshown small screw into the screw 63 A m through the hole 63 E c . A developing roller bearing 39 is provided in a hole of the side cover 63 E to rotatably support the rotation shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 with the side cover 63 E being mounted to the developing frame 63 A.

From the mounting surface 63 E a , a cylindrical projected portion 63 E f is projected in the longitudinal direction, and the free end of the projection 63 E f presses the shaft gasket 35 of the rotation shaft 19 a of the application roller 19 to the shaft mounting portion 63 A q of the rotation shaft 19 a of the application roller 19 of the developing frame 63 A. A cover portion 63 E g for covering the outer periphery of the projected end of the rotation shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 . The cover portion 64 E g has an inner surface 63 E h that is the same as the seal surface of the elastic seal member 32 shown in FIG. 41 (perspective view of the end portion of the application roller), and when mounted, it is flush with the seal surface.

The side cover 63 E is provided with a toner-seal opening 63 E i that extends in the longitudinal direction and through which an end of the toner seal 27 is penetrated to allow the toner seal 27 to be pulled out of the developing cartridge D. The toner-seal opening 63 E i is rectangular, having a long side along the lateral direction of the toner seal 27 , and the length of the vertical side of the toner-seal opening 63 E i thereof in FIG. 35 is larger than the width of the toner-seal pulling grip 73 (FIG. 34 ).

FIG. 42 is a horizontal sectional view of the toner frame 63 B including the toner-supply opening 63 B c . The toner seal 27 is stuck on the entire circumference of the edge of the toner-supply opening 63 B c , and then turned at the portion 27 b , and is overlaid on the toner-seal portion stuck on the entire circumference of the edge of the toner-supply opening 63 B c , and the end 27 c thereof is bonded to the toner-seal pulling grip 73 . The end 27 c of the toner seal 27 and the grip 73 are in the toner-seal opening 63 E i , and extend out of the developing cartridge D.

As shown in FIG. 42 , the inside of the toner-seal opening 63 E i is provided with an inclined surface 63 E j for guiding the toner seal. The inclined surface 63 E i is a flat surface, and is inclined toward the side having the toner frame 63 B. Therefore, the toner seal 27 , as shown in FIG. 42 , is guided by the inclined surface 63 E j and is pulled out upwardly (inclined) from the portion of the toner frame 63 B (toward the toner supply port 63 B p side). The side cover 63 E has a flat surface 63 E k that is parallel to the parallel with the toner seal 27 mounting surface 63 B of the toner frame 63 B and which continues from the inclined surface 63 E j . The inclined toner-seal discharging surface 63 E j is not limited to the flat surface, but may be a curved surface having a generating line crossing with the toner seal 27 .

When the grip 73 is pulled outwardly, the toner seal 27 is pulled outwardly through the toner-seal opening 63 E i so that a folded or turned portion 27 b moves to the left in FIG. 31 , and the toner seal 27 is peeled off the edge of the toner-supply opening 63 B c from the turned portion 27 b . By completely pulling out the toner seal 27 , the toner supply opening 63 B c is fully opened. By doing so, the toner in the toner frame 63 B can be supplied to the developer chamber 63 A t of the developing member supporting frame 63 A (FIG. 30 ). When the toner seal 27 is pulled out, it is stretched between the corner 63 B m sealed by the end seal 31 a of the toner frame 63 B and the corner portion 63 E m formed by the flat surface 63 E k and the inclined toner-seal discharging surface 63 E j , which is the inner wall of the toner-seal opening 63 E i of the side cover 63 E. Therefore, the toner seal 27 which is folded back at the front side of the toner-seal supply opening 63 B c , is stretched along the toner-seal surface at the edge of the opening 63 B c . Thus, it is gradually peeled off at the folded portion 27 b in one direction from the folded portion to the end seal 31 a . Therefore, the direction in which the user pulls the toner seal 27 through the toner-seal opening 63 E i of the side cover 63 E can be limited, and therefore, pulling in the improper direction (which may result in the end seal 31 a torn or on leakage of the toner) can be prevented.

The embodiment is summarized as follows:

A side cover is for a developing cartridge that is detachably mountable to a main assembly 30 of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and that is for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 . The developing cartridge includes a developing roller 12 for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a toner accommodating portion 63 a for accommodating toner to be used for development with the developing roller 12 , wherein the toner accommodating portion 63 a includes a toner-supply opening 63 B c for supplying the toner accommodated therein to the developing roller 12 , a toner seal 27 for sealing the toner-supply opening 63 B c , said toner seal 27 unsealing the toner-supply opening 63 B c by being pulled out prior to the start of use to permit the supply of the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 63 a to the developing roller 12 , a shaft-support portion for rotatably supporting a shaft 12 c at one end of the developing roller 12 (e.g. developing roller bearing 39 ), and a toner-seal opening 63 E i for guiding the toner seal 27 to the outside when the toner-sealing openings 63 B c and 63 A e of the toner accommodating portion 63 a are opened.

The developing cartridge side cover further includes an engaging portion (e.g. cylindrical projected portion 63 E f ) for engagement with one end of the shaft 19 a of the application roller 19 for depositing the toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 .

The developing-cartridge-side cover 63 E further includes an urging-force receptor portion (e.g. spring receptor surface) for receiving an urging force from an elastic member (e.g. compression coil spring) provided on the main assembly 30 of the apparatus for positioning relative to the main assembly 30 of the apparatus, when the developing cartridge D is mounted to the main assembly 30 of the apparatus, and a contact portion (e.g. Boss 63 m 2 ) for stopping rotation of the developing cartridge by the urging force received by the urging force receptor portion.

The developing-cartridge-side cover 63 E further comprises a shaft mounting portion (e.g. hole 63 E g ) for mounting a shaft (e.g. projected portion 63 g ) functioning as a pivot when the developing cartridge D is mounted to the main assembly 30 of the apparatus.

The developing-cartridge-side cover 63 E is made of an integrally molded plastic resin material.

A griping portion is provided at one longitudinal end of the toner seal 27 , and is in the form of a grip (e.g. grip 73 ) of plastic resin material mounted to one longitudinal end of the toner seal 27 .

The developing-cartridge-side cover 63 E includes a cover portion 63 E r for covering a toner cap 37 ( FIG. 42 ) mounted to the toner-filling opening to seal the toner-filling opening (e.g. a toner supply opening 63 B p ((FIG. 40 )) for permitting the supply of the toner into the toner accommodating portion 63 a.

The developing-cartridge-side cover 63 E includes a voltage generating circuit 100 for supplying electrical energy to the charging roller 91 .

Voltage Generating Circuit to the Charging Roller

As shown in FIGS. 45 and 55 , the voltage generating circuit 100 is disposed with a ground connecting metal plate 103 and a bias-supply connecting metal plate 102 and a bias-supply plate 101 . The bias-supply connecting metal plate 102 and the connecting metal plate 103 are mounted to the back side of the side cover 63 E by press-fitting, heat crimp or the like. The ground connecting plate of metal 103 has a grounding-contact portion 103 a on a hole 63 E q into which the projected portion 63 g as the shutter pin is inserted. The grounding contact portion 103 a will be described.

On the other hand, the voltage generating circuit 100 is supplied with a developing-bias voltage through the bias-supply connecting metal plate 102 . The voltage generating circuit 100 is connected to an electroconductive portion 63 g 8 of the projected portion 63 g through the grounding-contact portion 103 a as a ground portion of the ground-connecting metal plate (FIG. 56 ). A bent portion 102 a of the bias-supply connecting metal plate 102 is contacted to an electroconductive plate 93 of the charging roller shown in FIG. 58 when the side cover 63 E is mounted to the developing frame 63 A and the toner frame 63 b . The electrical connection is established between the electroconductive spring 92 of metal and the electroconductive plate 93 of the charging roller through the shaft 91 s of the charging roller 91 , so that bias supplied to the bias-supply connecting metal plate 102 is supplied to the voltage generating circuit 100 .

In FIG. 55 , the voltage generating circuit 100 includes a capacitor (capacitor element) 104 and a resistance (resistance element) 105 as electrical elements. The capacitor 105 is received by a receiving portion 63 E t provided integrally on the side cover 63 E, and is retained by an electrical-element pushing portion 103 b of the ground-connecting metal plate 103 so that it is prevented from rising.

The capacitor 104 of the voltage generating circuit 100 and the resistance 105 thereof are connected in parallel by the bias-supply connecting metal plate 102 and the ground-connecting plate 103 to constitute a voltage generation portion 100 a for generating a voltage to be applied to the charging roller 91 .

The voltage generating circuit 100 of such a structure is supplied with a developing bias supplied through a rectifying circuit 41 E provided on the side cover 63 D at a driving side, which will be described hereinafter, through bias-supply connecting metal plate 102 , by which a voltage (bias) to be supplied to the charging roller is generated at the voltage generation portion 100 a using the bias voltage.

In such a developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy), the voltage generating circuit 100 is provided inside the side cover 63 E mounted at one longitudinal end side of the developer cartridge D(Dm, Dc, Dy) having the voltage generation portion 101 a and the grounding contact portion 103 a , so that a bias voltage can be supplied to the charging roller 91 without increasing the number of high-voltage contacts.

By doing so, the decrease of reliability due to the increase in the number of the high-voltage contacts can be avoided, and an increase of the area required by the contacts can be also avoided, so that the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy) can be downsized. Additionally, the voltage generating circuit 100 is disposed on the side cover 63 E at the non-driving side where the space is relatively wide, so that no additional projections for mounting the circuits are required on the outer surface of the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy), and therefore, it is advantageous from the ornamental standpoint of the developer cartridge.

Since the capacitor 104 and the resistance 105 and other electrical elements in the voltage generating circuit 100 are electrically connected through the bias-supply connecting metal plate 102 and the ground-connecting metal plate 103 , wiring for connection of the electrical elements are not required, and therefore, the assembling property of the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy) is remarkably improved.

The resistance 105 is disposed in parallel with the capacitor 104 in the voltage generating circuit 100 . Therefore, even if the rotary member unit 11 rotates with the capacitor 104 electrically charged upon stopping, and the developing-bias contact (high-voltage contact) 41 at the main assembly 30 developing bias contact is rendered off, the resistance 105 discharges the electricity stored in the capacitor 104 . Therefore, when the developing bias contact 41 is rendered on for development, no electric charge remains in the capacitor 104 , so that there is no noise.

Grounding Contact of the Charging Roller

A description will be provided as to the grounding-contact portion 103 a for the charging roller 91 . When the projected portion 63 g as the shutter pin is inserted into the hole 63 E q of the side cover 63 E q , as shown in FIG. 55 , the flat portion of the D cutting portion 63 g 82 of the electroconductive portion 63 g 8 of the projected portion 63 g as shown in FIG. 56 , contacts the grounding-contact portion 103 a of the ground-connecting plate. By this, the ground of the voltage generating circuit 100 is electrically grounded by an unshown ground portion of the main assembly 30 through the electroconductive portion 63 g 8 of the projected portion 63 g . In other words, the electroconductive portion 63 g 8 functions as a grounding contact for the charging roller 91 .

Thus, in this embodiment, when the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy) is mounted to the rotary member unit 11 , the grounding is effected through the electroconductive portion 63 g 8 of the projected portion 63 g by the main assembly 30 side ground portion, and therefore, there is no need to use a grounding contact for the voltage generating circuit 100 between the developer cartridge D (Dm, Dc, Dy) and the main assembly 30 of the apparatus, so that the voltage generating circuit 100 can be electrically grounded at a low cost.

The side cover in the above-described embodiment is summarized as follows. The side cover is for a developing cartridge, which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes: a cartridge frame, a toner accommodating portion for accommodating the toner; a rotatable developing member ( 12 ) for carrying the toner on its peripheral surface to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum 1 ); a charging member ( 91 ) for electrically charging the toner to deposit the toner on the peripheral surface of the developing member; a bias contact ( 101 b ) for receiving, from the main assembly of the apparatus, a bias voltage to be supplied to the charging member ( 91 ) when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus; and a grounding contact ( 103 a ) for electrical grounding between the main assembly of the apparatus and the charging member ( 91 ) when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus. The side cover is demountably mounted to the cartridge frame to longitudinal end of the cartridge frame, and constitutes a part of the cartridge frame.

The mounting process of the side cover 63 E are summarized as follows.

The mounting method is for a developing cartridge D side cover for a developing cartridge D for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member 1 . The developing cartridge D is detachably mountable relative to a main assembly 30 of electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The method includes:

(a) a developing-frame preparing step of preparing a developing frame 63 A including a developing-roller mounting portion (e.g. recess 63 s ) for mounting a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(b) a toner-frame preparing step of preparing a toner frame including a toner accommodating portion 63 a for accommodating toner to be used for development by the developing roller 12 , wherein the toner accommodating portion 63 a has a toner-supply opening 63 B c for supplying the toner accommodated therein to the developing roller 12 ;

(c) a developing-cartridge-side-cover preparing step of preparing a developing-cartridge side cover having a shaft support portion (e.g. developing roller bearing 39 ) for rotatably supporting a shaft at one end of the developing roller 12 , and having a toner seal opening 63 E for directing the toner seal 27 to the outside, when the toner-supply openings 63 B c and 63 A e are unsealed;

(d) a coupling step of coupling the developing frame 63 A and the toner frame 63 B; and

(e) a side-cover mounting step of mounting the developing-cartridge side cover 63 E to one longitudinal end of the developing frame and the toner frame, while the toner seal 27 is extended from the toner-seal opening 63 E 1 to the outside.

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

In the method, the coupling step couples the developing frame 63 A and the toner frame 63 B by ultrasonic welding.

In the method, the coupling step couples the developing frame and the toner frame by snap fitting, and/or by snap clip.

By integrally molding the side cover 63 E and the shaft support member for engaging the bearing 39 of the developing roller 12 , the number of parts can be reduced.

Side Cover at the Driving Force Reception Side (developing bias contact)

As shown in FIG. 46 , the side surface 63 h of the side cover 63 D provided at the driving-force reception side of the developing cartridge D constitutes a flat surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when the developing cartridge D has been assembled. The side surface 63 h has an integral cylindrical projected portion 63 c enclosing the driving force receiving member 22 .

The free end of the projected portion 63 c and the free end (in the axial direction) of the driving-force receiving member 22 are substantially on a flat surface parallel with the side surface 63 h.

The side surface 63 h has a developing bias contact 41 , which is flush with the side surface 63 h and exposed there. The configuration of the developing-bias contact 41 is substantially rectangular, and one side 41 a 1 thereof is on a line L 63 D 2 passing through the center of rotation 22 c of the driving-force receiving member 22 . The line L 63 D 2 passing through the center of rotation 22 c of the driving-force receiving member 22 is at approximately α1=approximately 175° away, in the counterclockwise direction, from a line L 63 D 1 connecting the center 12 c 1 (center of rotation of the developing roller 12 ) of the rotation shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 and the center of rotation 22 c of the driving-force receiving member 22 as seen from the outside of the side cover 63 D having the developing-bias contact, in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 . An angle α2 formed between the line L 63 D 3 connecting the center of rotation 22 c of the driving-force receiving member 22 and the corner 41 a 2 of a side opposed to the side 41 a 1 of the developing-bias contact 41 and a line L 63 D 1 connecting the centers of rotation 12 c 1 and 22 c of the developing roller 12 and the driving force receiving member 22 is 140°. The developing bias contact 41 is disposed in a region of 140° to 175° in the counterclockwise direction relative to the line L 63 D 1 connecting the center of rotation 12 c 1 of the developing roller 12 and the center of rotation 22 c of the driving-force receiving member 22 , as seen from the side cover 63 D of the cartridge frame 63 which has the developing bias contact 41 , in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 .

Because the developing-bias contact 41 is disposed in such a region, the portion to contact the main-assembly-developing-bias-contact member (contact pin, unshown) provided in the main assembly of the apparatus, is in the region. Therefore, a portion of the developing-bias contact other than the contacting portion may be out of therein. However, further preferably, all the region of the developing bias contact 41 is in the position within the region.

The developing bias contact 41 , when the developing cartridge D is mounted to the rotary unit 11 , contacts the developing bias contact pin 42 provided on the flange 11 g of the rotary unit 11 and projected by elastic force in the axial direction from the wall surface 11 a . In FIG. 46 , the portion enclosed by the broken lines 41 a , define the portion contacting to the contact pin 42 during the development. In FIG. 46 , the portion enclosed by the broken lines 41 b , define the portion rubbing with the contact pin 42 during the development. The developing cartridge D, when it is mounted to the rotary unit, and the rotary unit is rotated for positioning, the spacer rollers 12 a , 12 b at the opposite ends of the developing roller 12 are abutted to the photosensitive drum 1 . The developing cartridge D is supported by the arcuate ribs 26 a , 59 e of the rotary unit supporting the projected portions 63 c , 63 g of the cartridge frame 63 against the spring force of the compression coil spring, and pivots about the center of rotation 22 c of the driving force receiving member 22 (centers of the projected portions 63 c , 63 g ) Since the developing bias contact 41 is disposed in the above-described region, the developing bias contact pin 42 projected from the rotary unit is not out of the developing-bias contact 41 despite the pivoting action. Therefore, the developing-bias contact pin and the developing-bias contact 41 are in sliding contact with each other during the rotational positioning operation in the developing-process operation, so that no electric conduction defect occurs due to foreign matter sandwiched between the contact pin 42 and the contact 41 . The developing-bias contact pin does not contact the surface of the synthetic resin material of the side 63 h of the developing cartridge D during the rotation of the rotary unit 11 , and therefore, the 63 h is not scraped.

During the developing operation, through the contact pin and the developing bias contact 41 , the developing roller 12 is supplied with a developing-bias voltage, which is an AC voltage having a peak-to-peak voltage of 2000 V and a frequency of 2000 Hz biased with a DC voltage of −400 V.

The developing-bias contact 41 of the developing cartridge D mounted to the rotary unit 11 has a substantially rectangular shape, and the center portion of the rectangular contacts the developing-bias-contact pin provided in the rotary unit 11 .

The driving-force receiving member 22 , the developing-bias contact 41 and the positioning projection (pin) 63 d are substantially aligned on a line.

As described in the foregoing, the developing cartridge D of this embodiment is summarized as follows.

A developing cartridge D comprises: a driving-force receiving member 22 for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing roller 12 from the main assembly of the apparatus; wherein the driving force receiving member 22 is exposed from a portion (e.g. side cover 63 D) of the cartridge frame, provided at one longitudinal end portion; and a developing bias contact 41 for receiving a developing bias voltage to be applied to the developing roller 12 from the main assembly of the apparatus when mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the developing-bias contact 41 is exposed from a portion (e.g. the side cover 63 D) of the cartridge frame provided at the one longitudinal end portion of the developing roller 12 .

The developing bias contact 41 is within a range of 140° to 175° from a line L 63 D 1 connecting a center of rotation of the developing roller and a center of rotation of the driving-force receiving member in a center of rotation as seen from an outside of such a portion ( 63 D) of the cartridge frame as has the developing-bias contact 41 , in a longitudinal direction of the developing roller.

The developing-bias contact 41 is substantially rectangular, and a substantial center portion of the rectangular shape contacts a developing-bias-contact pin provided in the main assembly, so that the developing-bias contact receives a developing bias to be applied to the developing roller from the main assembly through the developing-bias contact pin.

A short side of the rectangular shape is extended along a line L 63 D 2 , which is at approximately 175° from the line connecting the center 12 C 1 of rotation of the developing roller 12 and the center 22 c of rotation of the driving-force receiving member 22 in the counterclockwise direction.

The developing bias contact 41 is disposed at such a position that a corner portion of the rectangular shape contacts a line L 63 D 1 positioned at approximately 145° from the line connecting the center 12 c 1 of rotation of the developing roller 12 and the center of rotation of the driving-force receiving member 22 in the counterclockwise direction.

The developing cartridge D further comprises a developing blade 15 for regulating an amount of the toner deposited on a peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 .

The toner accomodated in the toner accomodating portion 63 a is yellow color toner, magenta color toner or cyan color toner, and the developing cartridge further comprises an application roller 91 for depositing the toner on a peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 , and a charging roller 91 for applying the charge to the toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 , wherein the bias received from the main assembly is applied to the developing roller 12 , the developing blade 16 and the application roller 19 .

As shown in FIG. 48 , the bias received from the main assembly is applied to the metal plate 16 a of the developing blade 16 through the first leaf spring portion ( 41 d ). It is supplied to the application roller 19 through the second leaf spring portion( 41 c ). The contact portion ( 41 k ) of the electroconductive plate 2 ( 41 p ) and the contact plate( 93 ) of the charging roller are connected through the electroconductive plate 1 ( 41 m ) contacted to the bias contact 41 (rectifying circuit 41 E), the diode ( 41 n ) and the electroconductive plate 2 ( 41 p ), and the bias voltage is applied to the charging roller through the contact spring ( 92 ) and the shaft ( 91 s ). The voltage is applied to the shaft portion ( 12 c ) of the developing roller 12 through the coil spring ( 46 ) as a developing-bias contact spring, wherein the developing-bias contact 41 , the first leaf-spring portion ( 41 d ) and the second leaf-spring portion ( 4 c 1 ) constitute an integral metal member.

The toner accomodated in the toner accomodating portion 63 a is black color toner, wherein the bias received from the main assembly by the developing-bias contact 41 is applied to the developing roller 12 , and not to the developing blade 16 .

As described in the foregoing, the developing cartridge D includes the developing-cartridge side cover 63 D having, as a portion of the cartridge frame 63 , the opening for exposing the driving-force receiving member 22 and a developing-bias-contact mounting portion for mounting the developing bias contact 41 . The side cover 63 D of the developing cartridge includes urging-force receptor portions (spring receptor portions) 63 k 1 , 63 k 2 for receiving the urging force of the compression-coil spring 11 d provided in the rotary 11 of the main assembly 30 of the apparatus when the developing cartridge D is mounted to the main assembly 30 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the abutment portions in the form of bosses 63 m 1 , 63 m 2 for contacting the rotary unit 11 of the main assembly 30 , for regulating the rotation of the developing cartridge D rotated by the force received by the urging-force receptor portions 63 k 1 , 63 k 2 . The developing-bias contact 41 is located at a position retracted from the free end 63 c 3 of the cylindrical portion 63 c 2 having the opening for exposing the driving-force receiving member 22 and the urging-force receptor portions 63 k 1 , 63 k 2 in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 12 .

The side cover 63 D is securely fixed to the coupling frame 63 F by screws 43 threaded through the hole 63 D r of the side cover 63 D into the screws 63 F e (FIG. 44 ). The dowel 63 D u of the side cover 63 D is engaged with a hole 63 F r of the coupling frame 63 F to accomplish relative positioning between the cover 63 D and the frame 63 F. One of the holes is elongated.

As shown in FIG. 47 , the inside of the side cover 63 D is provided with a spring-holding projection 63 D s projecting in the axial direction toward the end of the rotation shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 , and around the spring-holding projection 63 D s a contact portion 41 b is provided. An application-roller contact portion 41 c contacting the end of the rotation shaft 19 a of the application roller 19 is provided as a second leaf-spring portion in the form of a cantilever. In the case of the color developing cartridges Dy, Dm, Dc, the developing blade 16 is elastic, and in order to urge the blade supporting metal plate 16 a (flexible thin plate), a confining plate 44 is overlapped on the blade-supporting metal plate 16 a and is engaged with and positioned by a dowel 63 A w integrally formed with the developing-member supporting frame 63 A. Small screws 45 are threaded through holes of the plate 44 into the developing-member supporting frame 63 A. The plate 44 is extended to a neighborhood of the back side of the side surface 63 i of the side cover 63 D at the driving-force reception side, and the free end 44 a thereof is overlapped with the developing-blade contact portion 41 d of the developing-bias contact 41 . As shown in FIG. 48 , the developing-blade contact portion 41 d is inclined toward the free end 44 a of the plate 44 , and the free end 44 a of the plate 44 abuts the inclined surface, by which the developing blade contact portion 41 d is bent. In other words, the developing-blade contact portion 41 d functions a first leaf-spring portion. A second leaf spring portion is provided by the charging-roller contact portion 41 k contacting the charging roller electroconductive plate 93 through the electroconductive spring 92 of metal to the shaft 91 s of the charging roller 91 .

The contact 41 , the inner developing-bias contact portion 41 b , the application-roller contact portion 41 c , and the developing-blade contact portion 41 d , are formed as an integral metal sheet to constitute the developing-bias contact member. Therefore, the developing roller 12 , the developing blade 16 and the application roller 19 are maintained at the same potential. The material of the developing-bias contact member may be phosphor bronze, belium bronze, stainless steel or the like. The contact portion ( 41 k ) for the charging-roller contact plate is connected to the developing-bias contact ( 41 ) through the rectifying circuit 41 E (electroconductive plate ( 41 m ), diode ( 41 n ) and electroconductive plate 2 ( 41 p )).

Between the inner developing-bias contact portion 41 b and the end surface of the rotation shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 , a developing-bias contact spring 46 in the form of a metal compression coil spring is compressed.

In the case of the black developing cartridge Db, the plate 16 a supporting the elastic blade 16 c of the developing blade 16 is rigid and in the form of a strip, and therefore, no confining plate 44 used in the above-described color developing devices Dy, Dm, Dc is not used. Therefore, the developing-blade contact portion 41 d of the black developing cartridge Db and the developing blade 16 are electrically isolated, so that the developing-blade contact portion 41 d does not function. Thus, the developing roller 12 of the black developing cartridge Db is supplied with the developing bias, but the developing blade 16 is not supplied with it.

As shown in FIG. 47 showing the inside of the side cover 63 D at the driving-force reception side, the back side 63 D e parallel with the side surface 63 h of the side cover 63 D is flat, and contacts the inner developing-bias contact portion 41 b . As shown in FIG. 42 (B—B sectional view of FIG. 41 ), the connection between the inner contact portion 41 b and the outer exposed portion 41 a is such that one end portion 41 e of the outer exposed portion 41 a is bent to provide a bent portion 41 f that is provided with a hole, which in turn is engaged with a dowel 63 D k in the elongated hole 63 D j penetrating between the side surface 63 h and back side 63 D e . An elongated hole 63 D n parallel with the elongated hole 63 D j is provided, and the other side of the outer exposed portion 41 a is bent into the inside through the elongated hole 63 D n , and the conductive plate portion 41 g extended along the back side 63 D e of the side cover 63 D is contacted to the back side 63 D e . As shown in FIG. 41 , it continues to and is flush with the outer circumference portion of the inner contact portion 41 b . A dowel 63 D p projected at the back side 63 D e of the side cover 63 D is engaged with the hole 41 h , with the reverse of the conductive plate portion 41 g . In FIG. 48 , a hole 41 h , with the reverse of the conductive plate portion 41 i flush with the upper part of the contact portion 41 b , is engaged with the dowel 63 D q projected from the inside of the side cover 63 D. The conductive plate portion 41 i contacts the back side 63 D e of the side cover 63 D. A blade-contact portion 41 d is inclinedly and integrally extended from the conductive plate portion 41 i as if it is bent by more than 90 degrees as shown in FIG. 48 . The free end portion of the blade-contact portion 41 d is folded into a contact end 41 j to suppress wearing, and the contact end contacts the wall surface 63 D t provided on the back side 63 D e of the side cover 63 D.

Designated by 63 D s is a supporting portion for supporting a magnet provided in the inside of the developing roller 12 of the black developing cartridge. Designated by 63 D s 1 is an urging portion for urging a magnet with the elastic force of the molded portion in the thrust direction.

The application-roller contact portion 41 c is extended downwardly from a part of the bottom edge of the lower, and the end portion thereof is bend upwardly to provide a contact portion 41 c.

With this structure, the developing bias applied to the outer exposed portion 41 a of the developing-bias contact 41 is applied to the developing roller 12 through the inner developing-bias contact portion 41 b , the developing-bias contact spring 46 , and the developing-roller shaft 12 c , and is also applied to the rotation shaft 19 a of the application roller 19 contacting the application-roller contact portion 41 c to provide the same potential as the developing roller 12 with the application roller 19 . The developing bias applied to the outer exposed portion 41 a is applied to the developing blade 16 through the plate 44 contacting the developing-blade contact portion 41 d , so that the same potentials are provided for the developing roller 12 and the developing blade 16 . In addition, the developing bias applied to the outer exposed portion 41 a is applied to the charging roller 91 through the rectifying circuit 41 E.

Since the developing bias is applied to the developing roller 12 , the developing blade 16 , the application roller 19 , and the rectifying circuit 41 E by the developing-bias contact member 41 , which is an integral member, no contact portion exists and therefore electrical stabilization is accomplished.

In the black developing cartridge Db, the voltage is not applied to the developing blade 16 . It does not have an application roller.

As regards the developing-bias contact, the developer cartridge with the developing-bias contact pivots in the rotary unit about the center of rotation of the driving-force receiving member 22 (pressure for urging the developing roller to the photosensitive drum). During the rotation, the disengagement between the developing-bias contact pin projected from the rotary unit of the main assembly and the developing-bias contact of the developing cartridge is prevented. By this, the outer wall of the developing cartridge(surface of the side cover) is prevented from being scraped, or the conduction defect stemming from foreign matter introduced between the developing-bias contact and the pin can be prevented.

In the foregoing, the side cover 63 D covers all of the application roller gear 23 e , the stirring gear 23 d , the stepped idler gear 23 c , and developing roller gear 23 b or the like engaged with the driving gear 23 a . However, the side cover 63 D does not receive an external force for the driving of the developing cartridge D.

Since the cylindrical projected portion around the opening for the driving-force receiving portion and the contact-mounting portion are at the same side of the same member, which is to be positioned, then the positional accuracy of the contact relative to the main assembly of the apparatus and the drive input portion can be enhanced.

The side cover 63 D of this embodiment is used for a developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member.

It comprises an opening(e.g. an opening 63 c 4 provided in a cylindrical portion 63 c 2 as a projected portion) for exposing the driving force receiving member 22 .

It also comprises a developing-bias-contact mounting portion for mounting the developing bias contact.

The developing-cartridge side cover 63 D further comprises an urging-force-receptor portion (e.g. spring receptor portion 63 k ) for receiving an urging force of a spring member (e.g. compression coil spring 11 d ) provided in the main assembly 30 of the apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly 30 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and an abutment portion(e.g. boss 63 m ) for contacting the main assembly 30 to limit the rotation of the rotation-developing cartridge D, which is rotated by the force received by the urging force receptor portion.

The urging-force receptor portion is in the form of a flat plate projected, and the abutment portion is in the form of a projected column.

The opening 63 c 4 for exposing the driving-force receiving member is formed in the cylindrical portion projected so as to enclose the driving-force receiving member 22 .

The developing cartridge D is provided with a shutter 64 movable between a closed position for covering the exposed portion of the developing member(e.g. developing roller 12 ) and a retracted position retracted from the closed position, and the cylindrical portion 63 c 2 rotatably mounts one longitudinal end of the shutter 64 .

The developing-cartridge side cover 63 D has a mounting portion 71 C for mounting a locking member 71 for locking the shutter 64 at the closed position.

The developing-cartridge side cover 63 D is provided with bores 63 D r for demountably mounting the developing cartridge side cover 63 D to the coupling frame 63 F for supporting the coupling member 22 d as the driving-force receiving member 22 . The coupling frame 63 F is mounted to the developing frame 63 A including a mounting portion for the developing roller 12 .

The developing-cartridge side cover 63 D covers the gear (e.g. developing-roller gear 23 b ) for transmitting a driving force received by the coupling member 22 d as the driving-force receiving member from the main assembly 30 , to the developing member in the form of a developing roller 12 , when its mounted to the developing frame 63 A through the coupling frame 63 F.

When the developing cartridge side cover 63 D is mounted to the developing frame 62 A, it is mounted to the developing frame 63 A with the coupling frame 63 F supporting the coupling member 22 d as the driving-force receiving member sandwiched therebetween.

The developing-cartridge side cover 63 D is made of integrally molded plastic resin material.

The mounting method of the developing cartridge side cover 63 D comprises

a mounting method of mounting a side cover of a developing cartridge for a developing cartridge for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the developing cartridge being detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) preparing a developing frame 63 A including a developing-member mounting portion for mounting a developing member (e.g. developing roller 12 ) for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member;

(b) preparing a coupling frame 63 F for supporting a driving-force receiving member 22 for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member from the main assembly 30 of the apparatus when mounted to the main assembly 30 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

(c) preparing a developing-cartridge side cover 63 D a having an opening 63 c 4 for exposing the driving-force receiving member 22 , and a developing-bias contact 41 for receiving a developing bias to be applied to the developing member from the main assembly 30 when the developing cartridge D is mounted to the main assembly 30 ;

(d) mounting the coupling frame 63 F to the developing frame 63 A; and

(e) mounting the developing cartridge side cover 63 D to the coupling frame 63 F such that the developing-bias contact 41 is electrically connected to the developing member and that the driving-force receiving member 22 is exposed through the opening 63 c 4 of the developing cartridge side cover 63 D.

In the coupling-frame mounting step, the coupling frame 63 F is mounted to the developing frame 63 A by screws, and in the developing-cartridge-side-cover mounting step, the developing-cartridge side cover 63 D is mounted to the coupling frame 63 F by screws. In the embodiment, the side cover 63 E and the developing-member supporting frame 63 A are screwed, but the connecting method may be another method, for example, a snap-fit and/or a snap clip is usable.

According to the foregoing embodiment, the developing cartridge turns about the center of rotation in the rotary unit (by the pressure for abutting the developing roller to the drum during the development). The possible disengagement between the contact pin projected from the main assembly of the apparatus and the contact of the developing cartridge, the scraping of the outer wall of the developing cartridge and/or the conduction defect due to foreign matter therebetween can be prevented.

Assembling Method of Developing Cartridge

Referring to FIGS. 57 to 64 , an assembling method of the developing cartridge according to this embodiment comprises the following steps.

(a) preparing a DT container unit DU having a toner frame 63 having a toner accommodating portion 63 a accommodating the toner and a developing frame 63 A connecting with the toner frame 63 , as shown in FIG. 57 ;

(b) setting the toner-application roller 19 to the developing frame 63 A, wherein the toner-application roller 19 is effective to apply the toner to the developing roller 12 ;

(c) setting a developing blade 16 (unshown) to the developing frame 12 after the steps of (c) and (b), wherein the developing blade 16 is effective to regulate the amount of the toner deposited on the developing roller 12 ;

(d) engaging the shaft 12 c provided at one end of the developing roller 12 into a hole 39 of the first side cover 63 E; inserting the dowel 63 E b of the first side cover 63 E into the positioning holes 63 A p , 63 A m of the container unit DU, so that first side cover 63 E to the DT container unit DU;

(e) engaging the shaft 12 c provided at the other end of the developing roller 12 to a hole 63 F d of the bearing unit (coupling frame) 63 F, as shown in FIG. 58 ; inserting the dowel 63 F g of the bearing unit 63 F into the positioning holes 63 A p , 63 A n of the DT container unit DU, so that bearing unit 63 F is mounted to the DT container unit DU;

(f) mounting, to the bearing unit 63 F, the developing-roller gear 23 b , the stepped idler gear 23 c , the stirring gear 23 d , the application-roller gear 23 e and the stepped driving gear 23 a , after the step of (e), as shown in FIG. 59 ; and

(g) inserting the dowel 63 D u of the second side cover 63 D into the hole 63 F r of the DT container unit DU so as to cover the developing gear 23 b , the stepped idler gear 23 c , the stirring gear 23 d , the application roller gear 23 e and the stepped driving gear 23 a to mount the second side cover to the DT container unit, after the step of (f), as shown in FIG. 60 , so that second side cover is mounted to the DT container unit DU.

The toner-seal mounting step for mounting the toner seal 27 between the toner frame 63 B and the developing frame 63 A of the DT container unit DU, is provided wherein the toner seal is effective to prevent the leakage of the toner from the toner accommodating portion 63 a , and the toner seal 27 is to be removed by the user prior to start of use of the developing cartridge D.

The toner-deposition step for depositing the toner onto the peripheral surface of the toner application roller 19 is carried out before the toner application roller 19 is mounted to the DT container unit DU.

The toner-application roller 19 is mounted to the DT container unit DU by inserting the shaft 19 a thereof at one end into the hole 63 q l provided in the DT container unit DU and engaging the shaft 19 a at the other end with the hole 63 F d of the bearing unit 63 F in the step of mounting of the bearing unit.

In the step of mounting the developing blade, the developing blade 16 is mounted to the DT container unit DU by screws 16 b.

In the step of mounting of the first side cover, the first side cover 63 E is mounted to the DT container unit by threading screws into the female screws 63 A m of the DT container unit UD (FIG. 57 ).

In the step of mounting of the bearing unit, the bearing unit 63 F is mounted to the DT container unit UD by threading screws into the female screws 63 F e of the DT container unit UD.

In the gear-mounting step, the stepped driving gear 23 a , and the developing-roller gear 23 b are mounted by engagement of holes in the gears 23 a , 23 b with the projected shafts 63 F c , 63 fc (dowel provided to the bearing unit 63 F).

The toner accommodating portion is supplied with toner through a toner supply port 63 B c formed adjacent one longitudinal end of the toner frame 63 B, and after the toner is supplied, the toner supply port (toner supply opening) 63 B c is closed by a cap (toner cap) 37 .

To the DT container unit UD, a charging roller 91 is mounted, and the charging roller 91 has a function of applying charge to the toner, wherein the charging roller 91 is mounted after the developing-blade mounting step.

The developing cartridge D assembled through the steps (a)-(g) is subjected to a conduction check of the sleeve. As shown in FIG. 61 , a lead T 1 end of a tester contacts a bare aluminum surface of the developing roller 12 , and the other lead T 2 end of the tester contacts the developing-bias contact 41 of the second side cover 63 D to check whether the reading of the tester indicates a value lower than a predetermined resistance value.

Then the conduction of the developing roller of the developing cartridge D is checked. As shown in FIG. 62 , ( a ), one end of the lead T 1 of the tester contacts the developing bias contact 41 of the second side cover 63 D, and then as shown in FIG. ( b ) of the Figure, the end of the other lead T 2 contacts the rotation shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 to check whether the reading is within a predetermined range.

After the conduction checks for the sleeve and the developing roller are completed, the round hole 64 a of the shutter 64 is aligned with a driving shaft (projected portion) 63 c projected out of the second side cover 63 D. Then, the projected portion 63 g as the shutter pin is snapped into the round hole 64 a of the shutter 64 while the shutter 64 is nipped by the first side cover 63 E.

By this, the assembling of the developing cartridge is completed.

Exchanging Method of Developing Blade

Referring to FIGS. 57 to 64 , a description will be provided as to the exchanging method.

the method includes the following steps:

(a) a first side-cover dismounting step of dismounting the first side cover 63 E from the DT container unit DU having the toner frame 63 B provided with the toner accommodating portion 63 a for accommodating the toner and the developing frame 63 A connected with the toner frame 63 B, wherein the hole 39 of the first side cover 63 E is disengaged from the shaft 12 c at one end of the developing roller 12 , by which the first side cover 63 E is removed from the DT container unit DU (FIG. 57 );

(b) removing the second side cover 63 D from the DT container unit DU (FIG. 60 );

(c) removing the developing-roller gear 23 b , the stepped idler gear 23 c , the stirring gear 23 d , the application-roller gear 23 e , and the stepped driving gear 23 a from the bearing unit (cartridge frame) 63 F (FIG. 59 );

(d) a bearing-unit dismounting step of dismounting the bearing unit 63 F from the DT container unit DU, wherein the hole 63 F d of the bearing unit 63 F is disengaged from the shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 at the other end, by which the bearing unit 63 F is removed from the DT container unit DU (FIG. 58 ), after the step (c);

(e) a developing-roller dismounting step of dismounting the developing roller 12 from the developing frame 63 B;

(f) an application-roller mounting step of dismounting the toner-application roller 19 from the developing frame 63 B, wherein the toner application roller 19 is effective to apply the toner to the developing roller 12 ;

(g) a developing-blade dismounting step of dismounting the developing blade 16 mounted to the developing frame 63 B, wherein the developing blade 16 is effective to regulate the amount of the toner deposition on the peripheral surface of the developing roller;

(h) an application-roller setting step of setting the toner-application roller 19 to the developing frame 63 B, wherein the toner application roller 19 is effective to apply the toner to the developing roller 12 ;

(i) a developing-blade setting step of setting a new developing blade to the 63 B, wherein the developing blade functions to regulate the amount of the toner deposited on the peripheral surface of the developing roller;

(j) a first side-cover mounting step of mounting the first side cover 63 E to the DT container unit DU by engaging the shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 with a hole 39 of the first side-cover 63 E at one end of the roller (FIG. 57 );

(k) a bearing-unit mounting step of mounting the bearing unit 63 F to the DT container unit DU by engaging the shaft 12 c of the developing roller 12 with the hole 63 F d of the bearing unit 63 F at the other end (FIG. 58 );

(l) a gear-mounting step of mounting the developing roller gear 23 b , the stepped idler gear 23 c , the stirring gear 23 d , the application-roller gear 23 e , and the stepped driving gear 23 a to the bearing unit 63 F after the steps of (l) and (k) (FIG. 59 ); and

(m) a second side-cover mounting step of mounting the second side cover 63 D to the DT container unit DU so as to cover the developing roller gear, the stepped idler gear 23 c , the stirring gear 23 d , the application roller gear 23 e , and the stepped driving gear 23 a after the step (l) (FIG. 60 ).

There is provided a toner-seal mounting step of mounting a toner seal 27 between the toner frame 63 B of the DT container unit DU and the developing frame 63 A, wherein the toner seal functions to prevent the leakage of the toner from the toner accommodating portion 63 a , and the toner seal 27 is removed by the user before the start of use of the developing cartridge D.

There is further provided a toner deposition step of depositing the toner on the peripheral surface of the toner-application roller 19 prior to mounting thereof to the DT container unit DU.

The toner-application roller 19 is mounted to the DT container unit DU by inserting the shaft 19 a of the toner-application roller 19 into the hole 63 q 1 of the DT container unit DU at one end of the application roller 19 and by engaging the shaft 19 a with the hole 63 F d of the bearing unit 63 F in the bearing unit mounting step.

In the developing-blade mounting step, the developing blade 16 is mounted to the DT container unit DU by screws 16 b.

In the first side-cover mounting, the first side cover 63 E is mounted to the DT container unit by threading the screws into the female screws 63 A m of the DT container unit UD.

In the bearing-unit mounting step, the bearing unit 63 F is mounted to the DT container unit UD by threading screws into the female screw 63 F e of the DT container unit UD.

In the gear-mounting step, the stepped driving gear 23 a and the developing-roller gear 23 b are mounted by engaging the holes of the gears 23 a and 23 b with the projected shafts 63 F c , 63 fc (dowel provided on the bearing unit 63 F).

In the exchanging method of the developing blade, the toner is supplied into the toner accommodating portion 63 a through the toner-supply port 63 B c formed at one longitudinal end of the toner frame 63 B, and then after the toner is supplied, the toner-supply port (toner supply opening) 63 B c is closed by a cap (toner cap) 37 .

In the exchanging method of the developing blade, the DT container unit UD is provided with the charging roller 91 mounted thereto, and the charging roller 91 functions to apply an electrical charge to the toner, wherein the charging roller 91 is mounted after the developing-blade mounting step.

In the exchanging method of the developing blade, the toner is refilled into the toner accommodating portion.

In the exchanging method of the developing blade, the developing roller 12 is reused.

In the exchanging method of the developing blade, the toner-application roller is reused.

According to the foregoing embodiment, the shutter pin is mounted to the cartridge frame, so that when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, the electric grounding connection is established. The shutter pin has an electroconductive portion. Therefore, by mounting the shutter pin to the cartridge frame, the electroconductive portion can be mounted also to the cartridge frame. Therefore, the assembling operativity is improved.

As described in the foregoing, according to the shutter pin of the present invention, when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrical grounding connection is established between the developing cartridge and the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

According to the developing cartridge, when the developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the electrical grounding connection can be established with the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus by the shutter pin.

While the invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A shutter pin usable with a developing cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to a cartridge frame of said developing cartridge; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to said cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of said developing cartridge is exposed from said cartridge frame; and an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of iron and has a columnar portion and a D-cut portion, and wherein the columnar portion is press-fitted into the pin mounting portion and the shutter mounting portion.

2. A shutter pin according to claim 1, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame.

3. A shutter pin according to claim 2, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin.

4. A shutter pin according to claim 1, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole.

5. A shutter pin according to claim 4, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter.

6. A shutter pin according to claim 1, further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

7. A shutter pin according to claim 1, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

8. A shutter pin according to claim 7, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole, wherein said electroconductive portion extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion.

9. A shutter pin according to claim 1 or 8, wherein said electroconductive portion establishes an electric grounding connection between a charging roller for electrically charging toner for deposition of the toner on a peripheral surface of said developing roller to establish an electric grounding connection between said developing cartridge and the main assembly of the apparatus.

10. A shutter pin usable with a developing cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to a cartridge frame of said developing cartridge; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to said cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of said developing cartridge is exposed from said cartridge frame; and an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole, wherein said electroconductive portion extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are made of integrally molded plastic material, and said electroconductive portion is made of metal.

11. A shutter pin according to claim 10, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame.

12. A shutter pin according to claim 11, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin.

13. A shutter pin according to claim 10, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole.

14. A shutter pin according to claim 13, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter.

15. A shutter pin according to claim 10, further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

16. A shutter pin according to claim 10, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion.

17. A shutter pin usable with a developing cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein said developing cartridge includes a cartridge frame, a developing roller supported on said cartridge frame and a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner to be used for development of an electrostatic latent image by said developing roller, said shutter pin comprising:a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to a cartridge frame of said developing cartridge, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to said cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of said developing cartridge is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole; and an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of iron and has a columnar portion and a D-cut portion, wherein the columnar portion is press-fitted into the pin mounting portion and the shutter mounting portion.

18. A shutter pin according to claim 17, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin.

19. A shutter pin according to claim 17, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter.

20. A shutter pin according to claim 17, further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

21. A shutter pin according to claim 17, wherein said electroconductive portion establishes an electric grounding connection between a charging roller for electrically charging toner for deposition of the toner on a peripheral surface of said developing roller to establish an electric grounding connection between said developing cartridge and the main assembly of the apparatus.

22. A shutter pin usable with a developing cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein said developing cartridge includes a cartridge frame, a developing roller supported on said cartridge frame and a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner to be used for development of an electrostatic latent image by said developing roller, said shutter pin comprising:a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to a cartridge frame of said developing cartridge, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to said cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of said developing cartridge is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole; and an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are made of integrally molded plastic material, and said electroconductive portion is made of metal.

23. A shutter pin according to claim 22, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin.

24. A shutter pin according to claim 22, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter.

25. A shutter pin according to claim 22, further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

26. A shutter pin usable with a developing cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein said developing cartridge includes a cartridge frame, a developing roller supported on said cartridge frame, a charging roller, provided adjacent each of one and the other longitudinal ends of said developing roller, for electrically charging toner for deposition of the toner on a peripheral surface of said developing roller, a toner accommodating portion for accommodating the toner to be used for development of an electrostatic latent image by said developing roller, said shutter pin comprising:a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to a cartridge frame of said developing cartridge, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to said cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of said developing cartridge is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter; and an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion, said shutter pin further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other; wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are made of integrally molded plastic material, and said electroconductive portion is made of metal.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of iron and has a columnar portion and a D-cut portion, wherein the columnar portion is press-fitted into the pin mounting portion and the shutter mounting portion.

28. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:(a) a cartridge frame; (b) a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member with toner; (c) a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner to be used for development of the electrostatic latent image by said developing roller; (d) a shutter for covering a portion where said developing roller is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter is movable between a cover position for covering the developing roller exposed portion and a retracted position, retracted from said cover position, for exposing said developing roller from said cartridge frame; (e) a shutter pin for mounting one longitudinal end portion of said shutter to said cartridge frame; said shutter pin including: a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to said cartridge frame; a shutter mounting portion for mounting said shutter to said cartridge frame; and an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of iron and has a columnar portion and a D-cut portion, wherein the columnar portion is press-fitted into the pin mounting portion and the shutter mounting portion.

29. A developing cartridge according to claim 28, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame.

30. A developing cartridge according to claim 29, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin.

31. A developing cartridge according to claim 28, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole.

32. A developing cartridge according to claim 31, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter.

33. A developing cartridge according to claim 28, further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

34. A developing cartridge according to claim 28, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

35. A developing cartridge according to claim 34, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole, wherein said electroconductive portion extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion.

36. A developing cartridge according to claim 28 or 35, wherein said electroconductive portion establishes an electric grounding connection between a charging roller for electrically charging toner for deposition of the toner on a peripheral surface of said developing roller to establish an electric grounding connection between said developing cartridge and the main assembly of the apparatus.

37. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:(a) a cartridge frame; (b) a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member with toner; (c) a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner to be used for development of the electrostatic latent image by said developing roller; (d) a shutter for covering a portion where said developing roller is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter is movable between a cover position for covering the developing roller exposed portion and a retracted position, retracted from said cover position, for exposing said developing roller from said cartridge frame; (e) a shutter pin for mounting one longitudinal end portion of said shutter to said cartridge frame; said shutter pin including: a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to said cartridge frame; a shutter mounting portion for mounting said shutter to said cartridge frame; and an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole, wherein said electroconductive portion extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are made of integrally molded plastic material, and said electroconductive portion is made of metal.

38. A developing cartridge according to claim 32, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame.

39. A developing cartridge according to claim 38, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin.

40. A developing cartridge according to claim 37, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole.

41. A developing cartridge according to claim 40, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter.

42. A developing cartridge according to claim 37, further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

43. A developing cartridge according to claim 37, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion.

44. A developing cartridge according to claim 37, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of iron and has a columnar portion and a D-cut portion, wherein the columnar portion is press-fitted into the pin mounting portion and the shutter mounting portion.

45. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:(a) a cartridge frame; (b) a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member with toner; (c) a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner to be used for development of the electrostatic latent image by said developing roller; (d) a shutter for covering a portion where said developing roller is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter is movable between a cover position for covering the developing roller exposed portion and a retracted position, retracted from said cover position, for exposing said developing roller from said cartridge frame; (e) a shutter pin for mounting one longitudinal end portion of said shutter to said cartridge frame; said shutter pin including: a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to a cartridge frame of said developing cartridge, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame; and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to said cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of said developing cartridge is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole; and an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion; wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order; wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of iron and has a columnar portion and a D-cut portion, wherein the columnar portion is press-fitted into the pin mounting portion and the shutter mounting portion.

46. A developing cartridge according to claim 45, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin.

47. A developing cartridge according to claim 45, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter.

48. A developing cartridge according to claim 45, further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

49. A developing cartridge according to claim 45, wherein said electroconductive portion establishes an electric grounding connection between a charging roller for electrically charging toner for deposition of the toner on a peripheral surface of said developing roller to establish an electric grounding connection between said developing cartridge and the main assembly of the apparatus.

50. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:(a) a cartridge frame; (b) a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member with toner; (c) a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner to be used for development of the electrostatic latent image by said developing roller; (d) a shutter for covering a portion where said developing roller is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter is movable between a cover position for covering the developing roller exposed portion and a retracted position, retracted from said cover position, for exposing said developing roller from said cartridge frame; (e) a shutter pin for mounting one longitudinal end portion of said shutter to said cartridge frame; said shutter pin including: a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to a cartridge frame of said developing cartridge, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame; and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to said cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of said developing cartridge is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole; an electroconductive portion for establishing an electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion; wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order; wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are made of integrally molded plastic material, and said electroconductive portion is made of metal.

51. A developing cartridge according to claim 50, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin.

52. A developing cartridge according to claim 50, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter.

53. A developing cartridge according to claim 50, further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame.

54. A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:(a) a cartridge frame; (b) a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member with toner; (c) a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner to be used for development of the electrostatic latent image by said developing roller; (d) a shutter for covering a portion where said developing roller is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter is movable between a cover position for covering the developing roller exposed portion and a retracted position, retracted from said cover position, for exposing said developing roller from said cartridge frame; (e) a charging roller, provided adjacent each of one and the other longitudinal ends of said developing roller, for electrically charging toner for deposition of the toner on a peripheral surface of said developing roller; (f) a shutter pin for mounting one longitudinal end portion of said shutter to said cartridge frame; said shutter pin including: a pin mounting portion for mounting said shutter pin to a cartridge frame of said developing cartridge, wherein said pin mounting portion includes a cylindrical portion entering said cartridge frame, and a locking portion for locking with a part of said cartridge frame to mount said shutter pin to said cartridge frame, wherein said locking portion includes a claw for elastic engagement with a part of said cartridge frame at an end of said shutter pin; a shutter mounting portion for mounting, to said cartridge frame, a shutter member for covering a portion where a developing roller of said developing cartridge is exposed from said cartridge frame, wherein said shutter mounting portion includes an engaging portion for engagement with a hole of said shutter, and a regulating portion for preventing disengagement of said engaging portion from said hole, wherein said engaging portion has a first circular shape, and said regulating portion has a second circular shape having a diameter larger than that of said first circular shape, and wherein when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, said second circular is opposed to a side surface of said shutter; an electroconductive portion for establishing electric grounding connection with the main assembly of the apparatus when said developing cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein said electroconductive portion is of metal, and extends through said pin mounting portion and shutter mounting portion, said shutter pin further comprising a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other; a head portion having flat surface portions opposite from each other and arcuate portions opposite from each other; wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are disposed in this order, wherein said head portion is disposed outside said cartridge frame when said shutter pin is mounted to said cartridge frame, and wherein said pin mounting portion, said shutter mounting portion and said head portion are of integrally molded plastic material, and said electroconductive portion is of metal.

55. A developing cartridge according to claim 54, wherein said electroconductive portion is made of iron and has a columnar portion and a D-cut portion, wherein the columnar portion is press-fitted into the pin mounting portion and the shutter mounting portion.