JP2011081161A - Developer carrier, image carrier, and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dispense with both of spigot machining and grinding for reduction in cost even though a conventional press fitting needs the spigot machining at both ends of a blank and the grinding to remove swelling after the press fitting in a coupling method between a flange and the blank of a developing roller. <P>SOLUTION: In a developer carrier supplying a developer to an image carrier for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, the flange and the blank of the developing roller are coupled together by welding with an YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer carrier and an image carrier of an image forming apparatus, and more specifically, a first member for carrying a developer or an image, and the developer carrier or the image carrier. The present invention relates to a method of coupling a second member fitted to at least one of a support member for rotatably supporting a body and a driving member for rotating the developer carrier or the image carrier. Here, examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile, an electrophotographic word processor, and the like. The developer storage container is for storing the developer inside and supplying the developer to the image forming apparatus. The development apparatus is the developer storage container and the developer on the image carrier. A developer carrier for supplying, and a developer layer thickness regulating member for regulating the developer layer thickness, etc. are integrated on the surface of the developer carrier, and can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. To do. Further, as the process cartridge, a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an image carrier are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Alternatively, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the image carrier are integrally formed into a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, it means that at least the developing means and the image carrier are integrated into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, the surface of a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image carrier is uniformly charged by a charging unit and irradiated with information light based on image information. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photographic photosensitive member, and a developer is electrostatically attached to the electrostatic latent image by a developing unit for visualization. The developing means is a state in which the developer is magnetically or electrostatically adsorbed with a predetermined layer thickness on the surface of a cylindrical developing roller as a developer carrying member, and is opposed to the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a predetermined interval. A developer is supplied to the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The developer layer thickness regulating member regulates the developer on the surface of the developing roller to a predetermined layer thickness. The visualized image is transferred to a transfer material by a transfer unit, and is fixed to the transfer material by a fixing unit. In recent years, many electrophotographic image forming apparatuses use plain paper as a transfer material. As a developer for the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a so-called toner composed of fine particles is used.

  A conventional example of a developer carrier (hereinafter referred to as a developing roller) relating to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a conventional developing roller. The developing roller 10d is fitted to a first member 10i (hereinafter referred to as a developing roller blank) that carries a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) and a bearing that is fastened to both ends and rotatably supports the developing roller 10d. It consists of second members 10g, 10h (hereinafter referred to as developing roller flanges). A developing roller gear is also fitted to the developing roller flange 10g as a driving member for rotating the developing roller 10d. The left and right developing roller flanges 10g and 10h are joined by press fitting or adhesion.

  Similarly, an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image carrier is composed of a first member that carries an image and a second member that is connected to both ends and fits into a bearing or the like to rotatably support the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Alternatively, they are joined by adhesion.

  Next, the process cartridge will be described. Since toner as a developer is consumed for image formation, it must be appropriately replenished. The electrophotographic photosensitive member and the charging unit and the developing unit that act on the electrophotographic photosensitive member so that the user himself can perform the toner replenishment operation and the parts deteriorated due to image formation such as the electrophotographic photosensitive member without relying on a service person. Many process cartridge systems are adopted in which the process means are integrated into a cartridge and the cartridge is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. According to this process cartridge system, the apparatus can be maintained by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. The idea of the process cartridge system is not limited to the process cartridge, and is applied to a developer storage container for supplying toner and a developing device in which the developer storage container and the developing means are integrated. It was. That is, a process cartridge, a developer storage container, and a developing device are integrally provided, and a configuration in which a user can attach and detach the image forming apparatus is widely used.

JP 2007-041557 A

  In the configuration of the developing roller 10d described above, in order to press-fit the left and right developing roller flanges 10g and 10h into the developing roller blank 10i, the inner diameters at both ends of the developing roller blank 10i and the outer diameters of the pressing portions of the developing roller flanges 10g and 10h Must be processed to an accuracy suitable for press-fitting. That is, since the developing roller blank 10i is obtained by cutting an aluminum seamless pipe (seamless pipe) manufactured by extrusion or drawing into a predetermined length, the inner diameter does not have an accuracy suitable for press-fitting. I don't think there is any need for a detailed explanation, but if you force press-fit without dimensional accuracy suitable for press-fitting, the press-fitting allowance will be insufficient and the required press-fitting strength will not be obtained. The end of the 10i bulges abnormally or cracks occur. Therefore, in order to finish with accuracy suitable for press-fitting, both ends are inlayed. In FIG. 7, 10d2 and 10d3 are inlayed portions. Since the developing roller flanges 10g and 10h have different outer diameters of the press-fitting portions 10g2 and 10h1 and the support portions 10g1 and 10h2, it is impossible to cut and manufacture a seamless pipe, and an aluminum bar is cut by a lathe or the like. Or manufactured by cold heading (header processing). In the case of cutting, it is easy to finish the press-fitted portion with a predetermined accuracy, but in the case of cold heading, processing for obtaining accuracy may be required in the same manner as the developing roller blank 10i. As the actual accuracy, it is necessary to improve the accuracy of the press-fitting portions 10g2 and 10h1 of the developing roller flanges 10g and 10h and the press-fitting portions 10d2 and 10d3 of the developing roller blank 10i so that the press-fitting allowance is about several tens of μm to several tens of μm. Thus, in order to couple the developing roller blank 10i and the developing roller flanges 10g and 10h by press fitting, processing for obtaining a predetermined accuracy is required. In particular, the inlay processing of both ends of the developing roller blank 10i is indispensable. Recently, in order to eliminate slight swelling of both ends of the developing roller blank 10i after press-fitting as the image quality improves, both ends after press-fitting are cut or ground. There is a need to do. Such inlay processing at both ends of the developing roller blank 10i and cutting or grinding at both ends after press-fitting increase the cost.

  The required accuracy is the same when adhering the developing roller blank 10i and the developing roller flanges 10g and 10h. The outer diameters of the developing roller flange 10g and 10h1, which were the press-fitting portions of the developing roller flange 10g and 10h, and the developing roller blank are the same. Whereas 10g2> 10d2, 10h1> 10d3, the difference between the inner diameters of 10d2 and 10d3, which were 10i press-fitting parts, was a so-called “fitting fit” with a difference of about 10 tens μm to several tens of μm, In the case of bonding, it is necessary to provide a slight gap in order to inject the adhesive, so 10g2 <10d2, 10h1 <10d3, and the difference must be a so-called “clearance fit” of about 10 tens μm to several tens of μm. Therefore, the required accuracy is the same even if the magnitude relationship is reversed, and the inlay processing at the end of the developing roller blank 10i is It was mandatory.

  Moreover, in the case of adhesion | attachment, it cannot transfer to the next process until the adhesive hardened | cured, and time was required.

  The above problem was the same for the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

  In order to solve the above problems, the main present invention is shown as follows with the numbers corresponding to the numbers in the claims.

  A first invention according to the present application is a developer carrier that supplies a developer to the image carrier in order to visualize an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, the developer carrier A second member fitted to at least one of a first member for carrying the developer and a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier or a driving member for rotating the developer carrier. In the developer carrier integrated by combining the members, the second member has a flange portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first member, and the end portion of the first member and the The developer carrying member is characterized in that it is joined to the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion of the second member by welding.

  A second invention according to the present application is a developer carrier for supplying a developer to the image carrier for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, wherein the developer carrier is the above-mentioned developer carrier. A second member fitted to at least one of a first member for carrying the developer and a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier or a driving member for rotating the developer carrier. In the developer carrying member integrated by combining the members, the second member has a flange portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first member, and an end side surface of the first member; The developer carrying member, wherein a flange side surface of the second member is joined by welding.

  A third invention according to the present application is a developer carrier for supplying a developer to the image carrier in order to visualize an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, the developer carrier being A second member fitted to at least one of a first member for carrying the developer and a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier or a driving member for rotating the developer carrier. In the developer carrier integrated with the members, the first member is cylindrical, and the second member has a flange portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the first member, The developer carrying member is characterized in that the end surface of the first member and the side surface of the flange portion of the second member are joined by welding.

  A fourth invention according to the present application is a developer carrier that supplies a developer to the image carrier in order to visualize an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, the developer carrier being A second member fitted to at least one of a first member for carrying the developer and a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier or a driving member for rotating the developer carrier. In the developer carrier integrated with the members, the first member is cylindrical, and the second member has a flange portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the first member, The developer carrying member is characterized in that the inner peripheral surface of the end portion of the first member and the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion of the second member are joined by welding.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present application, there is provided an image carrier used in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image carrier is a first member for carrying an image, and the image carrier for rotatably supporting the image carrier. And a second member fitted to at least one of a support member and a driving member for rotating the image carrier, and the second member is the first member. An image bearing comprising a flange portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first member, and being joined by welding across the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the first member and the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion of the second member Is the body.

  A sixth invention according to the present application is an image carrier used in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image carrier is a first member for carrying an image, and the image carrier for rotatably supporting the image carrier. And a second member fitted to at least one of a support member and a driving member for rotating the image carrier, and the second member is the first member. An image carrier having a flange portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the first member, wherein the side surface of the end portion of the first member and the side surface of the flange portion of the second member are joined by welding. .

  According to a seventh aspect of the present application, there is provided an image carrier used in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image carrier is a first member for carrying an image, and rotatably supports the image carrier. And a second member fitted to at least one of a support member and a driving member for rotating the image carrier, and the second member is the first member. An image carrier having a flange portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the first member and connected by welding across the side surface of the end portion of the first member and the side surface of the flange portion of the second member. .

  An eighth invention according to the present application is an image carrier used in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image carrier is a first member for carrying an image, and rotatably supports the image carrier. And a second member fitted to at least one of a support member and a driving member for rotating the image carrier, and the second member is the first member. A flange portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the first member, welding is performed from the outer peripheral surface of the first member, and the inner peripheral surface of the end portion and the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion of the second member are joined by welding. An image carrier.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the method of joining the developing roller blank and the developing roller flange, the cost can be reduced, and particularly in the case of bonding, the process cannot be shifted to the next step until the adhesive is cured. Can be eliminated.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an image forming apparatus. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a process cartridge. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a toner developing frame body to which a toner seal is attached. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where a developing blade is attached in a toner developing container assembling process. FIG. 6 is an exploded explanatory view of a process cartridge frame. Sectional drawing which showed the structure of the conventional developing roller. Sectional drawing which shows the state which divided | segmented the developing roller blank and developing roller flange of the conventional developing roller. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a positional relationship between a developing roller and a photosensitive drum in a process cartridge. It is sectional drawing explaining the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the irradiation position of a YAG laser in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the irradiation position of a YAG laser in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the irradiation position of a YAG laser in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the irradiation position of a YAG laser in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the irradiation position of a YAG laser in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the irradiation position of a YAG laser in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the irradiation position of a YAG laser in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the irradiation position of a YAG laser in the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

  First, the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

{overall structure}
As shown in FIG. 1, this electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) A irradiates a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member with information light based on image information from an optical system 1 to form a latent image on the photosensitive member. And developing the latent image to form a toner image. In synchronism with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium 2 is separated and fed one by one from the paper feed cassette 3a by the pickup roller 3b and the pressure contact member 3c that is in pressure contact therewith, and the conveyance roller pair 3d and registration roller pair 3e. The toner image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is transported by the transporting means 3 composed of, etc. and formed into a cartridge as the process cartridge B, is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 4 as the transfer means, The recording medium 2 is conveyed to the fixing unit 5 by the conveyance belt 3f. The fixing means 5 includes a driving roller 5a and a heater 5b and a fixing rotation 5d composed of a cylindrical sheet rotatably supported by a support 5c, and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium 2 passing therethrough. To fix the transferred toner image. The recording medium 2 is conveyed by a pair of ejection rollers 3g and 3h, and is ejected to the ejection unit 6 through a reverse conveyance path. The image forming apparatus A can also be manually fed by a manual feed tray 3i and a roller 3j.

  On the other hand, the process cartridge B includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one process means. Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing means for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a cleaning means for cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Etc. As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge B of the present embodiment rotates an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7 that is a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer, and applies a voltage to a charging roller 8 that is a charging unit. Is applied to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, and a light image from the optical system 1 is exposed to the charged photosensitive drum 7 through the opening 9 to form a latent image. The latent image is developed by the developing means 10.

  The developing means 10 feeds the toner in the toner storage portion 10a with a rotatable first toner feeding member 10b1 and second toner feeding member 10b2 which are feeding means, and a developing roller 10d which is a developing member with a built-in fixed magnet 10c. And a toner layer imparted with triboelectric charge by the developing blade 10e is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10d, and the toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the latent image to form a toner image. To visualize it. Here, the developing roller 10 d supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 7. Further, the developing blade 10e regulates the thickness of the toner layer that adheres to the surface of the developing roller 10d.

  After the toner image is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image to the transfer roller 4, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 11a and scooped by the squeeze sheet 11b. The remaining toner on the photosensitive drum 7 is removed by the cleaning means 11 that collects and collects in the removed toner storage portion 11c.

  Each member such as the photosensitive drum 7 is accommodated and supported in a cartridge frame body in which the toner developing container 12 and the cleaning container 13 are combined, and is mounted on the apparatus main body 14.

{Configuration of cartridge frame}
Next, the configuration of the cartridge frame will be described. This cartridge frame is formed by injection molding of a polystyrene resin. As shown in FIG. 5, a developing lower frame 12b is welded to the side of the developing frame 12a, and a lid member 12c is welded to the top. Thus, the toner developing container 12 is configured, and the cleaning container 13 is coupled to the toner developing container 12.

  The developing frame 12a has a toner supply opening 12a1 on the side and a toner filling opening 12a2 on one side in the longitudinal direction. Further, a plurality of support members 12a3 are provided upright in the longitudinal direction inside the developing frame 12a. Here, the toner supply opening 12a1 is for supplying the toner t stored in the toner storage portion 10a to the developing roller 10d. The toner t in the toner storage portion 10a is supplied to the developing roller 10d through the toner supply opening 12a1.

  When the developing means is assembled, the lid member 12c is welded to the developing container 12 after the first toner feeding member 10b1 is assembled in the developing frame 12a. Next, a film-like toner seal 31 is welded to a seal sticking seat surface 12a5 formed around the toner supply opening 12a1 of the developing container 12, and the opening 12a1 is sealed. Next, after filling toner from the toner filling port 12a2, the filling port 12a2 is covered with a cap 32 to seal the toner storage portion 10a. As shown in FIG. 3, the toner seal 31 that seals the toner supply opening 12a1 is folded back on one side in the longitudinal direction of the opening 12a1, and the free end side is drawn out from the slit 12a8 provided in the developing device frame 12a. . When the process cartridge B is used, the toner seal 31 is pulled out and removed with the free end.

  Although not shown in the drawing, elastic seals such as felt are provided at both ends of the longitudinal end of the flat surface facing the seal application seating surface 12a5 around the toner supply opening 12a1 of the developing frame 12a of the developing lower frame 12b. The elastic seal material on the free end side of the toner seal 31 to which the material is attached overlaps the toner seal 31. On the folded side of the toner seal 31, an elastic seal material (not shown) is in contact with the seal attachment seat surface 12 a 5 without overlapping the toner seal 31. After the toner seal 31 is applied, the developing lower frame 12b and the developing frame 12a are ultrasonically welded linearly in the longitudinal direction above and below the toner supply opening 12a1. The elastic sealing material is ultrasonically heated so that both ends overlap the ultrasonic weld. This elastic sealing material is compressed when the developing lower frame 12b is pressed against the developing frame 12a for ultrasonic welding.

  Since it is configured as described above, even if the toner seal 31 is pulled, the toner does not leak from the slit 12a8 to the outside of the toner developing container 12.

  Next, the developing lower frame 12b is welded to the side of the developing frame 12a, and the second toner feeding member 10b2 is attached to the developing lower frame 12b. Further, a developing blade lower seal 35 made of foamed urethane such as maltoplane (trade name) is attached to a stepped seat surface 12a9 of the blade mounting seat surface 12a4 formed on both sides of the upper opening portion of the developing frame 12a with a double-sided tape. The developing blade 10e is screwed and attached to the blade mounting seat surface 12a4. The affixing seating surface 12a9 of the developing blade lower seal 35 is stepped down from the blade mounting seating surface 12a4, and a developing blade between the developing frame 12a and a later-described blade sheet metal 10e2 attached to the blade mounting seating surface 12a4. A gap narrower than the thickness of the lower seal 35 is formed. As a result, the developing blade lower seal 35 is sandwiched between the developing frame 12a and a blade metal plate 10e2, which will be described later, and is compressed and deformed to ensure a sealing property between the two member materials. The developing blade 10e is obtained by attaching an elastic blade 10e1 such as rubber to a blade sheet metal 10e2 having an L-shaped cross section. To attach the developing blade 10e to the blade mounting seat surface 12a4, the small screw 10e4 is screwed into the blade mounting seat surface 12a4 by passing through the holes 10e3 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the blade metal plate 10e2.

  Further, the bearings 33a and 33b are attached to the lower frame 12b. Further, a developing roller end seal 34 made of tetrafluoroethylene fiber such as Teflon (registered trademark) felt (trade name) is attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing lower frame 12b with double-sided tape. The developing roller end seal 34 seals between the both ends of the developing roller 10d and the developing blade 10e and the developing frame 12a. The arcuate portion 34a along the developing roller 10d and the longitudinal end portions of the blade sheet metal 10e2. The straight part 34b along the back is integrated. The developing roller 10d is pivotally supported on the bearings 33a and 33b. The developing frame 12a is formed with an arc portion 12a6 which is a positioning means for fixing the bearings 33a and 33b. When the bearings 33a and 33b are attached to the developing frame 12a, they are fixed to the arc portion 12a6. The Therefore, the developing roller 10d pivotally supported by the bearings 33a and 33b is attached to the developing frame 12a with high accuracy.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a jaw seal 42 is adhered to the jaw portion 12b1 of the developing lower frame 12b with a double-sided tape across the entire area between the developing roller end seals 34 in the longitudinal direction. The jaw seal 42 is attached so that one end in the short direction is in contact with almost the entire area of the developing roller 10d along the generatrix of the developing roller 10d. The toner that has not transferred from the developing roller 10d to the photosensitive drum 7 cannot pass between the jaw seal 42 and the developing roller 10d. Further, the jaw seal 42 is pointed in the direction in accordance with the moving direction of the peripheral surface of the process cartridge B, and exhibits a check action against the powder fluid.

  A link support member 36 is attached to one side in the longitudinal direction of the toner developing container 12 so as to cover the cap 32, and a gear train for transmitting driving force to the photosensitive drum 7, the developing roller 10d, and the like on the other side. After assembling (not shown), the gear cover 37 is attached so as to cover the gear train. The gear cover 37 is provided with a positioning shaft 37a. The shaft 37a is pushed and positioned through the hole 33a1 of the bearing 33a and the hole 12a7 of the developing frame 12a, and is fixed to the developing frame 12a by screws or the like.

  An arm portion 38 as a coupling portion is integrally formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 12a, and an arm as a coupling portion is also formed on the gear cover 37 attached to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 12a. A portion 38 is formed (see FIG. 5).

  Then, the toner developing container 12 assembled with the members constituting the developing means and the cleaning container 13 assembled with the members constituting the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8 and the cleaning means 11 through the arm portion 38. To form a process cartridge B.

  The positional relationship between the developing roller 10d and the photosensitive drum 7 when the toner developing container 12 and the cleaning container 13 are joined to form the process cartridge B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the developing roller 10 d and the photosensitive drum 7, and a drum gear 7 b is attached to one end portion of the drum cylinder 7 a of the photosensitive drum 7. The drum gear 7b meshes with a gear (not shown) on the image forming apparatus main body side and is driven to rotate. The developing roller 10d is supported on the developing roller flanges 10g and 10h by bearings 33a and 33b and is rotatably attached to the developing frame 12a. Spacer rollers 10d1 are disposed at both ends of the developing roller blank 10i of the developing roller 10d. The spacer roller 10d1 is sandwiched between the drum cylinder 7a and the developing roller blank 10i so that the developing roller 10d and the photosensitive drum 7 are spaced at a predetermined distance. The drum gear 7b and the developing roller gear 10f are engaged with each other with an appropriate backlash. The developing roller gear 10f is fitted to the developing roller flange 10g, and the portion in which the developing roller gear 10f is fitted is a so-called two-way cutting (10g4 in FIG. 11) in which a part of the circumference is cut in parallel. 10f and developing roller 10d rotate together. As described above, since the developing roller gear 10f meshes with the drum gear 7b, when the drum gear 7b receives a driving force from the main body side, the developing roller gear 10f is also driven to rotate. Thus, the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 10d rotate at a predetermined interval.

{Embodiment of the Invention}
Next, a method for joining the developing roller blank and the developing roller flange according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows a state before the developing roller blank 10i and the developing roller flange 10g are joined.

  10 and 11 are views showing the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view. In both figures, the developing roller flange 10g is provided with a flange 10g3 having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the developing roller blank 10i. In a state where the right side surface of the flange 10g3 is abutted against the left side surface of the developing roller blank 10i, a YAG laser (yttrium aluminum garnet laser) is provided from a device (not shown) so as to straddle the left end portion of the developing roller blank 10i and the outer peripheral surface of the flange 10g3. L is irradiated to melt and weld the left end portion of the developing roller blank 10i and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the flange 10g3. Welding is performed at approximately three locations in the circumferential direction, the output of the YAG laser L is approximately 340 W, the spot diameter is 1 mm, and irradiation is performed for approximately 0.1 second per location.

  12 and 13 are views showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a sectional view and FIG. 13 is a perspective view. In both figures, the developing roller flange 10g is provided with a flange 10g3 having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the developing roller blank 10i. With the right side surface of the flange 10g3 abutted against the left side surface of the developing roller blank 10i, the portion where the right side surface of the flange 10g3 and the left end side surface of the developing roller blank 10i are in contact with each other from the left side surface of the flange 10g3 Irradiate and weld.

  14 and 15 are views showing a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a sectional view and FIG. 15 is a perspective view. In both figures, the developing roller flange 10g is provided with a flange 10g3 having an inner diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the developing roller blank 10i. The flange 10g3 is inserted into the left side surface of the developing roller blank 10i by the thickness, and welding is performed by irradiating the YAG laser L so as to straddle the left side surface of the flange 10g3 and the left end side surface of the developing roller blank 10i.

  16 and 17 are views showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a sectional view and FIG. 17 is a perspective view. In both figures, the developing roller flange 10g is provided with a flange 10g3 having an inner diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the developing roller blank 10i. Insert the flange 10g3 into the left side surface of the developing roller blank 10i by the thickness of the plate, and irradiate the YAG laser L from the left side surface of the flange 10g3 to the portion where the outer peripheral surface of the flange 10g3 and the inner peripheral surface of the left end of the developing roller blank 10i contact each other. And weld.

  In the second to fourth embodiments, the number of welding points is three, and the conditions of the YAG laser are the same as those in the first example.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the developing roller flange 10g has portions 10g1 and 10g3 having different diameters. Therefore, the manufacturing process is not much different from the conventional developing roller flange used for press-fitting and bonding. The thickness of the flange 10g3 may be the same as or slightly thicker than the spot diameter of the YAG laser L. On the other hand, in order to obtain sufficient strength by press-fitting and bonding, the length of the press-fitting portions 10g2, 10h1 is required to be around 10 mm. If the present invention is used, the material cost of the developing roller flange 10g can be reduced. Above all, if the first and second embodiments are used, it is not necessary to perform the inlay processing of the developing roller blank 10i, so that the cost can be greatly reduced. In the third and fourth embodiments, since the flange 10g3 is inserted into the side surface of the developing roller blank 10i by the thickness, inlay processing may be necessary, but as described above, the thickness of the flange 10g3 is the press-fitting portion 10g2, Since it can be considerably shorter than 10h1, the time required for inlay processing can be shortened, resulting in cost reduction.

  In addition, since welding can be performed instantaneously, there is no inconvenience that the process cannot proceed to the next step until the adhesive is cured as in the case of bonding.

  In the above-described embodiment, the condition of the YAG laser is an example and is not limited to the above-described condition, and the number of welding points is not limited to three. Also, welding may be performed using another welding method instead of the YAG laser.

  In this embodiment, the developing roller as the developer carrying member has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to the photosensitive drum as the image carrying member having the same configuration, and the same effects can be obtained.

A Image forming apparatus B Process cartridge G Opening t Toner 1 Optical means (optical system)
2 Recording medium 3 Conveying means 3a Cassette 3b Pickup roller 3c Pressure contact member 3d Conveying roller 3e Registration roller pair 3f Conveying belt 3g, 3h Discharging roller 3j Roller 3i Manual feed tray 4 Transfer roller 5 Fixing means 5a Driving roller 5b Heater 5c Fixing body 5d Rotating body 6 Discharge unit 7 Photosensitive drum 7a Drum cylinder 7b Drum gear 8 Charging roller 8a Shaft 9 Exposure opening 10 Developing means 10a Toner storage unit 10b1, 10b2 Toner feeding member 10c Magnet 10d Developing roller 10d1 Spacer roller 10d2, 10d3 Press-fitting unit 10f Developing roller gear 10g Developing roller flange 10g1, 10h2 Supporting part 10g2, 10h1 Press-fitting part 10g3 Flange 10g4 Two-sided part 10i Developing roller blank 10e Developing blade 10e1 Elastic blade 10e2 Blade sheet metal 10e3 Hole 10e4 Machine screw 10e8 Adhesive 10f Developing roller gear 11 Cleaning means 11a Cleaning blade 11a1 Elastic blade 11a2 Blade sheet metal 11a3 Cut 11a4 Machine screw 11b Squee sheet 11c Toner developing container 12c Body 12a1 Toner supply opening 12a2 Toner filling opening 12a3 Support member 12a4 Blade mounting seat surface 12a5 Sealing seating surface 12a6 Arc portion 12a7 Hole 12a8 Slit 12a9 Developer blade lower seal attaching seating surface 12a11 Positioning dowel 12b Developing lower frame 12b1 Lid member 12d Bit insert 13 Cleaning container 14 Apparatus body 25 Arm part 26 Shaft 27 Utter arm 28 drum shutter member 29 link member 30 torsion coil spring 31 toner seal 32 cap 33a, 33b bearing 33a1 hole 34 developing roller end seal 34a arc portion 34b linear portion 35 developing blade lower seal 36 link support member 37 gear cover 37a shaft 38 Arm 40 Compression coil spring 41 Pin 42 Chin seal L Laser light

Claims (11)

  A developer carrier for supplying a developer to the image carrier for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, wherein the developer carrier is a first member for carrying the developer. And a second member fitted to at least one of a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier and a drive member for rotating the developer carrier. In the developer carrier, the second member has a flange portion having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the first member, and an outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the first member and an outer peripheral surface of the flange portion of the second member. And a developer carrier characterized by being joined by welding.   A developer carrier for supplying a developer to the image carrier for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, wherein the developer carrier is a first member for carrying the developer. And a second member fitted to at least one of a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier and a drive member for rotating the developer carrier. In the developer carrier, the second member has a flange portion having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the first member, and the side surface of the end portion of the first member and the side surface of the flange portion of the second member are A developer carrier characterized by being joined by welding.   A developer carrier for supplying a developer to the image carrier for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, wherein the developer carrier is a first member for carrying the developer. And a second member fitted to at least one of a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier and a drive member for rotating the developer carrier. In the developer carrying member, the second member has a flange portion having the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the first member, and straddles the side surface of the end portion of the first member and the side surface of the flange portion of the second member. A developer carrier characterized by being joined by welding.   A developer carrier for supplying a developer to the image carrier for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier, wherein the developer carrier is a first member for carrying the developer. And a second member fitted to at least one of a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier and a drive member for rotating the developer carrier. In the developer carrier, the second member has a flange portion having the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the first member, welded from the outer peripheral surface of the first member, and the inner peripheral surface of the end portion and the second member. A developer carrier, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion is joined by welding.   An image carrier used in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image carrier is a first member for carrying an image and a support member for rotatably supporting the image carrier or the image carrier is rotated. An image carrier integrated by combining at least one of driving members for engaging with a second member, wherein the second member is a flange portion having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the first member And an image bearing member characterized by being joined by welding across the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the first member and the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion of the second member.   An image carrier used in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image carrier is a first member for carrying an image and a support member for rotatably supporting the image carrier or the image carrier is rotated. An image carrier integrated by combining at least one of driving members for engaging with a second member, wherein the second member is a flange portion having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the first member And an end surface of the first member and a side surface of the flange portion of the second member are joined by welding.   An image carrier used in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image carrier is a first member for carrying an image and a support member for rotatably supporting the image carrier or the image carrier is rotated. In the image carrier integrated by combining at least one of the driving members for engaging with the second member, the second member has a flange portion having the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the first member. And an image carrier that is connected to the side surface of the end portion of the first member and the side surface of the flange portion of the second member by welding.   An image carrier used in an image forming apparatus, wherein the image carrier is a first member for carrying an image and a support member for rotatably supporting the image carrier or the image carrier is rotated. In the image carrier integrated by combining at least one of the driving members for engaging with the second member, the second member has a flange portion having the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the first member. An image carrier comprising: an outer peripheral surface of the first member, and an inner peripheral surface of the end portion and an outer peripheral surface of the flange portion of the second member coupled by welding.   The developer carrying member and at least one of a developer storage container for containing the developer and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the developer on the developer carrying member are integrally provided. 5. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer carrying member is a developer carrying member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   9. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the image carrier is a detachable process cartridge including at least one image carrier and process means acting on the image carrier. A process cartridge which is an image carrier.   5. A process cartridge that includes the developer carrier and the image carrier and is detachable from an image forming apparatus, wherein the developer carrier is the developer carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the image carrier is the image carrier according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

Images