BRPI0807733A2

Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member

Abstract

This record has no abstract on file.

BRPI0807733A2, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 78

Term

1.5 yearsto projected expiry

Projected expiry 24 March 2028, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.

34 claims: 9 independent, 25 dependent

1
REIVINDICAÇÕES 1. Dispositivo de revelação que pode ser usado com um aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica, o dito aparelho incluindo um eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional, e um elemento móvel, o dito dispositivo de revelação podendo ser montado no elemento móvel, e o dito dispositivo de revelação podendo mover-se em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento em resposta ao movimento do elemento móvel em uma direção com o dito dispositivo de revelação montado no elemento móvel, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito dispositivo de revelação compreende:i) um rolo de revelação para revelar uma imagem latente eletrostática formada em um tambor fotossensível eletrofotográfico, o dito rolo de revelação sendo rotacionável em tomo de um eixo geométrico;e ii) um elemento de acoplamento para transmitir uma força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento incluindo: uma parte de recebimento da força rotacional encaixável na parte de aplicação da força rotacional para receber uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, e uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação;o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação para uma posição angular de pré-encaixe que é assumida antes de o dito elemento de acoplamento encaixar na parte de aplicação da força rotacional e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe que é assumida para o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixar do eixo de acionamento e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe;em que, em resposta a um movimento do dito dispositivo de revelação quando o elemento móvel move-se na dita direção, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da posição angular de pré-encaixe para a posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para ficar oposto ao eixo de acionamento, e em que, quando o elemento móvel faz um movimento adicional na dita direção a partir de uma posição onde o dito elemento de acoplamento é oposto ao eixo de acionamento, em resposta ao movimento adicional, o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixa do eixo de acionamento movendo-se da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a posição angular de desencaixe.
2
Dispositivo de acordo com a reivindicação 1, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento tem um recesso no qual um eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento estende-se, e o dito recesso fica sobre uma extremidade livre do dito eixo de acionamento no estado no qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é posicionado na dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, em que o dito elemento de acoplamento é rotacionado por uma força rotacional através do encaixe, em uma direção rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento, na parte de aplicação da força rotacional que é projetada em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a um eixo geométrico do eixo de acionamento adjacente à extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento, em que o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe pelo movimento adicional do elemento móvel na dita direção de maneira que parte do dito elemento de acoplamento circunscreva o eixo de acionamento em resposta ao movimento do dito dispositivo de revelação na direção substancialmente perpendicular ao eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação.
3
Dispositivo de acordo com a reivindicação 2, caracterizado pelo fato de que uma pluralidade de tais partes de recebimento da força rotacional é provida em um círculo imaginário com um centro no eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em posições substancialmente diametralmente opostas umas às outras.
4
Dispositivo de acordo com a reivindicação 2, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento tem uma parte plana circular em uma extremidade livre deste, e o dito recesso é disposto em uma parte central da dita parte plana circular, o dito recesso inclui uma parte de expansão que expande-se em direção a uma extremidade livre do mesmo, e em que a dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional é provida projetada em cada uma das duas posições de uma parte da borda da dita parte plana que interpõe a parte central, em que a parte de aplicação da força rotacional é provida projetada em uma direção perpendicular ao eixo geométrico do eixo de acionamento em cada uma das duas posições opostas uma à outra, e em que o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento para girar quando uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa em uma das partes de aplicação da força rotacional e a outra das partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa a outra das partes de aplicação da força rotacional, a dita uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional, e a dita uma das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional.
5
Dispositivo de acordo com qualquer uma das reivindicações 1 a 4, caracterizado pelo fato de que compreende adicionalmente um elemento elástico para impelir elasticamente o dito elemento de acoplamento com uma força elástica tal a permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para manter o dito elemento de acoplamento na dita posição angular de pré-encaixe e permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe.
6
Dispositivo de acordo com a reivindicação 5, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento é provido em uma posição afastada do dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação com relação a uma direção perpendicular ao dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação, e a dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional é disposta em um lado oposto à dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional, e em que a força rotacional recebida pela dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional é transmitida ao dito rolo de revelação através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional e do dito elemento de transmissão da força de acionamento.
7
Dispositivo de acordo com a reivindicação 6, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito dispositivo de revelação contém um revelador de cor amarela, um revelador de cor magenta, um revelador de cor ciano ou um revelador de cor preta, e é um cartucho de revelação que pode ser montado de forma desanexável no dito elemento móvel na forma de um dispositivo rotativo de revelação.
8
Cartucho de revelação, caracterizado pelo fato de que pode ser usado com um aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfíca, o dito aparelho incluindo um eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional, e um dispositivo rotativo de revelação, o dito cartucho de revelação podendo ser montado no dispositivo rotativo de revelação, e o dito cartucho de revelação podendo mover-se em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento em resposta à rotação do dispositivo rotativo de revelação em uma direção com o dito cartucho de revelação montado no dispositivo rotativo de revelação, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito cartucho de revelação compreende:i) um rolo de revelação para revelar uma imagem latente 5 eletrostática formada em um tambor fotossensível eletrofotográfico, o dito rolo de revelação sendo rotacionável em tomo de um eixo geométrico;ii) um elemento de acoplamento para transmitir uma força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento incluindo: 10 um recesso provido coaxialmente com um eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em uma extremidade livre do dito elemento de acoplamento, em que o dito recesso fica sobre uma extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento em um estado no qual o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe a força rotacional do eixo de acionamento;15 partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixáveis na parte de aplicação da força rotacional para receber uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, em que as partes de recebimento da força rotacional são dispostas projetadas na dita direção do eixo geométrico rotacional ao longo de uma direção rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento;e 20 uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação;o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força 25 rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação, uma posição angular de pré-encaixe que é assumida antes de o dito elemento de acoplamento encaixar-se na parte de aplicação da força rotacional e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe que é assumida para o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixar do eixo de acionamento e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe;iii) uma parte de recebimento da força rotacional para receber a força rotacional da dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação;iv) uma parte de acomodação do revelador que acomoda um revelador a ser usado para revelar a imagem latente eletrostática;e v) um elemento elástico para impelir elasticamente o dito elemento de acoplamento com uma força elástica tal a permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para manter o dito elemento de acoplamento na dita posição angular de pré-encaixe e permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe;em que, em resposta a um movimento do dito dispositivo de revelação quando o dispositivo rotativo de revelação gira na dita direção, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da posição angular de pré-encaixe para a posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para ficar oposto ao eixo de acionamento, e em que, quando o elemento móvel faz um movimento adicional na dita direção a partir de uma posição onde o dito elemento de acoplamento é oposto ao eixo de acionamento, em resposta ao movimento adicional, o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixa do eixo de acionamento movendo-se da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a posição angular de desencaixe.
9
Cartucho de revelação de acordo com a reivindicação 8, caracterizado pelo fato de que uma pluralidade de tais partes de recebimento da força rotacional é provida em um círculo imaginário com um centro no eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em posições substancialmente diametralmente opostas umas às outras.
10
Cartucho de revelação de acordo com a reivindicação 8, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento tem uma parte plana circular em uma extremidade livre do mesmo, e o dito recesso é disposto em uma parte central da dita parte plana circular, o dito recesso inclui uma parte de expansão que expande-se em direção a uma extremidade livre da mesma, e em que a dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional é provida projetada em cada uma das duas posições de uma parte da borda da dita parte plana que interpõe a parte central, em que a parte de aplicação da força rotacional é provida projetada em uma direção perpendicular ao eixo geométrico do eixo de acionamento em cada uma das duas posições opostas uma à outra, e em que o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento para girar quando uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa em uma das partes de aplicação da força rotacional e a outra das partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa a outra das partes de aplicação da força rotacional, e a dita uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas uma das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional.
11
Cartucho de revelação de acordo com a reivindicação 8, 9 ou 10, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento é provido em uma posição afastada do dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação com relação a uma direção perpendicular ao dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação, e a dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional é disposta em um lado oposto à dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional, e em que a força rotacional recebida pela dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional é transmitida ao dito rolo de revelação através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional e do dito elemento de transmissão da força de acionamento.
12
Cartucho de revelação que pode ser usado com um aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica, o dito aparelho incluindo um eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional, e um dispositivo rotativo de revelação, o dito cartucho de revelação podendo ser montado no dispositivo rotativo de revelação, e o dito cartucho de revelação podendo mover-se em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento em resposta à rotação do dispositivo rotativo de revelação em uma direção com o dito cartucho de revelação montado no dispositivo rotativo de revelação, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito cartucho de revelação compreende:i) um rolo de revelação para revelar uma imagem latente eletrostática formada em um tambor fotossensível eletrofotográfico, o dito rolo de revelação sendo rotacionável em tomo de um eixo geométrico;ii) um elemento de acoplamento para transmitir a força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo disposto em uma posição afastada do dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação com relação a uma direção perpendicular ao dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento incluindo: um recesso coaxial com um eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em uma parte central de uma parte plana circular provida em uma extremidade livre do dito elemento de acoplamento, o dito recesso estende-se sobre uma extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento em um estado no qual o elemento de acoplamento recebe a força rotacional do eixo de acionamento;partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixáveis na parte de aplicação da força rotacional para receber uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, em que as partes de recebimento da força rotacional são dispostas projetadas na dita direção do eixo geométrico rotacional ao longo de uma direção rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento, e em que as ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional são providas em um círculo imaginário com um centro no eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em posições substancialmente diametralmente opostas umas às outras;e uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação, uma posição angular de pré-encaixe que é assumida antes de o dito elemento de acoplamento encaixar-se na parte de aplicação da força rotacional e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe que é assumida para o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixar do eixo de acionamento e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe;iii) uma parte de recebimento da força rotacional para receber a força rotacional da dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação;iv) uma parte de acomodação do revelador que acomoda um revelador a ser usado para revelar a imagem latente eletrostática;v) um elemento elástico para impelir elasticamente o dito elemento de acoplamento com uma força elástica tal a permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para manter o dito elemento de acoplamento na dita posição angular de pré-encaixe e permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe;e vi) um elemento de transmissão da força de acionamento para transmitir a força rotacional recebida pela dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação;em que, quando o dito dispositivo rotativo de revelação gira na dita direção, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional contra a dita força elástica de maneira a permitir que uma parte a jusante do dito elemento de acoplamento com relação à direção rotacional do dito dispositivo rotativo de revelação em resposta ao movimento do dito cartucho de revelação de maneira que elemento de acoplamento fique oposto ao eixo de acionamento, e em que, quando o dispositivo rotativo de revelação faz o movimento adicional na dita direção a partir de uma posição onde o dito elemento de acoplamento é oposto ao eixo de acionamento, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe contra a dita força elástica de maneira a permitir que uma parte a montante do dito elemento de acoplamento com relação à direção rotacional circunscreva o eixo de acionamento, pelo que o dito elemento de acoplamento desencaixa-se do eixo de acionamento.
13
Cartucho de revelação de acordo com a reivindicação 12, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito recesso tem a forma cônica que expandese até a extremidade livre do dito elemento de acoplamento, e a dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional projeta-se na direção do eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento, e é disposta em cada uma das duas posições que interpõem ao eixo geométrico rotacional, e em que a dita parte de aplicação da força rotacional projeta-se em uma direção perpendicular ao eixo geométrico do eixo de acionamento e é disposta em cada uma das duas posições opostas uma à outra, em que o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento para girar quando uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa em uma das partes de aplicação da força rotacional e a outra das partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa a outra das partes de aplicação da força rotacional, a dita uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional, e a dita uma das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional.
14
Cartucho de revelação de acordo com a reivindicação 12 ou 13, caracterizado pelo fato de que compreende adicionalmente um rolo de suprimento de revelador para suprir o revelador no dito rolo de revelação, em que o dito elemento de transmissão da força de acionamento transmite a força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação e ao dito rolo de suprimento de revelador.
15
Aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica para formar uma imagem em um material de gravação, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica compreende:i) eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional;ii) um elemento móvel;iii) um dispositivo de revelação móvel em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento em resposta ao movimento do elemento móvel em uma direção com o dito dispositivo de revelação montado no elemento móvel, o dito dispositivo de revelação incluindo: um rolo de revelação para revelar uma imagem latente eletrostática formada em um tambor fotossensível eletrofotográfico, o dito rolo de revelação sendo rotacionável em tomo de um eixo geométrico;um elemento de acoplamento para transmitir uma força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento incluindo, uma parte de recebimento da força rotacional encaixável na parte de aplicação da força rotacional para receber uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, e uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação;o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação, uma posição angular de pré-encaixe que é assumida antes de o dito elemento de acoplamento encaixar-se na parte de aplicação da força rotacional e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe que é assumida para o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixar do eixo de acionamento e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe;em que, em resposta a um movimento do dito dispositivo de revelação quando o elemento móvel move-se na dita direção, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da posição angular de pré-encaixe para a posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para ficar oposto ao eixo de acionamento, e em que, quando o elemento móvel faz um movimento adicional na dita direção a partir de uma posição onde o dito elemento de acoplamento é oposto ao eixo de acionamento, em resposta ao movimento adicional, o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixa do eixo de acionamento movendo-se da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a posição angular de desencaixe.
16
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 15, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento tem um recesso no qual um eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento estende-se, e o dito recesso fica sobre uma extremidade livre do dito eixo de acionamento no estado no qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é posicionado na dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, em que o dito elemento de acoplamento é rotacionado por uma força rotacional através do encaixe, em uma direção rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento, à parte de aplicação da força rotacional que é projetada em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a um eixo geométrico do eixo de acionamento adjacente à extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento, em que o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe pelo movimento adicional do elemento móvel na dita direção de maneira que parte do dito elemento de acoplamento circunscreva o eixo de acionamento em resposta ao movimento do dito dispositivo de revelação na direção substancialmente perpendicular ao eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação.
17
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 16, caracterizado pelo fato de que uma pluralidade de tais partes de recebimento da força rotacional é provida em um círculo imaginário com um centro no eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em posições substancialmente diametralmente opostas umas às outras.
18
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 16, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento tem uma parte plana circular em uma extremidade livre da mesma, e o dito recesso é disposto em uma parte central da dita parte plana circular, o dito recesso inclui uma parte de expansão que expande-se em direção a uma extremidade livre do mesmo, e em que a dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional é provida projetada em cada uma das duas posições de uma parte da borda da dita parte plana que interpõe a parte central, em que a parte de aplicação da força rotacional é provida projetada em uma direção perpendicular ao eixo geométrico do eixo 5 de acionamento em cada uma das duas posições opostas uma à outra, e em que o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento para girar quando uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa em uma das partes de aplicação da força rotacional e a outra das partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa a outra das partes 10 de aplicação da força rotacional, a dita uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional, e a dita uma das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional.
19
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 18, caracterizado 15 pelo fato de que compreende adicionalmente um elemento elástico para impelir elasticamente o dito elemento de acoplamento com uma força elástica tal a permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para manter o dito elemento de acoplamento na dita posição
20
20 angular de pré-encaixe e permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento movase da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe. 20. Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 19, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento é provido em uma posição 25 afastada do dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação com relação a uma direção perpendicular ao dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação, e a dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional é disposta em um lado oposto à dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional, e em que a força rotacional recebida pela dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional é transmitida ao dito rolo de revelação através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional e do dito elemento de transmissão da força de acionamento.
21
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 19 ou 20, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito dispositivo de revelação contém um revelador de cor amarela, um revelador de cor magenta, um revelador de cor ciano ou um revelador de cor preta, e é um cartucho de revelação que pode ser montado de forma desanexável no dito elemento móvel na forma de um dispositivo rotativo de revelação.
22
Aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica para formar uma imagem em um material de gravação, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica compreende:i) eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional;ii) dispositivo rotativo de revelação;iii) um cartucho de revelação móvel em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento em resposta ao movimento do dispositivo rotativo de revelação em uma direção com o dito cartucho de revelação montado no dispositivo rotativo de revelação, o dito cartucho de revelação incluindo: um rolo de revelação para revelar uma imagem latente eletrostática formada em um tambor fotossensível eletrofotográfico, o dito rolo de revelação sendo rotacionável em tomo de um eixo geométrico;um elemento de acoplamento para transmitir uma força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento incluindo: um recesso provido coaxialmente com um eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em uma extremidade livre do dito elemento de acoplamento, em que o dito recesso fica sobre uma extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento em um estado no qual o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe a força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixáveis na parte de aplicação da força rotacional para receber uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, em que as partes de recebimento da força rotacional são dispostas projetadas na dita direção do eixo geométrico rotacional ao longo de uma direção rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento, uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação, uma posição angular de pré-encaixe que é assumida antes de o dito elemento de acoplamento encaixar-se na parte de aplicação da força rotacional e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe que é assumida para o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixar do eixo de acionamento e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe, uma parte de recebimento da força rotacional para receber a força rotacional da dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação;uma parte de acomodação do revelador que acomoda um revelador a ser usado para revelar a imagem latente eletrostática, e um elemento elástico para impelir elasticamente o dito elemento de acoplamento com uma força elástica tal a permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para manter o dito elemento de acoplamento na dita posição angular de pré-encaixe e permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe;em que, em resposta a um movimento do dito dispositivo de revelação quando o dispositivo rotativo de revelação gira na dita direção, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da posição angular de pré-encaixe para a posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para ficar oposto ao eixo de acionamento, e em que, quando o elemento móvel faz um movimento adicional na dita direção a partir de uma posição onde o dito elemento de acoplamento é oposto ao eixo de acionamento, em resposta ao movimento adicional, o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixa do eixo de acionamento movendo-se da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a posição angular de desencaixe.
23
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 22, caracterizado pelo fato de que uma pluralidade de tais partes de recebimento da força rotacional é provida em um círculo imaginário com um centro no eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em posições substancialmente diametralmente opostas umas às outras.
24
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 22, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento tem uma parte plana circular em uma extremidade livre do mesmo, e o dito recesso é disposto em uma parte central da dita parte plana circular, o dito recesso inclui uma parte de expansão que expande-se em direção a uma extremidade livre do mesmo, e em que a dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional é provida projetada em cada uma das duas posições de uma parte da borda da dita parte plana que interpõe a parte central, em que a parte de aplicação da força rotacional é provida projetada em uma direção perpendicular ao eixo geométrico do eixo de acionamento em cada uma das duas posições opostas uma à outra, e em que o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento para girar quando uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa em uma das partes de aplicação da força rotacional e a outra das partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa a outra das partes de aplicação da força rotacional, a dita uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional, e a dita uma das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional.
25
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 22 ou 24, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento é provido em uma posição afastada do dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação com relação a uma direção perpendicular ao dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação, e a dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional é disposta em um lado oposto à dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional, e em que a força rotacional recebida pela dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional é transmitida ao dito rolo de revelação através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional e do dito elemento de transmissão da força de acionamento.
26
Aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica para formar uma imagem em um material de gravação, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica compreende:i) eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional;ii) um dispositivo rotativo de revelação;iii) um cartucho de revelação móvel em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento em resposta ao movimento do dispositivo rotativo de revelação em uma direção com o dito cartucho de revelação montado no dispositivo rotativo de revelação, o dito cartucho de revelação incluindo: um rolo de revelação para revelar uma imagem latente eletrostática formada em um tambor fotossensível eletrofotográfico, o dito rolo de revelação sendo rotacionável em tomo de um eixo geométrico, um elemento de acoplamento para transmitir a força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo disposto em uma posição afastada do dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação com relação a uma direção perpendicular ao dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento incluindo, um recesso coaxial com um eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em uma parte central de uma parte plana circular provida em uma extremidade livre do dito elemento de acoplamento, o dito recesso estende-se sobre uma extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento em um estado no qual o elemento de acoplamento recebe a força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixáveis na parte de aplicação da força rotacional para receber uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, em que as partes de recebimento da força rotacional são dispostas projetadas na dita direção do eixo geométrico rotacional ao longo de uma direção rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento, e em que as ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional são providas em um círculo imaginário com um centro no eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em posições substancialmente diametralmente opostas umas às outras, uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação, uma posição angular de pré-encaixe que é assumida antes de o dito elemento de acoplamento encaixar-se na parte de aplicação da força rotacional e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe que é assumida para o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixar do eixo de acionamento e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe, uma parte de recebimento da força rotacional para receber a força rotacional da dita parte de transmissão da força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação, uma parte de acomodação do revelador que acomoda um revelador a ser usado para revelar a imagem latente eletrostática, um elemento elástico para impelir elasticamente o dito elemento de acoplamento com uma força elástica tal a permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para manter o dito elemento de acoplamento na dita posição angular de pré-encaixe e permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe, e um elemento de transmissão da força de acionamento para transmitir a força rotacional recebida pela dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação;em que, quando o dito dispositivo rotativo de revelação gira na dita direção, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional contra a dita força elástica de maneira a permitir que uma parte a jusante do dito elemento de acoplamento com relação à direção rotacional do dito dispositivo rotativo de revelação em resposta ao movimento do dito cartucho de revelação de maneira que o elemento de acoplamento fique oposto ao eixo de acionamento, e em que, quando o dispositivo rotativo de revelação faz o movimento adicional na dita direção a partir de uma posição onde o dito elemento de acoplamento é oposto ao eixo de acionamento, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe contra a dita força elástica de maneira a permitir que uma parte a montante do dito elemento de acoplamento com relação à direção rotacional circunscreva o eixo de acionamento, pelo que o dito elemento de acoplamento desencaixa-se do eixo de acionamento.
27
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 26, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito recesso tem a forma cônica que expande-se até a extremidade livre do dito elemento de acoplamento, e a dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional projeta-se na direção do eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento, e é disposta em cada uma das duas posições que interpõem ao eixo geométrico rotacional, e em que a dita parte de aplicação da força rotacional projeta-se em uma direção perpendicular ao eixo geométrico do eixo de acionamento e é disposta em cada uma das duas posições opostas uma à outra, em que o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento para girar quando uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa em uma das partes de aplicação da força rotacional e a outra das partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa na outra das partes de aplicação da força rotacional, a dita uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional, e a dita uma das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional.
28
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 26 ou 27, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de transmissão da força de acionamento transmite a força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação e ao dito rolo de suprimento de revelador.
29
Elemento de acoplamento que pode ser usado com um aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica, o dito aparelho incluindo um eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional, e um elemento móvel, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo efetivo para transmitir uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento em um rolo de revelação que é móvel em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento compreende:uma parte de recebimento da força rotacional encaixável na parte de aplicação da força rotacional para receber a força rotacional do eixo de acionamento;e uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação através da parte de transmissão da força rotacional, uma posição angular de préencaixe na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe em que o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe.
30
Elemento de acoplamento que pode ser usado com um aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica, o dito aparelho incluindo um eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional, e um elemento móvel, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo efetivo para transmitir uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento em um rolo de revelação que é móvel em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento compreende:um recesso provido coaxialmente com um eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em uma extremidade livre do dito elemento de acoplamento, em que o dito recesso fica sobre uma extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento em um estado no qual o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe a força rotacional do eixo de acionamento;partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixáveis na parte de aplicação da força rotacional para receber uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, em que as partes de recebimento da força rotacional são dispostas projetadas na dita direção do eixo geométrico rotacional ao longo de uma direção rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento;e uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional, recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação, uma posição angular de pré-encaixe que é assumida antes de o dito elemento de acoplamento encaixar-se na parte de aplicação da força rotacional e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe que é assumida para o dito elemento de acoplamento se desencaixar do eixo de acionamento e na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe.
31
Elemento de acoplamento que pode ser usado com um aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica, o dito aparelho incluindo um eixo de acionamento rotacionável por um motor e tendo uma parte de aplicação da força rotacional, e um elemento móvel, o dito elemento de acoplamento sendo efetivo para transmitir uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento em um rolo de revelação que é móvel em uma direção substancialmente perpendicular a uma direção axial do eixo de acionamento, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito elemento de acoplamento compreende:um recesso coaxial com um eixo geométrico rotacional do dito elemento de acoplamento em uma parte central de uma parte plana circular provido em uma extremidade livre do dito elemento de acoplamento, o dito recesso estende-se sobre uma extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento em um estado no qual elemento de acoplamento recebe a força rotacional do eixo de acionamento, o dito recesso tem uma forma cônica que expande-se no sentido da extremidade livre do dito acoplamento;uma parte de recebimento da força rotacional provida projetada em cada uma das duas posições de uma parte da borda da dita parte plana que interpõe a parte central, em que a parte de aplicação da força rotacional é provida projetada na direção do eixo geométrico rotacional em cada uma das duas posições opostas uma à outra;e uma parte de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional recebida através da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional ao dito rolo de revelação, em que o dito elemento de acoplamento recebe uma força rotacional do eixo de acionamento para girar quando uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa em uma das partes de aplicação da força rotacional e a outra das partes de recebimento da força rotacional encaixa a outra das partes de aplicação da força rotacional, a dita uma das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de recebimento da força rotacional, e a dita uma das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional sendo oposta à outra das ditas partes de aplicação da força rotacional, e em que o dito elemento de acoplamento é capaz de assumir uma posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para transmitir a força rotacional para girar o dito rolo de revelação ao dito rolo de revelação através da parte de transmissão da força rotacional, uma posição angular de pré-encaixe na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional, e uma posição angular de desencaixe na qual o dito elemento de acoplamento é inclinado para fora da posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em uma direção oposta à dita posição angular de pré-encaixe.
32
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 30 ou 31, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dito rolo de revelação é montado no cartucho de revelação, e em que o dito recesso estende-se sobre a extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento pelo movimento do dito elemento de acoplamento da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional em resposta ao movimento do dito cartucho de revelação quando o dito dispositivo rotativo de revelação gira na dita direção com o dito cartucho de revelação montado no dito dispositivo rotativo de revelação girando na dita direção, em que o dito elemento de acoplamento gira pela força rotacional recebida do eixo de acionamento pelo encaixe da dita parte de recebimento da força rotacional na parte de aplicação da força rotacional na direção rotacional do dito acoplamento, e em que, quando o dito dispositivo rotativo de revelação move-se ainda mais na dita direção a partir de uma posição onde o dito recesso estende-se sobre a extremidade livre do eixo de acionamento, o dito elemento de acoplamento move-se da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe em resposta à rotação do dito dispositivo rotativo de revelação para desencaixar do eixo de acionamento.
33
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 31, caracterizado pelo fato de que compreende adicionalmente um elemento elástico para impelir elasticamente o dito elemento de acoplamento com uma força elástica tal a permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento mova-se da dita posição angular de pré-encaixe para a dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para manter o dito elemento de acoplamento na dita posição 5 angular de pré-encaixe e permitir que o dito elemento de acoplamento movase da dita posição angular de transmissão da força rotacional para a dita posição angular de desencaixe.
34
Aparelho de acordo com a reivindicação 31, caracterizado pelo fato de que, quando o dito elemento de acoplamento é usado no dito 10 aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica, o dito elemento de acoplamento é disposto em uma posição afastada do dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação com relação a uma direção perpendicular ao dito eixo geométrico do dito rolo de revelação. 1Π5

Independent claims34

628 paragraphs in 9 sections, as filed

(54) Title: REVELATION DEVICE, (57) Summary:

REVELATION CARTRIDGE, ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE TRAINING EQUIPMENT TO FORM AN IMAGE IN A RECORDING MATERIAL, AND, COUPLING ELEMENT (30) Unionist Priority: 03/23/2007 jp 2007-076771,

21/03/2008 JP 2008-073685, 21/03/2008 JP 2008-073685, 23/03/2007

JP 2007-076771 (73) Holder (s): Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (72) Inventor (s): Masanari Morioka, Shigeo Miyabe, Takahito Ueno (74) Attorney (s): Momsen, Leonardos & Cia.

(86) International Order: pct jp2008056259 of 24/03/2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2008 / 117878of 02/10/2008 (a)

L3

ΦΖ7

(B)

L1

“DEVELOPMENT DEVICE, REVELATION CARTRIDGE, ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE TRAINING DEVICE TO FORM AN IMAGE IN A RECORDING MATERIAL, AND, COUPLING ELEMENT”

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, a imaging apparatus used in the electrophotographic imaging apparatus, and a coupling element used in the electrophotographic imaging apparatus.

Examples of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus include an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (a laser printer, an LED printer, etc.), and the like.

The developing device (developing device) is mounted on a main set of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and reveals an electrostatic latent image formed in an electrophotographic photosensitive element.

The developing device includes a fixed type developing device used in a state in which it is mounted and fixed to a main set of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a developing cartridge type developing device on which a user can mount it in the main assembly and you can disassemble it from the main assembly.

With respect to the fixed type developing device, maintenance is performed by a service person. On the other hand, with respect to the developer cartridge type, the maintenance is performed by the user replacing one developer cartridge with the other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional electrophotographic imaging device, the following constitution is known when an electrostatic latent image formed in a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive element (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum).

In an open Japanese patent application (JP-A) 2003202727, a gear (42Y gear) is provided in a developing device and is fitted to a gear provided in a main assembly of the imaging apparatus. Then, a rotational force of an engine provided in the main assembly is transmitted to a developing roller through the gear provided in the main assembly and the gear provided in the main assembly. In this way, a method of rotating the developing roller is known.

In addition, a color electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which a rotating developing device rotatable in a state in which a plurality of developing devices are mounted on the rotating developing device is provided in a main set of the apparatus (JP-A Hei 11-015265). In this apparatus, the next cartridge is known to transmit a rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus to the developing devices. Specifically, a coupling on the side of the main assembly (coupling 71) provided on the main assembly of the apparatus and a coupling on the side of the developing device (coupling gear 65) of the developing device (developing devices 6Y, 6M, 6C) mounted on a rotating developing device (multicolored developing device 6) are connected, whereby a rotational force is transmitted from the main set of the apparatus to the developing devices. When the coupling on the side of the main assembly and the coupling on the side of the developing device are connected, the coupling on the side of the main assembly is immediately retracted in the apparatus (by spring 74) so as not to impair the movement of the rotating development device. Then, the rotating developing device moves in such a way that a predetermined developing device moves in a direction in which the coupling on the side of the main assembly is provided. Then, the retracted coupling on the side of the main assembly moves towards the coupling on the side of the developing device using a movement mechanism such as a solenoid and the like (solenoid 75, arm 76). In this way, both couplings are connected to each other. Then, a rotational force of a motor provided in the main assembly is transmitted to a developing roller through the coupling on the side of the main assembly and the coupling on the side of the developing device. As a result, the development roller is rotated. Such a method is known.

However, in the conventional cartridge described in JP-A 2003202727, a drive connection part between the main assembly and the developing device constitutes an interlocking part for a gear (gear 35) and a gear (gear 42Y). For this reason, it is difficult to prevent non-uniformity of rotation of the development roller.

In the conventional cartridge described in JP-A Hei 11-015265, in the manner described above, the coupling on the side of the main assembly (coupling 71) is immediately retracted in the device so as not to hinder the movement of the developing device. In addition, during the transmission of the rotational force, it is necessary to move the retracted coupling on the side of the main assembly towards the coupling on the side of the developing device. Thus, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for moving the coupling on the side of the main assembly towards the side of the developing device towards the main assembly of the apparatus. Additionally, for image formation, one must consider the time required for the movement of the coupling on the side of the main assembly. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A main objective of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) capable of solving the above-described problems of conventional cartridges, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus, and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus .

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) capable of fitting a coupling element provided in the developing apparatus (developing cartridge) to a drive shaft, moving the developing apparatus in one direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft, even in the case where a main assembly is not provided with a mechanism for moving a coupling element on the side of the main assembly in the axial direction by a solenoid. The object of the present invention is also to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and the coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) capable of fitting a drive shaft provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus from a substantially perpendicular direction to an axial direction of the driving axis . The object of the present invention is also to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a development apparatus (development cartridge) capable of smoothly rotating a development roller, compared to the case where the connection connection between the main assembly and the development apparatus is carried out by means of gears. . The object of the present invention is also to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus (developing cartridge) capable of fitting on a driving axis provided in a main set of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the direction axis. drive and capable of smoothly rotating a development roller. The object of the present invention is also to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus that can be mounted and disassembled on a drive shaft provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft by movement of a moving element in one direction. The object of the present invention is also to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus that can be mounted and disassembled on a drive shaft provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft by movement of a moving element in one direction and capable of smoothly rotating a development roller. The object of the present invention is also to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus including a coupling element capable of assuming an angular position for transmitting the rotational force to transmit a rotational force from a main set of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus to a developing roller. , an angular position of pre-engagement in which the coupling element is inclined with respect to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and is in a state before being engaged in an application portion of the rotational force and an angular position of disengagement in which the coupling element is inclined from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force in a direction opposite to the angular pre-engagement position to be disengaged from the drive shaft. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and the coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing apparatus capable of fitting a coupling element provided in the developing apparatus (developing cartridge) on a drive shaft, by moving the developing apparatus (developing cartridge) from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft, even in the case where a main assembly is not provided with a mechanism for moving a coupling element on the side of the main assembly in the axial direction by a solenoid. According to the present invention, it is also possible to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and the coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing apparatus capable of fitting a drive shaft provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus from a substantially perpendicular direction to an axial direction of the driving shaft. According to the present invention, it is also possible to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Additionally, according to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly rotate a development roller, compared to the case where the drive connection of a main set of the apparatus and the development apparatus is carried out by means of gears.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing apparatus capable of fitting onto a drive shaft provided in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus from a substantially perpendicular direction to an axial direction of the driving shaft and capable of smoothly rotating a development roller. According to the present invention, it is also possible to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing apparatus that can be mounted and disassembled on a drive shaft provided in the main assembly of the apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft by the movement of an element moving in one direction. According to the present invention, it is also possible to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing apparatus that can be mounted and disassembled on a drive shaft provided in the main assembly of the apparatus from a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft by the movement of an element movable in one direction and capable of smoothly rotating a development roller. According to the present invention, it is also possible to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and a coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing apparatus including a coupling element capable of assuming an angular position for transmitting the rotational force to transmit a rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus to a developing roller, an angular position of pre-engagement in which the coupling element is inclined from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and is in a state before being engaged in an application portion of the rotational force, and an angular position of disengagement in which the the coupling element is inclined from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force in a direction opposite to the angular position of pre-engagement to be disengaged from the drive shaft.

Additionally in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to fit and detach a coupling element provided in the developing apparatus on a drive shaft provided in a main assembly of the apparatus from a substantially perpendicular direction to an axial direction of the drive shaft by the movement of a moving element in one direction.

Additionally according to the present invention, even when a main assembly is not provided with a mechanism for moving a coupling element on the side of the main assembly to transmit a rotational force to a developing roller in an axial direction of the coupling element by a solenoid, it is possible to fit a coupling element provided in the development apparatus with a drive shaft by the movement of a moving element. As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the speed of image formation.

These and other objectives, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by considering the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the development cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a main set of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a developing roller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a developing support element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a sectional view of one side of the development cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is an exploded view of a coupling element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the development cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an iodine coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a rotating element (hereinafter referred to as "rotating device") according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the device <sup>15</sup>rotary according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the rotating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 shows a view, seen from the side, of a main assembly of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows a view of the main assembly of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side.

Figure 20 shows a view of the main assembly of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side.

Figure 21 is the figure of the main assembly of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side.

Figure 22 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the process of fitting between the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the disengagement process of the drive shaft coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 26 is the graph of the timing of the operations of a modality of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of a drive shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 30 is a perspective view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 31 is a perspective view of the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of one side of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 33 is a partially sectional view of the developing cartridge and a developing axis according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the process of removing the developer cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the process of fitting between the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a developing support element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of one side of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 38 is a perspective view showing the state of the fit between the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a longitudinal sectional view.

Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a developing support element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 40 is a perspective view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a perspective view of one side of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 42 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing a state of the fit between the drive shaft and the coupling in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 43 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state of mounting the coupling on the developing support element, in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 44 is a perspective view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 45 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state fit between the developing axis and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 46 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state engaged between the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 47 is a side view of a rotating flange in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 48 is a side view of the rotating flange in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 49 illustrates a location of the coupling shown in Fig. 47 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 50 is a sectional view of the drive shaft and the coupling of Fig. 38 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 51 is an illustration of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 52 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state prior to engagement between the drive shaft and the coupling with respect to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 53 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 54 is a perspective view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 55 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state fitted between the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 56 is a perspective view showing the process of fitting between the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 57 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 58 is a perspective view of the development cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 59 is a perspective view showing a drive input gear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 60 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 61 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 62 is an exploded longitudinal section of a coupling and a drive input gear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 63 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling and the support element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 64 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 65 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 66 is a perspective view showing an engaged state of the developing roller gear and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 67 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the process of fitting between the coupling and the drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 68 is a perspective view of the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 69 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the process of disengaging the drive shaft coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<sup>10</sup> Fig. 70 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 71 is a perspective view of one side of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention (the side plate of the cartridge is omitted).

Fig. 72 is a perspective view showing a drive input gear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 73 is a side view of the main assembly of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 74 is a side view of a main assembly of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 75 is a sectional view of the main assembly of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 76 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 77 is a side view and a perspective view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 78 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the process of fitting and disengaging between the drive shaft and the coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, a developing cartridge, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a coupling element according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following embodiments, a developer cartridge of the type in which a user can assemble and dismantle the developer cartridge with respect to a main assembly of the apparatus is described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a developing device that is used in a state in which it is assembled and attached to the main assembly.

In addition, the present invention is specifically applicable to a single coupling element (for example, those shown in Figures 6 (a), 14 (a3), 28 (c), 30 and 77 (b)), a developing device ( development cartridge) (for example, those shown in figures 2, 57 and 60) and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (for example, those shown in figures 5 and 75).

Mode 1 (1) Brief description of developer cartridge (developer device)

First, with reference to figures 1 to 4, a development cartridge B will be described as a development device to which a modality of the present invention is applied (hereinafter referred to simply as a cartridge). Figure 1 is a sectional view of cartridge B. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of cartridge Β. Figure 4 is a sectional view of a main set A of the color electrophotographic image forming apparatus (referred to below as a main set of the apparatus).

This cartridge B can be mounted and disassembled on a rotating device C provided in the main assembly of the device A by a user.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, cartridge B includes a developing roller 110. The developing roller is rotated upon receiving a rotational force on the main assembly of apparatus A through a coupling mechanism described later during a developing function. In a developer frame 114 for developer, a developer t of a predetermined color is accommodated. This developer is fed into a developer chamber 113a in a predetermined amount by rotating a stirring element 116. The powered developer is supplied to a surface of the development roller by rotating a sponge developer supply roller 115 in the developer chamber 113a. This developer is formed in a thin layer when it is supplied with electric charges by the triboelectric charge between a thin plate development blade 112 and the development roller 110. The developer formed in the thin layer on developer roll 110 is fed into a developer position by rotation. With the application of a predetermined development bias to the development roller 110, an electrostatic latent image formed in an electrophotographic photosensitive element (referred to below as a photosensitive drum) is revealed 107. That is, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the roller reveal 110.

In addition, the developer that does not contribute to the development of the electrostatic imaging, that is, the residual developer remaining on the surface of the developer roll 110, is removed by developer developer roll 115. At the same time, a fresh developer is supplied on the development roller surface 110 by developer supply roller 115. In this way, a development operation is carried out successively.

Cartridge B includes a developer unit 119. Developer unit 119 includes developer device frame 113 and developer housing 114. Developer unit 119 additionally includes developer roll 110, developer blade 112 , developer supply roller 115, developer chamber 113a, developer housing 14 and stirring element 116.

Developing roller 110 is rotatable around an axial line L1.

Here, developer cartridge B is mounted by the user in a housing part of developer cartridge 130A provided with a rotation selection mechanism (rotating developer device) C of the main assembly of apparatus A. At this point, in the manner described above, a drive shaft of the main assembly of the apparatus A and a coupling element as a part of transmission of the rotating drive force of the cartridge B are connected to each other in mutual relation with an operation in which the cartridge B is placed in a predetermined position (part opposite the photosensitive drum) by the rotating developing device (rotation selection mechanism) C. Thus, the development roller 110 and the like are rotated when they receive a driving force in the main assembly of the device A.

(2) Description of electrophotographic image-forming apparatus

With reference to figure 4, a color electrophotographic image formation apparatus will be described using the development cartridge B described. Next, the description will be made using a color laser printer as an example of the color electrophotographic image formation device.

As shown in figure 4, a plurality of cartridges B (Bl, B2, B3, B4) that accommodates developers (toners) of different colors is mounted on the rotating device C. The assembly and disassembly of the cartridge B in relation to the rotating device C are performed by the user. By rotating the rotating device C, a cartridge B that accommodates a developer of a predetermined color is disposed opposite the photosensitive drum 107. Then, an electrostatic latent image formed in the photosensitive drum is revealed

107. The developed image is transferred to recording material S. This development and transfer operation is performed for each of the colors. As a result, a color image is obtained. Here, a specific description will be made. The recording material S is a material on which an image can be formed and includes, for example, paper, an OHP sheet and the like.

With reference to figure 4, the photosensitive drum 107 is irradiated with light based on the image information from an optical device 101. Through this irradiation, an electrostatic latent image is formed in the photosensitive drum 107. The electrostatic latent image is revealed with a developer by the developing roller 110. The developer image formed in the photosensitive drum 107 is transferred to an intermediate transfer element.

Then, the developer image is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 104a as the intermediate transfer element is transferred to the recording material S by means of a second transfer device. Then, the recording material S to which the developer image is transferred is conveyed to a fixture 105 including a press roller 105a and a heating roller 105b. The developer image transferred to recording material S is fixed to recording material S. After fixing, recording material S is unloaded onto a tray 106.

An image formation step will be described more specifically.

In synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 104a, the photosensitive drum 107 is rotated counterclockwise (figure 4). Then, a surface of the photosensitive drum 107 is electrically charged evenly by a charge roller 108. The surface of the photosensitive drum 107 is irradiated with light depending on the image information, for example, around a yellow image by the optical device (exposure) 101. Thus, an electrostatic latent yellow image is formed in the photosensitive drum 107.

The display device 101 is constituted as follows. The exposure device 101 radiates the photosensitive drum 107 with light based on the image information read from an external device (not shown). As a result, the electrostatic latent image is formed in the photosensitive drum 107. The exposure device 101 includes a laser diode, a poyigon mirror, a scanning engine, an image-forming lens and a reflection mirror.

A signal image is sent from the external device not shown. Through this operation, the laser diode emits light depending on the image signal and the poyigon mirror is irradiated with light (as an image light). The poyigon mirror is rotated at high speed by the scanner to reflect the light of the image, so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 is selectively exposed to the light of the image through the image-forming lens and the reflection mirror. As a result, the electrostatic latent image depending on the image information is formed in the photosensitive drum 107.

Simultaneously with this electrostatic imaging, the rotating device C is rotated, whereby a yellow cartridge BI moves to a developing position. Then, a predetermined developer bias is applied to developer roll 110. As a result, a yellow developer is deposited on the electrostatic imaging, and in this way the electrostatic imaging is developed with the yellow developer. Then, a polarization voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the developer is applied to a press roller (a primary transfer roller) 104j for the intermediate transfer belt 104a, so that the yellow image of the developer on the photosensitive drum 107 is basically transferred for the intermediate transfer belt 104a.

In the manner described above, after the primary transfer of the yellow developer image is completed, the rotating device C is rotated. As a result, a subsequent cartridge B2 moves to be located opposite the photosensitive drum 107. The above process is carried out with respect to a magenta cartridge B2, a cyan cartridge B3, and a black cartridge B4. In this way, by repeating the process for each of the magenta, cyan and black colors, four-color developer images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 104a.

Incidentally, the yellow BI cartridge accommodates the yellow developer and forms the yellow developer image. The magenta B2 cartridge accommodates a magenta developer and forms a magenta image of the developer. The B3 cyan cartridge accommodates a cyan developer and forms a cyan image of the developer. The black B4 cartridge accommodates a black developer and forms a black developer image.

During the formation of the aforementioned image, a secondary transfer roller 104b is in a state out of contact with the intermediate transfer belt 104a. A cleaning charge roller 104f is also in a state out of contact with the intermediate transfer belt 104a.

After the four-color developer images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 104a, the secondary transfer roller 104b is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt

104a (figure 4). In synchronization with the pressure contact of the secondary transfer roller 104b, the recording material S waiting in a position in the vicinity of a pair of registration rollers 103e is sent to a contact part between the transfer belt 104a and the transfer roller 104b. At the same time, an S recording material is fed from a cassette

103a by means of a feed roller 103b and a pair of transfer rollers 103c as a feed (transfer) device 103.

A sensor 99 is placed immediately before the pair of register rollers 103e. Sensor 99 detects a leading end of the recording material S and stops the rotation of the register roll pair 103e, thus placing the recording material S in a state waiting in a predetermined position.

On transfer roller 104b, a polarization voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the developer is applied, so that developer images on transfer belt 104a are simultaneously transferred secondarily to the transferred recording material S.

The recording material S to which the developer images are transferred and guided to the fixture 105 through a transfer belt unit 103f. By the fixing device 105, the developer images are fixed. The recording material S subjected to fixation is discharged into a discharge tray 106 disposed in an upper part of the main assembly of the apparatus by a pair of discharge rollers 103g. In this way, the formation of an image in the recording material S is completed.

After the secondary transfer is complete, the loading roller 104f is pressed against the transfer belt 104a, so that the surface of the belt 104a and the remaining developer on the surface of the belt 104a are supplied with the predetermined bias voltage. As a result, the residual electrical charge is removed.

The residual developer subjected to the charge removal is electrostatically re-transferred from the belt 104a to the photosensitive drum 107 through a primary transfer contact part. As a result, the surface of the belt 104a is cleaned. The residual developer re-transferred to the photosensitive drum 107 after the secondary transfer is removed by a cleaning blade 117a that makes contact with the photosensitive drum 107. The removed developer is collected in a 107d residual developer box via a transfer pass (not shown).

Incidentally, the accommodation part 130a is a chamber in which the aforementioned cartridge B is accommodated and is provided on the rotating device C in a plurality of positions. Rotating device C is rotated in one direction in a state in which cartridge B is mounted in the chamber. As a result, a coupling element (described later) of cartridge B is connected to a drive shaft 180 provided in the main assembly of the device A and disconnected from the drive shaft 180. The cartridge B (development roller 110) moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the axial line L3 of the drive shaft 180 depending on the movement of the rotating device C in one direction.

(3) Development of the development roller

Next, with reference to figures 5 (a) and 5 (b), a development of the development roller 110 will be described. Figure 5 (a) is a perspective view of the development roller 110 seen from a receiving side. a driving force from the main assembly to the developing roller 110 (hereinafter simply referred to as a driving side). Figure 5 (b) is a perspective view of the development roller 110 seen from a side opposite the drive side with respect to the axial direction of the development roller 110 (hereinafter referred to as a non-drive side).

Developing roller 110 includes a developing shaft 153 and a rubber portion 110a. The developing shaft 153 is formed of an electroconductive material such as iron or the like in an elongated shaft shape and is covered with the rubber part 110a except at both end parts with respect to the axial direction. The development axis 153 is rotationally supported by the development device frame 113 by means of bearings (not shown) on both end fittings 153dl and 153d2. In addition, a cartridge 150 described later is positioned in an end part 153b on the drive side. The cartridge 150 is fitted to a rotating force transmission pin 155 described later to transmit a driving force. The rubber part 110 coaxially covers the development axis 153. The rubber part 110 carries the developer and reveals the electrostatic latent image by applying a predisposition to the development axis 153.

The elements for adjusting the width of the contact part 136 and 137 are elements for adjusting the width of the contact part of the developing roller 110 with respect to the photosensitive drum 107 to a constant value.

The bearings not shown are arranged on both end parts 153dl and 153d2 of the development roller 110 so as to rotationally support the development roller 110 on the frame of the development device 113 (figure 1).

A development gear (not shown) is arranged at the end of the drive side 153dl of development roller 110 and attached to development shaft 153. The development gear not shown transmits the rotational force received from the main device assembly A to development roller 110 and other rotating elements (for example, developer supply roller 115, the stirring element, and the like) of developer cartridge B.

In the following, the end portion of the drive side of the developing shaft 153 on which the cartridge 150 is movably mounted (pivot, articulated) will be described more specifically. The end part 153b has a spherical shape so that the axial line L2 of the cartridge 150 (described later) can be gently tilted. In the vicinity of an end of the developing axis 153, the driving force transmission pin 155 for receiving the rotational force of the cartridge 150 is arranged in a direction transverse to the axial line LI of the developing axis 153.

The pin 155 as the part for transmitting the rotational force is formed of metal and fixed on the developing axis 153 by a method such as pressure fitting, glue or the like. The clamping position can be any position in which a driving force (rotational force) can be transmitted, that is, a direction transverse to the axial line LI of the development axis (development roller). It is desirable that the pin 155 passes through a spherical center P2 (figure 10b) of the end part 153b of the development axis 153. This is because the diameter of the transmission of the rotational force is always kept at a constant level, even in the case where the axial line LI of the developing axis 153 and the axial line L2 of the cartridge 150 deviate slightly from each other. For this reason, it is possible to achieve stable transmission of the rotational force. The point of transmission of the rotational force can be provided in any position. However, in order to reliably transmit a driving torque (rotational force) and improve an assembly characteristic, a single pin 155 is employed in this modality. Pin 155 passes through the center P2 of the spherical surface of end 153b. As a result, pin 155 (155al and 155a2) is arranged so as to be projected in positions 180 degrees opposite each other on a peripheral surface of the drive shaft. That is, the rotational force is transmitted at two points. In this embodiment, the pin 155 is fixed on the side of the end part 5 mm from the end of the axis of the drum 153. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

Incidentally, an electrical disclosure contact on the main assembly side (not shown) is arranged on the main assembly of apparatus A in order to make contact with an end portion of the non-actuating side 153c of the electroconductive development axis 153. An electrical contact (not shown) of the developer cartridge and the developer electrical contact on the side of the main assembly come into contact with each other. In this way, a high voltage polarization is supplied by the main assembly of the device A to the development roller 110.

(4) Description of the transmission part of the rotary drive force (coupling, coupling element)

One embodiment of the coupling (coupling element) which is a part of transmitting the rotating drive force as a main constituent element of the present invention will be described with reference to figures 6 (a) to 6 (f). Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view of the coupling from the side of the main assembly of the apparatus and figure 6 (b) is a perspective view of the coupling seen from the side of the photosensitive drum. Figure 6 (c) is a view of the coupling taken in a direction perpendicular to a direction of a geometric axis of rotation of the coupling L2. Figure 6 (d) is a side view of the coupling from the side of the main assembly of the apparatus and figure 6 (e) is a view of the coupling from the side of the photosensitive drum. Figure 6 (f) is a sectional view of the coupling taken along the line S3 - S3 shown in figure 6 (d).

The development cartridge B is detachably mounted on the housing part of the cartridge 130a on the rotating device C provided in the main assembly of the device A.

This assembly is performed by the user. The rotating device C is rotationally driven and stopped in a position in which the cartridge B reaches a predetermined position (development position in which the cartridge B is located opposite the photosensitive drum 107). By means of this operation, the coupling (coupling element) 150 fits on a drive shaft 180 provided in the main assembly of the device A. In addition, rotary device C is rotated in one direction to move cartridge B from the predetermined position (developing position). That is, cartridge B is retracted from the predetermined position. As a result, the coupling 150 moves off the drive shaft 180. The coupling 150 receives the rotational force of a motor 64 (figure 17) provided in the main assembly of the device A in a state of engagement on the drive shaft 180 . Coupling 150 transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 110. As a result, the developing roller 110 is rotated by the rotational force received from the main assembly of apparatus A.

As previously described, the drive shaft 180 has a pin 182 (part of applying the rotational force) and is rotated by the motor 64.

A material for the coupling 150 is a resin material such as polyacetal, polycarbonate or the like. In order to increase the rigidity of the coupling 150, it is also possible to increase the rigidity by incorporating fiberglass or the like into the resin material depending on a loading torque. In addition, it is also possible to employ a metallic material. Thus, the material for the coupling 150 can be properly selected. However, the coupling made of resin can be easily processed, so that the respective cartridges in this embodiment are formed from the resin material.

Coupling 150 basically comprises three parts.

The first part is fitable on the drive shaft 180 (which will be described below) as shown in figure 6 (c), and is a driven part 150a to receive the rotational force of the rotating force transmission pin 182 which is a part of application of the rotational force (transmission part of the rotational force on the side of the main assembly) provided on the drive shaft 180. Furthermore, the second part is pluggable on pin 155 provided on the drive shaft 180. Furthermore, the second part is pluggable on the pin 155 provided on the axis of the developing device 153, and is the driving part 150b for transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller 110. Furthermore, the third part is an intermediate part 150c to connect the driven part 150a and the driven part 150b to each other (figure 8 (c) and (f)).

As shown in figure 6 (f), the driven part 150a is provided with an opening opening part of the drive shaft 150m that expands in the direction of the axis of rotation L2. The drive part 150b has a shaft insertion opening part of the developing device 1501.

The opening 150m is defined by a conical receiving surface of the drive shaft 150f that expands towards the side of the drive shaft 180 (figures 9 to 13). The receiving surface 150f constitutes a recess 150z shown in figure 6 (f). The recess 150z includes the opening 150m in a position opposite the development roller 110 with respect to the direction of the L2 geometry axis.

In this way, regardless of the rotation phase of the development roller 110 in cartridge B, the coupling 150 can move (pivot) between an angular pre-fitting position (figure 22 (a)), an angular position for transmitting the rotational force ( figure 22 (d)) and an angular disengagement position (figures 25 (a) (d)) in relation to the geometric axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 without being hindered by the free end part 182a of the drive shaft 180. Their details will be described below.

A plurality of projections (the interlocking parts) 150d (150dl - 150d4) are provided at equal intervals in a circumference around the geometric axis L2 on an end surface of the recess 150z. Between the adjacent projections 150d, 150k input parts (150kl, 150k2, 150k3, 150k4) are provided. The interval between the adjacent projections 150dl - 150d4 is greater than the outside diameter of pin 182, so that the rotational force transmission pins provided on the drive shaft 180 (application part of the rotational forces) 182 are received. The pins are the application parts of the rotational force. The recesses between the adjacent projections are the 150kl-150k4 inlet parts. When the rotational force is transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 150, pins 182 are received by any of the input parts 150kl-150k4. Furthermore, in figure 6 (d), the surfaces for receiving the rotational force (parts for receiving the rotational force) 150e (150el-150e4) are provided on the upstream side with respect to the clockwise (XI) of each projection 150d . The receiving surface 150el-150e4 extends across the rotational direction of the coupling 150. More particularly, the projection 150dl has a receiving surface 150el, the projection 150d2 has a receiving surface 150e2, the projection 150d3 has a surface of receiving 150e3, and a projection 150d4 has a receiving surface 150e4. In the state where the drive shaft 180 rotates, pin 182al, 182a2 makes contact with any of the receiving surfaces 150e. In doing so, the receiving surface 150e in contact with pin 182al, 182a2 is pushed by pin 182. In this way, coupling 150 rotates around the geometric axis L2.

In order to stabilize the transmission torque transmitted to coupling 150 as much as possible, it is desirable to arrange the receiving surface of the rotational force 150e in an imaginary circle (the same circumference) that has a center O on the geometric axis L2 (figure 6 (d )). In this way, the transmission radius of the rotational force is constant and the torque transmitted to the coupling 150 is stabilized. Furthermore, as with projections 150d, it is preferable that the position of the coupling 150 is stabilized by the balance of forces that the coupling 150 receives. For this reason, in this embodiment, the receiving surfaces 150e are arranged in diametrically opposite positions (180 degrees). More particularly, in this embodiment, the receiving surface 150el and the receiving surface

150e3 are diametrically opposed to each other, and the receiving surface 150e2 and surface 150e4 are diametrically opposed to each other. Through this arrangement, the forces that the coupling 150 receives constitute a pair of forces. Therefore, coupling 150 can continue the rotational movement only by receiving the pair of forces. For this reason, coupling 150 can rotate without having to be specified at the position of its axis of rotation L2. Furthermore, for their quantity, since the pins 182 of the drive shaft 180 (the part of application of the rotational force) can penetrate the input parts 150k (150kl-150k2), it is possible to select them properly. In this mode, as shown in figure 6, the four receiving surfaces are provided. This modality is not limited to this example. For example, the receiving surfaces 150e (projections 150dl-150d4) do not need to be arranged on the same circumference (the imaginary circle Cl and figure 6 (d)).

Or it is not necessary to arrange them in diametrically opposite positions. However, the aforementioned effects can be provided by arranging the receiving surfaces 150e in the manner described above.

Here, in this embodiment, the diameter of the pin is approximately 2 mm, and the circumferential length of the inlet part 150k is approximately 8 mm. The circumferential length of the input part 150k is an interval between adjacent projections 150d (in the imaginary circle). The dimensions are not limiting to the present invention.

Similarly to opening 150m, a shaft insertion opening portion of developing device 1501 has a tapered surface for receiving rotational force 150i from an expanded portion that expands towards the axis developing device 153. Receiving surface 150i constitutes a 150q recess, as shown in figure 6 (f).

In this way, regardless of the rotation phase of the development roller 110 in the cartridge B, the coupling 150 can move (pivot, articulate) between an angular position of transmission of the rotational force, an angular position of pre-fitting and an angular position to disengage for the geometric axis LI without being hindered by the free end portion of the axis developing device 153. The recess 150q is constituted in the example illustrated by a conical receiving surface 150i that it has centered on the geometric axis L2. The reserve openings 150gl or 150g2 (opening) are provided on the receiving surface 150i (figure 6 (b)). As for coupling 150, pins 155 can be inserted into this opening 150gl or 150g2 so that they can be mounted on the axis developing device 153. And the size of the openings 150gl or 150g2 is larger than the outside diameter of pin 155. Thus, regardless of the rotation phase of the development roller 110 in cartridge B, the coupling 150 is mobile (pivotable, oscillating) between the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and the angular pre-engaging position (or angular disengaging position), as will be described below, without being prevented by pin 155.

More particularly, the projection 150d is provided adjacent the free end of the recess 150z. And the projections (projection parts) 150d project in the direction of intersection transversal to the rotational direction in which the coupling 150 rotates, and are provided with the intervals along the rotational direction. And, in the state where the cartridge B is mounted on the rotating device C, the receiving surfaces 150e fit or rest on the pin 182, and are pushed by the pin 182 that receives the force from the rotating drive shaft.

In this way, the receiving surfaces 150e receive the rotational force of the driving axis 180. Furthermore, the receiving surfaces 150e are arranged equidistant from the geometric axis L2, and constitute a pair that interposes the geometric axis L2 and are constituted by the surface in the direction of intersection in the 150d projections. In addition, the inlet parts (recesses) 150k are provided along the rotational direction, and they are lowered in the direction of the geometric axis L2.

The entrance part 150k is formed as a space between the adjacent projections 150d. In the state where the cartridge B is mounted on the rotating device C in the case where the drive geometry axis for its rotation, pin 182 penetrates the inlet part 150k when the coupling fits into the drive axis 180. And pin 182 of the drive that rotates 180 pushes the receiving surface 150e. Or, in the case where the drive shaft 180 has already been rotated when the coupling fits into the drive shaft 180, pin 182 penetrates the input part 150k and pushes the receiving part 150e.

In this way, coupling 150 rotates.

The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving element (part)) 150e can be arranged on the receiving surface of the drive shaft 150f. Or, the receiving surface 150e can be provided in the part projected out of the receiving surface 150f with respect to the direction of the geometric axis L2. When the receiving surface 150e is arranged on the receiving surface 150f, the inlet part 150k is arranged on the receiving surface 150f

More particularly, the entrance part 150k is the recess provided between the projections 150d in the arcuate part of the receiving surface 150f. In addition, when the receiving surface 150e is arranged in the outwardly projecting position, the inlet part 150k is the recess positioned between the projections 150d. Here, the recess can be a through hole extended in the direction of the geometric axis L2, or it can be closed at one end of it. More particularly, the recess is provided by the empty region provided between the projection 150d. And what is needed is just to be able to penetrate pin 182 in the region in the state where cartridge B is mounted on rotating device C.

These reserve part structures apply similarly to the modalities that will be described below.

In figure 6 (e), the surfaces of transmission of the rotational force (the parts of transmission of the rotational force) 150h and (150hl or 150h2) are provided on the upstream side, with respect to the counterclockwise (X2), of the opening 150gl or 150g2. And the rotational force is transmitted from the coupling 150 to the development roller 110 through the convection sections 150hl or 150h2 that make contact with pins 155al, 155a2. More particularly, the transmission surfaces 150hl or 150h2 push the side surface of the pin 155. In this way, the coupling 150 rotates with its center aligned with the geometric axis L2. The transmission surface 150hl or 150h2 extends across the rotational direction of the coupling 150.

Similar to the 150d projection, it is desirable to arrange the transmission surfaces 150hl or 150h2 diametrically opposed to each other on the same circumference.

When manufacturing the drum coupling element 150 with an injection molding, the intermediate part 150c can be thin. This is because the coupling is manufactured in such a way that the receiving part of the driving force 150a, the driving part 150b and the intermediate part 150c have a substantially uniform surface. When the stiffness of the intermediate part 150c is insufficient, therefore, it is possible to make the intermediate part 150c thick so that the driven part 150a, the driving part 150b and the intermediate part 150c have substantially equivalent thicknesses.

(6) Support element shape

Being will be made a description, with reference to Figure 7, about a supporting member (mounting member) 157. Figure 7 (a) is a perspective view, seen from the side of a drive shaft, and figure

7 (b) is a perspective view, seen from the side of the developing roller.

The support element 157 has the function of retaining the coupling 150 and positioning the cartridge B on the rotating device C. Additionally, it has the function of supporting the coupling 150 so that the rotational force can be transmitted to the developing roller 110.

More particularly, the support member 157 mounts the cartridge 150 in the cartridge 150.

As shown in figure 7, the support element includes a guide 140L2 during the assembly and disassembly of the cartridge B with respect to an accommodation part 130a provided in the rotating device C and a cylinder 140L1 for positioning the cartridge B in the accommodation part 130a. And the above-described coupling 150 is disposed in an internal space 157b of a part of the cylinder 157c provided coaxially with the developing roller (not shown). On an internal peripheral surface 157i constituting space 157b ribs 157el and 157e2 are provided to retain coupling 150 in cartridge B. Ribs 157el and 157e2 are provided opposite each other with respect to a direction of movement X4 of cartridge B (direction rotational device C). The support element 157 is provided with positioning parts 157dl and 157d2 to affix it to the frame of the developing device 113 and provided with holes 157gl or 157g2 where the fixing screw penetrates.

(6) Constitution of coupling support in relation to the cartridge frame

With reference to figure 8 - figure 13, the description of the support constitution (assembly constitution) of the development roller 110 and the coupling 150 will be made in relation to the development device frame (cartridge frame) 113. Figure 8 is an enlarged view, from the driving side, of the main part around the cartridge development roller. Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along S4-S4 of figure 8. The figure is a sectional view, taken along a geometric axis of development Ll, which illustrates the state before mounting the coupling and the support element. Figure 11 is a sectional view showing a state after assembly. Figure 12 is a sectional view when the geometric axis L2 of the coupling is aligned substantially coaxial with the geometric axis Ll of the developing roller. Figure 13 is a sectional view showing a state after the coupling is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the state of figure 12. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the combined state of the developing roller and coupling axis. Figures 14 (bl) - (b5) are seen in perspective, and figures 15 (al) - (a5) are seen from the direction of the geometric axis Ll.

As shown in figure 14, coupling 150 is mounted so that its geometric axis L2 can tilt in any direction in relation to the geometric axis Ll of the development roller axis 153 (development roller).

In figure 14 (al) and figure 14 (bl), the geometric axis L2 of the coupling 150 is coaxial with the geometric axis Ll of the development roller 153. The state when the coupling 150 is tilted upwards from this state is illustrated in the figure 14 (a2) and in figure 14 (b2). As shown in these figures, when the geometric axis L2 is tilted towards the opening side 150g, the pin moves into the opening 150g, when these elements are viewed relatively from the base of the coupling. As a result, the coupling 150 is inclined around a geometric axis AX (figure 12 (a2)) perpendicular to the opening 150a.

In figure 14 (b3), the state where the coupling 150 is tilted to the right is shown. As shown in this figure, when the geometric axis L2 tilts in the orthogonal direction of the opening 150g, the pin rotates within the opening 150g when these elements are seen relatively at the base of the coupling. The axis of rotation is the axis AY (figure 14 (a3)) of the transmission pin 155.

The states where the coupling 150 is tilted down and to the left are shown in figures 14 (a4) and (b4) and figures 14 (a5) and (b5), respectively. The coupling 150 is inclined around each of the geometric axes AX and AY.

In directions other than the direction of inclination described above, for example, in an intermediate position in the direction of inclination in figures 14 (a2) and 14 (a3), and in each of the intermediate positions in the directions of inclination in figures 14 (a3) and 14 (a4) and in figures 14 (a5) and 14 (a2), the inclination is made by combining the rotations in the directions of the rotational geometric axes AX and AY. Thus, the geometric axis L2 can be pivoted in any direction in relation to the geometric axis Ll. At this time, pin 155 is provided on the axis of development roller 153. More particularly, pin 155 projects from a peripheral surface of the axis of development roller 153. Coupling 150 disposed opposite pin 155 is provided with the opening 150g. The opening size 150g is adjusted so that the pin does not interfere with the pin when the L2 geometry axis is tilted in relation to the L1 geometry axis.

More particularly, the transmission surface (rotational force transmission part) 15Oh is movable in relation to the pin (rotational force receiving part) 155 (figure 14). The pin 155 has the transmission surface 150 in the movable condition. And the transmission surface 150h and the pin 155 fit together in the rotational direction of the coupling 150. Additionally, the gap is provided between the transmission surface 15Oh and the pin 155. In this way, the coupling 150 is movable (pivotable, oscillating) substantially in all directions in relation to the geometric axis L1.

It has been mentioned that the geometric axis L2 is oblique or inclinable in any direction in relation to the geometric axis L1. However, the L2 geometry axis does not necessarily have to be linearly oblique at the predetermined angle across the range in the 360 degree direction on the coupling 150. For example, the aperture 150g can be selected to be slightly larger in the circumferential direction. In doing so, the moment when the geometric axis L2 tilts in relation to the geometric axis Ll, even if it is the case where it cannot tilt at the predetermined angle linearly, the coupling 150 can rotate at a slight angle around the geometric axis L2 . Therefore, it can be tilted at the predetermined angle. In other words, the amount of the game in the rotational direction of the 150g aperture is properly selected if necessary.

In this way, the coupling 150 is revolvable or oscillable substantially across the entire circumference with respect to the geometric axis Ll of the developing roller 110. More particularly, the coupling 150 is pivotable substantially throughout its circumference with respect to the axis of the drum 153.

Furthermore, as will be understood by the explanation presented, the coupling 150 is able to rotate substantially in the circumferential direction of the axis of the drum 153. Here, the turning movement is not a movement with which the coupling itself rotates around the geometric axis L2 , but in which the inclined geometry axis L2 rotates around the geometry axis Ll of the development roller, although the rotation here does not prevent the rotation of the coupling per se around the geometry axis L2 of the coupling 150.

It has been mentioned that the geometric axis L2 is oblique or inclinable in any direction in relation to the geometric axis Ll. However, the L2 geometry axis does not necessarily have to be linearly oblique at the predetermined angle across the range in the 360 degree direction on coupling 150. For example, aperture 150g can be selected to be slightly larger in the circumferential direction. In doing so, it is the moment when the geometric axis L2 tilts in relation to the geometric axis

Ll, even if it is the case where it cannot tilt at the predetermined angle linearly and the coupling 150 can rotate at a slight angle around the geometric axis L2. Therefore, it can be tilted at the predetermined angle. In other words, the amount of the game in the rotational direction of the opening 150g is duly selected, if necessary, in this way and the coupling 150 is revolving or oscillating substantially in all circumference in relation to the axis of the drum (element for receiving the rotational force) 153 . More particularly the coupling 150 is pivotable substantially throughout its circumference in relation to the axis of the drum 153, moreover, and as will be understood by the explanation presented, the coupling 150 is capable of rotating substantially in all the circumferential direction of the axis of the drum 153. Here the turning movement is not a movement with which the coupling itself rotates around the geometric axis 12, but that the tilted geometric axis L2 rotates around the geometric axis Ll of the photosensitive drum, although the rotation here does not prevent the rotation of the coupling per se around the axis L2 of coupling 150.

Furthermore, the moving band substantially in all directions is the range in which, when the user assembles cartridge B in the main assembly of the device A, the coupling can move to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force independent of the axis phase. drive that has the application part of the rotational force. In addition, it is the strip in which, when detaching the drive shaft coupling, the coupling can move to the angular position of disengagement regardless of the phase of the drive shaft stop angle.

In addition, the coupling is provided with a gap between the rotational force transmission part (15 Ohm rotational force transmission surface, for example) and the rotational force receiving part (pin 155, for example) for fitting so that it pivots substantially in all directions in relation to the Ll axis. In this way, the coupling is mounted on the end of cartridge B. For this reason, the coupling is mobile substantially in all directions in relation to the Ll axis.

This structure is similar in the coupling modalities, as will be described below.

The assembly processes will be described.

After mounting the development roller 110 rotationally on the frame of the development device 113, the pin 155 is mounted on the development shaft 153. Then, the development gear 145 is mounted on the development shaft 153.

Then, as shown in figure 10, the coupling 150 and the support element 157 are inserted in the X3 direction. First, the drive part 150b is inserted in the direction of the X3 direction downstream, while still maintaining the geometric axis L2 of the coupling 150 in parallel with X3. At this time, the phase of pin 155 of the developing axis 153 and the phase of opening 150g of coupling 150 match each other, and pin 155 is inserted into openings 150gl or 150g2. And the free end part 153b of the developing shaft 153 is supported on the receiving surface 1501 of the coupling 150. The free end part 153b of the developing shaft 153 is the spherical surface and the receiving surface 1501 of the coupling 150 is a surface. conical. Therefore, the drive side part 150b of coupling 150 is positioned in the center (the center of the spherical surface) of the free end part 153b of the developing axis 153. As will be described below, when the coupling 150 rotates through the transmission of the driving force (rotational force) of the main assembly of the device A, the pin 155 positioned in the opening 150g will make contact with the transmission surfaces of the rotational force 150hl or 150h2 (figure 6b). In this way, the rotational force can be transmitted. Then, a 157w of the ends of the surfaces of the support element 157 is inserted downstream with respect to the X3 direction. In this way, a coupling part 150 is received in the space part 157b of the support element 157. And the support element 157 is fixed on the development frame 113 and thus an integral development cartridge B is assembled.

The dimensions of the various parts of the coupling 150 will be described. As shown in figure 10 (c), the maximum outside diameter of the driven part 150a of coupling 150 is ΦΏ2, the maximum outside diameter of the driving part 150b is ΦΟ1, and a small diameter of the opening 150g is ΦΟ3. In addition, the maximum outside diameter of pin 155 is ΦΠ5, and the inside diameter of retaining rib 157e of support element 157 is ΦΙ34. Here, the maximum outside diameter is the outside diameter of a maximum rotation location around the rotational geometric axis Li of development roller 110. The maximum outside diameter of Φϋΐ, and ΦΟ3 related to coupling 150 is the outside diameter of the rotation location maximum around the geometric axis L2. At this point, as long as ΦΟ5 <ΦΟ3 is satisfied, coupling 150 can be mounted in the predetermined position by direct mounting operation in the direction of X3 and, therefore, the mounting characteristic is high. The internal surface diameter of ΦΟ4 of the retaining rib 157e of the support element 157 is greater than Φϋ2 of the coupling 150, and less than ΦΟ1 (Φϋ2 <ΦΟ4 <Φϋΐ). In this way, only the step of attaching in the direction of direct X3 is sufficient to mount the support element 157 in the predetermined position. For this reason, the assembly feature can be improved (the status after assembly is shown in figure 11).

As shown in figure 11, the retaining rib 157e of the support element 157 is arranged very close to a part of the flange 150j of the coupling 150 in the direction of the geometric axis Ll. More specifically, in the direction of the geometric axis Ll, the distance from an end surface 150j 1 of the part of the flange 150j to the geometric axis of the pin 155 is nl. Furthermore, the distance from an end surface 157el of the rib 157e to the other end surface 157j2 of the flange part 150j is n2. The distance n2 <distance nl is satisfied.

Furthermore, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the geometric axis Ll, the flange part 150j and the ribs 157el, 157e2 are arranged so that they are superimposed with respect to each other. More specifically, the distance n4 (amount of overlap) from the inner surface 157e3 of the rib 157e to the outer surface 150j3 of the flange part 150j is the superimposed amount of n4 with respect to the orthogonal direction of the geometric axis L1.

By such adjustments, pin 155 is prevented from disengaging from the opening 150g. That is, the movement of the coupling 150 is limited by the support element 157. Thus, the coupling 150 does not disengage from the cartridge. Detachment prevention can be carried out without additional parts. The dimensions described above are desirable from the point of view of reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. However, the present invention is not limited to these dimensions.

As previously described in figures 9, 11 and 12, the receiving surface 1501 which is the recess 150q of the coupling 150 is in contact with the free surface of the end 153b of the developing axis 153 which is the projection. Therefore, the coupling 150 is pivoted along the free end part (the spherical surface) 153b around the center F2 of the free end part (the spherical surface) 153b, in other words, the geometric axis L2 is movable substantially in all the directions, independent of the phase of the drum axis 153. The geometric axis L2 of the coupling 150 is movable (pivotable, revolving, movable) substantially in all directions. As will be described below, in order that the coupling 150 can fit on the driving axis 180, the geometric axis L2 is tilted downstream with respect to the direction of rotation of the rotating device C in relation to the geometric axis Ll, just before the fitting. In other words, as shown in figure 17, the geometric axis L2 tilts so that the driven part 150a of the coupling 150 is positioned on the downstream side with respect to the rotational direction X4 of the rotating device.

An even more detailed description will be made.

As shown in figure 12, a distance n3 between a part of the maximum outside diameter and the support element 157 of the drive part 150b of the coupling 150 is selected so that a slight gap is provided between them. In this way, coupling 150 is pivotable.

As shown in figure 7, ribs 157el and 157e2 are semicircular ribs that extend in parallel with the geometric axis Ll. Ribs 157el and 157e2 are perpendicular to the X4 rotational direction.

Furthermore, the distance n2 (figure 11) in the direction of the geometric axis Ll from the rib 157e to the flange part 150j is less than the distance nl from the center of the pin 155 to the edge part of the drive side 150b. In this way, pin 155 does not disengage from openings 150gl and 150gl.

Therefore, as shown in figure 9, the driven part 150a is quite pivotable in the X4 direction in relation to the geometric axis L2 of the coupling 150. In other words, the driving part 150b is quite pivotable in the direction of the side not provided with the rib 150e ( perpendicular to the drawing sheet). Figure 9 illustrates the state after the L2 geometry axis is tilted. Furthermore, the coupling 150 can also be movable from the state of the inclined geometric axis L2 shown in figure 9 to the state substantially parallel to the geometric axis Ll shown in figure 12. In this way, the ribs 157el and 157e2 are arranged. In doing so, the geometric axis L2 of the coupling 150 can be pivotable in relation to the geometric axis LI and, moreover, the developing frame and 13 can be prevented from disengaging from the coupling 150. Both effects can be provided.

The coupling 150 has a set (the distance n2) in the direction of the geometric axis LI in relation to the development axis 153. Therefore, the receiving surface 15 Oi (the conical surface) cannot always be in comfortable contact with the end part free of the drum shaft 153b (the spherical surface). In other words, the pivot center can deviate from the center of curvature P2 of the spherical surface. However, even in a case like this, the geometric axis L2 is rotatable or pivotable in relation to the geometric axis Ll. For this reason, the purpose of this modality can be realized.

In addition, the maximum possible inclination angle α (figure 9) between the L1 geometry axis and the L2 geometry axis is limited to half the taper angle (al, figure 6 (f)) between the L2 geometry axis and the surface of receiving 150i. The apex angle of the conical shape of the receiving surface 1501 of the coupling 150 can be suitably selected. In doing so, the inclination angle a4 of coupling 150 is set to the ideal value. The shape of the columnar portion 153a of the developing axis 153 can be simply cylindrical. In this way, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The size of the opening 150g in the standby state is selected so that pin 155 cannot interfere when the geometric axis L2 tilts, as previously described here.

The location of the flange part 150J when the side of the driven part 150a tilts in the X5 direction is illustrated by the TI region in the figure

13. As shown in the figure, even if the coupling 150 tilts, interference with pin 155 does not occur and, therefore, the flange part 150j can be provided over the entire circumference of the coupling 150 (figure 6 (b)). In other words, the receiving surface of the axis 15Oi has a conical shape and, therefore, when the coupling 150 tilts, the pin 155 does not enter the region T1. For this reason, the clipping range of the coupling 150 is minimized. Therefore, the rigidity of the coupling 150 can be guaranteed.

(7) Description of the constitution of the rotating device (moving element, rotation selection mechanism) of the main device assembly

Next, with reference to figures 15 to 21, a constitution of the rotating device C as the movable element will be described. Figures 15 and 16 are a perspective view of the rotating device C in a state in which the development cartridge B is not mounted. Figure 17A is a perspective view showing a state in which a simple development cartridge B is mounted on the rotating device C. Figures 18 to 21 are side views showing the rotating device C, the photosensitive drum 107, a drive train and the development cartridge B.

In the direction of the axial line Ll, rotating flanges 50L and 50R are provided at both ends. Outside the rotating flanges 50L and 50R in the direction of the axial line Ll, rotating side plates 54L and 54R, respectively, are provided. The rotating flanges 50L and 50R and a central axis 51 of these are supported rotationally by the side plates 54L and 54R located further out towards the axial line L1.

On the opposite surfaces 50Lb and 50Rb of the 50L and 50R flange pair, notches 130L1, 130L2, 130L3, 130L4, 130R1, 130R2, 130R3 and 130R4 are used during the assembly and disassembly of the B cartridge in relation to the device rotary C (accommodation part 130A). Along these guides of the main assembly provided in the main assembly of the appliance A, side guides of the cartridge 140R1, 140R2, 140L1 and 140L2 (Figures 2 and 3) of the cartridge B are inserted. That is, cartridge B can be mounted and disassembled on the rotating device C. The cartridge B is detachable on the rotating device C by the user.

More specifically, at one end of cartridge B (Bl) with respect to a longitudinal direction of cartridge B (Bl), guides 140R1 and 140R2 are provided. Additionally, at the other longitudinal end of the cartridge B (Bl), guides 140L1 and 140L2 are provided. The user holds the cartridge B and inserts the guides 140R1 and 140R2 in the guide 130R1 provided in the rotating device C. Similarly, the user inserts the guides 140L1 and 140L2 into the guide 130L1 provided in the rotating device C: In this way, the cartridge B is detachably mounted in the accommodation part 130A provided in the rotating device C by the user. That is, the cartridge B is guided by the guides described above and is mounted and dismounted in the accommodation part 130A with respect to a direction transversal to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B (development roller 110). Cartridge B is mounted in a direction in which the longitudinal direction intersects the rotational direction X4 of the rotating device C. Therefore, cartridge B (coupling) provided at a longitudinal end of cartridge B moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of drive 180 by rotating rotary device C. The cartridge B mounted on the rotating device C is prone to rotate around the arcuate guides 140R1 and 140L1 when a rotational force is transmitted from the main assembly of the device A to the cartridge B. However, elongated guides 140R2 and 140L2 make contact with the internal surfaces of the notches on guides 130R1 and 130L1, so that cartridge B is positioned in relation to the rotating device C. That is, cartridge B is detachably accommodated in the accommodation part 130A.

Similarly, the cartridge B (B2) is guided by the guides 130R2 and 130L2 provided on the rotating device C and mounted detachably on the accommodation part 130A. The cartridge B (B3) is guided by the guides 130R3 and 130L3 provided in the rotating device C and mounted detachably in the accommodation part 130A. The cartridge Β (B4) is guided by the guides 130R4 and 130L4 provided in the rotating device C and mounted detachable in the accommodation part 130A.

That is, the cartridge B is remarkably accommodated by the user in the accommodation part 130A provided in the rotating device C.

Figure 17 shows a state in which the development cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly of the apparatus 4 (rotary C).

Each of the development cartridges B is positioned with respect to the rotating device C and is rotated by the rotation of the rotating device C. At this time, the development cartridge B is fixed to the rotating device C by means of a predisposition spring, a lock or (not shown) so that the position of the development cartridge B is not offset by the rotation of the rotating device C.

For the other rotating side plate 54L, a drive mechanism is provided to rotate the development roller (not shown). That is, a drive gear of the development device 181 fits into a pinion 65 fixed to a motor shaft of the motor 64. When the motor starts the rotation, a rotational force is transmitted to the gear 181.0 driving shaft 180 coaxially arranged with the gear 181 starts the rotation. As a result, the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the development roller 110 and the like via coupling 150. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the drive shaft 180 has its rotation started before the coupling 150 is engaged. timing of the start of rotation of the drive shaft 180 can be properly selected.

Cartridge B rotates along with the 50L and 50R rotating flange pair. That is, the rotating device C stops its rotation when it is rotated at a predetermined angle. As a result, cartridge B is positioned in a position (developing position) opposite the photosensitive drum 107 provided in the main assembly of device A. Coupling 150 fits into drive shaft 180 substantially simultaneously with the positioning and stopping of the cartridge B. That is, a recess 1502 covers one end of an end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180.

The drive shaft 180 has substantially the same constitution as the development axis described above. That is, the drive shaft 180 includes a spherical end part 180b and a pin 182 practically penetrating the center of a main part 180a of its cylindrical shape. By means of this pin 182, a rotational force (driving force) is transmitted to cartridge B through coupling 150.

On the rotary device C, the four color cartridges B are mounted. Here, application of pressure from cartridges B to the photosensitive drum 107 is carried out as follows.

As previously described, flanges 50L and 50R are supported rotationally by the rotating side plates 54L and 54R. The rotating side plates 54L and 54R at both ends are positioned and fixed to the side plates (not shown) of the main assembly of the appliance A through an oscillating axis 60 rotationally arranged above the rotating side plates 54L and 54R. In other words, the cartridge B, the rotating flanges 50 and the rotating side plates 54 are integrally articulated around the swiveling axis 60. That is, integral articulation movement of the cartridge B and the rotating device C is carried out. As a result, cartridge B is pressed against or separated from photosensitive drum 107.

This pressure and separation operation is carried out by pressing upwards a support of the rotating device 66 disposed between the rotating side plates 54L and 54R by the rotation of a cam (not shown).

Additionally, in the manner described with reference to the figure

15, the drive shaft 180 is positioned and mounted in a predetermined position of the main assembly of the apparatus A with respect to a radial and a substantially axial direction. In addition, the cartridge B is also positioned in a predetermined position of the main assembly of the device A by stopping the rotation of the rotating device C. This positioned drive axis 180 and cartridge B are connected by the coupling 150. Coupling 150 is swiveling (pivotable, movable) in relation to cartridge B (frame). Consequently, even between the drive shaft 180 positioned in the predetermined position and the cartridge B positioned in the predetermined position, the coupling 150 is capable of smoothly transmitting the rotational force. That is, even when there is some deviation from the axis (geometric axis) between the drive axis 180 and the cartridge 150, the coupling 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force.

This is one of the observable effects of the coupling modality to which the present invention is applied.

(8) Change in the development of the development cartridge (development device)

On each of the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 50L and 50R, a gear 50a is provided integrally in the manner shown in figures 15 to 17. A pair of crazy gears 59L and 59R fitted to these gears 50a are arranged on both longitudinal end parts. These crazy gears 59L and 59R are connected by the oscillating shaft 60. When the flange 50L disposed on one of the longitudinal ends is rotated, the other flange 50R is rotated in phase by means of gears 59L and 59R. By employing such a drive constitution, during the rotation of the rotating device C or the rotation of the developing roller 110, the twisting of any of the flanges 50L and 50R is prevented.

With gears 59L and 59R connected to the pivot center of the side plates of the rotating device 54L and 54R, that is, the swiveling shaft 60, a drive gear of the rotating device 65 is fitted. This gear 65 is connected to the motor 61. One Encoder 62 is mounted on a rotation axis of the motor 61.0 Encoder 62 detects a quantity of rotation of the motor 61 and controls the rotation number. Additionally, on a peripheral outer surface of a 50L flange, a flag 57 is provided projected from the 50L flange in a radial direction (figure 16). The flange 50L and the flag 57 are rotated so as to pass through a photo switch 58 fixed to the side plate 58. By detecting the blocking of the photo switch with the flag 57, the rotating device C is controlled in order to rotate at each predetermined angle . That is, after the rotating device C rotates a predetermined angle from the time when the beacon 57 blocks the photo switch, the first development cartridge stops in an opposite position to the photosensitive drum 107. The rotating device C is additionally rotated by a pre-angle -determined in one direction and then the second development cartridge stops in an opposite position to the photosensitive drum 107. By repeating this operation four times in total (stopping the four color development cartridges), a color image is formed.

That is, the cartridge B moves in a direction perpendicular to the axial line L3 of the drive shaft 180 by rotating the rotating device C in a direction in a state in which the cartridge B is mounted on the rotating device C.

On an upper surface of the main assembly of the device A, an opening is provided for mounting and dismounting of the development cartridge B by the user and an opening and closing door 40 (figure 4) to cover the opening. In addition, a door key (not shown) is provided to detect the opening / closing of door 40. A rotation operation of the rotating device C is initiated during electrical activation and when door 40 is closed (when the door key is closed). on).

(9) Development of positioning of the development cartridge (development device) during a change operation

Rotating device operations C and cartridge B will be described step by step with reference to figures 18 to 21. For the case of description, only one cartridge is shown on the rotating device.

First, in a state shown in figure 18, the cartridge B does not reach a predetermined position (the coupling element 150 is located in an angular pre-rotation position). When the rotating device C is turned in a direction of X4, the beacon 57 partially projected from the outer peripheral surface of the above-described rotating flange 50 reaches the photo switch 58, so that the rotating device C stops at a predetermined position (a state shown in figure 19). At this time, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 of the cartridge B are connected together (the coupling element 150 is located in an angular position for transmitting the rotational force). Development roller 110 is placed in a rotatable state. In this embodiment, the drive shaft 180 has already been rotated in a state in which the coupling 150 starts to engage the drive shaft 180. For this reason, the developing roller 110 is rotated. However, in the case where the drive shaft 180 is stopped in a state in which the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 waits in the rotatable state. The fitting (connection) of the coupling 150 on the drive shaft 180 will be described in detail later.

Then, in the manner previously described, the meat (not shown) is actuated to contact the support of the rotating device

66, so that the rotating device C moves counterclockwise around the oscillating axis 60. That is, the development roller 110 makes contact with the photosensitive drum 107 when it moves in an XI direction (a state of figure 20). Then, a pre-determined image formation operation is performed.

When the imaging operation is completed, the rotary device C is rotated clockwise around the oscillating axis 60 by a spring force (not shown). Thus, the rotating device C is restored to the state shown in figure 19. That is, the development roller 110 moves out of the photosensitive drum 107 (the coupling element 150 is located in an angular disengaging position).

Then, the rotating device C is rotated about the central axis 51 in the X4 direction so that a subsequent cartridge B can reach the developing position (a state of figure 21). At this point, the connection between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 is released. That is, coupling 150 is disconnected from drive shaft 180. The operation at this time will be specifically described later.

The operations described above from the operation described with reference to figure 18 for the operation described with reference to figure 21 are repeated four times, in a total of four colors, so that the color image is formed.

(10) Fitting operation / Rotational force transmission / Fitting coupling operation.

As previously described, just before the cartridge B stops at the predetermined position of the main assembly of the device A, or substantially simultaneously, the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180 (from figure 18 to figure 19). And, when cartridge B moves from the predetermined position of the main set of the device after rotation during the predetermined period, the coupling

150 it is detached from the drive shaft 180 (from figure 20 to figure 21).

With reference to figure 22 - figure 25, the description will be made with respect to the fitting operation, the rotation force transmission operation and the coupling disengagement operation. Figure 22 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive shaft, the coupling and the development shaft. Figure 23 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the phase difference between the drive axis, the coupling and the development axis. Figure 25 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive shaft, the coupling and the development shaft.

In the process in which the cartridge B moves in the developing position by rotating the rotating device C, the coupling 150 is positioned in the angular pre-fitting position. More particularly, the geometric axis L2 of the coupling is inclined in advance with respect to the geometric axis Ll of the developing axis 153 so that the driven part 150a is positioned downstream of the rotational direction of the rotating device X4. By means of this inclination of the coupling 150, a position of the free end downstream 150A1 of the rotating device C with respect to the rotational direction X4 thereof is positioned on the developing axis side 153 in addition to a free end of the drive shaft 180b3 with respect to the direction of the geometric axis Ll. Furthermore, a position of the free end upstream 150A2 with respect to the X4 direction is positioned on the side of pin 182 in addition to the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 in the direction of the geometric axis Ll (figure 22 (a), (b)) . Here, the position of the free end is the position closest to the drive axis with respect to the direction of the geometric axis L2 of the driven part 150a of the coupling 150 shown in figure 6 (a) and (c), and is the most remote position of the geometric axis L2. In other words, it is a line from the edge of the driven part 150a of the coupling 150, or a line from the edge of the drive projection 150d depending on the rotation phase of the coupling (150A in figure 6 (a) and (c)).

First, the position of the free end downstream 150A1 with respect to the rotational direction of the rotating device (X4) passes through the free end of the axis 180b3. And, after the coupling 150 passes the drive shaft 180, the receiving surface 150f or the conical projection 150d of the coupling 150 makes contact with the free end part 180b or the pin 182 of the drive shaft 180. And it tilts in response to the rotation of the rotating device C so that the geometric axis L2 is parallel to the geometric axis Ll (figure 22 (c)). And finally, the position of the cartridge B is determined in relation to the main assembly of the device A. More particularly, the rotating device C stops. In the present circumstances, the drive shaft 180 and the development shaft 153 are substantially coaxial with each other. More particularly, the coupling 150 moves from the angular position of pre-engagement to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force so as to allow the position of the free end 150A1 to surround the drive shaft 180 (pivot and articulation). And the coupling 150 is tilted from the angular position of pre-engagement in the direction of the angular position of transmission of the rotational force where the geometry axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the geometry axis Ll. And the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 fit together (figure 22 (d)). More particularly, the recess 150z covers the free end portion 180b. In this way, the rotational force can be stably transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 150. Furthermore, at this time, pin 152 is at the opening 150g (figure 6 (b)), and pin 182 is at the input part 150k.

In this mode, when coupling 150 starts to engage the drive shaft 180, the drive shaft 180 is already rotated. For this reason, coupling 150 starts to rotate immediately. However, when the drive shaft 180 is at rest at the time of engagement with the drive shaft of the coupling 150, the coupling element 150 is in a rotatable state, when pin 182 is present in the input part 150k.

As previously described here according to this embodiment, coupling 150 is pivotable in relation to the geometric axis Ll. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be engaged in relation to the drive shaft 180 correspondingly with the rotation of the rotary device C by the coupling 150 by tilting itself, without interfering with the drive shaft 180 (coupling).

In addition, the fitting operation of the aforementioned coupling 150 is possible regardless of the lag between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150. With reference to figure 14 and figure 23, the description of the gap between the coupling and the driving shaft will be described. drive. Figure 23 illustrates the phases of the coupling and the drive shaft. In figure 23 (a), the pin 182 and the receiving surface of the drive shaft 150f of the coupling 150 are opposite each other on the upstream side with respect to the rotational direction X4 of the rotating device. In figure 23 (b), pin 182 and projection 150d of coupling 150 are opposed to each other. In figure 23 (c), the free end part 180b of the drive shaft and the projection 150d of the coupling 150 are opposed to each other. In figure 23 (d), the free end part 180b and the receiving surface 150f of the coupling are opposed to each other. As shown in figure 14, coupling 150 is pivoted in all directions in relation to the development axis 153. For this reason, as shown in figure 23, coupling 150 is pivotable in the mounting direction X4 regardless of the axis phase. 153 with respect to the X4 rotational direction. Furthermore, the position of the free end downstream 150A1 is on the side of the developing roller 110 of the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 in the unrelated rotational direction regardless of the lag between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150. Furthermore, the inclination angle of the coupling 150 is adjusted so that the position of the free end upstream 150A2 is on the side of the pin 182 in addition to the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 in the rotational direction X4. With such an adjustment, the position of the free end downstream 150A1 in the rotational direction X4 passes through the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 in response to the rotation operation of the rotating device C. And, in the case of figure 23 (a), the receiving surface of the drive shaft 150f makes contact with pin 182. In the case of figure 23 (b), the projection 150d makes contact with pin 182. In the case of figure 23 (c), the projection 150d makes contact with the free end portion 180b. In the case of figure 23 (d), the receiving surface 150f makes contact with the free end part 180b. Furthermore, the L2 geometry axis approaches the position in parallel with the L1 geometry axis by the contact force (predisposition force) produced when the rotating device C rotates, and they fit together (coupling). For this reason, regardless of the lag between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150, or between the coupling 150 and the developing shaft 153, they can fit together.

With reference to figure 24, the operation of rotational force transmission in the case of rotation of the developing roller 110 will be described. The drive shaft 180 rotates together with the gear (helical gear) 181 in the direction of X8 in the figure by the received rotational force motor 64. And pins 182 integral with drive shaft 180 make contact with any of the surfaces receiving the rotational force 150el-150e4 of coupling 150. In this way, coupling 150 rotates. Coupling 150 rotates additionally. In this way, the transmission surface of the rotational force 150hl or 150h2 of the coupling 150 makes contact with the pin 155 integral with the development shaft 153. Then, the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 rotates the development roller 110 through the coupling 150 and the developing axis 153.

Furthermore, the free end portion 153b of the developing axis 153 is brought into contact with the receiving surface 150i. The free end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 is brought into contact with the receiving surface 150f. In this way, coupling 150 is positioned correctly (figure 22d). More particularly, the coupling 150 is positioned on the drive shaft 180 when the recess 150z covers the free end part 180. At this point, even though the L3 geometry axis and the L1 geometry axis are slightly non-coaxial with each other, the coupling 150 can rotate without applying a large load to the developing axis 153 and the driving axis 180 by the small inclination of the coupling 150 . For this reason, even if the drive axis 180 and the development axis 153 deviate from each other by slightly deviating from the position of the cartridge B because of the rotation of the rotating device C, the coupling 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force.

This is one of the observable effects according to a coupling embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to figure 25, a description will be made of the disengaging operation of the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180 in response to the movement of the cartridge B from the predetermined position (developing position) when the rotating device C rotates in one direction.

First, the position of each of the pins 182 will be described at the moment the cartridge (B) moves from the predetermined position. After the finished image is formed, as will be apparent from the previous description, pin 182 is positioned in either of the two inputs or input parts 150kl-150k4 (figure 5). 155 pin 155 is positioned in the opening 150gl or 150g2.

The description will be made with respect to the operation of detaching the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180 in mutual relation with the operation of switching to the next development cartridge B after the imaging operation using the cartridge is completed.

In the state where the rotation of the developing axis 153 has stopped, the geometry axis L2 is substantially coaxial with respect to the geometry axis Ll at coupling 150 (angular position of transmission of the rotational force). And the development axis 153 moves in the X6 disassembly direction of the cartridge (B), and the receiving surface 150f or the projection 150d on the upstream side with respect to the rotational direction of the rotating device is left in contact with the part of the free end 180b of drive shaft 180 or pin 182 (figure 25a). And the geometric axis L2 begins to tilt in the upstream direction in relation to the rotational direction X4 (figure 25 (b)). This direction of inclination is opposed to that of the inclination of the coupling 150 at the moment of coupling 150 on the drive shaft 180, with respect to the developing geometry axis 153. It moves, whereas the free end part 150A2 upstream with respect to the rotational direction X4 is maintained in contact with the free end part 180b by the rotational operation of the rotating device C. And, on the geometric axis L2, the part of the free end 150A3 upstream slopes at the free end 180b3 of the drive axis (figure 25 (c)). And, in this state, the coupling 150 is passed through the drive shaft 180, making contact with the free end 180b3 (figure 25 (d)).

Thus, coupling 150 moves from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position of disengagement, so that a part (of the free end part 150A2 upstream) of the coupling 150 positioned upstream of the drive shaft 180 with respect to rotational direction X4 allows the drive axis 180 to be involved. Therefore, the cartridge B moves according to the rotation of the rotating device C to the position shown in figure 21. Furthermore, before the end of a complete rotation of the rotating device C, the coupling 150 (the geometric axis Ll) tilts downstream with respect to a rotational direction X4 by an unknown device. In other words, coupling 150 moves from the angular position of disengagement to the angular position of pre-engagement. In this way, after the rotating device C has completed all its rotation, the coupling 150 is in the state that can be plugged into the drive shaft 180.

As will be apparent from the previous description, the angle of the angular position of pre-fitting of the coupling 150 in relation to the geometric axis Ll is greater than the angle of the angular position of the disengaging. This is due to the fact that it is preferable that the angular pre-fitting position is adjusted in advance in such a way that, during the coupling fitting operation, the distance between the upstream free end and the position 150A1 with respect to the rotational direction X4 and the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft is relatively larger (figure 22b). This is done in consideration of the dimensional tolerance of the parts. On the contrary, at the moment of disengagement of the coupling, the geometric axis L2 tilts in mutual relation with the rotation of the position of the rotating device C. Therefore, the pre-end part 150A2 downstream of the coupling 150 A3 moves along the free end part 180b3 of the drive shaft. In other words, the position of the free end 180A2 downstream with respect to the rotational direction X4 and the part of the free end 180b3 are substantially aligned with each other in a direction of the geometric axis Ll (figure 25 (c)). In addition, when coupling 150 disengages drive shaft 180, disengagement is possible regardless of the lag between coupling 150 and pin 182.

As shown in figure 22, in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force of the coupling 150, the angle in relation to the geometric axis Ll of the coupling 150 is such that, in the state where the cartridge (B) is mounted in the predetermined position of the main set of the apparatus (a) (the opposite position to the photosensitive drum), the coupling

150 receive the transmission of the rotational force of the drive shaft 180, and it rotates.

In addition, the angular pre-fitting position of the coupling 150 is the angular position just before the coupling 150 is brought into engagement with the drive shaft 180 in the assembly operation process to the predetermined position according to rotation of the rotating device C.

Furthermore, the angular position of disengagement of the coupling 150 is the angular position in relation to the geometric axis Ll of the coupling 150 at the moment of disengaging the cartridge (B) from the drive shaft 180, in the process of moving cartridge B from the predetermined position of according to the rotation of the rotating device C.

In the angular position of pre-fit or in the angular position of undocking, the angles beta2 and beta3 that the geometric axis L2 makes with the geometric axis Ll are larger than the betai angle that the geometric axis L2 makes with the geometric axis Ll in the angular position of rotational force transmission. As for theta angle 1, 0 degree is preferable. However, in this mode, if the betai angle is less than about 15 degrees, smooth transmission of the rotational force is performed. This is also one of the effects of this modality. As for the beta2 and beta3 angles, a range of about 20 - 60 degrees is preferable.

As previously described here, the coupling is pivoted on the Zl axis. And the coupling 150 tilts according to the rotation of the rotating device C without interfering with the drive shaft.

Here according to the above described modalities of the present invention, even if the cartridge B (development roller 110) moves in response to the movement of the rotating device C in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the geometric axis Z3 of the drive axis 180, the drum coupling element 150 can engage (engage) and disengage from the drive shaft 180. This is due to the fact that the drum coupling element 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention can assume the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, the angular position of pre-fitting and the angular of disengaging.

Here, as previously described, the angular position of transmitting the rotational force is the angular position of the drum coupling element 150 to transmit the rotational force for turning the developing roller 110 to developing roller 110.

The angular position of the pre-fitting is the inclined position in relation to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, which is the angular position of the drum coupling element 150 before the drum coupling element 150 engages the application part of the drum. rotational force.

The angular position of disengagement is the position that is tilted out of the angular position of pre-engagement with the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and that is the angular position of the drum coupling element 150 to the drum coupling element 150 disengages from drive shaft 180.

In the description presented, at the moment of disengaging, the receiving surface 150f upstream or the projection 150d upstream makes contact with the part of the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 in mutual relation with the rotation of the rotating device C. Thus, it has been described that the geometric axis L2 tilts upstream in the rotational direction X4. However, in this modality, this is not inevitable. For example, a switching spring (elastic material) is provided adjacent to the fulcrum of the rotating coupling device. And the structure is such that, when the coupling is engaged, a predisposing force is produced in the direction downstream of the rotational direction X4 in relation to the coupling. When the coupling is released, corresponding to the rotation of the rotating device C, the predisposition force is produced in the upstream direction in the rotational direction X4 in the coupling, contrary to the case of fitting by the function of this switching spring. Therefore, at the moment of disengaging the coupling, the receiving surface 150f upstream or the projection 150d in the rotational direction X4 and the free end part 180b of the drive shaft 180 are not brought into contact with each other, and the coupling disengages away from the drive shaft. In other words, as long as the geometric axis L2 of the coupling 150 tilts in response to the rotation of the rotating device C, any device can be used. In addition, just before the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180, the coupling is tilted so that the driven part 150a of the coupling faces downstream in the rotational direction X4. In other words, the coupling is put in advance in the state of the angular pre-fitting position. For this purpose, any device of Mode 2 et seq can be used.

Here, with reference to figure 26, a description will be made regarding the reduction of the time that image formation (development) requires in the present modality. Figure 26 is a timing graph showing the rotation of the development roller and so on.

Here, with reference to figure 26, the reduction in the time required for image formation (development) in this modality will be described. Figure 26 is a timing graph that illustrates the rotation of the development roller and the like.

Figure 26 shows the rotation and stop times of the development roller in a state in which the development apparatus (cartridge) is in a resting position until the development roller receives an image formation start signal to perform development for the first color (formation of yellow image) and development for a second color (formation of magenta image). With regard to subsequent disclosures for the third and fourth colors (cyan image formation and black image formation), the illustration is omitted because of redundant explanation.

In this embodiment, in the manner described above, the fitting operation between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 is completed during the rotation of the rotating device C, or immediately after the rotation of the rotating device C. During or immediately after the stop of the rotation. rotation of the rotating device C, the engagement operation of the coupling 150 on the drive shaft 180 is completed. Then, the development roller 110 is placed in a rotatable state or is rotated.

That is, in the case where the drive shaft 180 was already rotated before the coupling 150 starts a fitting operation on the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 starts the rotation simultaneously with the fitting on the drive shaft 180. Then, the roller developer 110 starts the rotation. Additionally, in the case where the drive shaft 180 stops, the coupling 150 stops without being rotated, even when the coupling fitting 150 on the drive shaft 180 is completed. When the drive shaft 180 starts to rotate, coupling 150 starts to rotate. Then, the developing roller 110 starts to rotate.

In any case, according to this modality, a rotational force transmission element on the side of the main assembly (for example, the coupling on the side of the main assembly) does not need to move back and forth in the direction of the axial line.

In this embodiment, the drive shaft 180 has already been rotated before coupling 150 starts the engagement operation on the drive shaft 180. Consequently, the image formation can be started quickly. Therefore, compared to the case where the drive shaft 180 stops, the time required for imaging can be reduced even further.

Additionally, in this mode, in the rotational state of the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 can be disconnected from the drive shaft 180. Consequently, in this mode, the drive shaft 180 also cannot be rotated or stopped so that the coupling 150 fit or unhook the drive shaft.

That is, according to the coupling 150 in this mode, the coupling 150 can be fitted and detached from the drive shaft 180, regardless of the rotation or stop of the drive shaft 180. This is also one of the observable effects of this mode.

Then, steps of rotary contact (development roller), yellow image formation, rotary separation (development roller) and rotation stop of the development roller are performed in this order. Simultaneously with the start of rotation of the rotating device, an operation is performed to disengage the cartridge coupling from the drive shaft of the main set of the device to prepare for a development operation for the second color.

In other words, in this mode, the coupling operation can be carried out and removed in relation to the rotation of the rotating device. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the time needed between developing the first color and developing the second color. Similarly, the time intervals between the development of the second color and the development of the third color, between the development of the third color and the development of the fourth color, between the resting position and the development of the first color, and between the development of the fourth color color and resting position can also be reduced. Consequently, the time required to obtain a color image on a sheet can be reduced. This is also one of the observable effects of this modality.

With reference to figure 27 and figure 28, a modified example of the developing axis will be described. Figure 27 is a perspective view of elements around the development axis. Figure 28 illustrates a characteristic part in figure 27.

In the previous description, the free end of the developing axis is a spherical surface, and the coupling makes contact with its spherical surface. However, as shown in figures 27 (a) and 28 (a), the free end 1153b of the development axis 1153 can be flat. A portion of the edge 1153c of a peripheral surface thereof makes contact with the coupling 150 to rotate the coupling 150. Even with a structure like this, the geometric axis L2 is certainly pivotable in relation to the geometric axis Ll. Furthermore, processing the spherical surface is unnecessary. For this reason, the cost can be reduced.

In the previous description, another drive pin of the drive is attached to the development axis. However, as shown in figures 27 (b) and 28 (b), it can be a separate element from the elongated development axis. A first development shaft 1253A is an element for supporting a rubber portion of the development roller (not shown). In addition, a second development axis 1253B is provided coaxially with the first development axis 1253A, and has integrally a rib for the drive transmissions to engage the coupling 150 1253Bc. In this case, the geometric latitude is improved by integral molded parts using injection molding and so on. For this reason, the rib part 1253Bc can be enlarged. Therefore, the transmission part area of the 1253Bd drive can be increased.

Even if it is a developing shaft made of resin material, it can transmit torque safely. In the figure, when the coupling 150 rotates in the direction of X8, the transmission surface of the 15 Oh drive of the coupling makes contact with the transmission part of the 1253Bd drive of the second drive shaft. When the contact area is large at this point, the tension applied to the rib 1253Bc is small. Therefore, the likelihood of damage to the coupling and so on is reduced. Furthermore, the first development axis can be the single metal axis, and the second development axis can be a product molded entirely from the resin material. In this case, the cost reduction is achieved.

As shown in figures 27 (c) and 28 (c), the opposite ends 1355al, 1355a2 of the rotating force transmission pin (rotational force receiving part) 1355 are fixed by snap fitting and so on in advance in the bore holes. transmission of the 1350gl or 1350g2 drive of the 1350 coupling. Then, the developing shaft 1353 which has the free end part 1353cl, 1353c2 made in the form of a slot can be inserted. At this time, it is preferable that the fitting part 1355b of the pin 1355 in relation to the part of the free end (not shown) of the developing shaft 1353 is made in a spherical shape so that the coupling 1350 is pivotable. By fixing the pin 1355 in this way in advance, it is not necessary to increase the size of the reserve hole 1350g of the coupling 1350 more than necessary. Therefore, the coupling stiffness is improved.

Furthermore, in the description presented, the inclination of the coupling's geometric axis follows the free end of the developing axis. However, as shown in figures 27 (d), 27 (e) and 28 (d), it can follow the contact surface 1457a of the support element 1457 coaxially with the developing axis 1453. In this case, the free surface of the end 1453b of developing axis 1453 is at a level comparable to the end surface of the support element. And the rotating force transmission pin (part of receiving the rotational force) 1453c projected from the free surface of the end 1453b is inserted into the opening 1450g of the coupling 1450. The rotational force is transmitted when this pin 1453c makes contact with the transmission surface of the rotational force (transmission part of the rotational force) 1450h of the coupling. In this way, the contact surface 1457a at the time of tilting the coupling 1450 is provided in the support element 1457. In this way, there is no need to process the developing axis directly, and the machining cost can be reduced.

Furthermore, similarly, the spherical surface at the free end may be a molded part of resin which is a separate element. In this case, the cost of machining the shaft can be reduced. This is due to the configuration of the axis processed by cutting and so on can be simplified. Furthermore, the spherical surface range of the free end of the shaft can be narrowed, and the machining cost can be reduced by limiting the range that requires highly accurate processing.

With reference to figure 29, a description will be made of a modified example of the drive shaft. Figure 29 is a perspective view of the drive shaft and the developing drive gear.

Similar to the developing axis, it is possible to form the free end of the drive shaft 1180 on a flat surface 1180b shown in figure 29 (a). In this way, the configuration of the shaft is simple, and the machining cost can be reduced. A pin (part of application of the rotational force) is designated by reference number 1182.

Furthermore, similarly to the developing axis, the transmission part of the 1280cl drive, 1280c2 can be integrally molded with the drive shaft 1280 as shown in figure 29 (b). When the drive shaft is a molded part of resin, the drive part of the drive can be molded as an integral part. Therefore, the cost reduction can be achieved.

As shown in figure 29 (c), in order to narrow the range of the free end part 1380b of the drive shaft 1380, the outside diameter of the free end of the shaft 13 80c may be smaller than the outside diameter of a main part 1380a . The free end portion 1380b requires a degree of precision in order to determine the position of the coupling (not shown) in the manner described above. For this reason, the surface that requires a high degree of precision can be reduced by limiting the spherical band only to the contact part of the coupling. In this way, the machining cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the unnecessary free end of the spherical surface can be cut similarly.

Furthermore, in the previous modes, in the direction of the LI geometric axis, there is no play between the development roller and the main set of the device. Here, the method for positioning the developing roller will be described with respect to the direction of the LI geometric axis as when there is play. In other words, the 1550 coupling is provided with a conical surface 1550e, 1550h. As for the drive shaft, a force is produced in the thrust direction by the rotation. In this way, the coupling and the developing roller are positioned with respect to the direction of the geometric axis Ll. With reference to figure 30 and figure 31, this will be described in detail. Figure 30 is a perspective view and a top plan view of the coupling alone. Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the drive shaft, the developing shaft and the coupling.

As shown in figure 30 (b), the surface receiving the rotational force 1550e forms an alpha angle 5 in relation to the geometric axis L2. When the drive shaft 180 rotates in the T1 direction, pin 182 and the receiving surface 1550e make contact with each other. Then, a component force is applied in the T2 direction on the 1550 coupling, and the coupling moves in the T2 direction. In more detail, the coupling 1550 moves until the receiving surface of the drive shaft 1550f (figure 31a) of the coupling 1550 makes contact with the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180. Thus, the position with respect to the direction the geometric axis L2 of the 1550 coupling is determined. Furthermore, the free end 180b is a spherical surface, and the receiving surface of the drive shaft 1550f of the coupling 1550 is a tapered surface. For this reason, in the direction perpendicular to the geometric axis L2, the position of the driven part 1550a of the coupling 1550 in relation to the driving axis 180 is determined.

Furthermore, as shown in figure 30 (c), the rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission part) 1550h forms the alpha angle 6 in relation to the geometric axis L2. When coupling 1550 rotates in the Tl direction, the transmission surface 1550h and pin 155 make contact with each other. Then, a component force is applied in the T2 direction at pin 155, and the pin moves in the T2 direction. And the development axis 153 moves until the free end 153b of development axis 153 makes contact with the development support surface 15501 (figure 31b) of the coupling 1550. In this way, the position of the development axis 153 (roller of the geometry axis L2 is determined.

Furthermore, the developing support surface 1550i of the coupling 1550 is a conical surface, and the free end 153b of the developing axis 153 is the spherical surface. For this reason, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the geometric axis L2, the position of the drive part 1550b of the coupling 1550 in relation to the developing axis 153 is determined.

The alpha 5 and alpha 6 taper angles are selected to be sufficient to produce the force to move the coupling and development roller in the direction of thrust. And the angles differ depending on the load. However, if other devices are provided to determine the position of the thrust direction, the alpha 5 and alpha 6 taper angles may be small.

For this reason, as previously described here, the coupling is provided with the taper to produce the retraction force in the direction of the geometric axis L2, and with the tapered surface to determine the position in the direction perpendicular to the geometric axis L2. In this way, the position in the direction of the geometric axis L2 of the coupling and the position in the direction perpendicular to the geometric axis can be determined simultaneously. Furthermore, guaranteed additional transmission of the rotational force can be performed. This will be described. When the surface receiving the rotational force or the surface transmitting the rotational force of the coupling does not have the taper angle above, the surface transmitting the rotational force or the surface receiving the rotational force of the coupling tilts because of the influence of dimensional tolerance, and so on, and the component force is produced in the direction (opposite the direction of T2 in figure 30) of the geometric axis L2. In this way, the contact between the rotational force receiving surface and the rotational force transmission surface of the drive transmission pin and the coupling is disturbed. However, with the structure described above, a problem like this is avoided.

However, it is not inevitable that the coupling is provided with both such a conical retraction and positioning surface. For example, in place of the taper to pull in the direction of the geometric axis L2, a part for predisposition in the direction of the geometric axis L2 can be incorporated. Hereinafter, as long as there is no particular description, the case will be described where both the tapered surface and the conical surface are formed.

With reference to figure 32, the device will be described to adjust the direction of inclination of the coupling in relation to the cartridge for the fit between the coupling and the driving axis of the main assembly of the device. Fig. 32 is a side view showing a main part of the drive side of the cartridge, and Fig. 33 is a sectional view taken along S7-S7 of Fig. 32.

Here, in order to adjust the inclination direction of the coupling 150 in relation to the cartridge B, the support element (mounting element) 1557 is provided with a regulating part 1557hl or 1557h2. This adjustment part 1557hl or 1557h2 is provided in such a way that it is substantially parallel to the rotational direction X4 just before the coupling engages the drive shaft 180. Furthermore, its D7 intervals are slightly larger than the outside diameter of the drive part 150b of the 150 phi D6 coupling. In this way, coupling 150 is pivotable in the X4 rotational direction. Furthermore, the coupling is pivotable in all directions in relation to the development axis. For this reason, regardless of the development axis phase, the coupling can be tilted in the regulated direction. Therefore, it is easy to insert the drive shaft (not shown) in the insertion opening 150m for the drive shaft of coupling 150 much more precisely. Therefore, they can be fitted more securely.

In addition, in the previous description, the angle in the angular position of the coupling pre-fit 150 in relation to the geometric axis LI is greater than the angle of the angular position of disengagement (figure 22, figure 25). However, this is not inevitable. With reference to figure 34, the description will be made.

Figure 34 is a longitudinal sectional view to illustrate the coupling assembly process. As shown in figure 35, in the state of (a) the coupling assembly process in the direction of the geometric axis Ll, the position of the free end downstream 1850A1 with respect to the rotational direction X4 is closest to the direction of the drive axis

182 (the application part of the rotational force) than the free end of the drive shaft 180b3. In the state of (b), the position of the free end 1850Al is brought into contact with the part of the free end 180b. At this time, the position of the free end 1850A1 moves in the direction of the development axis 153 along the part of the free end downstream 180b of the drive axis 180 with respect to the rotational direction X4 of the rotating device. And the position of the free end 1850A1 passes through the part of the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft 180 in this position and the coupling 150 takes the angular pre-fitting position (figure 34 (c)). Finally, the connection between the coupling 1850 and the drive shaft 180 is established ((angular position of transmission of the rotational force (figure 34 (d))). When the free end part 1850A1 passes through the free end 180b3, the position of the free end 1850A1 makes contact with the free end 180b3, or is positioned on the side of the developing axis (153) or developing roller.

An example of this modality will be described.

First, as shown in figure 5, the diameter of the developing axis 153 is ΦΖ1, the diameter of the pin axis 155 is ΦΖ2 and the length is Z3. As shown in figures 6 (d), (e) and (f), the maximum outer diameter of the driven part 150a of the coupling 150 is ΦΖ4 the diameter of an imaginary circle Cl (figure 6 (d)) that forms the inner ends of the projections 150dl or 150d2 or 150d3, 150d4 is ΦΖ5, and the maximum outside diameter of the drive part 150b is ΦΖ6. Referring to figures 22 and 25, the angle formed between the coupling 150 and the conical receiving surface of the drive shaft 150f is a2, and the angle formed between the coupling 150 and the receiving surface of the axis 1501 is al. The diameter of the drive shaft 180 is ΦΖ7, the diameter of pin 182 is ΦΖ8 and the length is Z9). Furthermore, the angle in relation to the geometric axis Ll in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force is βΐ, the angle in the angular position of pre-fit is β2 and the angle in the angular position of disengage is β3. In this example, Zl = 8 mm; Z2 = 2 mm; Z3 = 12 mm; Z4 = 15 mm; Z5 = 10 mm; Z6 = 19 mm; Z7 = 8 mm; Z8 = 2 mm; Z9 = 14 mm; al = 70 degrees; a2 = 120 degrees; β1 = 0 degree; β2 = 35 degrees and β3 = 30 degrees.

With these adjustments, it was confirmed that the devices of this modality work satisfactorily. However, these adjustments do not limit the present invention.

Mode 2

With reference to figure 36 - figure 38, the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.

In this embodiment, a device will be described for tilting the geometric axis of the coupling in relation to the geometric axis of the developing roller.

In the description of this modality, the same reference numbers as Modality 1 are assigned to elements with the corresponding functions in this modality, and their detailed description is omitted for the sake of simplification. This also applies to the other modality described below.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a locking element of the coupling (that is peculiar to the present embodiment) glued to the support element. Fig. 37 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the drive side of the cartridge. Fig. 38 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an embedded state between the drive shaft and the coupling.

As shown in figure 36, the support element 3157 has a space 3157b that surrounds a coupling part. A locking element of the coupling 3159 as a maintenance element for maintaining the inclination of the coupling 3150 is glued to the surface of the cylinder 3157i that constitutes its space. As will be described below, this locking element

3159 it is an element to temporarily maintain the state where the geometric axis L2 tilts in relation to the geometric axis Ll. In other words, as shown in figure 36, the flange part 3150j of the coupling 3150 makes contact with this locking element 3159. In this way, the geometric axis L2 maintains the state of inclination in the downstream direction with respect to the rotational direction (X4 ) of the cartridge in relation to the Ll axis. Therefore, as shown in figure 46, the locking element 3159 is arranged on the surface of the cylinder upstream 3157i of the support element 3157 with respect to the rotational direction X4. As the material of the locking element 3159, material with a relatively high friction coefficient, such as rubber and elastomer, or elastic materials, such as sponge and flat spring, are suitable. This is because the inclination of the geometric axis L2 can be maintained by the frictional force, the elastic force, and so on.

With reference to figure 38, the fitting operation (a part of the cartridge assembly and disassembly operation) to fit the 3150 coupling to the drive shaft 180 will be described. Figures 38 (al) and (bl) illustrate the state immediately before of the socket, and figures 38 (a2) and (b2) illustrate the state of the end of the socket.

As shown in figure 38 (al) and figure 38 (bl), the geometric axis L2 of the 3150 coupling tilts downstream (retracted position) with respect to the rotational direction X4 in relation to the geometric axis Ll in advance by the force of the locking element 3159 (pre-locking angular position). In this way, the inclination of the coupling 3150 in the direction of the geometric axis Ll, part of the free end downstream (with respect to the mounting direction) 3150Al is closer to the side of the cartridge (development roller) than the free end of the axis of 180b3 drive. And the part of the free end upstream (with respect to the mounting direction) 3150A2 is closer to pin 182 than the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft 180. Furthermore, at this moment, as previously described, the flange part 3150j of the coupling 150 makes contact with the locking element 3159. And the inclined state of the geometric axis L2 is maintained by its frictional force.

Then, cartridge B moves in the X4 rotational direction. In this way, the free surface of the end 180b or the free end of the pin 182 makes contact with the receiving surface of the drive shaft 3150f of the coupling 3150. And the geometric axis L2 approaches the direction in parallel with the geometric axis Ll through its contact force (force that rotates the rotating element). At this time, the flange part 3150j escapes the locking element 3159 and is in the out of contact state.

And finally, the geometric axis Ll and the geometric axis L2 are substantially coaxial with each other.

And the 3150 coupling is in a waiting (reserve) state to transmit the rotational force (figures 38 (a2), (b2)) (angular position of transmission of the rotational force).

Similarly to mode 1, the rotating device C oscillates around a central geometric axis of oscillation and places the development roller 110 in contact with the photosensitive drum 107. And the rotational force of the motor 64 is transmitted to the coupling 3150, at pin 155, to the development axis 153 and to the development roller 110 through the drive axis 180. The geometry axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the geometry axis Ll during rotation. For this reason, the locking element 3159 does not make contact with the 3150 coupling and does not affect the activation of the 3150 coupling.

After the finished image is formed, the rotating device C oscillates in the opposite direction and the developing roller 110 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 107. And then, in order to image the next color, the rotating device C begins to revolution. In this case, the coupling 3150 disengages from the drive shaft 180. In other words, the coupling 3150 moves from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position of disengagement. Since the operation in this case is the same as in Modality 1 (figure 25), its description is omitted for the sake of simplification.

Furthermore, at the moment when the rotating device C performs a complete revolution, the geometric axis L2 of the coupling 3150 tilts downstream in the rotational direction X4 by known means. In other words, the coupling 3150 moves from the angular position of disengagement to the angular position of pre-engagement by means of the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. In doing so, the flange part 3150j makes contact with the locking element 3159, and the inclined state of the coupling is maintained again.

As previously described here, the inclined state of the geometric axis L2 is maintained by the locking element 3159 glued to the support element 3157. In this way, the fit between the coupling and the driving axis is established much more precisely.

In the present embodiment, the locking element 3159 is glued to the upstream side of the inner surface 31571 of the support element with respect to the rotational direction X4. However, this is not inevitable. For example, what is needed is the position where its tilted state can be maintained when the L2 geometry axis is tilted.

The locking element 3159 has been described in contact with the flange part (figure 38bl) 3150j (figure 38bl). However, the contact position can be the driven part 3150a (figure 38bl).

In this embodiment, although it has been described that the locking element is a separate element, this is not inevitable. For example, it can be integrally molded with the support element 3157 (two-color molding, for example), and the support element 3157 can be directly brought into contact with the 3150 coupling in place of the lock element 3159. Or The coupling surface can be made rougher to increase the friction coefficient.

Furthermore, although it has been described that the locking element 3159 is glued to the developing support element 3157, it can be anything, if it is an element attached to cartridge B.

Mode 3

With reference to figure 39 - figure 42, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Description of devices for tilting the L2 geometry axis in relation to the L1 geometry axis will be made.

As shown in figure 39 (perspective view), a coupling pressure element peculiar to the present embodiment is mounted on the support element. Figure 40 is a perspective view showing the pressure element of the coupling. Figure 41 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the drive side of the cartridge. Fig. 42 is a perspective view showing the fitting operation and a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling.

As shown in Figure 39, the spring support parts 4157el, 4157e2 are provided on the inner surface 4157i of the support element (mounting element) 4157. Furthermore, the parts of the turns 4159b, 4159c of spiral torsion springs (elements of the coupling) 4159 are mounted on the support parts 4157el, 4157e2. And, as shown in figure 40, a contact part 4159a of the predisposing element 4159 makes contact with the side of the driven part 4150a of a part of the flange 4150j of the 4150 coupling. The spring 4159 is twisted to produce an elastic force. In this way, the geometric axis L2 of the 4150 coupling is tilted in relation to the geometric axis Ll (figure 41, angular pre-fit position). The contact position of the predisposition element 4159 for the flange part 4150j is adjusted downstream from the center of the developing axis 153 with respect to the rotational direction X4. For this reason, the geometric axis (L2) is tilted in relation to the geometric axis (Ll) so that the side of the driven part 4150a is directed downstream with respect to the rotational direction (X4).

In the present embodiment, although the spiral torsion spring is used as the predisposition element (elastic material), this is not inevitable. Any device that can produce elastic forces, such as, for example, leaf springs, rubber and sponge, can be used. However, in order to tilt the L2 geometry axis, a certain amount of stroke is required. Therefore, an element that can provide a course is desirable.

Furthermore, the support part of the spring 4157el, 4157e2 of the support element 4157 and the part of the turns 4159b, 4159c function as the retaining rib for the coupling described with respect to Mode 1 (figure 9, figure 12).

With reference to figure 42, the fitting operation (a part of the rotation operation of the rotating device) between the 4150 coupling and the drive shaft 180 will be described. (Al) and (bi) in figure 42 are seen immediately before the fitting , and (a2) and (b2) in figure 42 illustrate the state where the fitting was completed. (a3) and (b3) in figure 42 are seen in the state where the fitting has been released, and (a4) and (b4) in figure 42 are seen in the state where the geometric axis L2 tilts downstream with respect to to the X4 rotational direction again.

In the state (coupling retraction position 4150) of figures 42 (al) and 42 (bl), its geometric axis L2 is in advance tilted in the downstream direction in relation to the rotational direction X4 in relation to the geometric axis Ll (angular position of pre-fitting). Thus, the 4150 coupling is tilted. In this way, in the direction of the geometric axis Ll, the position of the free end downstream 4150Al with respect to the rotational direction X4 is positioned on the side of the cartridge (development roller) in addition to the free end of the drive shaft 180b3. Furthermore, the position of the upstream free end 4150A2 with respect to the rotational direction X4 is positioned beyond the side of the pin 182 from the free end of the drive shaft 180b3. In other words, as previously described here, the flange part 4150j is pressed by the bias element 4159. For this reason, the geometry axis L2 is inclined in relation to the geometry axis L1 by the predisposition force.

Then, cartridge B moves in the X4 rotational direction. In this way, the free surface of the end 180b or the free end of the pin 182 makes contact with the receiving surface of the drive shaft 4150f of the 4150 coupling. And the geometric axis L2 approaches the angle in parallel with the geometric axis Ll through contact force (rotational force of the rotating device).

Simultaneously, the flange part 4150j and the bias spring 4159 make contact with each other. In this way, spring 4159 is twisted to increase the moment. Finally, the geometric axis Ll and the geometric axis L2 are substantially coaxial with each other, and the 4150 coupling is in a state of rotational latency (figure 42 (a2), (b2)) (angular position of transmission of the rotational force) .

Similarly to mode 1, the rotational force is transmitted from motor 64 to coupling 4150, pin 155, development shaft 153 and development roller 110 through drive shaft 180. The predisposing force of predisposition element 4159 applies to the 4150 coupling at the time of rotation. However, if the drive torque of motor 64 has a sufficient margin, the 4150 coupling will rotate with high precision.

When the rotating element turns further, the coupling

4150 separates from the drive shaft 180 as shown in figures 42 (a3) and (b3). In other words, the spherical surface of the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 pushes the receiving surface of the drive shaft 4150f of the coupling. In this way, the geometric axis L2 tilts in the opposite direction to the direction (opposite the rotational direction X4) with respect to the geometric axis Ll (angular disengagement position). In doing so, the predisposition element 4159 is further twisted so that the predisposition force (elastic force) increases further. For this reason, after coupling 4150 disengages from drive axis 180, the geometric axis L2 is again tilted in the rotational direction X4 in relation to the geometric axis L1 by the predisposing force of the predisposing element 4159 (angular pre-locking position, figure 42 (a4), (b4)). In this way, even if the device for tilting the geometric axis L2 in the direction of the angular position of the pre-fit when the drive axis 180 and the coupling 4150 are again coupled by the revolution of the rotating device C with each other is not provided particularly, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 4150 are connectable (pluggable) to each other.

As previously described here, the predisposition is carried out by the predisposition element 4159 provided in the support element 4157. In this way, the geometric axis L2 is inclined with respect to the geometric axis Ll. Therefore, the inclined state of the 4150 coupling is maintained safely and the fit (coupling) between the 4150 coupling and the drive shaft 180 is guaranteed.

The position of the predisposing element in the present modality is not restrictive. For example, it can be another position on support element 4157, or it can be an element without being an element like this.

In addition, the predisposition direction of predisposition element 4159 is the same direction as the geometric axis Ll, but if the geometric axis L2 tilts in the predetermined direction, it can be any direction.

Furthermore, the energizing position of the predisposition element 4159 is the position of the flange part 4150j, but if the geometrical axis L2 tilts in the direction of the predetermined direction, it can be any position of the coupling.

Mode 4

With reference to figure 43 - figure 46, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The device for tilting the L2 geometry axis with respect to the L1 geometry axis will be described.

Fig. 43 is an exploded perspective view showing the state before assembling the main elements of the development cartridge. Fig. 44 is an enlarged side view of the drive side of the cartridge. Fig. 45 is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure for the tilting geometric axis L2. Fig. 46 is the drive shaft and a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the fitting operation between the coupling.

As shown in figure 43 and figure 45, a locking element of the coupling 5157k is provided in the support element (mounting element) 5157. When the support element 5157 is mounted in the direction of the geometric axis Ll, while a part of a locking surface 5157kl of locking element 5157k makes contact with the inclined surface 5150m of the 5150 coupling, the part fits on the upper surface 5150j 1 of a part of the 5150j flange. At this time, the 5150j flange part is assembled with game (alpha angle 49) between locking surface 5157kl and circular column part of the developing axis 153 153a. Even when the dimensional tolerances of the 5150 coupling, the support element 5157 and the developing shaft 153 vary, the flange part 5150jl can safely lock in the locking part 5157kl of the support element 5157 by providing this set (alpha angle 49) .

And, as shown in figure 45 (a), the L2 geometry axis is tilted so that the side of the driven part 5150a faces downstream with respect to the rotational direction X4 in relation to the geometric axis Ll. Furthermore, since the 5150j flange part extends across the entire circumference, it can be mounted independently of the 5150 coupling phase. In addition, as described with respect to Mode 1, the coupling is pivotable in the X4 rotational direction by the regulation part 5157hl or 5157h2. Furthermore, in this mode, the locking element 5157k is provided in the most downstream position in the X4 rotational direction.

As will be described below, as shown in figure 45 (b), in the state in engagement with the drive shaft 180, the 5150j flange part is released from the locking element 5157k. In addition, the 5150 coupling is free from the locking part 5157k. When mounting the support element 5157, when the 5150 coupling cannot be retained in an inclined state, the drive part 5150b of the coupling is pushed by the tool and so on (the direction of an arrow X14 in figure 45 (b)). In this way, the 5150 coupling will be easily assembled (figure 45 (a)).

With reference to figure 46, the fitting operation (a part of rotating rotation operation) between the 5150 coupling and the drive shaft 180 will be described. Figure 46 (a) shows a view just before the fitting, and (b) is a view after a coupling part 5150 passes the drive shaft 180. Furthermore, (c) illustrates the state where the inclination of the 5150 coupling is released by the drive shaft 180, and (d) illustrates the engaged state.

In the state of figure 46 (a) and (b), the 5150 coupling assumes a retraction position, where its geometric axis L2 is tilted in advance to the rotational direction X4 in relation to the geometric axis Ll (angular position of pre-fit) . The position of the free end downstream 5150A1 with respect to the rotational direction X4 assumes a position closer to the cartridge B (development roller) than the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 by tilting the 5150 coupling. Furthermore, the position of the free end upstream 5150A2 with respect to the rotational direction X4 is positioned on the side of the pin 182 from the free end of the drive shaft 180b3. At this time, as previously described here, the 5150j flange part makes contact with the locking surface 5157kl of the locking part 5157k and, as for the coupling, the inclined state is maintained.

Then, in the manner shown in (c), cartridge B moves in the rotational direction X4. In this way, the conical receiving surface of the 5150f drive shaft of the 5150 coupling or 5150d drive projection makes contact with the free end part 180b of the drive shaft 180, or the pin 182. The 5150j flange part separates from the locking 5157kl by force by contact. In this way, the lock in relation to the support element 5157 of the 5150 coupling is released. And, in response to the rotation of the rotating device C, the coupling is tilted so that the geometric axis L2 is parallel to the geometric axis Ll. After the passage of the 5150j flange part, the locking element 5157k resumes to the previous position by the restoring force. Then, the 5150 coupling is free of the locking part 5157k. And finally, as shown in (d), the geometric axis Ll and the geometric axis L2 are substantially coaxial, and the state of rotational latency is established (angular position of transmission of the rotational force).

And, after the finished imaging operation, the next cartridge B reaches the developing position. For this purpose, the rotating device C rotates again. In this case, the 5150 coupling disengages from the drive shaft 180. In other words, the 5150 coupling moves to the angular position of disengaging from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. Since the details of the operation in this case are the same as in Modality 1 (figure 25), its description is omitted for the sake of simplification.

Furthermore, at the moment when the rotating device C makes a complete revolution, the geometric axis L2 of the 5150 coupling tilts downstream with respect to the rotational direction X4 by means of an unknown device. In other words, the 5150 coupling moves from the angular position of disengagement to the angular position of pre-engagement by means of the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. In doing so, the flange part 5150j makes contact with the locking element 3157k, and the inclined state of the coupling is maintained again.

As previously described here, the tilting direction of the 5150 coupling is regulated by the locking part 5157k of the support element 5157. In this way, the tilted state of the 5150 coupling is maintained even more securely. And the fit between the 5150 coupling and the drive shaft 180 is securely established. In addition, at the moment of rotation, the structure that the locking part 5157k does not make contact on the 5150 coupling also contributes to the stabilized transmission of the rotational force.

In this embodiment, the locking part 5157k has an elastic part. However, the locking part 5157k may not have the elastic part and can be made in the form of a rib through which the flange part of the coupling is made to deform. In this way, similar effects are provided.

In addition, the locking part 5157k is provided further downstream with respect to the X4 rotational direction. However, the locking part 5157k can be any position if the L2 geometry axis can maintain the inclined state in the predetermined direction.

In this embodiment, the locking part 5157k consists of a part of support elements. However, the locking part 5157k can be provided in another position of the support element, or it can be an element other than the support element. Furthermore, the locking part can be a separate element.

Furthermore, the present modality and Modality 2 or Modality 3 can be implemented simultaneously, and the coupling and detaching operations of the coupling in relation to the drive shaft are carried out even more safely in this case.

Mode 5

With reference to figure 47 - figure 51, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The device for tilting the geometric axis L2 in relation to the geometric axis LI will be described.

Figure 47 shows a view of the support element and the rotating flange of the drive side, seen in the direction of the geometric axis Ll. Figure 48 shows a view of the elements of the main set of the device, seen in the direction of the geometric axis Ll. Figure 49 is the same as figure 48, however, the location of the coupling is added. Figure 50 is a sectional view taken along the lines S10-S10, Sll-Sll, S12-S12, S13-S13, S14-S14 in figure 49.

First, with reference to figure 47, the structure for regulating the inclination direction of the coupling 150 will be described. The support element 7157 rotates integrally with the rotating device C. The element 7157 is provided with adjustment parts 7I57hl or 7157h2 to allow the inclination only in said direction of the 7150 coupling. The D6 distance between these regulating parts is slightly greater than the outside diameter (not shown) of drive part 7150b of coupling 7150 to allow rotation of coupling 7150, and regulating parts 7157hl and 7157h2 are tilted at an alpha angle 7 in relation to the X4 rotational direction. In this way, the 7150 coupling is pivotable in the alpha X5 direction with respect to the X4 rotational direction.

With reference to figure 48, the method for tilting the 7150 coupling will be described. In the present embodiment, an adjustment rib 1630R provided on the drive side 180 is provided. The radius of the inner surface in the radial direction of the rib 1630R is gradually reduced in the direction from the downstream part 1630Rb from the upstream part 1630Ra, R-2 with respect to the rotational direction X4. And the radius Rl of this surface is selected so that it makes contact and is affected by the outer periphery 7150cl of the intermediate part 7150c of the coupling of figure 45.

When coupling 7150 makes contact with the adjusting rib 1630R, coupling 7150 is pushed in the direction of the geometric axis of rotation of the rotating device C. At this point, coupling 7150 is regulated by the regulating parts 1557hl or 1557h2 in the direction of movement. For this reason, the 7150 coupling is tilted in the X5 direction.

An increase in the degree of interference will also increase the inclination of the 7150 coupling. The configuration of the adjustment rib 16308 is such that, before the 7150 coupling engages the drive shaft 180, the amount of interference is increased until the angle of the inclination of the 7150 coupling, take the plug-in angle. In the present mode, the section from position 1630Rb to position 163ORc is located in the same positions as the radius of the geometric axis of rotation of the rotating device C. The radius is indicated by R-1.

Figure 49 illustrates the location until coupling 7150 fits the drive shaft 180 along the guide 1630R with the rotation of the rotating device C. A section taken along the lines S10-S10-S1486

S14 in figure 49 is shown in figure 50 (a) - (e).

The 7150 coupling penetrates the 1630R adjustment rib region in the direction of X4. At this point, the coupling faces the direction of X6, which is substantially the forward direction, faces the opposite direction of X7, or faces the intermediate direction. Here, the case where the 7150 coupling faces X7 will be described.

The tilting direction X5 (figure 47) of the 7150 coupling is the alpha angle 7 in relation to the rotational direction X4. In view of this, when the coupling 7150 tilts in the direction of the X7 direction, the driven part 7150a of the coupling tilts outwards with respect to the radial direction of the rotating device C (figure 47). The gap G1 is provided between the coupling 7150 and the adjustment rib 16308 where it enters the reach of the adjustment element 1630R.

When the rotation of the rotating device C advances to the section Sll-Sll, the coupling 7150 and the adjustment rib 1630R make contact with each other (figure 50b). The radius of the adjustment rib 1630R is gradually reduced. Therefore, the degree of interference increases as the 7150 coupling advances.

In the position of section S12-S12, the adjustment rib 1630R pushes coupling 7150 upwards and is coaxial with the development axis (figure 50c). At this point, the movement of the 7150 coupling is regulated by the adjustment rib 1630R. In view of this, the 7150 coupling is pivotal only in the X8 direction (only in the X6 direction in the cross sectional position of S10-S10), and cannot be tilted in the opposite direction X8 to it.

In the cross sectional position S13-S13, the degree of interference of the coupling in relation to the adjustment rib 1630R increases. In view of this, the 7150 coupling is pushed upwards by the rib 1630R, and is forcibly tilted in the direction of X9 (direction X8 in section S12-S12) (figure 50 (d)) (angular pre-fitting position).

In this state, the rotary device C is rotated until the coupling is coaxial with the drive shaft 180 (section position S14-S14). In this way, the 7150 coupling can be fitted to the drive shaft 180 using an operation similar to Mode 1 (angular position of transmission of the rotational force).

Then, after the finished image is formed, the 7150 coupling is detached from the drive shaft 180, so that a series of operations is completed (since the detachment operation is the same as those of the previous modalities, its description is omitted for simplification). This operation is repeated for each image formation.

In order that the coupling does not interfere with the adjustment rib, the coupling makes contact with it from the outside with respect to the radial direction, and thus tilts the coupling. However, it is adjusted in such a way that the alpha 7 angles (in figure 47, the X5 direction) of the adjustment parts 1557hl or 1557h2 are linearly symmetrical with respect to the tangential direction (the X4 direction). In this way, the same operation is performed when the adjusting rib 1630R makes contact from the inner radial side.

The cartridge does not need to be provided with the mechanism for tilting the coupling when the orientation of the 7150 coupling is regulated by the adjusting rib 1630R. In this way, the cartridge cost reduction can be realized.

In this embodiment, the coupling can slide safely along the rib by applying force to the coupling with the spring and so on.

Furthermore, it moves in the guide rib via an intermediate part 7150c of the coupling. However, if the coupling can be tilted, it can move in the guide rib through the position other than the middle.

In addition, the present modality, Modality 2, or Modality 3, or Modality 4 can be implemented simultaneously and, in such a case, the coupling operations of the coupling can be guaranteed.

Mode 6

With reference to figure 51 - figure 52, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this mode, the configuration of another coupling is used.

Fig. 51 is an illustration of the coupling which are the main constituent elements of the present embodiment. Fig. 52 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the engaged state and the state before the engagement between the drive axis of the main apparatus assembly and the coupling.

First, with reference to figure 51, the configuration of the coupling per se will be described.

Figure 51 (a) shows a view of the coupling, from the side of the main assembly of the apparatus, figure 51 (b) shows a view of the coupling, seen from the side of the development roller, and figure 51 (c) is a view sectional taken along S4-S4 in figure 51 (a).

The 8150 coupling is generally cylindrical. As shown in figure 51 (c), the 8150 coupling has a drive shaft insertion opening part 8150m and a development shaft insertion part 8150p to receive the rotational force of the drive shaft from the main set of the apparatus . The 8150m opening is provided with a conical receiving surface for the 8150f drive shaft. On the cylindrical inner surface, a plurality of projections driven 8150d (8150dl or 8150d2 or 8150d3, 8150d4) are arranged in the form of ribs. Furthermore, in figure 51 (a), a rotational force transmission surface (rotational force receiving part) 8150el-e4 is provided downstream of the 8150d projection with respect to the clockwise direction. And the rotational force (drive force) is transmitted by the contact of pin 182 of the drive shaft 180 with the transmission surface 8150el-e4 to the 8150 coupling.

The 8150p aperture is similarly provided with a tapered surface of the 8150 development holder. Furthermore, the cylindrical inner surface is provided with the 8150gl or 8150g2 rib projections. Furthermore, in figure 50 (b), a transmission surface (transmission part of the rotational force) 8150hl or 8150h2 is provided in a position upstream of the 8150gl or 8150g2 disclosure drive opening with respect to the clockwise direction.

With reference to figure 52, the description regarding the coupling fitting operation will be made.

Fig. 52 (a) is a sectional view showing a state before engaging the drive shaft 180 after the movements of the developing shaft 180 and coupling 8150 in the rotational direction X4. The geometry axis Z2 tilts at an alpha angle 7 so that the position of the free end downstream 8150A1 with respect to the rotational direction X4 can pass the part of the free end 180b. At this time, the upstream parts 182a and downstream 182b of pin 182 maintain the state embedded in the transmission surface (rotational force receiving part) 8150hl or 8150h2 (figure 51c) of the 8150 coupling.

Figure 52 (b) illustrates the coupling 150 described with respect to Mode 1, in the same orientation as figure 52 (a). As can be understood from figure 52 (b), the geometric axis L2 of the coupling 150 is tilted at an alpha angle 7 similar to figure 52 (a). Thus, the fit between the upstream pin 155 and the transmission surface of the upstream drive 8150hl is not established with respect to the rotational direction X4. In other words, there is a G7 gap between pin 155 and the transmission surface 150hl. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the 8150 coupling has the contact parts for the transmission of rotational force in two places, as shown in figure 52 (a). For this reason, the orientation of the coupling is further stabilized.

As previously described here, the coupling has a cylindrical shape. In this way, even if it is necessary to increase the angle of inclination (angular pre-fitting position) of the coupling, the contact parts for the transmission of rotational force in two places are guaranteed. Therefore, the tilting operation of the stabilized coupling can be performed.

Since the transmission of the coaxial rotational force between the drive axis 180 and the development axis 153 and the fitting release operation between them are the same as in Mode 1, these descriptions are omitted for the sake of simplification.

Mode 7

With reference to figure 53, the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The present modality is different from Modality 1 in the coupling configuration. Figure 53 (a) is a perspective view of a coupling that is generally cylindrical in shape, and Figure 53 (b) is a sectional view when the coupling mounted on the cartridge engages a drive shaft.

In figures 5 3 (a) and 53 (b), the rotational force is fed by the main assembly on the right side, and the development roller on the left side is driven.

A leading edge of the 9150 coupling is provided with a plurality of driven projections (rotational force receiving parts) 9150d. In this modality, they are provided in two positions. Input parts or 9150k inputs are provided between the receiving projections of the 9150d drive. The 9150d projection is provided with a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving part) 9150e. A rotating force transmission pin (rotational force application part) 9182 of the drive shaft 9180 as described below makes contact with the receiving surface of the rotational force 9150e. In this way, a rotational force is transmitted to the 9150 coupling.

In order to stabilize the torque transmitted to the coupling, a plurality of surfaces for receiving the rotational force 150e is desirably arranged on the same circumference (in a common circle). By the arrangement in this way, the transmission radius of the rotational force is constant and the transmitted torque is stabilized. A sudden increase in torque can be avoided. Furthermore, from the point of view of stabilizing the drive transmission, the receiving surfaces 9150e are desirably provided in diametrically opposite positions (180 degrees). In addition, the number of the receiving surfaces 9150e can be any, if the pin 9182 of the drive shaft 9180 can be received by the spare part 9150k. In the present modality, the number is two. The surfaces receiving the rotational force 9150e may not be on the same circumference, or they may not be arranged in diametrically opposite positions.

In addition, the cylinder surface of the 9150 coupling is provided with the reserve opening 9150g. In addition, a 9150g aperture is provided with the rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission part) 9150h. The drive pin of the drive (rotational force receiving element) 9155 (figure 53 (b)) of the development axis 9153 makes contact with this surface of transmission of the rotational force 9150h. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted from the main assembly A to the developing roller 110.

Similarly to the 9150d projection, the 9150h rotational force transmission surface is desirably arranged diametrically opposite on the same circumference.

The development axis 9153 and drive axis 9180 configurations will be described (figure 53 (b)). In Mode 1, the cylindrical end is a spherical surface. In this embodiment, however, the diameter of a spherical part of the free end 9153b of the end part is greater than the diameter of a main part 9153a. With this configuration, the left end part of the 9150 coupling can tilt without interference in the main part 9150a. The configuration of the drive shaft 9180 is substantially the same as the development shaft 9150. In other words, the configuration of the free end part 9180b is the spherical surface, and its diameter is greater than the diameter of the main part 9180a of the part of cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the pin (part of application of the rotational force) 9182 is provided which pierces the substantial center of the part of the free end 9180b which is the spherical surface. Pin 9182 transmits the rotational force to the transmission surface or receiving surface of the 9150e rotational force of the 9150 coupling.

The development shaft 9150 and the spherical surface of the drive shaft 9180 fit into the inner surface 9150p of the 9150 coupling. In this way, the relative position between the development shaft 9150 and the 9150 coupling of the drive shaft 9180 is determined. The operation in relation to the assembly and disassembly of the 9150 coupling in relation to the drive shaft 9180 is the same as in Mode 1 and, therefore, its description is omitted for the sake of simplification.

As previously described here, the coupling is cylindrical in shape and therefore the position with respect to the direction perpendicular to the direction of the geometric axis L2 of the 9150 coupling can be determined if the coupling fits the axis.

A modified example of the coupling will be described in detail. In the 9250 coupling configuration shown in figure 53 (c), a cylindrical shape and a conical shape are grouped. Fig. 53 (d) is a sectional view of the coupling of this modified example. A driven part 9250a of coupling 9250 (right side in the figure) has a cylindrical shape, and an inner surface 9250p of this fits in the spherical surface of the drive shaft 9180. In addition, it has the support surface 925Oq and can perform the positioning with respect to the axial direction between the 9250 coupling and the drive shaft 180. The drive part 9250b has a conical shape (left side of the figure) and, similarly to Mode 1, the position in relation to the development axis 153 is determined by the receiving surface of the development axis 9250x.

The 9350 coupling configuration shown in figure 53 (e) is a combination of a cylindrical shape and a tapered shape. Fig. 53 (f) is a sectional view of this modified example. The driven part 9350a of the coupling 9350 has a cylindrical shape (right side), and its internal surface 9350p fits the spherical surface of the drive shaft 9180. Positioning in the axial direction of the drive shaft 9180 is carried out by supporting the spherical surface 9180c of the drive shaft 9180 on the part of the edge 9350q formed between the cylindrical parts with different diameters.

The 9450 coupling configuration shown in figure 53 (g) is a combination of a spherical surface, a cylindrical shape and a conical shape. Fig. 53 (h) is a sectional view of this modified example, in which an actuated part 9450a of coupling 9450 (right side) has a cylindrical shape, and its internal surface 945Op fits in the spherical surface 9450q of the drive shaft. A spherical surface of the drive shaft 180 makes contact with a spherical surface 9450q which is a part of the spherical surface. In this way, the position can be determined with respect to the direction of the geometric axis L2. The projections are called 9250d, 9350d, 9450d. The surfaces for receiving the rotational force (part for receiving the rotational force) are designated 925Oe, 9350e and 9450e.

Mode 8

With reference to figure 54 - figure 56, the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The present modality is different from Modality 1 in the assembly operation related to the coupling drive shaft, and the structure in relation to it. Fig. 54 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a coupling 10150 of the present embodiment. The 10150 coupling configuration is a combination of the cylindrical and the conical shape that were described in Mode 7. Furthermore, a tapered surface 10150r is provided on the free end side of a 10150 coupling. Furthermore, the surface on the opposite side of the receiving projection of the 10150d drive with respect to the direction of the geometric axis Ll is provided with a surface of receiving the predisposition force 10150s.

With reference to figure 55, the structure of the coupling will be described.

An inner surface 10150p and a spherical surface 10153b of a developing axis 10153 of the coupling 10150 are in engagement with each other. A bias element 10634 is disposed between a receiving surface of the bias force 10150s described above and a lower surface 10151b of a developing flange 10151. In this way, the coupling 10150 is pushed in the direction of the driving axis 180 when the rotating device C stops at the predetermined position. In addition, similarly to the embodiments shown, a retaining rib (not shown) is provided adjacent to the drive shaft 180 on the part of the flange 10150j with respect to the direction of the geometric axis Ll. In this way, disengagement of the 10150 coupling from the cartridge is prevented. The inner surface 10150p of the 10150 coupling is cylindrical. Therefore, the coupling is mounted on the cartridge B so that it is movable in the direction of the geometric axis L2.

Figure 56 is to illustrate the orientation of the coupling in the event that the coupling fits the drive shaft. Fig. 56 (a) is a sectional view of coupling 150 of Mode 1, and Fig. 56 (c) is a sectional view of a coupling 10150 of the present embodiment. And figure 56 (b) is a sectional view before reaching the state of figure 56 (c) the rotational direction is shown by X4 and the dashed line L5 is a line drawn in parallel with the mounting direction from the free end drive shaft 180.

In order for the coupling to fit the drive shaft 180, the position of the free end downstream 10150A1 with respect to the rotational X4 direction must pass through the part of the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft 180. In the case of Mode 1, the geometric axis Z2 slopes more than the angle al04. In this way, the coupling moves to the position where the position of the free end 150A1 does not interfere with the part of the free end 180b3 (figure 56 (a), angular pre-fitting position).

On the other hand, in the 10150 coupling of the present modality, it is in the state where it does not fit with the drive shaft 180, the 10150 coupling takes the position closest to the drive shaft 180 by means of a recovery force (elastic ) of a predisposition element (elastic element) 10634. In this state, when it moves in the X4 rotational direction, a portion of the 10150r tapered surface of the 10150 coupling makes contact with the drive shaft (figure 56 (b)). At this moment, the force is applied to the conical surface 10150r in the X4 direction and, therefore, the 10150 coupling is retracted in the longitudinal direction Xli by a component force of this. And the free end part 10153b of the development shaft 10153 rests on a support part 10150t of the 10150 coupling. Furthermore, the 10150 coupling rotates clockwise around the center Pl of the free end part 10153b (angled position of the developing axis.

In this way, the position of the free end downstream 10150A1 of the coupling with respect to the rotational direction X4 passes through the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 (figure 56 (c)). When the driving shaft 180 and the developing shaft 10153 are substantially coaxial, a receiving surface of the driving shaft 10150f of the coupling 10150 makes contact with the free end portion 180b by the elastic force of the bias spring 10634. In this way, the coupling remains in a state of rotational latency (figure 55). In consideration of the amount of retraction of the 10150 coupling, the degree of inclination of the L2 geometry axis can be reduced to 1 06 (figure 56 (c)).

At the moment when the rotating device resumes rotation in said direction after the end of the imaging operation, the free end part 180b is forced on the receiving surface of the drive shaft 10150f of the 10150 coupling by the rotational force of the rotating device. The 10150 coupling is pivoted by this force, at the same time retracting in the direction (opposite to the XI1 direction) of the geometric axis L2. The 10150 coupling is detached (disconnected) from the drive shaft 180.

Mode 9

With reference to figure 57, figure 58 and figure 59, mode 9 will be described.

The present modality is different from Modality 1 in the position (position of the coupling) to feed the rotational force and in the structure to transmit the rotational force of the coupling to the developing roller and the developer supply roller.

Fig. 57 is a perspective view of cartridge B. In addition, Fig. 58 is a perspective view illustrating a drive portion of cartridge B without the side plate. Fig. 59 (a) is a perspective view of a drive input gear, from the drive side. Fig. 59 (b) is a perspective view of a drive input gear, from the non-drive side.

A developer gear 145 is provided at the longitudinal end of a developer roll 110. Furthermore, a gear of the developer supply roller 146 is provided at the longitudinal end of developer developer roll 115 (figure 1). Both gears are attached to the roller shafts. In this way, the rotational force of the main assembly of device A received by coupling 150 is transmitted to the pin (part of receiving the rotational force) 155 and to gear 147. Furthermore, the rotational force received by gear 147 is transmitted to developer roller 110 and developer supply roller 115 through gear 145 and gear 146. The rotational force can be transmitted to the developer stirring element and so on. against. Furthermore, the element for transmitting the rotational force may not be a gear, but it may be a toothed belt and so on. The transmission elements of the drive force, such as the gear or toothed belt, can be used properly.

With reference to figure 59, the drive input gear 147 which is pivotally mounted on coupling 150 will be described. A gear shaft 11153 is fixed by pressure fitting, glue and so on inside the gear. Its end 11153b has a spherical configuration, so that it can gently tilt when the geometric axis L2 tilts. In this embodiment, although the gear shaft 11153 is made of metal, it can be made of integral resin material with gear 147. Furthermore, the pin for transmitting the rotational force (receiving part of the rotational force) 155 to receive the rotational force of the coupling 150 is provided on the free end side of the gear shaft 11153, and extends transversely to the geometric axis of the gear shaft 11153.

Pin 155 is made of metal and is fastened by pressure fitting, glue and so on to the 11153 gear shaft. If the transmission of rotational force is possible, the position of pin 155 is satisfactory anywhere. Preferably, pin 155 penetrates the center of the spherical surface of the free end portion 11153b of the gear shaft 11153. This is because, with a structure like this, even when there is an angle of deviation between the gear axis 11153 and the geometric axis L2, the transmission radius of the rotational force is always constant. In this way, constant transmission of the rotational force is performed. The number of points of transmission of the rotational force can be any, and those skilled in the art can select it accordingly. However, in this modality, a single pin 155 is employed from the point of view of ensuring a drive torque transmission and mounting characteristic. And pin 155 penetrates the center of the spherical surface of the free end 11153b. In this way, pin 155 projects in diametrically opposite directions to the peripheral surface of the gear shaft 11153. In other words, the rotational force is transmitted in two places. Here, in this embodiment, although pin 155 is metal, it can be a product made of integral resin material with gear shaft 11153 and gear 147. Gears 145, 146, and 147 are helical gears.

Furthermore, since the method of mounting coupling 150 is the same as for Mode 1, the description is omitted.

Gear 147 is provided with a space 147a for receiving coupling 150 partially, so that it does not interfere with gear 147, when coupling 150 oscillates (the pivoting movement). The space 147a is provided in the central part of the gear 147. In this way, it is possible to reduce the length of the coupling 150. In addition, as for the gear assembly method 147, a hole 147b (figure 59 (b)) is rotationally supported by the support shaft (not shown) of the development holder 11151 (figure 58). Furthermore, the cylindrical part 147c is supported rotationally by the inner surface 111571 of the support element 11157.

Since the fitting, actuation and disengagement of the coupling by rotating the rotating device C are the same as in Mode 1, the description is omitted.

The device for tilting the geometric axis L2 to the angular position of pre-fitting just before the fitting of the coupling on the drive shaft can employ a method of any of the above-described mode 2 - mode 5.

As described with respect to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to arrange the coupling 150 at the coaxial end with the developing roller 110. More particularly according to a above-described embodiment, the coupling 150 is provided in the remote position of the L1 geometry axis of the printing roller. development 110 in the direction perpendicular to the geometric axis L1 of development roller 110. And, in the direction of the L2 axis of rotation, the rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission part and the rotational force transmission part on the cartridge side) 150h is provided on the opposite side of the force receiving surface rotational (part of receiving the rotational force) 150e. And the strength

100 rotational force received by the transmission surface of the rotational force 150h is transmitted to the developing roller 110 through the transmission pin 155 (part receiving the rotational force) and gears 145 and 147 (transmission element of the driving force). In this way, the developing roller 110 is rotated by the rotational force received from the main assembly A by coupling 150.

According to this modality, the latitude of the design of the main assembly of the device A and the cartridge B is improved. This is because, in cartridge B, the position of the coupling can be properly selected regardless of the position of the developing roller 110.

Furthermore, in the main assembly of the device A, the position of the drive shaft 180 can be properly selected independently of the position of the development roller 110 in the state of the cartridge B 20 mounted on the rotating device C.

This is effective in developing commercial products.

Mode 10

With reference to figure 60 - figure 69, the tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 60 is a perspective view of the cartridge using a 12150 coupling in accordance with the present embodiment. An outer periphery of an outer end of a developing support element 12157 provided on the drive side functions like the guides of the cartridge 140L1, 140L2.

The development cartridge is demountable on the rotating device C by means of these cartridge guides 140L1, 140L2 and cartridge guide (not shown) provided on the non-actuating side.

In this embodiment, the coupling can be handled entirely with the end element of the developing shaft. Here, the element at the end of the developing axis is the element mounted on the

101 end of the development roller, and has the function of transmitting the rotational force to the other element in cartridge B.

Figure 61 (a) is a perspective view of the coupling, from the drive side. It is a perspective view, seen from the coupling side of the development roller of figure 61 (b). Figure 61 (e) is a side view of the coupling seen in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the geometric axis L2. Furthermore, figure 61 (d) is a side view of the coupling, from the drive side. Figure 61 (e) shows a view of the coupling, seen from the side of the development roller. Furthermore, figure 61 (f) is a sectional view taken along a line S21-S21 in figure 61 (d).

The 12150 coupling of the present embodiment fits on the drive shaft 180 similarly to the coupling 150. To receive the rotational force to rotate the development roller. In addition, it is detached from the drive shaft 180.

The part driven on the coupling side 12150a of the present embodiment has the function and structure similar to that of the element 150a, and the part driven on the coupling side 12150b has the function and structure similar to that of the element 150b. In this embodiment, the drive part 12150b has the spherical receiving surface of the drive shaft 12150Í so as to be able to move between said three angular positions independent of the rotation phase of the development roller 110 (figure 61 (a), ( b), (c), (f)) Furthermore, the intermediate part 12150c has the same function and structure as the element 150c. Furthermore, the material and the like are the same as the element.

Furthermore, the 12150m opening has a similar function and structure to that of the 150m element (figure 61 (f)).

Furthermore, the 12150d (12150dl-d4) projection has the function

102 and structure similar to the element 150d (figure 61 (a), (b), (c), (d)).

The entry part 12150k (12150kl-k4) has the same function and structure as the element 150k (figure 61 (a), (b), (c), (d))

In addition, the drive part 12150b has a spherical surface so that it can move between the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and the angular position of pre-engagement (or angular position of disengagement) in relation to the geometric axis Ll independent of the rotation phase of development roller 110 in cartridge B5. In the illustrated example, the drive part 12150b has a spherical retaining part r

12150i concentric with the L2 geometry axis. A fixing hole 12150g is provided, penetrated by a transmission pin 12155 in a position that runs through the center of the drive part 12150b.

In this embodiment, coupling 12150 comprises a driven part 12150a, an intermediate part 12150c and a driving part 12150b. The connection method between them will be described in the drum flange assembly process below.

With reference to figure 62, an example of an end member of the developing shaft 12151 that supports the 12150 coupling will be described. Figure 62 (a) shows a view, seen from the side of the drive shaft, and figure 62 (b ) is a sectional view taken along a line S22-S22 in figure 62 (a).

The aperture 1215 lgl or 12151 g2 shown in figure 62 (a) forms a notch that extends in the direction of the rotational geometric axis of an end element of the developing axis 12151.

When assembling the 12150 coupling, the rotating force transmission pin (rotating force transmission part) 12155 penetrates this opening 12151gl or 12151g2.

The transmission pin 12155 moves inside the opening 12151gl or 12151 g2. Thus, regardless of the roll rotation phase

103 disclosure 110 in cartridge B5, coupling 12150 is movable between said three angular positions.

Furthermore, in figure 62 (a), the surfaces for receiving the rotational force (parts for receiving the rotational force) 1215 lh (12151hl or 12151h2) are provided clockwise upstream of the opening 12151gl or 1215lg2. One side of the 12155 drive pin of the coupling

12150 makes contact with the 1215lh transmission surface. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110. The transmission surfaces 1215 lhl, 12151h2 have the surfaces intercepted by the rotational direction of the end element 12151. In this way, the transmission surface 1215 lh is pressed to the side of the transmission pin 12155, and rotates around the geometric axis LI (figure 62b).

As shown in figure 62 (b), the end element

12151 it is provided with a section containing a 1215 lj coupling to accommodate the transmission part of the 12150b drive of the 12150 coupling.

Fig. 62 (c) is a sectional view showing the assembly step of the 12150 coupling.

As for the driven part 12150a and the intermediate part 12150c of the coupling, the retaining element 12156 is inserted in the intermediate part 12150c. And the driven part 12150a and the intermediate part 12150c are capped in the direction of the arrow X32 by means of a positioning element 12150q (a driving part 12150b) that has a retaining part 1215Oi. The pin 12155 penetrates the fixing hole 12150g of the positioning element 12150q and the fixing hole 12150r of the intermediate part 12150c. And pin 12155 fixes the positioning element 12150q to the intermediate part 12150c.

Fig. 62 (d) is a sectional view showing the step of attaching coupling 12150 to end element 12151.

104

The 12150 coupling moves in the X33 direction, and the transmission part 12150b is inserted into the accommodation part 1215 lj. The retaining element 12156 is inserted in the direction of the arrow X33 to secure it to the end element 12151. The retaining element 12156 is fixed with play on the positioning element 12150q. In this way, the 12150 coupling can change the orientation. In this way, a coupling unit is provided which has the coupling and end element 12151 integral.

The retaining part 121561 is mounted on the 12150 coupling in such a way that it is movable (pivotable) between the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, the angular position of pre-engagement and the angular position of disengagement. Furthermore, the retaining part 12156i regulates the movement of the coupling 12150 in the direction of the geometric axis L2. In other words, opening 12156j has a phi D15 diameter smaller than the diameter of the retaining part 121501.

Similarly to the 12150d projection, the rotational force transmission surfaces (rotational force transmission parts) 12150hl or 12150h2 are preferably diametrically opposed on the same circumference.

The coupling and the end element can be integrally treated by the structure in the manner described above. In this way, handling at the time of assembly is easy, and the improvement of the assembly characteristic can be achieved.

With reference to figure 63 and figure 64, the assembly of cartridge B will be described. Figure 63 (a) is a perspective view of the main part of the cartridge from the drive side, and figure 63 (b) is a view in perspective from the non-drive side. Furthermore, figure 64 is a sectional view taken along a line S23-S23 in figure 63 (a). Developing roller 110 is rotationally mounted on the frame

105 developing device 119.

In the previous description, coupling 12150 and end element 12151 are mounted on the coupling unit. And the U10 unit is mounted on the development shaft 12153 by the end side of the development roller 110 so that the transmission part 12150a is exposed. And the transmission part 12150a is mounted through an internal space 12157b of the support element 12157. In this way, the transmission part 12150a is exposed through the cartridge.

As shown in figure 64, a positioning part 10 for development roller 12110 12157e is provided in the support element

12157. In this way, the end element 12151 is securely retained.

Here, as shown in figure 66, the L2 geometry axis of the 12150 coupling can tilt in any direction with respect to the L1 geometry axis. Figure 66 (al) - (a5) is a view from the side of the drive shaft (180), and figure 66 (bl) - (b5) is its perspective view. In figure 66 (al) (bl), the geometric axis L2 is coaxial with the geometric axis Ll. Fig. 65 (a2) (b2) illustrates coupling 12150 in the upward inclined state of this state. While the coupling tilts towards the position of the opening 1215 lg, the transmission pin 12155 moves along the opening 1215 lg (figure 66 (a2) (b2)).

As a result, the 12150 coupling is tilted around the geometric axis AX perpendicular to the opening 12151g.

In figure 66 (a3) (b3), the 12150 coupling is tilted to the right. Thus, when the coupling tilts in the orthogonal direction of the opening 12151g, the pin 12155 rotates inside the opening 12151g. The axis of rotation is the AY line of the axis of the 12155 drive pin.

The 12150 downward tilt coupling and the left tilt coupling are shown in figures 66 (a4) (b4) and 66 (a5)

106 (b5). The 12150 coupling is tilted around the axis of rotation AX, AY.

With respect to the direction other than the direction of inclination, and in the middle range, the rotation of the circumference of the geometric axis AX and the rotation of the circumference of AY can combine with each other in such a way that there can be the inclination. For example, directions other than the direction of inclination are shown in figures 66 (a2), (a3), (a3), (a4), (a4), (a5), (a5) and (a2). In this way, the geometric axis L2 can be tilted in any direction in relation to the geometric axis L1.

However, the L2 geometry axis does not necessarily have to be pivotable relative to the LI geometry axis linearly at the predetermined angle in any 360 degree direction. In this case, for example, the 1215lg opening is adjusted slightly larger in the circumferential direction. By means of such an adjustment, when the L2 geometry axis tilts in relation to the L1 geometry axis, the 12150 coupling rotates at a slight angle around the L2 geometry axis, even if it is the case where it cannot tilt at the predetermined angle linearly . In this way, the geometric axis L2 can be tilted at the predetermined angle in relation to the geometric axis Ll. In other words, the game in the rotational direction of the 150g aperture can be properly selected by those skilled in the art.

As previously described here (figure 64), the spherical surface 12150Í makes contact with the retaining part 121561. For this reason, the geometric axis of rotation of the coupling 12150 is in the center P2 of the spherical surface 12150i. In other words, the geometric axis L2 is pivotable regardless of the phase of the end element 12151. Furthermore, as will be described below, in order that the coupling 12150 fits into the drive axis 180, the geometry axis L2 is tilted downstream in the rotational direction X4 with respect to the geometry axis Ll just before the engagement. In other words, as shown in figure 67, the geometric axis

107

L2 tilts in relation to the Ll axis, so that the driven part 12150a is downstream with respect to the rotational direction X4.

Fig. 60 shows the state where the geometric axis L2 is inclined in relation to the geometric axis Ll. Furthermore, figure 65 is a sectional view taken along a line S24-S24 in figure 60.

By the structure described above, the geometric axis L2 in the inclined state shown in figure 65 can also be substantially parallel to the geometric axis Ll.

Furthermore, the maximum possible angle of inclination alpha 4 (figure 65) between the axis Ll and the axis L2 is determined so that the range for the position where the driven part 12150a and the intermediate part 12150c make contact in the end element 12151 or support element 12157 is covered. And the alpha angle 4 is adjusted to the value required for the assembly and disassembly of the main set of the device.

Here, in the case of the present modality, the maximum possible inclination angle alpha 4 is 20 degrees - 80 degrees.

As described in relation to Mode 1, immediately before determining that the Cartridge Β (B5) is in the predetermined position of the main assembly of the device A, or substantially simultaneously with the determination that it is in the predetermined position, the coupling 12150 and the drive shaft 180 fit together. More particularly, the coupling 12150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged with each other just before substantially simultaneously with the stop of the rotating device C.

With reference to figure 67, the fitting operation of this 12150 coupling will be described. Figure 67 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main assembly of the appliance A, seen from the bottom.

In the process of moving the cartridge B7 by the rotating device C, the geometric axis Z2 of the 12150 coupling tilts

108 in advance in the angular position of pre-engagement for the rotational direction X4 in relation to the geometric axis Z1 (figure 67 (a)). In the direction of the geometry axis Zl, the free end downstream 12150A1 with respect to the rotational direction X4 is positioned on the direction side of the development roller 12110 in addition to the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 by tilting the 12150 coupling. Furthermore, the upstream free end 12150A2 with respect to the rotational direction X4 is positioned more on the direction side of pin 182 than the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 (figure 67 (a)) ·

First, the position of the free end upstream 12150A1 with respect to the X4 rotational direction of the 12150 coupling passes through the free end of the drive shaft 180b3. A coupling part (receiving surface 12150f and / or projection 12150d) which is the contact part on the cartridge side makes contact with the fitting part on the side of the main assembly (drive shaft 180 and / or pin 182) after passing. The coupling is tilted so that the geometric axis L2 is parallel to the geometric axis Ll in response to the rotation of the rotating device C (figure 67 (c)). And, when the development cartridge B7 finally stops at the predetermined position (development position) in the main assembly of the device A (rotation stop of the rotating device), the drive shaft 180 and development roller 12110 are substantially coaxial one with the other. And the 12150 coupling moves from the angular position of the pre-fit in the direction of the angular position of transmission of the rotational force where the geometric axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the geometric axis Ll. And the 12150 coupling and the drive shaft 180 fit together (figure 67 (d)). The 12150z recess of the coupling covers the free end part 180b.

As previously described here, the 12150 coupling is mounted for tilting movement in relation to the axis

109 geometric Ll. More particularly, the 12150 coupling tilts without interfering with the drive shaft 180 in response to the rotation operation of the rotating device C. In this way, the 12150 coupling can be fitted to the drive shaft 180.

Similar to mode 1, the fitting operation of the 12150 coupling described above can be carried out independently of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the 12150 coupling.

In this way, in this embodiment, the coupling 12150 is mounted on the cartridge B7 for substantial rotation in relation to the developing roller 110.

With reference to figure 68, the operation of transmitting the rotational force at the moment of turning the development roller 110 will be described. The drive shaft 180 rotates with the gear (helical gear) 181 in the direction of X8 in the figure by the rotational force received from the motor 64 (drive source). The drive pin 182 integral with the drive shaft 180 makes contact with two of the four surfaces receiving the rotational force 150e from the 12150 coupling to rotate the 12150 coupling. In addition, as stated earlier, the 12150 coupling is coupled to the development roller 110 for drive transmission. For this reason, the rotation of the coupling 12150 rotates the development roller 110 through the end element 12151.

Furthermore, even if the L3 geometry axis and the L1 geometry axis deviate slightly from the coaxial relations, the coupling can rotate without applying a large load to the development roller and the drive shaft as the 12150 coupling tilts slightly.

This is one of the observable effects according to a coupling embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to figure 69, the description of the 12150 coupling operation will be made and so on when the cartridge B (B7)

110 move to another station by rotating the rotary device C. Figure 69 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main assembly of the device A, seen from the bottom. First, similarly to mode 1, whenever cartridge B moves from the position (developing position) where it opposes the photosensitive drum, pin 182 is positioned on any two of the 12150kl-12150k4 inlet parts (figure 61).

In the state where the rotating device C is at rest in the developing position, the geometric axis L2 of the 12150 coupling is substantially coaxial with respect to the geometric axis Ll (angular position of transmission of the rotational force). When rotary device C starts to rotate further in one direction after the end of the development, the upstream receiving surface 12150f with respect to the rotational direction X4 and / or the 12150d projection of the 12150 coupling makes contact with the free end portion 180b of the shaft drive 180 and / or pin 182 (figure ^ 15 69a) in response to movement in the X4 rotational direction of cartridge B (development roller 110). Geométrico the L2 geometry axis starts (figure 69b) tilting upstream in the rotational direction X4. The direction of inclination (angular position of pre-engagement) of the coupling at the time that cartridge B is moving in this direction to the developing position is substantially opposite with respect to the geometric axis Ll. By rotating this rotating element C, the upstream part of the free end 12150A2 with respect to the rotational direction X4 moves, while it is in contact with the drive shaft 180 (part of the free end 180b). The L2 geometry axis of the 12150 coupling tilts to the position (angular release position) where the upstream free end part 150A2 reaches the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 (figure 69c). And in this state, coupling 12150 is passed while it is in contact with the free end of the drive shaft 180b3 (figure 69d). Then, cartridge B is completely retracted from the developing position

111 by rotating the rotating device C.

As previously described here, the 12150 coupling is mounted for tilting movement in relation to the geometric axis Ll in the cartridge Β. And the 12150 coupling is tilted without interfering with the drive shaft in response to the rotational movement of the rotating device C. In this way, the 12150 coupling can be detached from the drive shaft 180.

The 12150 coupling can be handled integrally with the end elements (gear and so on) by the structure in the manner described above. For this reason, the feature of the assembly operation is improved.

The structure for tilting the geometric axis L2 of the coupling to the angular position of pre-fitting just before the coupling engages the drive shaft can employ any of the 2 modality 5 modality.

Mode 11

With reference to figure 70, figure 71 and figure 72, mode 11 will be described.

The present modality is different from Modality 10 in the position (position of the coupling) that feeds the drive, and the structure that transmits the rotational force of the coupling to the development roller and the developer supply roller.

Fig. 70 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to the present embodiment. Fig. 71 is a perspective view showing an actuation part of the cartridge. Fig. 72 (a) is a perspective view of a drive input gear, from the drive side. Fig. 72 (b) is a perspective view of the drive input gear, from the non-drive side.

Developing gear 145 and

112 feed 146 are arranged on the end portions of the drive side of the developing roller 110 and the feeding roller 115 (figure 1), respectively. Gears 145 and 146 are attached to the shaft. The rotational force received from the main assembly of device A by coupling 13150 is transmitted through the gear to the other rotating elements (the development roller 110, the developer supply roller 115, the toner agitator (not shown), and so on. onwards) of cartridge B (B6).

The drive input gear 13147 that supports coupling 13150 will be described.

As shown in figure 71, gear 13147 is rotationally provided in the position for engaging the developing gear 145 and the feed roller gear 146.

Gear 13147 has a section containing a coupling 13147j similar to end element 12151 described in Mode 10 (figure 72 (a)). Coupling 13150 is pivotally retained by a retaining element 13156 on gear 13147.

In addition, the support element 13157 and the tilt adjustment element 13157i are mounted on cartridge B (figure 70).

The support element 13157 is provided with the hole and its internal surface 13157Í fits in the gear 13147. Since the fitting, actuation and disengagement of the coupling by the rotation operation of the rotating device are the same as in Mode 10, its description is omitted for the sake of simplification.

Furthermore, the structure for tilting the geometric axis L2 of the coupling to the angular position of pre-engagement just before the coupling engages the drive axis can employ any of the 2 - 5 mode.

As previously described here, it is not necessary to arrange the coupling at the coaxial end with the development roller. In

113 According to this modality, the latitude in the body design of the imaging device and the cartridge can be improved.

According to this modality, the effects similar to Modality 9 are provided.

Mode 12

Mode 12 will be described with reference to figures 73 and 74.

In the Modes described above, the case of using the rotation selection mechanism (rotary) is described as the mobile element for the development device (cartridge B). In this embodiment, another moving element will be described.

Figures 73 (a) and 73 (b) are sectional views showing a cartridge support element for supporting four cartridges Β (14B1 to 14B4). Figures 74 (a) to 74 (e) are perspective views and side views showing processes for engaging and disengaging a coupling with respect to a drive shaft.

Referring to figures 73 (a) and 73 (b), the respective cartridges Β (14B1 to 14B4) are arranged laterally in the cross section on a cartridge support element 14190 and are detachably mounted on the cartridge support element 14190. Fig. 73 (a) is a schematic view showing a state in which a cartridge of a first color 14B1 is located opposite a photosensitive drum 107 and is capable of carrying out development with respect to photosensitive drum 107. When the cartridge 14B1 completes the development, the support element 14190 moves in an X20 direction, so that an adjacent color cartridge (second) 1482 is located in the opposite part (development position) with respect to the photosensitive drum 107. Incidentally, an image of the developer formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is transferred on a transfer belt 104a. These operations are repeated for each color.

114

Finally, as shown in figure 73 (b), a fourth color cartridge 1484 moves to the opposite part with respect to the photosensitive drum 107, so that four-color developer images are transferred to the transfer belt. Then, the developer images are transferred from the transfer belt to a recording material S and are fixed on the recording material S.

Incidentally, each of the cartridges 14 moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the axial line L3 of the drive shaft 180 by movement of the support element 14190 in one direction.

As a result, a color image is formed on the recording material S.

When a series of color imaging is completed, the support element 14190 moves in the X21 direction to be resumed to an initial position (the state of figure 73 (a)).

Then, with reference to figures 74 (a) to 74 (e), steps to connect and disconnect the coupling with respect to the drive shaft by the movement of the support element will be described. Representatively, the connection and disconnection of the cartridge 14B3 with respect to a coupling 141500 will be described. Figure 74 (a) is a perspective view showing a state of the coupling 14150C immediately before connection on the drive shaft 180 and figure 74 ( b) is a side view of it. Figure 74 (c) is a perspective view showing a state in which the coupling is connected to the drive shaft and placed in a driving force transmission condition. Fig. 74 (d) is a perspective view showing a state of the coupling disconnected from the drive shaft and Fig. 74 (e) is a side view thereof.

In this modality, as a device to include the axial line L2, the constitution described in Modality 5 is used.

115 adjusting rib 14191 provided in the main assembly of the apparatus is arranged along a lower side of a line L20 through which a coupling 14150C passes and upstream of the driving axis 180 with respect to a direction of movement X20. In addition, similarly to Mode 6, the distance between an upper surface 14191a of the adjustment rib and the coupling 141500 is adjusted smaller than when the coupling 141500 is closer to the drive shaft 180.

In addition, as shown in figure 74 (b), the direction of inclination of an axial line L is adjusted so that a driven part (part to be driven) 14150Ca is directed upwards with respect to line L20 (the direction of inclination is indicated by an L30 line).

Here, when the development with the 1482 cartridge is completed, the support element moves horizontally in one direction. By means of this movement, the cartridge 14B3 moves to a predetermined position. During its process, an intermediate part 14150Cc makes contact with the upper surface 14191a. At this moment, in the manner described in Mode 6, the driven part 14150Ca is directed in the direction of the driving axis 180 (the angular position of pre-fitting) (the state of figure 74 (a)). Next, similarly to the previous description, the 14150C coupling fits on the drive shaft 180 (the angular position of transmission of the rotational force) (the state of figure 74 (c)). Then, when the image formation with the cartridge 14B3 is completed, the cartridge 1483 moves in the X20 direction. The 14150C coupling is detached from the drive shaft 180 (angular position of detachment) (the state of figure 74 (d)). Details are the same as described above, so they are omitted.

As previously described, the revelations with all couplings are completed and the support element 14190 is returned to the initial position (the state 25 of figure 74 (b)). An operation during such a process will be described. The coupling of each cartridge needs

116 pass through axis 180. For this reason, the coupling is, as during development, moved from the angular position of pre-engagement to the angular position of disengagement through the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. For this purpose, it is necessary to employ a constitution to tilt the axial line L2. As shown in figure 74 (d), a regulating rib 14192 similar to that described in Mode 6 is arranged along the upper side of the L20 line through which the 14150C coupling passes. The rib 14192 is arranged upstream of the drive shaft 180 with respect to the direction of movement X21. In addition, the distance between regulation rib 14192 and line L20 is adjusted similarly to regulation rib 14192. That is, the regulating rib 14191 and the regulating rib 14192 are adjusted in a relationship of point symmetry with respect to the center of the drive shaft 180. Incidentally, as shown in figure 74 (e), the regulation direction of the 14150C coupling does not change. For this reason, the 14150C coupling also moves in the initial stage (direction X21) from the angular position of pre-engagement to the angular position of disengagement through the angular position of transmission of the rotational force by the same operation during image formation (development ) (while moving in the X20 direction). During this operation, coupling 141500 passes through the drive shaft 180 and then returns to the starting position. In this modality, the cartridge is supported outstandingly in relation to the image formation apparatus. During cartridge replacement, as shown in figure 74 (a), the support element 14190 moves rotationally in the X30 direction. By this rotational movement, the user moves each of the cartridges 14B1 to 14B4 to a change position.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the direction of movement of the developing cartridge is obliquely upwards, but it can also be an opposite direction and the developing cartridge can be arranged so as to be movable in other directions.

117

In the previous description, image formation (development) is performed when the cartridge moves in one direction, but it is not performed when the cartridge moves in other directions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the cartridge moves in other directions, imaging can be performed.

Mode 13

Mode 13 will be described with reference to figure 75.

In the previous description, the cartridge is prominently mounted on the main set of apparatus A. In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus such as that in which the developing device such as the developing apparatus is attached to a main assembly of the forming apparatus. image is performed by supplying the developer in real time. That is, the developing device in this mode is mounted on the main set of device A by the user, but is not disassembled. The developing device in this embodiment is a fixed type in which the developing device is fixed to the main assembly of the apparatus A and is used in a fixed state. Maintenance is performed by a service person.

Fig. 75 is a sectional view of the main assembly of the apparatus.

As shown in figure 75, a rotary device C2 includes four color development devices 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D mounted on it. The rotary device C2 additionally includes developer bottles 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D each to supply a developer to an associated developer device. These vials 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D are detachably mounted on the main assembly of the appliance A in a direction perpendicular to the drawing. When the developer on the bottle empties, the bottle is replaced by the user.

By rotating rotary device C, each of the

118 developing devices 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D move successively to a part (developing position) opposite the photosensitive drum 107 and, on the opposite side, a latent image formed in the photosensitive drum 107 is developed. Depending on the movement of each of the developing devices to the opposite part, the coupling element (not shown) provided in the development device fits on the drive shaft provided in the main assembly of the device (not shown). Then, when the imaging is completed, the cartridge (not shown) is detached from the drive shaft. This operation is similar to that of Modality 1 and the like, so that its description is omitted.

In the manner described above, even in the event of a change of activation of the development device fixed to the main set of the device, the operation can be performed similarly to the cases of the Modes described above.

Mode 14

With reference to figure 76, figure 77 and figure 78, mode 14 will be described.

These modalities differ from Mode 11 in the configuration of the coupling and in the provision of elastic material to maintain the coupling in the angular pre-fitting position.

Fig. 76 (a) is a perspective view showing a part of cartridge B. Fig. 76 (b) and Fig. 76 (a) are sectional views taken along a line that extends in the direction of inclination of the geometric axis of the coupling through the center of the drive input gear (the element that assembles the drive input gear is also illustrated). Figure 77 (a) is a side view of the coupling alone. Fig. 77 (b) is a perspective view of the coupling alone. Fig. 78 (a) is a sectional view illustrating the state where the coupling (cartridge) is positioned in the angular position of

119 pre-fitting. Fig. 78 (b) is a sectional view illustrating the state where the coupling (cartridge) is positioned in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. Fig. 78 (c) is a sectional view illustrating the state where the coupling (cartridge) is positioned in the angular position of disengagement. Figures 78 (a), (b), and (c) illustrate the positional relationships between the 15150 coupling and the drive shaft 180.

As shown in figure 76, the developing gear 145 is arranged at the end of the developing roller 110. And gear 145 is fixed to the axis 155 of the developing roller 110.

A drive input gear 15147 that mounts coupling 15150 will be described.

As shown in figure 76, gear 15147 has the snap-on gear part matched to the developing gear 145 15147a, and the snap-gear part 15147b matched to the feed roller gear 146 (figure 58). And gear 15147 is rotationally mounted on cartridge B by a support element 15170 and a support element 15157. Support element 15170 also functions as the support element for developing roller 110.

In this way, the rotational force received from the main assembly of device A by coupling 15150 is transmitted to the development roller 110 through pin 15155 (part of the rotational force transmission), from the surface of the rotational force transmission 12151h (figure 62 (a) , (b), the part receiving the rotational force), gear 147 and gear 145.

Coupling 15150 is pivot-mounted on gear 15147 by a retaining part 15147m (movable between said three angular positions). Furthermore, coupling 15150 is driven by a predisposition spring (elastic material) 15159 in order to maintain the angular pre-fitting position. In this embodiment, spring 15159 is a spiral torsion spring. A support part 15159a of spring 15159 is locked by a part of

120 assembly (not shown) provided in cartridge B. And a part of the arm 15159b of it elastically impels an intermediate part 15150c of the coupling. In this way, the geometric axis L2 of the 15150 coupling is maintained in the angular pre-fitting position (figure 78 (a)). In the present embodiment, a spring force (elastic force) of spring 15159 is 5g - 100g. If it is below 5g, the coupling may not tilt correctly because of the frictional force and so on. If it is greater than 100 g, the contact part of the spring may escape when the coupling rotates. However, the spring force other than in this range can be employed depending on conditions, such as the wire diameter and the spring material, and the configuration and material of the coupling. Furthermore, it is not limited to the spiral torsion spring.

More particularly, spring 15159 (elastic material) elastically impels coupling 15150. Its elastic force is such that it can keep the 15150 coupling in the angular position of pre-fitting, still allowing the movement of the coupling from the angular position of pre-fitting to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force (figure 78 (b)) , and allows the movement of coupling 15150 from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position of disengagement (figure 78 (c)).

This also applies to the spring (elastic material) 4159 described by modality 3 and so on.

In addition, cartridge B has the tilt adjustment part to adjust the tilt direction of the coupling. Since this structure is the same as for Modality 11, its description is omitted for the sake of simplification.

As shown in figure 77, the 15150 couplings differ from the 12150 coupling described in the Modality in the configuration of the driven part 15150a.

121

More particularly, an opening 15150m of the driven part 15150a is provided with the recess 15150z and the flat part 15150y. The 15150z recess is placed in contact with the free end part 180b of the drive shaft 180 (figure 78 (b)). As shown in figure 78, when coupling 15150 reaches the angular position of transmission of the rotational force (figure 78 (b)) through the angular pre-fitting position (figure 78 (a)), the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 will be transmitted to coupling 15150 through pin 182. In this embodiment, not the recess 15150z, but the drive shaft side 180 is the flat part 15150y. In this way, the peripheral part 182d (figure 78 (a), (b), (c)) and the flat part 15150y of the coupling of pin 182 can be placed close together (figure 78 (b)).

In this way, the lengths of the cartridge B and the main set of the device in the direction of the geometric axis Ll, L3 can be reduced. Therefore, cartridge B and the main set of the apparatus may be reduced in size.

Here, the inner diameter Zl = phi of the flat part 15150y of the coupling used by this implementation is about 5 mm. Furthermore, its outer diameter Z2 = phi is approximately 11 mm. Furthermore, the depth Z3 = of the flat part is approximately 0.6mm. In addition, the depth of the conical 15150z recess is approximately 1.5 mm at the top of the conical shape, and its diameter is approximately 5 mm. Furthermore, the weight of the 15150 coupling is approximately 1.5 g. In this embodiment, the coupling material is polyacetal. However, the values of size and weight are not inevitable, and versed in the technique can select them properly.

Furthermore, in the present modality, the projection 15150d (15150dl, d2) of the coupling is arranged in each of the two places. In this way, the width measured along the circumference of the entrance part 150k

122 (150kl, k2) can be increased. Therefore, the entry of pin 182 at the input part 150k can be smoothed. Although the number of projections can be properly selected, a plurality of projections is desirable. This is because the rotational force can be transmitted with high precision.

Since the coupling configurations other than those of fitting, actuation and disengagement of the coupling by rotating the rotating device are the same as in Mode 10, its description is omitted for the sake of simplification.

In addition, the structure for tilting the geometric axis of the coupling to the angular pre-fitting position can employ any of the 2-5 modalities.

Furthermore, in this modality, the 15150 coupling is provided in the remote position of the geometric axis L1 in the direction perpendicular to the geometric axis Ll (figure 76 (b)).

In this mode, the coupling is arranged in such a position. For this reason, the latitude in the design of the main set of the device and the cartridge can be improved. When the coupling is arranged coaxially with the geometric axis Ll, the position of the coupling will approximate the photosensitive drum. For this reason, it is a restriction on the arrangement of the coupling but, in the present embodiment, the restriction of the photosensitive drum is negligible.

As previously described here, in this embodiment, coupling 15150 has a circular flat part 15150y on the side of the free end. A 15150z recess is provided in the center O of the flat part 15150y (circular). The 15150z recess has a conical shape that expands towards its free end side. In addition, projections (receiving parts of the rotational force) 15150d are arranged on the edge of the circular flat part 15150y in diametrically opposite positions that interpose in the center O (two positions). These projections project in the direction of the axis

123 geometric rotation L2 of the coupling. Furthermore, the pins (rotational force application parts) 182 project in the directions perpendicular to the geometric axis L3 (C) to provide the projections in two places opposite each other, respectively. Any of the rotational force receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving parts) 15150e fits one of the projections on pin 182. And the other one of the surfaces for receiving the rotational force 15150e fits the other of the projections of the pin 182. In this way, the 15150 coupling receives the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 and rotates.

Here according to the above described modalities, in the movement structure of cartridge B (development roller 110) in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the geometric axis L3 of the drive axis 180 in response to movement in one direction of the rotating device C ( support 14190), coupling 150 (1350, 3150, 4150, 5150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, 13150, 15150 and so on) can perform the coupling operation, fitting and disengaging in relation to the drive shaft 180. This is done because this coupling can assume the following positions in the manner described above: 1. the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to transmit the rotational force of the main assembly of the device A development roller 110; 2. this inclined pre-engaging angular position of this rotational force transmission angular position before this coupling engages the rotational force application part; and 3. the angular disengaging position inclined towards the opposite side of the pre-engaging angular position of the angular position transmitting the rotational force to the coupling to disengage the drive shaft.

Here, the angular position of transmitting the rotational force is the angular position of the coupling for transmitting the rotational force to rotate the developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110.

124

Furthermore, the angular position of pre-engagement is the angular position that is tilted from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and that is taken before the drum coupling element engages the part of application of the rotational force.

Furthermore, the angular position of disengagement is the angular position that is tilted in the opposite direction of the angular position of pre-engagement of the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and which allows the coupling of the drive shaft 180 to disengage.

Here, the meaning of substantially perpendicular will be described. Here, the description regarding substantially perpendicular will be made. Between the cartridge b and the main assembly of the device A, and in order to gently assemble and disassemble the cartridge B, small gaps are provided. More specifically, small clearances are provided between the guide 140R1 and the guide 130R1 with respect to the longitudinal direction, between the guide 140R2 and the guide 130R2 with respect to the longitudinal direction, between the guide 140L1 and the guide 13 0L1 with respect to the longitudinal direction between the 140L2 guide and the 130OL2 guide with respect to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, at the time of assembly and disassembly of cartridge B in relation to the main assembly of the device A, the entire cartridge B may tilt slightly within the clearance limits. For this reason, perpendicularity has no restricted meaning. However, even in such a case, the present invention is accomplished with its effects. Therefore, the term substantially perpendicular covers the case where the cartridge tilts slightly.

Between the cartridge b and the housing part of the cartridge 130A, small clearances are provided in order to smoothly assemble and disassemble the cartridge B. More specifically, small clearances are provided between the guide 140R1 or 140R2 and the guide 130R1 with respect to the longitudinal direction, between the guide 140L1 or 140L2 and the guide 130L1 with respect to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when assembling and disassembling the cartridge

125 b in relation to the accommodation part 130A, the entire cartridge B can tilt slightly within the clearance limits. In addition, a slight positional deviation can occur between the rotating device element C (moving element) and the drive shaft (180). For this reason, perpendicularity has no restricted meaning. However, even in such a case, the present invention is carried out with its effects. Therefore, the term substantially perpendicular covers the case where the cartridge tilts slightly.

It has been described that the geometric axis L2 is oblique or inclinable in any direction in relation to the geometric axis Ll. However, the L2 geometry axis does not necessarily have to be linearly oblique with the predetermined angle across the range in the 360-degree direction on the coupling 150. For example, the aperture 150g can be selected to be slightly larger in the circumferential direction. In doing so, at the moment when the geometric axis L2 tilts in relation to the geometric axis Ll, even if it is the case where it cannot tilt at the predetermined angle linearly, the coupling 150 can rotate at a slight angle around the geometric axis L2. Therefore, it can be tilted at the predetermined angle. In other words, the amount of the game in the rotational direction of the 150g aperture is properly selected if necessary.

In addition, as will be understood by the explanation presented, the coupling 150 is capable of rotating substantially in the entire circumferential direction of the drum axis 153. Here, the turning movement is not a movement with which the coupling itself rotates around the axis geometric L2, but the tilted geometric axis L2 rotates around the axis

126 geometric Ll of the development roller, although the rotation here does not prevent the rotation of the coupling per se around the geometric axis L2 of the coupling 150.

Furthermore, as previously described here, each coupling has the function of transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller 110.

And each coupling has the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving part) 150e (8150e, 9150e, 9250e, 9350e, 9450e, 15150e) to receive the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 (1180, 1280, 9180) by fitting the pin (rotational force application part) 182 (1182, 9182). In addition, it has the rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission part) 150h (1550h, 1450h, 8150h, 9150h, 12150h, 12151h, and so on) that transmits the received rotational force through the receiving rotational force 150e to developing roller 110. The rotational force received by the rotating force transmission surface 15Oh is transmitted to the developing roller 110 through the pin (rotational force receiving part) 155 (1155, 1355, 12155).

And this coupling moves from this angular position of pre-engagement to this angular position of transmission of the rotational force in response to the movement of cartridge B at the moment of the rotating device C (support element 141190) (moving element) rotates in one direction (movement) . In this way, this coupling is opposite to this drive shaft. When the rotating device C rotates further in said direction from the position where the coupling opposes the drive axis (movement), the coupling moves from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position of disengagement in response to the movement of the cartridge B. In this way, the coupling disengages from the drive shaft.

The coupling has a recess 150z (1450z, 1550z, 4150z, 5150z, 15150z, 15150z, and so on) on the L2 axis of rotation.

127

Ο ο cartridge Β moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to the geometric axis L1 of the developing roller 110 by rotating the rotary device C in said direction. In response to this, each coupling moves from the angular position of pre-fitting to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, so that a coupling part (position downstream of the free end 150A1, 1850A1, 4150A1, 5150A1, 5150A1 , 12150A1 and so on) which is the downstream part with respect to the rotational direction of the rotating device C allows to engage the drive shaft. In this way, the recess covers the free end of the drive shaft. And the part of receiving the rotational force fits, in the rotational direction of the coupling, in the part of application of the rotational force that projects in the direction perpendicular to the geometric axis of the drive shaft on the side of the free end of the drive shaft. In this way, the coupling receives the rotational force from the drive shaft and rotates. And the rotating device C moves further in said direction. In this way, the cartridge B moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to the geometric axis Ll. In response to this, the coupling moves in the rotational direction from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position of disengagement, so that an upstream part of the driving axis of this coupling element (free end position upstream 150A2, 1750A2, 4150A2, 5150A2, 12150A2 and so on) can circumscribe the drive shaft. In this way, the coupling disengages from the drive shaft.

The parts receiving the rotational force (150e, 15150e, and so on) are arranged, respectively, in an imaginary circle Cl that has a center O on the geometric axis of rotation Ll of each coupling in diametrically opposite positions that interpose in the center O The forces received by the couplings through this arrangement are pairs of forces. For this reason, couplings can continue to rotate

128 only with the pair of forces. In view of this, each coupling can rotate without determining the position of the axis of rotation.

The reference numbers in the drawing that do not appear in the specification are the elements corresponding to the case where their letters are the same.

Other modalities

In this mode, although the rotating element rotates clockwise in the drawing (figure 17, for example), it can rotate in the opposite direction.

Furthermore, the image forming position (developing position) can be another position.

In addition, the rotating element of the present embodiment carries the four cartridges of development color. However, the black development cartridge can be attached and the cartridges for the other three colors can be loaded on the rotating element.

Furthermore, in this modality, the development roller is a contact type development roller and uses an elastic roller, but it can be a metal jacket that contains a magnetic roller used for the heel development.

The developer cartridge and the developer device are provided with the developer roller (or developer device including the developer roller) at least. For this reason, for example, the developer cartridge (developer device) is the developer roller.

Or it can be a cartridge that fully includes the development device including the development roller and the cleaning device and which is detachable in the main assembly of the device and, in addition to the type in the modes described above additionally, it can be a cartridge that includes integrally the development roller (or development device including the development roller) and the loading device and which is detachable in the main assembly of the device.

129

In addition, moreover, in this embodiment, although a laser printer is considered an image-forming device, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the present invention can be used in other image forming devices, such as an electrophotographic copier, a facsimile device, or a word processor. According to the aforementioned modalities, fitting and detaching the coupling is possible in the direction substantially perpendicular to the geometric axis of the drive axis provided in the main set of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in relation to the drive axis by movement in one direction of the element movable (the rotating element, for example, the cartridge support element, money-saving drawer).

As previously described here, the geometric axis of the coupling can assume different angular positions in the present invention. More particularly, the geometry axis of the coupling can assume the angular position of pre-engagement, the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and the angular position of disengagement. The coupling can be fitted to the drive shaft in the direction substantially perpendicular to the geometric axis, providing the main drive shaft assembly per frame. Furthermore, the coupling can be detached from the drive shaft in the direction substantially perpendicular to the geometric axis of the drive shaft. The present invention can be applied to a developing device, a drum coupling element and an electrophotographic image forming device.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

130 a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft, even in the case where a main assembly is not provided with a mechanism for moving a coupling element on the side of the main assembly in the axial direction by means of a solenoid. According to the present invention, it is also possible to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus and the coupling element used in the developing apparatus.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not limited to the details presented, and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes that may fall within the scope of the improvements or scope of the following claims.

Contents9

164 members in 20 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim10 more offices are in the list below

Priority claims14

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
2007076771	Japan	–	2007-03-23
2007076771	Japan	A	2007-03-23
2007076771	Japan	A	2007-03-23
2008073685	Japan	–	2008-03-21
2008073685	Japan	A	2008-03-21
2008073685	Japan	A	2008-03-21
2008056259	Japan	W	2008-03-24
2008056259	Japan	W	2008-03-24
2007076771	–	–	–
2008073685	–	–	–
2008056259	–	–	–
JP20070076771	–	–	–
JP20080073685	–	–	–
WO2008JP56259	–	–	–

Members164

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
AU2008230339A1	Australia	A1	2008-10-02
CA2671325A1	Canada	A1	2008-10-02
CA2953639A1	Canada	A1	2008-10-02
CA2953648A1	Canada	A1	2008-10-02
CA3114649A1	Canada	A1	2008-10-02
US2008240796A1	United States of America	A1	2008-10-02
WO2008117878A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2008-10-02
JP2008268927A	Japan	A	2008-11-06
TW200905423A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2009-02-01
MX2009007095A	Mexico	A	2009-08-13
CN101595433A	China	A	2009-12-02
DE112008000214T5	Germany	T5	2009-12-17
KR20090130192A	Republic of Korea	A	2009-12-18
EP2137577A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2009-12-30
HK1134146A	Hong Kong, China	A	2010-04-16
HK1134146A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2010-04-16
KR20100122525A	Republic of Korea	A	2010-11-22
RU2009139091A	Russian Federation	A	2011-04-27
KR20110098016A	Republic of Korea	A	2011-08-31
KR20110098017A	Republic of Korea	A	2011-08-31
KR101101654B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2011-12-30
CN101595433B	China	B	2012-01-18
AU2008230339B2	Australia	B2	2012-04-05
CN102419529A	China	A	2012-04-18
CN102419530A	China	A	2012-04-18
CN102419531A	China	A	2012-04-18
CN102419535A	China	A	2012-04-18
CN102419536A	China	A	2012-04-18
HK1164463A	Hong Kong, China	A	2012-09-21
HK1164463A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2012-09-21
HK1164464A	Hong Kong, China	A	2012-09-21
HK1164464A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2012-09-21
HK1164465A	Hong Kong, China	A	2012-09-21
HK1164465A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2012-09-21
HK1164466A	Hong Kong, China	A	2012-09-21
HK1164466A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2012-09-21
HK1164467A	Hong Kong, China	A	2012-09-21
HK1164467A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2012-09-21
RU2478227C2	Russian Federation	C2	2013-03-27
US8437669B2	United States of America	B2	2013-05-07
RU2011143374A	Russian Federation	A	2013-05-10
TWI400586B	Taiwan Province of China	B	2013-07-01
TW201333644A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2013-08-16
US2013216275A1	United States of America	A1	2013-08-22
JP5311854B2	Japan	B2	2013-10-09
JP2013231996A	Japan	A	2013-11-14
KR20130138344A	Republic of Korea	A	2013-12-18
US8688008B2	United States of America	B2	2014-04-01
KR101395395B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2014-05-14
KR101395538B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2014-05-14
US2014147168A1	United States of America	A1	2014-05-29
BRPI0807733A2This record	Brazil	A2	2014-06-03
RU2521143C2	Russian Federation	C2	2014-06-27
KR20140097382A	Republic of Korea	A	2014-08-06
CN102419531B	China	B	2014-09-24
CN102419535B	China	B	2014-10-29
KR101458264B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2014-11-07
KR101473160B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2014-12-15
JP5657064B2	Japan	B2	2015-01-21
KR101497262B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2015-02-27
JP2015062074A	Japan	A	2015-04-02
CN102419529B	China	B	2015-07-08
CN102419530B	China	B	2015-07-29
BRPI0807733B1	Brazil	B1	2015-09-22
CN102419536B	China	B	2015-10-21
RU2014116547A	Russian Federation	A	2015-10-27
SG10201507809RA	Singapore	A	2015-10-29
RU2568045C1	Russian Federation	C1	2015-11-10
MX337559B	Mexico	B	2016-03-10
JP5901729B2	Japan	B2	2016-04-13
TWI531877B	Taiwan Province of China	B	2016-05-01
EP2137577B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2016-06-01
TW201624155A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2016-07-01
PT2137577T	Portugal	T	2016-07-14
JP2016139146A	Japan	A	2016-08-04
US2016238988A9	United States of America	A9	2016-08-18
MX342302B	Mexico	B	2016-09-23
EP3079018A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2016-10-12
ES2588333T3	Spain	T3	2016-11-02
DE112008000214B4	Germany	B4	2016-12-29
PL2137577T3	Poland	T3	2016-12-30
US2017090403A1	United States of America	A1	2017-03-30
US2017090412A1	United States of America	A1	2017-03-30
US2017090413A1	United States of America	A1	2017-03-30
RU2015142660A	Russian Federation	A	2017-04-12
US2017102634A1	United States of America	A1	2017-04-13
HUE030339T2	Hungary	T2	2017-05-29
US2017185030A1	United States of America	A1	2017-06-29
US2017185031A1	United States of America	A1	2017-06-29
US9703257B2	United States of America	B2	2017-07-11
JP6161755B2	Japan	B2	2017-07-12
US2017227919A1	United States of America	A1	2017-08-10
US2017227920A1	United States of America	A1	2017-08-10
JP2017151488A	Japan	A	2017-08-31
MX351395B	Mexico	B	2017-10-13
US9817333B2	United States of America	B2	2017-11-14
US9836015B2	United States of America	B2	2017-12-05
US9841724B2	United States of America	B2	2017-12-12
US9851685B2	United States of America	B2	2017-12-26
US9851688B2	United States of America	B2	2017-12-26

Showing 100 of 164

5 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC

Over the term

Point at a mark for the event

Events

Legal events, newest first
	Event	Code
2015-09-22	Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]GrantedPRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 24/03/2008, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS.B16A	B16A
2015-08-18	Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]B09A	B09A
2015-03-31	Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]B06A	B06A
2014-12-16	Grant of priority examination of the patent application (request complies with dec. 132/06 of 20061117)B65Y	B65Y
2014-11-25	Notification of requirement for priority examination of patent applicationB65X	B65X