Cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus using same

Box and electrophotographic imaging equipment using the box

[0001] This application is named "box and electrophotographic imaging equipment using the box", the international filing date is June 9, 2009, the international application number is PCT/JP2009/060822, and the national application number is 200980121411.3. Divisional application of invention patent application.

Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the cartridge is detachably mounted.

[0003] Here, the electrophotographic imaging device means an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (laser printer,

LED printers, etc.) and so on.

[0004] Cartridge means a developing cartridge and a process cartridge. Here, the developing cartridge means a cartridge having a developing carriage for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and this cartridge can be detachably mounted in the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus . Some electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are configured such that the electrophotographic photosensitive member is a part of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, while some electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are configured to employ a process cartridge (processing unit) composed of an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing roller. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and one or more process components, namely, a charging part, a developing roller (developing part), and a cleaning device are integrally arranged, and the cartridge is detachably mounted in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus In the main assembly. More specifically, the process cartridge means a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least a developing roller (developing part) are integrally arranged so that they can be detachably mounted in the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; or A cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing reel (developing member), and a charging member are integrally arranged so that they can be detachably mounted in the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge also refers to a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing roller (developing member), and a cleaning device are integrally arranged so that they can be detachably mounted in the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In addition, the processing box means such a box, The electrophotographic photosensitive member, the developing roller (developing part), the cleaning device, and the charging part are integrally arranged therein so that they can be detachably installed in the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0005] The developing cartridge or the process cartridge can be detachably installed into the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus by the user himself, so that the user can maintain the image forming apparatus himself, that is, without relying on maintenance personnel. Therefore, the developing cartridge or the process cartridge can significantly improve the operability of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, especially the maintenance operation.

Background technique

[0006] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus uses a developing device (developing roller) to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is in the form of a drum (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum). Conventionally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is constructed in the following manner.

[0007] In some conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the cartridge (developing cartridge or process cartridge) has gears. The cartridge is installed in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in such a way that the gear of the cartridge meshes with the gear of the main assembly. In this way, the developing roller in the cartridge can be rotated by the rotational force transmitted from the motor of the main assembly to the developing roller through the gear of the main assembly and the gear of the cartridge (US Patent No. 7, 027, 754).

[0008] In another conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the cartridge has the cartridge portion of the developing cartridge coupling, and the main assembly has the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling. In addition, the main assembly has a component that is used to move the display (forward or backward)

The main assembly part of the shadow roller coupling enables the main assembly part of the developing roller coupling to move forward (toward the box) along the axis of the coupling so that the main assembly part of the coupling engages the box part of the coupling, or The main assembly part of the developing roller coupling can be moved backward (away from the cartridge) in the axial direction of the coupling to separate the main assembly part of the coupling from the box part of the coupling.

[0009] In this way, when the main assembly part of the developing roller coupling is rotated after the cartridge is correctly installed in the main assembly, the rotational force of the main assembly part of the developing roller coupling is transmitted to the cartridge part of the developing roller coupling, thereby making The developing roller rotates (US Patent No. 2007/0, 160, 384).

[0010] However, for the above-mentioned conventional structural arrangement, it is necessary to make the developing roller coupler when the cartridge is installed in or detached from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller in the cartridge. The main assembly part moves along its axis. That is, when the cartridge is installed or removed, the main assembly portion of the developing roller coupling must be moved in the horizontal direction by the opening or closing movement of the cover arranged on the main assembly. That is to say, the opening movement of the main assembly cover must move the main assembly part of the developing roller coupling in a direction separating from the box part of the developing roller coupling, and the closing movement of the main assembly cover must make the main assembly part of the developing roller coupling move. The assembly part moves in a direction to engage with the cartridge part of the developing roller coupling.

[0011] In other words, one of the above-mentioned conventional technologies must configure the image forming apparatus main assembly so that the above-mentioned rotating member (moving member) is moved in a direction parallel to its axis by the movement of opening or closing the cover of the main assembly.

[0012] In another conventional structural arrangement, when the cartridge is installed in or removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to move the main cartridge forward or backward in a direction parallel to the axis of the drive gear. The box drive gear of the assembly. In this way, this structural arrangement enables the cartridge to be installed or removed along the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive gear of the main assembly. However, in the case of this structural arrangement, the part for transmitting the driving force from the main assembly to the cartridge is the interface (meshing point) between the main assembly's driving force transmission gear and the cartridge's driving force receiving gear, making it difficult Prevent the problem of developing roller speed fluctuation.

Summary of the invention

[0013] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that does not have the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus compatible with the cartridge according to the present invention.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge, even if the cartridge is mounted on an electronic device that does not have a mechanism for moving the coupling in a direction parallel to the axis of the coupling to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller. When in a photographic imaging device, the developing reel of the cartridge can also be rotated smoothly. In addition, the present invention also provides an electrophotographic imaging device capable of detachably installing the cartridge.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be detached from the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft, in addition to providing a cartridge An electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting the above-mentioned cartridge.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be mounted in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft, and also provides a cartridge capable of An electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the above-mentioned cartridge is detachably mounted.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be mounted to or detached from the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft, In addition, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting the above-mentioned cartridge.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool that can follow a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft.

The developing roller of the cartridge can be detached from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus with a cartridge drive shaft, and the developing roller of the cartridge can be smoothly rotated. In addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably installing the cartridge is provided.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge that can be mounted in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft, the process cartridge The developing roller can rotate smoothly, and in addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting the above cartridge is provided.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be mounted to or detached from the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft, The developing roller of the cartridge can rotate smoothly, and in addition, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting the cartridge is provided.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge whose developing roller rotates more smoothly than the developing roller in the cartridge, which receives rotation from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus through the engagement of its gear with the main assembly gear In addition, there is also provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting the above-mentioned cartridge.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge (a developing device for a process cartridge), which reliably transmits the rotating force to the developing roller that has been accurately positioned relative to the photosensitive drum and enables the developing roller to rotate smoothly, in addition There is also provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting the above-mentioned process cartridge.

[0023] The so-called contact developing method is known in which a developing roller is brought into contact with a photosensitive drum to develop an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can make the developing roller smoothly rotate even when its developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum while moving in a direction separated from the photosensitive drum. In addition, Provided is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting the above-mentioned cartridge.

[0025] There is known a combination of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a cartridge used therefor, which is configured such that the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum and the rotational force for rotating the developing roller are respectively received from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge configured such that a coupling for transmitting a rotational force for rotating a photosensitive drum moves forward or backward in a direction parallel to its axis, and also provides a An electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting the above-mentioned cartridge.

[0027] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for use with a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a drive shaft having a rotational force applying portion, wherein the cartridge can be driven along and The shaft axis is detached from the main assembly in a substantially vertical direction, and the cartridge includes: i) a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the developing roller being rotatable about its axis; And ii) a coupling member that can be engaged with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller, and the coupling member can be configured to transmit the rotational force for rotating the developing roller to The rotational force transmission angular position of the developing roller and the separation angle position where the coupling member is inclined away from the rotational force transmission angular position, wherein when the electrophotographic imaging apparatus is moved from the electrophotographic imaging apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller When the box is removed from the main assembly, the coupling member moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting a cartridge, the apparatus including: i) a drive shaft having a rotational force applying portion; and ii) a cartridge, the cartridge It includes: a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the developing roller being rotatable about its axis; and a coupling member that can be engaged with the rotational force applying portion to receive the The rotational force that rotates the developing roller, the coupling member can be at a rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force of rotating the developing roller to the developing roller, and the coupling member is inclined away from the rotational force The separation angular position of the transmission angular position, wherein, when the cartridge is detached from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller, the coupling member transmits from the rotational force

The shift angle position is moved to the separation angle position.

[0029] The present invention can provide a cartridge that can be detached from the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft, and further provides a cartridge that can be detachably mounted. Cartridge of electrophotographic imaging equipment.

[0030] The present invention can provide a cartridge that can be mounted in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft, and further provides a cartridge that can be detachably mounted with the above Cartridge of electrophotographic imaging equipment.

[0031] The present invention can provide a cartridge that can be mounted to or detached from the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cartridge drive shaft, and also provides a cartridge capable of An electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the above-mentioned cartridge is detachably mounted.

[0032] The present invention can provide a cartridge to be installed in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that is not used to move the coupling along the axis of the coupling to transmit the rotational force to the cartridge. The mechanism of the developing roller can still make the developing roller rotate smoothly.

[0033] The present invention can provide a cartridge that can be developed even if it is configured such that the direction in which the cartridge is moved to be detached from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided on the main assembly Rotate smoothly.

[0034] The present invention can provide a cartridge that can be configured such that the direction in which the cartridge is moved to mount the cartridge to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided on the main assembly. The developing reel rotates smoothly.

[0035] The present invention can provide a cartridge that is configured such that the direction in which the cartridge is moved to be mounted to or detached from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided on the main assembly, It can also make the developing roller rotate smoothly.

[0036] The present invention can provide a combination of an electrophotographic imaging device and a cartridge used for it, which can make its developing roller rotate more smoothly than a combination of the electrophotographic imaging device and the cartridge, and it uses a set of gears to The rotational force is transmitted from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to the cartridge.

[0037] The present invention can provide a combination of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a cartridge used therefor, which can reliably transmit rotational force to the developing roller in the cartridge and rotate it smoothly, even if the combination is configured to allow development The roller is positioned relative to the photosensitive drum provided on the main assembly.

[0038] The present invention can provide a combination of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a cartridge used therefor, which can make the developing roller in the cartridge rotate smoothly even if the developing roller in contact with the photosensitive drum is moved to be in contact with the photosensitive drum. Separate.

[0039] The present invention can provide a combination of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a cartridge used therefor, and a mechanism for receiving a rotational force of a photosensitive drum is configured such that the coupling of the mechanism can be moved in the axial direction of the coupling.

[0040] By considering the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, these and other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent.

Description of the drawings

[0041] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a developing roller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a side view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a driving gear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a view showing an assembling process of the coupling and the driving gear according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a connected state of the developing gear and the coupling.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the coupling in an inclined state.

[0053] FIG. 13 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing a main assembly driving structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a driving structure of a developing roller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

15 is a perspective view of the cartridge setting part of the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a process in which the drive shaft and the coupling are engaged with each other according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a process of mounting the coupling to the drive shaft according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the coupling arranged in the main assembly and the coupling arranged in the box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a process of mounting the coupling to the drive shaft according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing a drive shaft, a drive gear, a coupling, and a developing shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a process in which the coupling is separated from the drive shaft according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a coupling according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a coupling according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a drive shaft according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a coupling according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing only the drive shaft, the developing shaft, and the coupling according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 28 is a side view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge side according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 29 is a view seen from the device and a perspective view of a cartridge setting portion of the main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 30 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a take-out process of taking out the main assembly of the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 31 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the mounting process of mounting the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention to the main assembly.

[0072] FIG. 32 is a perspective view and a plan view of a coupling according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the mounting operation of the cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 34 is a plan view of the cartridge viewed from the mounting direction in a state where the cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

[0075] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the cartridge in a state where the driving of the cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention is stopped.

[0076] FIG. 36 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing the take-out operation of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

37 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a door provided in the main assembly is opened according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a mounting guide on the driving side of the main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] FIG. 39 is a side view of the drive side of the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the driving side according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 41 is a side view showing a state in which the cartridge is inserted into the main assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a pressing member (specific to this embodiment) is mounted to the developing support member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view showing a developing support member, a coupling, and a developing shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the driving side of the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 45 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an engaged state between the drive shaft and the coupling according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 46 is a side view showing the driving side of the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing the driving side of the main assembly guide according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] FIG. 48 is a side view showing the relationship between the cartridge and the main assembly guide according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] FIG. 49 is a side view and a perspective view showing the relationship between the main assembly guide and the coupling according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] FIG. 50 is a side view of the process of mounting the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention to the main assembly as viewed from the driving side.

[0091] FIG. 51 is a side cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] FIG. 53 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] FIG. 54 is a side cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] FIG. 55 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a state where the developing support member of the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

[0098] FIG. 58 is a side cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] FIG. 59 is a perspective view showing a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] FIG. 60 is a side sectional view showing a main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a cartridge setting portion of the main assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] FIG. 62 is a schematic diagram of the process of installing the process cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention on the main assembly as viewed from the upper part of the apparatus.

[0103] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

[0104] (Example 1)

[0105] First, the present invention will be described with reference to an example of a developing cartridge according to the present invention.

[0106] It should be noted here that the developing cartridge is an example of a process cartridge.

[0107] (1) Description of the developing cartridge

[0108] First, referring to FIGS. 1-4, a developing cartridge B (hereinafter referred to simply as a cartridge) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of box B. In addition, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main assembly A (hereinafter referred to as the main assembly A) of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0109] The box B can be installed on or detached from the main assembly A by the user.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, box B has a developing cart 110. Referring to Figure 4, box B is installed in the main assembly A. When the cartridge B is properly positioned at its imaging position in the main assembly A, the cartridge B receives a rotational force from the main assembly A through a coupling mechanism (to be described later) to rotate.

[0111] The developing roller 110 supplies the developer t to the portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 107 (hereinafter simply referred to as photosensitive drum) (FIG. 4) in the developing area of the apparatus main assembly A. Using the developer t, the developing roller develops the electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107. A magnetic roller 111 (fixed magnet) is provided in the developing roller 110.

[0112] The cartridge B has a developing blade 112 in contact with the developing roller 110. The developing blade 112 regulates the amount of the developer t that can be held on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 110. It also charges the developer t by friction.

[0113] The developer t is stored in the developer storage portion 114 of the cartridge B, and is conveyed into the developing chamber 113a of the cartridge B by the rotation of the toner agitating members 115 and 116 of the cartridge B. When a voltage is applied to the developing cart 110, the developing cart 110 rotates. Therefore, with the development roller 110, a frictionally charged developer t layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the development roller 110. The charged toner particles in the frictionally charged developer layer are transferred to the photosensitive drum 107 in the form of the aforementioned electrostatic latent image; the developing vehicle 110 develops the electrostatic latent image.

[0114] The image developed on the photosensitive drum 107 (ie, the image formed by the developer t) is transferred to a sheet of the recording medium 102 by the transfer roller 104. The recording medium may be any medium capable of forming an image thereon (an image formed by a developer (toner) can be transferred thereon). For example, it may be ordinary paper, OHP sheet, or the like.

[0115] The cartridge B has a developing unit 119 composed of a developing member holding frame 113 and a developer storage frame 114. More specifically, the developing unit 119 has a developing roller 110, a developing blade 112, a developing part frame portion, a developing chamber 113a, a developer storage frame portion 114, and agitating members 115 and 116.

[0116] The developing roller 110 is rotatable about its axis L1.

[0117] The apparatus main assembly A has a box compartment 130a, and the user can install the box B into the box compartment by grasping the handle T of the box B to hold the box B. When the cartridge B is installed, the coupling 150 (rotational force transmission member, which will be described later) of the cartridge B is connected to the drive shaft 180 (Figure 17) provided on the main assembly A of the apparatus, thereby enabling the developing roller 110 and the like It rotates by receiving a rotating force from the main assembly A of the device. When the user wants to take out the cartridge B from the cartridge compartment 130a of the apparatus main assembly A, the user grasps the handle T and pulls the cartridge B out. When the cartridge B moves in the direction of taking out from the apparatus main assembly A, the coupling 150 of the cartridge B is separated from the drive shaft 180.

[0118] The direction in which the box B moves when the box B is installed in the device main assembly A (the box is installed in the box compartment 130a) or when the box B is removed from the device main assembly A (the box is removed from the box room 130a) It is substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. This will be described in detail later.

[0119] (2) Description of electrophotographic imaging equipment

[0120] Next, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the cartridge B will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The image forming apparatus 100 is a laser printer in this embodiment.

[0121] The main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 is denoted by the reference letter A. Incidentally, the apparatus main assembly A is the part left after the cartridge B is taken out from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0122] The apparatus main assembly A has a charging cart 108 (charging member) parallel to the photosensitive drum 107. The charging cart 108 charges the photosensitive drum 107 to have the voltage applied from the main assembly A of the device to the charging roller 108. The charging roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107 and is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 107.

[0123] The drum unit 120 has a photosensitive drum 107 and a cleaning blade 117a (cleaning member). The drum unit 120 also has: a storage bin 117b for storing the removed developer; and a screw 117c for conveying the removed developer to a storage box (not shown) provided on the main assembly A of the apparatus to store the removed developer. Developer; and charging roller 108. These elements are integrally arranged in the main assembly A of the equipment. That is, the drum unit 120 (cartridge B) and the apparatus main assembly A are configured such that when the cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main assembly A, the photosensitive drum 107 is accurately positioned at a predetermined position (cartridge position) in the apparatus main assembly A. ). More specifically, the drum unit 120 has a pair of bearings (not shown) protruding outward from both longitudinal ends of the cartridge B, one at one end, and the axis of each bearing coincides with the axis of the photosensitive drum 107. In this way, when the cartridge B is in the above-mentioned predetermined imaging position in the apparatus main assembly A, the cartridge B is supported by the pair of bearings in a pair of grooves (not shown), one groove corresponds to one bearing, and the groove Set in the main assembly A of the device.

[0124] The above-mentioned removed developer is the developer removed from the photosensitive drum 107 by the cleaning blade 117a.

[0125] The drum unit 120 may be permanently connected to the apparatus main assembly A, or may be detachably installed in the apparatus main assembly A. For the structural arrangement for positioning the drum unit 120 in the main assembly A of the apparatus so that the photosensitive drum 107 in the drum unit 120 is accurately positioned relative to the main assembly A for imaging, any known structural arrangement can be adopted.

[0126] The cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main assembly A (the cartridge chamber 130a). Then, the user closes the cassette door 109 provided on the main assembly A of the apparatus. When the cartridge door 109 is closed, the cartridge B is pressed against the photosensitive drum 107 by the elasticity of a pair of springs 192 arranged inside the cartridge door 109. Therefore, the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107 are kept at a proper distance. 110 is kept pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (Figure 4). That is, the cartridge B is accurately positioned relative to the photosensitive drum 107. In this way, the developing roller 110 is also accurately positioned relative to the photosensitive drum 107. More specifically, the longitudinal ends of the drum shaft (not shown) of the photosensitive drum 107 are fitted with a pair of bearings 107a coaxial with the drum shaft, and one end is fitted. In addition, the pair of bearings 107a are supported by a pair of bearing positioning portions 150 provided on the main assembly A of the apparatus. In this way, the photosensitive drum 107 can be rotated while maintaining precise positioning relative to the apparatus main assembly A (Figures 4 and 5).

[0127] When the user needs to install the box B into the device main assembly A, or when the user needs to take out the box B from the device main assembly A, the user opens the door 109.

[0128] The image forming operation performed by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is as follows. The rotating photosensitive drum 107 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 108 on the part of its outer peripheral surface that is in contact with the charging roller 108. Then, the laser beam is projected to the charged part of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107 through the optical component 101 having a laser diode, a polygon mirror, a lens, and a deflecting mirror (none of which are shown), and at the same time, the laser beam is used with relevant information about the image to be formed. Beam modulation. As a result, an electrostatic latent image reflecting the relevant information of the image to be formed is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107. The latent image is developed by the above-mentioned developing roller 110.

[0129] At the same time, in synchronization with the development of the electrostatic latent image, a sheet of recording medium 102 in the recording medium cassette 103a is sent out of the recording medium cassette 103a, and then transported to the image transfer by the recording medium transporting carriages 103c, 103d, and 103e. position. A transfer roller 104 (transfer member) is provided at the transfer position. The voltage is applied to the transfer roller 104 from the apparatus main assembly A. Therefore, the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 is transferred to the sheet of the recording medium 102.

[0130] The apparatus main assembly A has a cleaning blade 117a extending from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the photosensitive drum 107, the cleaning edge of which is in elastic contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107. The cleaning blade 117a is used to remove the developer t remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107 after the developer image is transferred to the recording medium 102. After the developer t is removed from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107 with the cleaning blade 117a, the developer t is temporarily stored in the developer hopper 117b. Then, show

The removed developer t in the toner silo 117b is conveyed by the developer conveying screw 117c in the developer silo 117b to the above-mentioned storage box (not shown) for storing the removed developer, and then accumulated in the storage box .

[0131] After the developer image is transferred to the recording medium 102, the recording medium 102 is conveyed to the fixing member 105 by the guide member 103f. The fixing unit 105 has a driving carriage 105c and a fixing carriage 105 including a heater 105a. By heating and pressurizing the recording medium when the recording medium 102 is conveyed past the fixing member 105, the fixing member 105 fixes the developer image onto the recording medium 102. After the image is formed on the recording medium 102 (after the developer image is fixed on the recording medium 102), the recording medium 102 is further conveyed through a pair of carts 103g and a pair of carts 103h, and then discharged into the tray 106. The pair of carts 103c, 103d, and 103e, the guide member 103f, the pair of carts 103g and 103h, etc. constitute the recording medium conveying member 103.

[0132] The cassette chamber 130a is a chamber (space) where the cassette B is installed. When the cartridge B is installed in the chamber, the coupling 150 (to be described later) of the cartridge B is connected with the drive shaft 180 provided on the main assembly A of the apparatus. In this embodiment, placing the cartridge B in the cartridge compartment 130a means that the cartridge B is installed in the main assembly A of the apparatus. In addition, taking out the cartridge B from the cartridge chamber 130a means that the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A of the apparatus.

[0133] (3) The structure of the developing reel

[0134] Next, the structure of the developing roller 110 is described with reference to FIG. 5. Figure 5 (a) is a perspective view of the developing roller 110 viewed from the rotational force receiving side (hereinafter may be referred to as the driving force receiving side). Figure 5(b) is a perspective view of the developing roller 110 viewed from the side opposite to the driving force receiving side (hereinafter referred to simply as the opposite side).

[0135] The developing roller 110 is composed of a developing roller 110a, a developing roller flange 151 (at the driving force receiving end), a developing roller flange 152 (at the opposite end), and a magnetic roller 111.

[0136] The developing roller 110a is composed of a cylinder and a coating, and the cylinder is made of an elastic conductive cylinder such as an aluminum cylinder. The outer peripheral surface of the barrel 110a carries the developer. The developer carried on the barrel 110a is charged. The longitudinal ends of the cylinder 110a have openings 110a1 and 110a2, respectively, and the diameter of the openings is approximately the same as that of the cylinder 110a, and the flanges 151 and 152 described above can be respectively assembled.

[0137] The flange 151 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or the like. However, it can also be made of a resin material as long as it can withstand the amount of torque required to rotate the developing roller 110.

[0138] The flange 151 has a gear fitting portion 151c on which a developing roller gear 153 (FIG. 8b) for driving the developer agitating members 115 and 116 (FIG. 1) and the like is fitted. The flange 151 also has a bearing assembly portion 151d on which the developing roller bearing 138 is assembled to rotatably support the developing roller 110. The gear assembly portion 151c and the bearing assembly portion 151d are coaxial with the flange 151. The flange 151 also has an inner cavity for supporting the magnetic roller 111, which will be described later. The flange 151 is fitted with a developing roller gear 153, and the developing roller gear 153 is fitted with a coupling 150 (to be described later) so that the coupling 150 can be inclined with respect to the axis of the developing roller 110 even when it is moved.

[0139] Like the flange 151, the flange 152 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. The flange 151 can also be made of a resin material as long as it can bear the load of the developing roller 110. In addition, the axis of the cylinder fitting portion 152b substantially coincides with the axis of the bearing 152a. In addition, one longitudinal end of the magnetic roller 111 extends beyond the corresponding longitudinal end of the developing roller 110 and is supported by a bearing 152a.

[0140] The magnetic car 111 is made of a magnetic material, or a resin material mixed with magnetic particles. The magnetic vehicle 111 has two to six magnetic poles, which are distributed in the circumferential direction. By holding the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 110, the conveying of the developer is facilitated.

[0141] The above-mentioned magnetic roller 111 is located in the developing roller 110a, and the mounting portion 151a of the flange 151 is mounted on the developing roller

110a in the opening 110al. In addition, the fitting portion 152b of the flange 152 is fitted in the opening 110a2 of the other longitudinal end portion of the developing cart cylinder 110a. Methods of firmly connecting the flanges 151 and 152 to the developing cart 110a include bonding, crimping, and the like. In addition, a spacer 136, a developing roller bearing 138, and a developing roller gear (not shown) are assembled from the driving force receiving side of the developing roller 110. In addition, the spacer 137 and the developing roller contact 156 are assembled from the opposite side of the developing roller 110.

[0142] The spacers 136 and 137 are members for regulating the gap between the developing carriage 110 and the photosensitive drum 107. There is a cylindrical member made of a resin material with a thickness of about 200-400 μm. A spacer 136 is fitted on one longitudinal end of the developing roller 110a, and a spacer 137 is fitted on the other longitudinal end of the developing roller 110a. Ministry. By assembling spacers 136 and 137 on the developing roller 110, the gap between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107 is maintained at about 200-400 μm_o[0143] The bearing 138 is a bearing for rotatably supporting the developing roller 110 by the developing unit frame 113 (FIG. 1 ). [0144] The developing voltage contact 156 is made of a conductive material (mainly a metal material), and is formed in a coil shape. The inner surface or flange 152 of the conductive developing roller 110a has a developing voltage contact 156b. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is configured such that the developing voltage contact 156 contacts the flange 152. In this way, when the box B is installed in the equipment main assembly A, the external electrical contacts (not shown) of the box B and the electrical contacts 156a of the equipment main assembly A are formed between the equipment main assembly A and the box B.. Electrical connection. Electrical connection. That is, when the box B is in the imaging position in the device main assembly A, the electrical contacts (not shown) provided on the device main assembly A remain in contact with the external electrical contacts of the box B, thereby enabling the box B Receive voltage from the main assembly A of the device. The voltage received by the external electrical contacts of the box B is provided to the developing roller 110 through the electrical contacts 156.

[0145] (5) Rotational force transmission portion (coupling member)

[0146] Then, referring to FIG. 6, an example of the coupling member as the rotational force transmission portion is described. Figure 6(a) is a perspective view of the coupling member seen from the main assembly side, and Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the coupling member seen from the developing roller side. Fig. 6(c) is a view seen from a direction perpendicular to the coupling axis L2. Figure 6(d) is a side view of the coupling member seen from the main assembly side, and Figure 6(e) is a view seen from the developing roller side. Fig. 6(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S3 in Fig. 6(d).

[0147] In a state where the cartridge B is placed in the setting portion 130a, the coupling member (coupler) 150 engages the drive shaft 180 of the main assembly A (FIG. 17). By taking out the cartridge B from the main assembly A, the coupling 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180. In this case, the cartridge B is moved from the set portion in the main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. During installation, the cartridge B moves to the installation portion of the main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180. In a state of being engaged with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 receives a rotational force from the motor 186 (FIG. 14) provided in the main assembly A through the drive shaft 180. In addition, the coupling 150 transmits the rotational force to the developing roller 110. In this way, the developing roller 110 is rotated. Here, the material of the coupling 150 is a resin material composed of polyacetal, polycarbonate, PPS, or the like. However, in order to increase the rigidity of the coupling 150, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or the like may be mixed in the resin material according to the required load torque. When such materials are mixed, the rigidity of the coupling 150 can be improved. In addition, in the resin material, the rigidity can be further improved by inserting a metal member. In addition, the entire coupling 150 may be made of metal or the like. In addition, the material of the coupling is similar in the embodiments to be described below. The coupling 150 has three main parts (Figure 6(c)).

[0148] The first part is the driven portion 150a, which has a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1 to 150e4) for receiving the rotational force from the pin 182 by being engaged with the drive shaft 180. The second part is the driving part 150b for transmitting rotational force by engaging with the developing gear 153. In addition, the third part is an intermediate part 150c between the driven part 150a and the driving part 150b. For example, the developing gear 153 transmits the rotational force received by the coupling 150 from the main assembly A to the developer supply roller (which will be described later).

[0149] As shown in FIG. 6(f), the driven portion 150a has a drive shaft insertion opening 150m, and the drive shaft insertion opening 150m is

Page Π/47 is conically enlarged away from the enlarged part of the axis L2. As shown in the figure, the opening 150m constitutes a recess 150zo and the recess 150z is coaxial with the rotation axis L2 of the coupling 150.

[0150] The drive portion 150b has a spherical drive shaft receiving surface 150io through which the coupling 150 can pivot between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or separation angular position) substantially relative to the axis L1. Turn (move). In this way, regardless of the rotation phase of the developing roller 110, the coupling 150 can engage the driving shaft 180 without being hindered by the free end 180b of the driving shaft 180. As shown in the figure, the driving portion 150b has a protruding structure.

[0151] In addition, a plurality of drive receiving protrusions 150dl-d4o are provided on the circumference of the end surface of the driven portion 150a (FIG. 6(d), virtual circle c1). In addition, the drive receiving standby portions 150k1, 150k2, 150k3, and 150k4 are provided at Between adjacent protrusions 150dl or 150d2 or 150d3, 150d4. The interval between the adjacent protrusions 150d1-d4 is larger than the outer diameter of the pin 182 so that the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 can enter the interval. These gaps at intervals are the standby portions 150kl-k4o. In addition, in FIG. 6(d), the clockwise downstream side of the protrusion 150d is provided with a rotating force receiving surface (rotating force receiving portion) that crosses the rotation direction of the coupling 150 150e (150el-e4)_oWhen the drive shaft 180 rotates, the pin 182 abuts one of the receiving surfaces 150el-e4. In addition, the receiving surfaces 150el-e4 are pushed by the outer circumference of the pin 182, thereby rotating the coupling 150 about the axis L2.

[0152] The driving part 150b has a spherical surface. For this reason, in the cartridge B, regardless of the rotation phase of the developing roller 110, the coupling 150 can generally pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or the separation angular position). In the illustrated example, the driving portion 150b is composed of a spherical developing shaft receiving surface 150Ϊ, and the developing shaft receiving surface 150Ϊ and the driving portion 150b have the same axis L2o. In addition, at a position passing through the center of the developing shaft receiving surface 150Ϊ, a 150g of fixing hole through which the pin (rotational force transmission part) 155 passes_o

[0153] As described above, the coupling 150 has a recess 150z coaxial with the rotation axis L2 of the coupling 150_oIn a state where the coupling 150 is in the rotational force transmission angular position, the recess 150z covers the free end of the drive shaft 180. In addition, the rotational force receiving surface 150e (150el to 150e4) engages the free end portion of the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 along the rotational direction of the coupling 150 along the direction of the drive shaft 180 The axis L3 protrudes in a substantially vertical direction. The rotational force receiving surface 150e is a rotational force receiving portion. The pin 182 is a rotation force applying part. In this way, the coupling 150 receives the rotational force from the drive shaft 180 to rotate. When the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A, the cartridge B is moved so that the coupling 150 of the cartridge moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. In response to the movement of the cartridge B, the coupling 150 pivots (moves) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position, so that a part of the recess 150z (the free end position 150A1) sweeps the drive shaft 180. In this way, the coupling 150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180.

[0154] The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e (150e1 to 150e4) is positioned on the virtual circle such that the center S of the virtual circle is in the middle of the rotational force receiving surface 150e, and the center S of the virtual circle is at the coupling 150cl on the rotation axis L2 (Figure 6(d)). In this embodiment, the rotational force receiving surface 150e is provided at four positions.

[0155] Here, a uniform force is applied to the coupling 150 through the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e arranged oppositely. Therefore, the rotation accuracy of the coupling 150 can be improved.

[0156] In the state of being in the rotational force transmission angular position, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. In the state where the coupling 150 is in the separation angle position, the coupling is inclined with respect to the axis L1 so that the upstream side (the free end 150A3) can sweep the drive shaft 180 from the main assembly A in the removal direction X6 in which the cartridge B is removed. The free end.

[0157] (6) Development Gear

[0158] With reference to FIG. 7, an example of the developing gear 153 supporting the coupling 150 is described. Fig. 7(a) is a view seen from the drive shaft side, and Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S4-S4 in Fig. 7(a).

[0159] The opening 153g1 or 153g2 shown in FIG. 7(a) is a groove extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing gear 153. A space 153f is provided between the openings 153gl and 153g2_oWhen the coupling 150 is mounted on the developing gear 153, the pin 155 is received in the openings 153g1, 153g2. In addition, the developing shaft receiving surface 150Ϊ is accommodated in the space portion 153f.

[0160] With the above-mentioned structure, in the cartridge B, regardless of the rotation phase of the developing roller 110 (the stop position of the pin 155), the coupling 150 can be at the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or the separation angular position). ) To pivot (move) between.

[0161] In FIG. 7(a), the clockwise upstream sides of the openings 153g1, 153g2 are provided with rotational force transmission surfaces (rotational force transmitted portions) 153h1, 153h2. The side surface of the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force transmission portion) 155 of the coupling 150 contacts the transmission surface 153 h1 or 153 h 2 o. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted from the coupling 150 to the developing roller 110. Here, the transmission surfaces 153hl-153h2 are surfaces that face the rotation direction of the developing gear 153. Therefore, the transfer surfaces 153hl-153h2 are pushed by the side of the pin 15155. In a state where the axis L1 and the axis L2 are substantially coaxial with each other, the coupling 150 rotates about the axis L2.

[0162] Here, the developing gear 153 has the transmitted portion 153h1 or 153h2, so they can be used as a rotational force transmitted member.

[0163] Similar to the protrusion 15150d, it is desirable to provide the rotational force transmission surfaces 15150h1, 15150h2 in a diametrically opposed manner on the circumference.

[0164] (7) Assembly of the coupling

[0165] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of assembling the coupling 150 into the developing gear 153.

[0166] FIG. 8(a) is a view showing a state where the drive transmission pin and the holding member 156 are assembled to the two-part coupling 150. Figure 8(b) is a view of the process of assembling the structure thus assembled to the developing gear.

[0167] The holding member 156 and the developing gear 153 are locked together. In this way, the coupling 150 is installed to be able to pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or the separation angular position). In addition, the movement of the coupling 150 in the direction of the axis L2 is restricted. For this reason, the diameter D15 of the opening 156j is smaller than the diameter of the shaft receiving surface 150Ϊ. More specifically, the movement of the coupling 150 is regulated by the developing gear 153 and the holding member 156. In this way, the coupling 150 will not be separated from the developing roller (cartridge).

[0168] As shown in FIG. 8, the driving portion 150b of the coupling 150 is engaged with the concave portion (space portion 153f) of the developing gear 153.

[0169] The specific installation method of the coupling will be described below.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the driven portion 150a and the intermediate portion 150c are inserted in the direction X33 with respect to the positioning member 150q, which has a shaft receiving surface 150Ϊ (driving portion 150c). At this time, the holding member 156 is provided between the driven portion 150c and the positioning member 150q in advance. In this state, the pin 155 passes through the fixing hole 150g of the positioning member 150q and the fixing hole 150ro of the intermediate portion 150c. Thus, the positioning member 150q is fixed on the intermediate portion 150c.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 8(b), the coupling 150 is then moved in the direction X33. In this way, the coupling 150 is inserted into the developing gear 153. Then, the holding member 156 is inserted in the direction of the arrow X33. In this way, the holding member 156 is fixed to the developing gear 153. Using this installation method, the coupling 150 can be installed so that there is a clearance (clearance) between the positioning member 150q and the developing gear 153. In this way, the coupling 150 can change its orientation (tilting and/or moving relative to the axis L2).

[0172] The installation method of the coupling is not limited to these installation methods. For example, it is required that the coupling cannot move in the axial direction with respect to the developing gear 153 and can be inclined with respect to the axis of the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110).

[0173] In view of this, for example, the coupling is integrally formed. And, a flexible locking pawl is provided on the developing gear 153, using

The flexible locking pawl locks the shaft receiving surface 150io in this way to achieve retention. In addition, even in this case, a holding member can be used.

[0174] (8) Assembly of cartridge (developing cartridge)

[0175] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the installation of the cartridge is described. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive side of the cartridge. Fig. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view along the line S4-S4 in Fig. 2, wherein the axis L2 is coaxial with the axis L1. Fig. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S5-S5 in Fig. 2.

[0176] A developing gear 153 having a coupling 150 is fixed to one end (developing roller flange 151) of the developing roller 110 so that the driving portion 150a is exposed.

[0177] The driving side of the overall structure (the developing roller 110, the developing gear 153, the coupling 150) is supported by the supporting member 157, and the non-driving side is supported by the developing supporting pin (not shown). In addition, in this state, the overall structure is rotatably supported on the developing unit frame 119. In this way, they are integrated into box B (Figures 2 and 3).

[0178] In this state, the rotational force received from the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the developing wheel 110 through the coupling 150 and the developing gear 153.

[0179] In addition, in this state, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 may be substantially coaxial with the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 (FIG. 10(a)), or may be inclined with respect to the axis L1. (Figure 10(b)).

[0180] Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the coupling 150 is mounted to the developing part frame 119 so that the axis L2 can be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L1. Figs. 11(a1)-(a5) are views viewed in the direction of the drive shaft 180, and Figs. 11(b1)-(b5) show perspective views of elements. Here, FIGS. 11(b1)-(b5) show substantially the entire coupling 150, in which the developing gear 153 is partially disassembled.

[0181] In FIGS. 11 (a1) and (b1), the axis L2 is coaxial with respect to the axis L1. Fig. 11 (a2) and (b2) show a situation where the coupling 150 is inclined upward from the above-mentioned state. As shown in this figure, when the coupling 150 is inclined toward the opening 153g, the pin 155 moves along the opening 153g. Therefore, the coupling 150 is inclined around the axis AX perpendicular to the opening 153g.

[0182] In FIGS. 11 (a3) and (b3), the coupling 150 is inclined to the right. As shown in the figure, when the coupling 150 is inclined in a direction perpendicular to the opening 153g, the pin 155 rotates in the opening 153g. The pin 155 rotates around its central axis AY.

[0183] In FIGS. 11(a4) and (b4) and FIGS. 11(a5) and (b5), a situation where the coupling 150 is inclined downward and to the left is shown. For brevity, the description of the rotation axes AX and AY is omitted.

[0184] In a direction different from the described tilt direction, for example, in the 45-degree direction of the direction shown in FIG. 11(a1), the rotation in the direction of the rotation axis AX and the rotation in the direction of the rotation axis AY are combined, so This tilt (movement) is possible.

[0185] In this way, according to this embodiment, the axis L2 can be inclined in all directions with respect to the axis L1.

[0186] In this embodiment, the opening 151g extends in a direction crossing the protruding direction of the pin 155.

[0187] In addition, as shown in the drawing, there is a gap between the developing gear (rotational force transmitted member) 153 and the coupling 150. As described above, the coupling 150 can be tilted (moved) in all directions.

[0188] More specifically, the transmission surface (rotational force transmitted portion) 153h (153h1, 153h2) is movable relative to the pin 155 (rotational force transmission portion). The pin 155 is movable relative to the transmission surface 153h. In the rotation direction of the coupling, the transmission surface 153h and the pin 155 are engaged with each other. For this reason, there is a gap between the pin 155 and the transmission surface 153h. In this way, the coupling 150 can pivot in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. In this way, the coupling 150 is mounted to the end of the developing roller 110.

[0189] It has been described that the axis L2 may be inclined in all directions with respect to the axis L1. However, the coupler 150 need not be able to

It is linearly inclined at a predetermined angle in an arbitrary direction of 360 degrees. In this case, for example, the opening 150g is set wider in the circumferential direction. If set in this manner, when the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1, even in the case where the axis L2 cannot be linearly inclined by a predetermined angle, the coupling 150 can rotate with a small angle with respect to the axis L2. In this way, it can be tilted at a predetermined angle. In other words, the amount of clearance in the rotation direction of the opening 150g can be appropriately selected according to needs.

[0190] This point applies to all the embodiments described herein.

[0191] In this way, the coupling 150 is installed so as to be pivotable substantially in any direction. To this end, the coupling 150 can rotate (move) substantially the entire circumference with respect to the developing gear 153 (the axis L1 of the developing roller 110). As described above (FIG. 10), the spherical surface 150i of the coupling 150 contacts the holding portion (a part of the recess) 156io. For this reason, the coupling 150 is mounted concentrically with the center P2 of the spherical surface 150Ϊ (FIG. 10). More specifically, regardless of the phase of the developing gear 153 (developing wheel 110), the axis L2 of the coupling 150 can be inclined.

[0192] In order to engage the coupling 150 with the drive shaft 180, immediately before the engagement, the axis L2 is inclined toward the downstream side of the cartridge B mounting direction with respect to the axis L1. As shown in FIG. 10( b ), more specifically, the axis L2 is inclined so that the driven portion 150 a is downstream of the axis L1 with respect to the mounting direction X4. In FIGS. 12(a)-(c), the position of the driven portion 150a is always downstream with respect to the mounting direction X4.

[0193] Using the above-described structure, as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to realize the transition from the state where the axis L2 and the axis L1 are substantially parallel to the state where the axis L2 is inclined. The maximum possible inclination angle α4 between the axis L1 and the axis L2 (FIG. 10( b )) is the inclination angle when the driven portion 15150 a or the intermediate portion 15150 c contacts the developing gear 153 or the supporting member 157. The inclination angle is an angle that allows the coupling 150 to be engaged and separated with respect to the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is mounted to and detached from the main assembly A.

[0194] (9) Drive shaft and drive structure of the main assembly

[0195] Next, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the developing roller driving structure of the main assembly A will be described. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the main assembly in a state where the cartridge B is not inserted, in which the side plate on the driving side is partially omitted. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing only the driving structure of the developing vehicle.

[0196] The free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 is a spherical surface. It has a rotational force transmission pin 182 as a rotational force applying portion, which substantially penetrates the center of the cylindrical main body 180a. The rotation force is transmitted to the coupling 150 by the pin 182.

[0197] The longitudinally opposite sides of the free end 180b have a developing drive gear 181 that is substantially coaxial with the axis L3. The gear 181 is non-rotatably fixed on the drive shaft 180. For this reason, when the gear 181 rotates, the drive shaft 180 also rotates.

[0198] The gear 181 receives rotational force from the motor 186 through a pinion gear (motor pinion) 187, an idler gear 191, and a photosensitive drum drive gear 190. For this reason, when the motor 186 rotates, the drive shaft 180 also rotates.

[0199] The gear 181 is rotatably supported by the main assembly A by means of a supporting member (not shown). At this time, the gear 181 does not move in the direction of the axis L1. Therefore, the gear 181 and the supporting member (not shown) can be closely arranged relative to each other.

[0200] It has been described that the gear 181 receives the transmission of rotational force from the gear 187 through the plurality of gears. But this is not necessarily true. For example, from the viewpoint of convenience in the arrangement of the motor 186, appropriate modifications can be made. The rotational force can be transmitted through a belt or the like.

[0201] In addition, the drive shaft 180 does not move in the direction of the axis L3. For this reason, the gap between the drive shaft 180 and the supporting members 183, 184 is a gap for allowing the drive shaft 180 to rotate. Therefore, the position of the gear 181 relative to the gear 187 can also be accurately determined relative to the diameter direction.

[0202] However, due to unavoidable dimensional tolerances, the drive shaft 180 may have a clearance in the direction of the axis L3 (between

Gap). In this case, in order to remove the clearance, a spring or the like can be used to elastically push the drive shaft 180 or the gear 181 in the direction of the axis L3.

[0203] (10) Structure of the cartridge guide of the main assembly

15 and 16, the cartridge mounting part 130 in this embodiment has a pair of cartridge guides 130R1 and 130LL provided on the main assembly A.

[0205] These guide portions 130R1 and 130L1 are located in the space where the cassette B is installed (the cassette chamber 130a). That is, the box chamber 130a has a box mounting part 130 whose box guides 130R1 and 130L1 are respectively provided near its end walls (left and right walls) and insert (install) the box B to The direction in the box chamber 130a extends. The two guides 130R1 and 130L1 of the box mounting part 130 are arranged near the left and right walls of the box chamber 130a so that they are exactly opposite to each other across the box chamber 130a (Figure 15 shows the driven side of the box, Figure 16 shows The side opposite to the driven side of the box). The cartridge mounting member 130 has a pair of cartridge guides 130R1 and 130L1, which guide the cartridge B when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge chamber 130a. As far as the direction of mounting the cartridge B into the main assembly A is concerned, the guide 130R1 is provided at one end (the right end as viewed from the direction of inserting the cartridge) of the cartridge chamber 130a, and the guide 130L1 is provided at the other end. The guides are positioned so that they face each other across the cassette chamber 130a. When the user installs the cartridge B into the cartridge chamber 130a, the user inserts the cartridge B so that a pair of portions (protrusions, which will be described later) protruding from the longitudinal ends outside the cartridge frame are guided by the guide portions 130R1 and 130L1. The steps to install box B into the main assembly A of the device are as follows. First, the user opens the door 109, and the door 109 can be opened around the axis 109a. On or off. Next, the user inserts the cartridge B into the cartridge chamber 130a while guiding the above-mentioned convex portions by the guide portions 130R1 and 130L1. Next, the user closes the door 109. Closing the door 109 completes the installation of the box B into the main assembly A of the device. Incidentally, when the user takes out the cartridge B from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the door 109 is also opened.

[0206] The groove 130R2 is on the cartridge driving side of the cartridge chamber 130a, and serves as a gap for the coupling 150 until the coupling 150 engages the driving shaft 180.

[0207] The door 109 has a spring 192 inside the door 109. When the door 109 is in the closed position, the spring 192 causes the cartridge B to be squeezed by elastic force, thereby maintaining a predetermined distance between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the spring 192 causes the cartridge B to be squeezed by elastic force, thereby squeezing the developing roller 110 toward the photosensitive drum 107.

[0208] (11) Structural arrangement for guiding and positioning the developing cartridge

[0209] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the cartridge B has a pair of cartridge guides 140R1.140R2, and a pair of cartridge guides 140L1, 140L2o in terms of the axial (longitudinal) direction of the developing car Kun 110, the cartridge guide 140R1. 140R2 is located at one longitudinal end of the box B, and the box guide 140LK140L2 is located at the other longitudinal end.

[0210] In this embodiment, the guide portions 140R1, 140R2, 140L1, and 140L2 are integral parts of the developing unit frame 119, the developing carriage support member 157, or the developing roller bearing 139, and are integrally formed with them. They can protrude to the outside of box B.

[0211] (12) Installation operation of developing cartridge

[0212] Next, referring to FIG. 17, an operation for installing the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A is described. Figures 17 (a)-17 (c) are cross-sectional views of the box B and the box compartment of the main assembly A of the equipment, taken on the plane S6-S6 of Figure 15.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 17(a), the user opens the door 109 of the device main assembly A, and installs the cartridge B into the cartridge mounting part 130 (the cartridge chamber 130a).

[0214] More specifically, referring to FIG. 17(b), by inserting the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A, the cartridge guides 140R1 and 140R2 on the driving force receiving side follow the cartridge guide 130R1 of the apparatus main assembly A, And so that the cartridge guides 140L1 and 140L2 on the opposite side of the driving force receiving side follow the cartridge guide 130L1 (Figure 16) of the apparatus main assembly A, which

In this way, the box B is installed in the box chamber 130a. When the cartridge B is inserted as described above, the coupling 150 on the driving force receiving side and the cylindrical portion 157c of the developing roller supporting member 157 (which surrounds the coupling 150) run along the groove 130R2 of the guide portion 130R1, and There is no contact between the cylindrical portion 157c and the wall of the groove 130R2.

[0215] Next, the cartridge B is further inserted in the direction indicated by the arrow X. When the cartridge B is inserted as described above, the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180, thereby allowing the cartridge B to be properly seated in the cartridge chamber 130a (a predetermined position in the cartridge chamber 130a), which will be described in more detail later. More specifically, referring to FIG. 17(c), the guide portion 140R1 contacts the cartridge positioning portion 130R1a of the guide portion 130R1. In addition, the guide portion 140L1 contacts the cartridge positioning portion 130L1a of the guide portion 130L1 (FIG. 16). As described above, with the assistance of the box mounting part 130, the box B is detachably mounted in the box chamber 130a. At the end of the installation (insertion) of the cartridge B into the cartridge chamber 130a, the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180. When the cartridge B remains correctly positioned in the imaging position in the cartridge chamber 130a, the coupling 150 remains engaged with the drive shaft 180, so that the cartridge B can perform a part of the imaging operation. Incidentally, the box compartment 130a is the space in the main assembly A of the equipment. It is the space where the box B is held in the main assembly A of the equipment after the user installs the box B into the main assembly A with the assistance of the box installation part 130. Space.

[0216] As described above, the cartridge B has a pair of guide portions 140R1 and 140R2 that protrude from one longitudinal end of the cartridge B (FIG. 2). With regard to the direction X4 in which the cartridge B is installed into the apparatus main assembly A, there is a predetermined distance (gap) between the guide portions 140R1 and 140R2. In addition, the box B also has a pair of guide portions 140L1 and 140L2 that protrude from the other longitudinal end of the box B (FIG. 3 ). With regard to the direction X4 in which the cartridge B is installed into the apparatus main assembly A, there is a predetermined distance (gap) between the guide portions 140L1 and 140L2.

[0217] For the apparatus main assembly A, one end of the cassette chamber 130a has guide portions 130R1 and 130R2 in a direction perpendicular to the cassette mounting direction X4, and the guide portions are aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the cassette mounting direction X4, And the guide part 130R1 is positioned higher than the guide part 130R2 (Figure 15). The other end of the cassette chamber 130a has guide portions 130L1 and 130L2 that are aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the cassette mounting direction X4 (FIG. 16).

[0218] In this way, when the cartridge B is installed in the cartridge chamber 130a, the cartridge B is inserted into the cartridge chamber 130a so that the guide portions 140R1 and 140R2 are guided by the guide portion 130R1, and the bottom surface of the cartridge B is guided by the guide portion 130R2 (FIG. 17) guide. For the opposite sides of the guide parts 140R1 and 140R2, the guide parts 140L1 and 140L2 are guided by the guide part 130L1.

[0219] In addition, after the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180, the guide portions 140R1 (FIG. 17) and 140L1 (FIG. (6) are accurately positioned relative to the cartridge chamber 130a by the cartridge positioning portions 130R1a and 130L1a, respectively. That is, in the coupling After the actuator 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180, the cartridge B is accurately positioned in the cartridge chamber 130a.

[0220] How the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 and how the coupling 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180 will be described later.

[0221] If the cartridge B needs to be taken out from the cartridge chamber 130a, the cartridge can be removed from the cartridge chamber by performing the above-mentioned cartridge mounting operation on the contrary.

130a takes out box B.

[0222] The above-described structural arrangement for the cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly A can remove the cartridge B from the cartridge chamber 130a by moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 180. That is, by moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 180, the cartridge B can be installed in or taken out of the cartridge chamber 130a.

[0223] After the cartridge B is properly positioned at the imaging position in the cartridge chamber 130a of the apparatus main assembly A, the guide 140R1 is still under the elastic pressure from the spring 188R, which is arranged in the apparatus main assembly A (Figure 2 and Figure 15), and the guide 140L1 is still under the elastic pressure from the spring 188L, the spring 188L is set on the main assembly of the device A (Figure 3 and Figure 16) ο Then, in the closing Behind the door 19, due to the elasticity of the spring 192R connected to the inner surface of the door 109 (as for the spring 192L, that is, the spring on the opposite side of the driving force receiving side, see FIG. 16), the box

B is pressed against the box seat 114a (Figure 4). In this way, the spacers 136 and 137 (FIG. 2) fitted on the two longitudinal ends of the developing roller 110 in a one-to-one correspondence contact the two longitudinal ends of the photosensitive drum 107, thereby maintaining between the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107 A predetermined distance.

[0224] In addition, the closing of the UI 109 causes a switch device (not shown) to be turned on, so that the developing roller 110 can receive the rotating force for rotating the developing roller 110 from the apparatus main assembly A through the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150.

[0225] As described above, the user detachably installs the box B into the box compartment 130a under the guidance of the box mounting part 130. That is, the cartridge B is installed in the cartridge chamber 130a while being accurately positioned relative to the apparatus main assembly A and the photosensitive drum 107. In addition, after the cartridge B is accurately positioned in the cartridge chamber 130a, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 are completely engaged.

[0226] That is, the coupling 150 is in a rotational force receiving state.

[0227] That is, by mounting the cartridge B into the cartridge chamber 130a of the image forming apparatus, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in this embodiment can form an image.

[0228] Incidentally, with regard to how to install the box B, the device main assembly A and the box B can be configured so that the user can completely insert the box B into the box compartment 130a, or the user can partially insert the box B so that other methods can be used. Complete the rest of the installation of Box B. For example, the apparatus main assembly A may be configured such that when the door 109 is closed, a part of the door 109 contacts the cartridge B that has been partially inserted, and then the cartridge B is pushed into the cartridge chamber 130a by the remaining part of the closing movement of the door 109 The final location. Alternatively, the cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly A may be configured such that the user partially pushes the cartridge B into the cartridge chamber 130a, and then advances the cartridge B to its final position in the cartridge chamber 130a by its own weight.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 17, by moving the cartridge B in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 (FIG. (8), the cartridge B is mounted and detached relative to the main assembly A. In addition, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling The device 150 is in an engaged state or a separated state.

[0230] Here, "substantially vertical" will be described.

[0231] In order to smoothly install and remove the cartridge B between the cartridge B and the main assembly A, a small gap is given between them. More specifically, between the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 140R1 and the guide portion 130R1, between the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 140R2 and the guide portion 130R1, between the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 140L1 and the guide portion 130L1, and between the guide portion 140L2 There is a small gap between it and the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 130L2. Therefore, when installing and removing the cartridge B relative to the main assembly A, the entire cartridge B may sometimes be slightly inclined within the limits of its gap. Therefore, strictly speaking, installation and removal are sometimes not in the orthogonal direction. However, even in this case, the functional effects of the present invention can be achieved. Therefore, "substantially vertical" includes situations where the box is slightly tilted.

[0232] (13) Engagement operation and rotational force transmission between the coupling and the drive shaft

[0233] As described above, the coupling 150 of the cartridge B engages the drive shaft 180 immediately before being positioned in the mounting portion 130a (predetermined position), or engages the drive shaft 180 while being positioned to a predetermined position. More specifically, the coupling 150 is in the rotational force transmission angular position. Here, the predetermined position is the setting part 130a.

[0234] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the engagement operation between the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 is described. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the main part of the drive shaft and the cartridge drive side. Fig. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view seen from below the main assembly. Here, the engagement refers to a state in which the axis L2 and the axis L3 are substantially coaxial with each other, and rotational force can be transmitted in this state.

[0235] As shown in FIG. 19, the cartridge B is installed in the main assembly A along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 (the direction of the arrow X4). Or, remove it from the main assembly A. The coupling 150 is in the pre-engagement angular position where the axis L2 (Figure 19(a)) is preliminarily inclined relative to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 (Figure 19(a)) in the mounting direction X4 (Figure 18(a) and Figure 19(a)).

[0236] For the structure for tilting the coupling to the pre-engagement angular position, for example, the structure of Embodiment 4 or the structure of Embodiment 5 will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other suitable structures may also be used.

[0237] By tilting the coupling 150 in the above direction, the free end position 150A1 of the coupling 150 downstream with respect to the mounting direction X4 is closer to the position of the developing roller 110 with respect to the axis L1 direction than the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. In addition, the upstream free end position 150A2 is closer to the position of the pin 182 with respect to the mounting direction X4 than the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft (FIG. 19(a), (b)). Here, the free end position refers to the position farthest from the axis L2 at the position closest to the drive shaft in the direction of the axis L2 on the driven portion 150a shown in FIGS. 6(a) and (c). In other words, depending on the rotation phase of the coupling 150 (FIG. 6(a)(c), 150A), it is the edge line of the driven portion 150a or the edge line of the protrusion 150d of the coupling 150.

[0238] First, the free end position (a part of the coupling 150) 150A1 of the coupling 150 passes over the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft and, after the coupling 150 passes over the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft, the receiving surface 15Of or protrusion 150d contacts the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 or the pin 182 (Figure 19(b)). The receiving surface 15Of and the protrusion 15Od are the box-side contact portions. The drive shaft 180 is the main assembly side joint portion. The pin 182 is the main assembly side engaging portion and the rotational force applying portion. In the coupling 150, in response to the mounting operation of the cartridge B, the coupling 150 is tilted (FIG. 19(c)) so that the axis L2 is coaxial with the axis L1. The coupling 150 is inclined from the pre-engagement angular position and pivoted (moved) to the rotational force transmission angular position, in which the axis L2 of the coupling and the axis L1 are substantially coaxial. Finally, the position of the box B relative to the main assembly A is determined. At this time, the driving shaft 180 and the developing roller 110 are substantially coaxial with each other. In addition, in this state, the receiving surface 15Of is opposed to the spherical surface free end 180b of the drive shaft 180. And, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged with each other (FIGS. 18(b) and 19(d)). In addition, at this time, a pin 155 (not shown) is positioned in the opening 150g (FIG. 6(b)). In addition, the pin 182 is located at the standby position 150ko here, and the coupling 150 covers the free end 180bo

[0239] As described above, when the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A, the coupling 150 performs the following movement. More specifically, when the coupling 150 bypasses the drive shaft 180 with respect to the downstream portion (free end position 150A1) of the installation direction X4, the coupling 150 inclines and moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. The receiving surface 15Of constitutes the recessed portion 150zo and the recessed portion 150z has a conical shape. The mounting direction X4 is the direction in which the cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly A.

[0240] As described above, the coupling 150 is installed for tilting movement with respect to the axis L1. And, in response to the movement of the cartridge B, a part of the coupling 150 (the receiving surface 15Of and/or the protrusion 150d) as the cartridge-side contact portion contacts the main assembly-side engaging portion (the drive shaft 180 and/or the pin 182). In this way, the pivoting movement of the coupling 150 is performed. As shown in FIG. 19, the coupling 150 is installed in a state where it overlaps the drive shaft 180 with respect to the direction of the axis L1. However, through the pivotal movement of the coupling described above, the coupling 150 may be engaged with the drive shaft 180 in an overlapping state.

[0241] In addition, regardless of the phase difference between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150, the coupling operation of the coupling 150 described above can be performed. With reference to Figures 11 and 20, the reasons are described. FIG. 20 is a view showing the respective phases of the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180. Fig. 20(a) is a view showing a state where the pin 182 and the receiving surface 15Of are opposed to each other on the cartridge downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4. Fig. 20(b) is a view showing a state where the pin 182 and the protrusion 150d are opposed to each other. Fig. 20(c) is a view showing a state where the free end 180b and the protrusion 150d are opposed to each other. Fig. 20(d) is a view showing a state where the free end 180b and the receiving surface 15Of are opposed to each other.

[0242] As shown in FIG. 11, the coupling 150 can be inclined in all directions with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. More specifically, the coupling 150 is rotatable. As shown in FIG. 20, for this reason, in the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B, the coupling can be tilted regardless of the phase of the developing gear 153 (developing roller). Regardless of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150, the free end position 150A1 can be tilted within the set inclination range of the coupling 150, so that it is along the axis on the developing roller side.

The direction of L1 exceeds the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. In addition, the inclination range of the coupling 150 is set such that the free end position 150A2 is positioned on the pin 182 relative to the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. In the installation operation of B, the free end position 150A1 relative to the installation direction X4 sweeps the free end 180b3o of the drive shaft and, in the case shown in FIG. 20(a), the receiving surface 15Of contacts the pin 182. In the case shown in FIG. 20( b ), the protrusion (engaging portion) 150 d contacts the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182. In the case shown in FIG. 20(c), the protrusion 150d contacts the free end 180bo. In the case shown in FIG. 20(d), the receiving surface 15Of contacts the free end 180bo. In addition, when the box B is installed, the coupling 150 With the contact force between the drive shaft 180 and the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 moves so that the axis L2 and the axis L1 are substantially coaxial. More specifically, after the coupling 150 starts to contact the drive shaft 180, the cartridge B moves until the axis L2 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1. And, in a state where the axis L2 and the axis L1 are substantially coaxial, the cartridge B is positioned in the main assembly A as described above. In this way, the coupling 150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180. More specifically, the concave portion 150z covers the free end portion 180bo. Therefore, regardless of the phase of the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 or the developing gear 153 (developing roller), Both the coupling 150 can engage the drive shaft 180 (pin 182).

[0243] In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, there is a gap between the developing gear 153 and the coupling 150 to allow the tilt (movement) as described above.

[0244] In this embodiment, the case where the coupling 150 pivots in the drawing plane of FIG. 20 has been described. However, since the coupling 150 can also rotate as described above, it can also include pivoting in directions other than the in-plane direction of FIG. 20. In addition, in this case, it is possible to transition from the state of FIG. 20(a) to the state of FIG. 20(d). This applies to the following embodiments unless otherwise described.

[0245] With reference to FIG. 21, the rotational force transmission operation when the developing roller 110 rotates is described. By the rotational force received from the drive source (motor 186), the drive shaft 180 rotates along the direction X8 in the figure together with the gear 181. And, the pin 182 (182a1, 182a2) integrated with the drive shaft 180 contacts one of the rotation force receiving surfaces (rotation force receiving portions) 150el to 150e4. More specifically, the pin 182a1 contacts one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150el to 150e4. In addition, the pin 182a2 contacts one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150el to 150e4. In this way, the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the coupling 150 to rotate it. In addition, by the rotation of the coupling 150, the pin 155 (rotational force transmission portion) of the coupling 150 contacts the developing gear 153. In this way, the rotational force of the driving shaft 180 is transmitted to the developing roller 110 through the coupling 150, the pin 155, the developing gear 153, and the developing roller flange 151. In this way, the developing roller 110 rotates.

[0246] In addition, at the rotational force transmission angular position, the free end 153b contacts the receiving surface 150io and the free end (positioning portion) 180b of the drive shaft 180 contacts the receiving surface (positioned portion) 15Of_oIn this way, in the state of being suspended on the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 is positioned relative to the drive shaft 180 (Figure 19d).

[0247] Here, in this embodiment, the developing roller 110 is positioned with respect to the photosensitive drum 107 by a spacer. On the contrary, the drive shaft 180 is positioned on the side plate of the main assembly A or the like. In other words, the axis L1 passes through the photosensitive drum and is positioned relative to the axis L3. For this reason, dimensional tolerances tend to become larger. Therefore, the axis L3 and the axis L1 easily deviate from the coaxial state. In this case, by tilting a slight angle, the coupling 150 can appropriately transmit the rotational force. Even in this case, the coupling 150 can be rotated without applying a large load to the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110) and the drive shaft 180. For this reason, when the drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 110 (developing cartridge) are assembled and installed, the accuracy required for positioning adjustment is reduced. Therefore, the assembly operability is improved.

[0248] In addition to the effects described above as the effects of the present invention, this is one of the multiple beneficial effects according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0249] In addition, as already described with reference to FIG. 14, the drive shaft 180 and the gear 181 are relative to the diameter direction

And axially positioned at a predetermined position of the main assembly A (mounting portion 130a). In addition, the cartridge B is positioned on the mounting portion 130a as described above. And, the drive shaft 180 positioned in the mounting part 130a and the cartridge B positioned in the mounting part 130a are coupled to each other by the coupling 150. The coupling 150 can swing and pivot relative to the developing roller 110. Therefore, as described above, between the drive shaft 180 positioned at the predetermined position and the cartridge B positioned at the predetermined position, the coupling 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force. In other words, even if there is a slight deviation between the drive shaft 180 and the developing roller 110, the coupling 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force.

[0250] This is also one of the effects of this embodiment according to the present invention.

[0251] The coupling 150 contacts the drive shaft 180. In this way, it has been described that the coupling 150 swings from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position, but this is not inevitable. For example, it is possible to provide the abutting portion as the main assembly side engaging portion at a position other than the main assembly drive shaft. In addition, during the installation of the cartridge B, after the free end position 150A1 passes the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft, a part of the coupling 150 (the cartridge side contact portion) contacts the abutting portion. In this way, the coupling receives the force in the swing direction (pivoting direction) and swings (pivots) so that the axis L2 and the axis L3 are substantially coaxial. In other words, if the axis L1 can be substantially coaxial with the axis L3 following the installation operation process of the cartridge B, any other method can be used.

[0252] (14) Separation operation between coupling and drive shaft and operation of taking out the cartridge

[0253] With reference to FIG. 22, the operation of separating the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is taken out from the main assembly A will be described.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view seen from the bottom of the main assembly.

[0254] As shown in FIG. 22, when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A, the cartridge Bo is removed along the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 (the direction of the arrow X6).

[0255] In a state where the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110) is not rotating, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 at the rotational force transmission angular position (FIG. 22(a)). And, when the user takes out the cartridge B from the mounting portion 130a, the developing gear 153 moves together with the cartridge B in the take-out direction X6. And, the receiving surface 15Of or the protrusion 150d on the upstream side of the coupling 150 with respect to the removal direction X6 contacts at least the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 (FIG. 22( a )). Then, the axis L2 of the coupler 150 starts to incline to the upstream side in the extraction direction X6 (FIG. 22( b )). The direction in which the coupling 150 starts to incline is the same as the inclining direction of the coupling 150 when the box B is installed (the pre-engagement angular position). By taking out the cartridge B from the main assembly A, the coupling 150 moves while the free end 150A3 on the upstream side with respect to the take-out direction X6 contacts the free end 180bo. In more detail, the coupling 150 responds to the cartridge B along the take-out direction The movement of X6 performs the following movement. More specifically, when a part (receiving surface 15Of and/or protrusion 150d) of the coupling 150 as a box-side contact portion contacts the main assembly-side coupling portion (the drive shaft 180 and/or the pin 182), the coupling 150 moves. And, at the separation angle position, the axis L2 is inclined until the free end 150A3 contacts the free end 180b3 (Figure 22 (C)). And, in this state, the coupling 150 passes over the drive shaft 180, and is separated from the drive shaft 180 while contacting the free end 180b3 (FIG. 22(d)). After that, the cartridge B is taken out from the main assembly A through a process reverse to the installation process described in FIG. 17.

[0256] As is apparent from the above description, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position with respect to the axis L1 is greater than the angle of the separation angular position with respect to the axis L1. In this way, taking into account the dimensional tolerances of the components, when the coupling is engaged, the free end position (part of the coupling 150) 150A1 sweeps the free end 180b3o at the pre-engagement angular position. This is because: in the pre-engagement angular position There is a gap between the coupling 150 and the free end 180b3 (Figure 19(b)). On the contrary, when the coupling is separated, as the box B is taken out, the axis L2 is inclined toward the separation angle position. For this reason, the free end 150A3 of the coupler 150 follows the free end 180b3o. In other words, the upstream side of the coupler 150 with respect to the cartridge removal direction X6 and the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 are substantially at the same position (Figure 22 (C)). Therefore, the angular position is relative to

The angle of the axis L1 is greater than the angle with respect to the axis L1 at the separation angle position.

[0257] In addition, similar to the case where the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A, the cartridge B can be taken out from the main assembly A regardless of the phase of the coupling 150 and the pin 182.

[0258] As described above, in the state where the cartridge B is set in the main assembly A, viewed from the direction opposite to the take-out direction X6, a part of the coupling 150 (the free end position 150A1) is located at the drive Behind the shaft 180 (Figure 19(d)). And, when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A, the coupling 150 performs the following movement. When the cartridge B is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1, the coupling 150 moves, tilting from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position, so that a part of the coupling 150 (the free end position 150A1) bypasses the drive shaft 180 . In the state where the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A, the coupling 150 receives the rotational force from the drive shaft at its rotational force transmission angular position and rotates. More specifically, the rotational force transmission angular position is an angular position for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the coupling 150 is in the rotational force transmission angular position.

[0259] The pre-engagement angular position of the coupler 150 is the angular position of the coupler 150 relative to the axis L1 before the coupler 150 is about to engage the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A. More specifically, it is an angular position with respect to the axis L1, at which the free end 150A1 of the downstream side of the coupling 150 can sweep the drive shaft 180 in the installation direction of the cartridge B.

[0260] The separation angular position of the coupling 150 is the angular position of the coupling 150 relative to the axis L1 when the coupling 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, it is an angular position relative to the axis L1, at which the free end 150A3 of the coupling 150 can sweep the drive shaft 180 in the removal direction of the cartridge B.

[0261] The angle O 2 between the axis L2 and the axis L1 at the pre-engagement or separation angle position is greater than the angle O 1 between the axis L2 and the axis L1 at the rotational force transmission angular position. The angle 0 1 is preferably zero. However, according to this embodiment, if the included angle O 1 is less than about 15 degrees, smooth transmission of the rotational force can be achieved. Preferably, the included angle 0 2 is about 20^_60 degree.

[0262] As described above, the coupling is installed so that it can be tilted with respect to the axis L1. And, in response to the removal operation of the cartridge B, the coupling 150 is inclined. In this way, the coupling 150 in the overlapping state with the drive shaft 180 with respect to the direction of the axis L1 can be separated from the drive shaft 180. More specifically, the cartridge B moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction L3 of the drive shaft 180. In this way, the coupling 150 in the state of covering the drive shaft 180 can be separated from the drive shaft 180.

[0263] In the above description, as the cartridge B moves in the take-out direction X6, the receiving surface 15Of or the protrusion 150d of the coupling 150 contacts the free end 180bo so that the axis L2 starts to incline (moves) toward the upstream side with respect to the take-out direction. ). However, in this embodiment, this is not always the case. For example, a structure may be adopted such that a thrust (elastic force) is applied to the upstream side of the coupling 150 with respect to the extraction direction in advance. And, in response to the movement of the cartridge B, the axis L2 starts to incline (move) toward the downstream side with respect to the take-out direction by the pushing force with respect to the coupling 150. The free end 150A3 passes over the free end 180b3, so that the coupling 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180. In other words, the coupling can be separated from the drive shaft 180 without contact between the upstream (relative to the extraction direction of the coupling 150) receiving surface 15Of or the protrusion 150d and the free end 180b. Therefore, if the axis L2 can be inclined with the taking out operation of the cartridge B, any structure can be adopted.

[0264] Immediately before the coupling 150 is mounted on the drive shaft 180, the driven portion of the coupling 150 is inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, the coupling 150 is moved to the pre-engagement angular position in advance.

[0265] The pivoting in the drawing plane of FIG. 22 has been described, but rotation may also be included, similar to the situation of FIG. 19

shape.

[0266] As described above, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 can be inclined in all directions with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110 (FIG. 11 ).

[0267] More specifically, the axis L2 may be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis L1. However, for the coupling 150, the axis L2 need not be able to linearly incline a predetermined angle in any direction within a range of 360 degrees. In this case, for example, the opening 150g is formed wider in the circumferential direction. With this opening, when the axis L2 is inclined with respect to L1, even in the case where the coupling cannot be linearly inclined to a predetermined angle, the coupling 150 can rotate a small angle about the axis L2. In this way, the coupling 150 can be inclined at a predetermined angle. In other words, if necessary, the amount of clearance in the rotation direction of the opening 150g can be appropriately selected.

[0268] In this way, the coupling 150 can rotate (swing) substantially the entire circumference with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. More specifically, the coupling 150 can pivot with respect to the developing roller 110 substantially over the entire circumference.

[0269] As is easily understood from the above description, the coupling 150 can rotate substantially on the entire circumference with respect to the axis L1.

[0270] Here, the rotation of the coupling does not mean that the coupling itself rotates around its axis L2, but means that the inclined axis L2 rotates around the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. However, it is not excluded that the coupling 150 itself rotates around the axis L2 within the actual clearance or gap range.

[0271] More specifically, the coupling 150 is rotatable so that when the end of the driving portion 150b on the developing roller 110 side is positioned on the axis L2, the free end of the driven portion 150a draws a circle centered on the axis L2 On the circle.

[0272] In addition, the coupling 150 is provided on the end of the developing roller 110 and can pivot in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. In this way, the coupling 150 can smoothly pivot between the pre-engagement angular position, the rotational force transmission angular position, and the disengaged angular position.

[0273] Here, generally pivoting in all directions has the following meaning. More specifically, when the user mounts the cartridge B to the main assembly A, the coupling 150 can pivot to the rotational force transmission angular position regardless of the stop phase of the drive shaft 180 provided with the rotational force applying portion.

[0274] In addition, when the user removes the cartridge B from the main assembly A, regardless of the stop phase of the drive shaft 180, the coupling

Both 150 can pivot to the separation angle position.

[0275] In addition, the coupling 150 has a gap between the rotational force transmitting portion (such as the pin 155) and the rotational force transmitting portion (such as the rotational force transmitting surfaces 153h1, 153h2) engaged with the rotational force transmitting portion, so that the coupling It can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. In this way, the coupling 150 is mounted to the end of the developing roller 110. Therefore, the coupling 150 can be inclined in substantially all directions with respect to the axis L1. As described above, the coupler of this embodiment is installed so that its axis L2 can tilt and move in any direction with respect to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. Here, tilting (moving) includes, for example, pivoting, swinging, and rotating as described above.

[0276] With reference to FIGS. 23-24, a modified example of the coupling is described.

[0277] FIG. 23 shows a first modified example. The driving portion 1150b of the coupling 1150 of this modified example has an enlarged shape similar to the driven portion 1150a. The developing shaft 1153 is coaxial with the developing roller.

[0278] The developing shaft 1153 has a cylindrical portion 1153a; the diameter of the developing shaft 1153 is about 5-15 mm in consideration of material, load, and interval. The cylindrical portion 1153a is fixed to the developing carriage by press-fitting, bonding, insert molding, etc. On the flange joint (not shown). In this way, as described below, the developing shaft 1153 transmits the rotational force from the main assembly A to the developing vehicle 110 through the coupling 1150. Its cylindrical portion 1153a has a free end 1153b. The free end 1153b has a ball

Shaped structure, so that when the axis L2 of the coupling 1150 is inclined, the free end 1153b can also be smoothly inclined. In the vicinity of the free end of the developing shaft 1153, in order to receive the rotational force from the coupling, a drive transmission pin (rotational force transmitting portion, rotational force receiving portion) 1155 extends in a direction intersecting the axis L1 of the developing shaft 153.

[0279] The pin 1155 is made of metal, and is fixed with respect to the developing shaft 1153 by press-fitting, bonding, or the like. Its position may be arbitrary, as long as it is a position (along the direction intersecting the axis L1 of the developing shaft 153 (developing roller 110)) where the rotational force is transmitted. Preferably, the pin may pass through the center of the spherical surface of the free end 1153b of the developing shaft 1153.

[0280] The structure of the driven portion 1150a of the coupling 1150 is the same as the above-mentioned structure, so the description is omitted for brevity.

[0281] The opening 1150g has a rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission portion) 1150io. In a state where the coupling is placed in the cartridge B, when the opening 1150i has a conical shape as an enlarged portion, it expands toward the side having the developing shaft 153 . Through the rotation of the coupling Π50, the rotational force transmission surface 1150Ϊ pushes the pin 1155 to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 110.

[0282] In this way, regardless of the rotational phase of the developing roller 110 in the cartridge B, the coupling 1150 can pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position, the pre-engagement angular position, and the separation angular position with respect to the axis L1, It will not be hindered by the free end of the developing shaft 1153. In the example shown, the receiving surface 1150i has a standby opening 1150g (1150gl, 1150g2)_oMount the coupling 1150 to the developing shaft 1153± so that the pin 1155 is accommodated in the opening 1150g1 or 1150g2. The size of the opening 1150g1 or 1150g2 is larger than the outer diameter of the pin 1155. In this way, regardless of the rotational phase of the developing cart 110 in the box B, the coupling 1150 can pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position (or the separation angular position) without being pinned. 1155 hindered.

[0283] Also, by the rotation of the coupling 1150, the rotational force transmission surface 115Ϊ pushes the pin 1155, thereby transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller 110.

[0284] With reference to FIG. 24, a second modification example is described.

[0285] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the driving shaft receiving surface or the developing shaft receiving surface of the coupling is conical. In this embodiment, a different structure is adopted.

[0286] The coupling 12150 shown in FIG. 24 has three main parts similar to the coupling 150 shown in FIG. 6. More specifically, the coupling 12150 has a driven portion 12150a that receives rotational force from the drive shaft 180, a drive portion 12150b that transmits rotation to the developing shaft 153, and an intermediate portion 12150c that connects the driven portion 12150a and the drive portion 12150b (Figure 24 ( b)) ο

[0287] The driven portion 12150a and the driving portion 12150b respectively have a drive shaft insertion opening 12150m that expands toward the drive shaft 180 and a developing shaft insertion opening 12150v that expands toward the developing shaft 153 with respect to the axis L2 (FIG. 24(b)). The opening 12150m and the opening 12150v constitute an enlarged portion. The opening 12150m and the opening 12150v are constituted by a horn-shaped drive shaft receiving surface 12150f and a developing shaft receiving surface 12150Ϊ. The receiving surface 12150f and the receiving surface 12150Ϊ have recesses 12150x, 12150z (FIG. 24). When the rotational force is transmitted, the recessed portion 12150z is opposite to the free end of the drive shaft 180. More specifically, the recess 12150z covers the free end of the drive shaft 180.

[0288] As described above, the developing shaft receiving surface of the coupling has an enlarged shape, and therefore, the coupling can be installed for tilting movement with respect to the axis of the developing shaft. In addition, the drive shaft receiving surface of the coupling has an enlarged shape, and therefore, the coupling can be tilted without interfering with the drive shaft during the mounting operation or the taking-out operation of the cartridge B. In this way, in this embodiment, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0289] The structures of the openings 12150m and 12250m and the openings 12150v and 12250v may all be a combination of a trumpet shape, a bell shape, and the like.

[0290] With reference to FIG. 25, another embodiment of the drive shaft is described. Figure 25 is a perspective view of a drive shaft and a developing drive gear.

[0291] As shown in FIG. 25, the free end of the drive shaft 1180 has a flat surface 1180b. In this case, the structure of the drive shaft is relatively simple, and therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0292] As shown in FIG. 25(b), the rotational force application portion (drive transmission portion) 1280 (1280c1, 1280c2) may be integrally molded with the drive shaft 1280. In the case where the drive shaft 1280 is a molded resin part, the rotational force applying part may be integrally molded. In this case, the cost can be reduced. In addition, 1280b represents a flat surface part.

[0293] A method of positioning the developing roller 110 in the direction of the axis L1 will be described below. Here, for example, a description will be given of a coupling (FIG. 24) that is enlarged toward the developing roller in the axial direction, which is similar to the coupling of the first modified example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment.

[0294] The coupling 1350 has a beveled surface (inclined surface) 1350e, and the beveled surfaces 1350e, 1350h 1350ho generate thrust when the drive shaft 181 rotates. With this thrust, the coupling 130 and the developing roller 110 are correctly positioned in the direction of the axis L1. Another description will be made with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. Fig. 26 is a perspective view and a top view showing only the coupling. Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive shaft, the developing shaft, and the coupling.

[0295] As shown in FIG. 26(b), the taper of the rotational force receiving surface 1350e (1350e1 to 1350e4, inclined surface, rotational force receiving portion) with respect to the axis L2 is α5. When the drive shaft 180 rotates in the direction T1, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 1350e contact each other. Next, a component force is applied to the coupling 1350 in the direction T2 to move it in this direction. And, until the drive shaft receiving surface 1350f (FIG. 27a) contacts the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180, the coupling 1350 does not move in the direction of the axis L2. In this way, the position of the coupling 1350 is determined relative to the direction of the axis L2. In addition, the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 is spherical. The receiving surface 1350f is conical. To this end, the position of the driven portion 1350a relative to the drive shaft 180 is determined in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2. In addition, in the case where the coupling 1350 is mounted to the developing carriage 110, the developing roller 110 also moves in the axial direction under the action of a force applied in the direction T2. In this case, the position of the developing roller 110 relative to the main assembly A in the longitudinal direction is also determined. The developing roller 110 is installed with a clearance in the longitudinal direction in the cartridge frame.

[0296] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26(c), the taper angle of the rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission portion) 1350h with respect to the axis L2 is α 6 (inclined surface). When the coupling 1350 rotates in the direction T1, the transmission surface 1350h and the pin 1155 contact each other. And, the transfer surface 1350h pushes the pin 1155. Then, a component force is applied to the pin 1155 in the direction T2 to move it in the direction T2. The developing shaft 1153 does not move until the free end 1153b of the developing shaft 1153 contacts the developing shaft receiving surface 13501 of the coupling 1350 (FIG. 27(b)). In this way, the position of the developing shaft 1153 (developing roller) is determined in the direction of the axis L2. The developing shaft receiving surface 1350i is conical, and the free end 1153b of the developing shaft 1153 is spherical. The position of the driving portion 1350b relative to the developing shaft 1153 is determined in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2.

[0297] The taper angles α5, α6 are selected so that a force sufficient to move the coupling and the developing roller in the pushing direction can be generated. The force can be different according to the torque required by the developing roller 110. However, if other ways of positioning it along the pushing direction are adopted, the taper angles α 5 and α 6 can be smaller.

[0298] As described above, the coupling 1350 has a beveled portion for generating a retraction thrust in the direction of the axis L2 and a conical surface for positioning in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2. In this way, the position of the coupling 1350 in the direction of the axis L1 and the position in the vertical direction can be determined at the same time. In addition, the coupling 1350 can reliably transmit rotational force. Compared with the case where the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) or the rotational force transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting portion) of the coupling 1350 does not have the above-mentioned taper angle, the following effects are provided. In this embodiment, it is possible to stabilize the pin 182 of the drive shaft 180 (rotating

Contact between the rotational force applying portion) and the rotational force receiving surface 1350e of the coupling 1350. In addition, it is possible to stabilize the contact between the pin (rotational force transmitted portion 1155) of the developing shaft 1153 and the transmission surface (rotational force transmitting portion) 1350h of the coupling 1350.

[0299] However, the above-mentioned beveled surface (inclined surface) and the above-mentioned conical surface of the coupling 1350 are not necessary. For example, instead of the beveled portion described above, a member for applying thrust in the direction of the axis L2 may be added.

[0300] With reference to FIG. 28, a regulating member for regulating the inclination direction of the coupling with respect to the cartridge B is described. Figure 28(a) is a side view showing the main part of the cartridge driving side. Fig. 28(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S7-S7 in Fig. 28(a). For example, the coupling (FIG. 24) of the first modified example will be described. In the coupling of the first modified example, the driving portion is enlarged toward the developing roller in the axial direction. However, this embodiment can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment. The coupling of the first embodiment has a spherical drive part.

[0301] In this embodiment employing the regulating member, the coupling 1150 and the drive shaft 180 can be further reliably engaged.

[0302] In this embodiment, the development support member 1557 has regulating parts 1557h1, 1557h2 as regulating members. The swing direction of the coupling 115 relative to the cartridge B can be regulated by the regulating member. The regulating portion 1557hl or 1557h2 contacts the flange portion 1150j to regulate the swing direction of the coupling 1150. The regulating portions 1557h1 and 1557h2 are arranged so that the coupling 1150 is parallel to the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B immediately before engaging the drive shaft 180. In addition, the interval D6 between them is slightly larger than the outer diameter D7 of the driving portion 1150b of the coupling 1150 (FIG. 28(b)). In this way, the coupling 1150 can only be inclined toward the mounting direction X4 of the box B. In addition, the coupling 1150 can be inclined in all directions with respect to the developing shaft 1153. For this reason, regardless of the phase of the developing shaft 1153, the coupling 1150 can be inclined in the direction of regulation. Accordingly, the drive shaft 180 can be more reliably accommodated in the opening 1150m of the coupling 1150. In this way, the coupling 1150 and the drive shaft 180 can be further reliably engaged.

[0303] With reference to FIG. 29, another structure for regulating the inclination direction of the coupling is described. Fig. 29(a) is a perspective view showing the inside of the driving side of the main assembly. Fig. 29(b) is a side view of the cartridge as viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction X4.

[0304] In the above description, the regulating parts 1557h1 and 1557h2 are provided in the box B. In this embodiment, a part of the mounting guide 1630R1 on the driving side of the main assembly A is a rib-shaped regulating portion 1630R1a. In this way, the regulating portion 1630Rla is a regulating member for regulating the swing direction of the coupling 1150. And, when the user inserts the box B, the outer periphery of the middle portion 1150c of the coupler 1150 contacts the upper surface 1630Rla- 1 of the regulating portion 1630Rla- 1_oIn this way, the coupling 1150 is guided by the upper surface 1630Rla-1. Therefore, the tilt direction of the coupling 1150 is regulated. In addition, similar to the above-described embodiment, regardless of the phase of the developing shaft 1153, the coupling 1150 can be inclined in the regulating direction.

[0305] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29(a), the regulating portion 1630R1a is provided under the coupling 1150. However, similar to the control section 1557h2 shown in FIG. 28, more reliable control can be achieved when the control section is added above.

[0306] As described above, it can be combined with the structure in which the regulating portion is provided in the box B. In this case, reliable control can be further realized. ·

[0307] In addition, a shaft is provided to be substantially coaxial with the axis of the coupling 150 (FIG. 6) in the first embodiment, and another part of the box (for example, a supporting member) may be used to control the shaft.

[0308] However, in this embodiment, a member for regulating the inclination direction of the coupling may not be provided. For example, the coupling 1150 is inclined toward the downstream side of the cartridge B with respect to the mounting direction. Enlarge the coupling's drive shaft receiving surface 1150f_oIn this way, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 1150 may be engaged with each other.

[0309] In the above description, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position of the coupling 1150 relative to the axis L1 is greater than that of the separation angular position.

The angle of placement is greater. However, this is not certain.

[0310] This is described with reference to FIG. 30. FIG. 30 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the process of taking out the cartridge B from the main assembly A. FIG. For example, take the connector of the first modified example as an example. However, this can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment. [0311] In the process of taking out the cartridge B from the main assembly A, the angle of the separation angle position of the coupling 1750 (FIG. 30c) with respect to the axis L1 may be as follows. The angle may be equal to the angle of the coupler 1150 relative to the axis L1 when the coupler 1150 is engaged with the drive shaft 180 in the pre-engagement angular position. Here, the separation process of the coupler 1150 is described with reference to FIGS. 30(a)-(b)-(c)-(d).

[0312] More specifically, when the free end 1150A3 sweeps the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft 180 with respect to the upstream side of the coupling 1150 taking out direction X6, the distance between the free end 1150A3 and the free end 180b3 The distance is equal to the distance at the front corner position of the joint. With this arrangement, the coupling Π50 can be separated from the drive shaft 180.

[0313] For other operations when taking out the cartridge B, the same operations as those described above can be applied. For this reason, the description is omitted for simplicity.

[0314] In the foregoing operation, when the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A, the free end of the coupling on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction is closer to the developing shaft than the free end of the drive shaft 180. However, this is not certain.

[0315] This is described with reference to FIG. 31. For example, take the connector of the first modified example as an example. However, this can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment.

[0316] FIG. 31 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the installation process of the cartridge B. The installation of box B is carried out in the order of (a)-(b)-(c)-(d). In the state shown in FIG. 31(a), in the direction of the axis L1, the free end position 1150A1 downstream with respect to the mounting direction X4 is closer to the pin 182 (rotational force applying portion) than the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft. In the state shown in FIG. 31(b), the free end position 1150A1 contacts the free end 180b3o. At this time, the free end position 1150A1 moves along the free end 180b toward the developing shaft 1153. The free end position 1150A1 passes over the free end 180b3 (at this time, the coupling 1150 is in the pre-engagement angular position) (Figure 31(c)). Finally, the coupling 1150 and the drive shaft 180 are engaged with each other (rotational force transmission angular position) (Figure 31(d)).

[0317] In addition to the aforementioned effects, the developer cartridge using this coupling has the following effects.

[0318] External force is applied to the box through the meshing force between the gears. In the case where the direction of the external force is such that the developing carriage and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other, the image quality may deteriorate. Therefore, the position of the cartridge gear or the center of swing is restricted to generate a moment in the direction that the developing roller approaches the photosensitive drum. For this reason, the design scope is narrow. Therefore, the main assembly or box will be very large. However, according to this embodiment, the range of the drive input position is wide. Therefore, the main assembly or the box can be miniaturized.

[0319] (2) As far as the operatively connected gear between the box B and the main assembly is concerned, in order to prevent the tooth top load between the gear and the gear when the box is installed, the position of the gear needs to be considered so that the gear exceeds the tangential direction Approaching outside the direction. For this reason, the design range may be narrow and the main assembly or box may be large. However, according to this embodiment, the range of the drive input position is wide. Therefore, the main assembly or the box can be miniaturized.

[0320] An example according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0321] The maximum outer diameter of the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150 is Z4, the diameter of the virtual circle C1 on the inner end surface of the contact protrusions 150d1, 150d2, 150d3, and 150d4 is Z5, and the maximum outer diameter of the driving portion 150b is Z6 (FIG. 6 (d), (f)). The angle of the receiving surface 15Of of the coupling 150 is α2. The shaft diameter of the drive shaft 180 is Z7, the shaft diameter of the pin 182 is Z8, and its length is Z9 (Figure 19). With respect to the axis L1, the angle at the rotational force transmission angular position is B1, the angle at the pre-engagement angular position is B2, and the angle at the separation angular position is B3. At this time, for example:

[0322] z4 = 13mm, z5 = 8mm, z6 = 10mm, z7 = 6mm, z8 = 2mm, z9 = 14mm, a 1 = 70 degrees,

Β 1 = 0 degrees, B 2 = 35 degrees, and B 3 = 30 degrees.

[0323] It has been confirmed that the coupling 150 can be engaged with the drive shaft 180 using the above-described settings. However, similar operations can be achieved using other settings. The coupling 150 can transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 110 with high accuracy. The above-mentioned numerical values are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these numerical values.

[0324] In this embodiment, the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 is provided at a position within a range of 5 mm from the free end of the drive shaft 180. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e on the protrusion 150d is provided at a position within a range of 4 mm from the free end of the coupling 150. In this way, the pin 182 is provided on the free end of the drive shaft 180. The rotational force receiving surface 150e is provided on the free end of the coupling 150.

[0325] In this way, when the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be smoothly engaged with each other. More specifically, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e can be smoothly engaged with each other.

[0326] When the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be smoothly separated from each other. More specifically, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e can be smoothly separated from each other.

[0327] These numerical values are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these numerical values. However, the above-mentioned effects can be effectively provided by providing the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e in these numerical ranges.

[0328] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling 150 may be in the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-engagement angular position. Here, the rotational force transmission angular position is an angular position for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110. The pre-engagement angular position is a position inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis L1 of the developing roller 110. The coupling 150 may also be in a separated angular position, which is a position inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the axis L1 of the developing carriage 110. When the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. In this way, the cartridge Bo can be detached from the main assembly A. When the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1, the coupling 150 moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position. In this way, the box B can be mounted on the main assembly A. This can be applied to the following embodiments. However, in Embodiment 2, only the case where the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A will be described.

(Example 2)

[0330] With reference to FIGS. 32-36, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For example, take the connector of the first modified example as an example. However, the present embodiment can also be applied to, for example, the coupling of the first embodiment. Regarding the structure of the coupling, those skilled in the art can select an appropriate structure.

[0331] In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 are assigned to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted for simplicity. The same applies to all subsequent embodiments.

[0332] This embodiment is only applicable to the case where the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A.

[0333] In the case where the drive shaft 180 is stopped by the control operation of the main assembly A, the drive shaft 180 is stopped at a predetermined phase (the predetermined orientation of the pin 182). The phase of the coupling 14150 (150) is set to be aligned with the phase of the drive shaft 180. For example, the position of the standby portion 14150k (150k) is aligned with the stop position of the pin 182. With this setting, when the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A, the coupling 14150 (150) is in a state opposed to the drive shaft 180 without pivoting (swinging, rotating). By the rotation of the drive shaft 180, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 14150 (150). In this way, the coupling 14150 (150) can be rotated with high precision.

[0334] However, when the cartridge B is detached from the main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3, the structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is effective. Here, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surfaces 14150el, 14150e2 (150e) are engaged with each other. This is because: in order to separate the coupling 14150 (150) from the drive shaft 180, the coupling 14150 (150) must

Must pivot.

[0335] In Embodiment 1 described above, when the cartridge B is installed and removed from the main assembly A, the coupling 14150 (150) is inclined (moved). Therefore, it is not necessary to align the phase of the coupling 14150 (150) with the phase of the stopped drive shaft 180 in advance when mounting the cartridge B to the main assembly A using the above-mentioned control of the main assembly A.

[0336] The description is made with reference to the drawings.

[0337] FIG. 32 is a perspective view and a top view of the coupling. Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing the mounting operation of the cartridge. Fig. 34 is a plan view from the mounting direction when the cartridge is mounted. Figure 35 is a perspective view showing a state where the drive of the cartridge (developing roller) is stopped. Fig. 36 is a longitudinal sectional view and a perspective view showing the operation of taking out the cartridge.

[0338] In this embodiment, a cartridge detachably mounted to the main assembly A, which has a control device (not shown) for controlling the phase of the stop position of the pin 182, will be described.

[0339] With reference to FIG. 32, the coupling used in this embodiment is described.

[0340] The coupling 14150 (150) includes three main parts. As shown in Figure 32 (c), they are a driven portion 14150a for receiving a rotational force from the drive shaft 180, a drive portion 14150b for transmitting a rotational force to the developing shaft 153, and a driven portion 14150a for connecting the driven portion 14150a and the drive portion. The middle part of 14150b is 14150c.

[0341] The driven portion 14150a has a drive shaft insertion portion 14150m, which includes two surfaces expanded from the axis L2. The driving portion 14150b has a developing shaft insertion portion 14150v, which includes two surfaces expanded from the axis L2.

[0342] The insertion portion 14150m has beveled drive shaft receiving surfaces 14150f1 and 14150f2. Each end surface has protrusions 14150dM4150d2. The protrusions 14150dK14150d2 are provided on a circumference centered on the axis L2 of the coupling 14150. As shown in the figure, the receiving surface 14150fl or 14150f2 constitutes a recess 14150z. As shown in FIG. 32(d), the protrusions 14150d1 and 14150d2 have a rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 14150e (14150el, 14150e2) on the downstream side in the clockwise direction. The pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 contacts the receiving surfaces 14150el, 14150e2o. Thus, the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling 14150. The interval W between adjacent protrusions 14150d1-d2 is larger than the outer diameter of the pin 182, so that the pin 182 can be accommodated. . This interval is used as the standby part 14150ko

[0343] The insertion portion 14150v is composed of two surfaces 14150i and 14150i2. The standby opening 14150gl or 14150g2 is provided in the surface 14150iM4150i2 (FIG. 32(a) and FIG. 32(e)). In FIG. 32(e), a rotation force transmission surface (rotation force transmission portion) 14150h (14150hl, 14150h2) is provided on the upstream side of the openings 14150gl, 14150g2 in the clockwise direction (FIG. 32(b), (e)). As described above, the pin (rotational force transmitted portion) 155a contacts the rotation force transmission surface 14150hM4150h2o, so that the rotation force is transmitted from the coupling 14150 to the developing roller 110.

[0344] With this structure of the coupling 14150, the coupling covers the free end of the drive shaft in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the main assembly. In this way, the effect described below is provided.

[0345] The coupling 14150 has a structure similar to that of the first modified example, and can be inclined (moved) in all directions with respect to the developing shaft 153.

[0346] The installation operation of the coupling is described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34. Fig. 33(a) is a perspective view showing a state before the coupling is installed. Fig. 33(b) is a perspective view showing the coupling in an engaged state. Fig. 34(a) is a plan view seen from the mounting direction. Fig. 34(b) is a top view.

[0347] With the aforementioned control device, the axis L3 of the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 is made parallel to the mounting direction X4. For the cartridge, the phases are aligned (FIG. 33(a)) so that the receiving surfaces 14150fK14150f2 face each other in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction X4. As shown in the figure, for example, as a structure for aligning the phases, one of the receiving surfaces 14150fK14150f2 is aligned with the alignment mark 14157z provided on the supporting member 14157. The above operations are performed when the box is shipped from the factory.

However, the user can perform this operation before installing the cartridge B on the main assembly. In addition, other phase alignment methods can be used. In this way, the coupling 14150 and the drive shaft 180 (pin 182) will not interfere with each other, as shown in FIG. 34(a). For this reason, the coupling 14150 and the drive shaft 180 are in an engageable positional relationship (FIG. 33(b)). The drive shaft 180 rotates in the direction X8, and the pin 182 contacts the receiving surface 14150eM4150e2o, so that the rotational force is transmitted to the developing vehicle 110.

35 and 36, the operation of separating the coupling 14150 from the drive shaft 180 following the operation of taking out the cartridge B from the main assembly A will be described. The control device (not shown) stops the pin 182 at a predetermined phase with respect to the drive shaft 180. From the viewpoint of facilitating the installation of the cartridge B, it is desirable to stop the pin 182 at a position parallel to the cartridge removal direction X6 (FIG. 35( b )). FIG. 36 shows the operation when the cartridge B is removed. In this state (FIG. 36 (al) and (bl)), in the rotational force transmission angular position, the axis L2 of the coupling 14150 is substantially coaxial with respect to the axis L1. Similar to the case where the cartridge B is installed, at this time, the coupling 14150 can be inclined (moved) in all directions with respect to the developing shaft 153 (FIG. 36 (al) and (bl)). For this reason, with the taking out operation of the cartridge B, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 in a direction opposite to the taking out direction. More specifically, the cartridge B is detached in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 (the direction of the arrow X6). In the process of taking out the box, the axis L2 is inclined to the position where the free end 14150A3 of the coupling 14150 follows the free end of the drive shaft 180 (the separation angle position). Or, it is inclined until it is positioned to the side of the axis L2 relative to the free end 180b3 to the developing shaft 153 (Figure 36 (a2) And (b2)). In this state, the coupler 14150 passes adjacent to the free end 180b3. In this way, the coupling 14150 is detached from the drive shaft 180.

[0349] In a state where the cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly A, viewed from the direction opposite to the take-out direction X6 in which the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A, a part of the coupling 14150 (free end 14150A3) is located at the drive Behind the shaft 180 (Figure 36 (al)). Also, when the cartridge B is detached from the main assembly A, when the cartridge B is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110, the coupling 14150 performs the following movement. More specifically, the coupling 150 is moved from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position so that the portion (the free end 14150A3) of the coupling 150 bypasses the drive shaft 180.

[0350] As shown in FIG. 35(a), the axis of the pin 182 can be stopped in a direction perpendicular to the cartridge removal direction X6. In other words, by the control operation of the control device (not shown), the pin 182 is usually stopped at the position shown in FIG. 35(b). However, when the power of the device (printer) is turned off and the control device (not shown) does not work, the pin 182 may stop at the position shown in FIG. 35(a). However, even in this case, the axis L2 may be inclined with respect to the axis L1 to allow disassembly. In the resting state of the device, the pin 182 is downstream of the protrusion 14150d2 in the extraction direction X6. For this reason, by tilting the axis L2, the free end 14150A3 of the protrusion 14150dl of the coupling is swept aside closer to the developing shaft 153 than the pin 182. In this way, the coupling 14150 can be detached from the drive shaft 180.

[0351] When a certain method is used to make the coupling 14150 engage the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is installed and there is no means for controlling the phase of the drive shaft, the cartridge can be taken out by tilting the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1. In this way, the coupling 14150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180 only by the removal operation of the cartridge.

[0352] As described above, Embodiment 2 is effective even in the case where only the removal of the cartridge B from the main assembly A is considered.

[0353] As described above, Embodiment 2 has the following structure.

[0354] The cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A having the drive shaft 180 by moving the cartridge B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 having a pin (rotational force applying portion) 182. Cartridge B has a developing roller 110 and a coupling 14150.

[0355] The I» developing roller 110 can rotate around its axis L1 and develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7. The II» coupler 14150 engages the pin 182 to receive the rotational force for rotating the developing roller 110. Connector 14150 can be placed

The rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating developing roller 110 to the developing roller 110 and the separation angular position for separating the coupling 14150 from the drive shaft 180. In this separation angular position, the coupling is separated from the rotational force The angular position of the transmission is tilted.

[0356] When the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110, the coupling 14150 is moved from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position.

[0357] (Example 3)

[0358] Embodiment 3 to which the present invention is applied is described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 41. The structure of the coupling is the same as that described in the second embodiment.

[0359] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the door of the apparatus main assembly A2 is opened. Fig. 38 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door of the apparatus main assembly A2 is opened. Figure 39 is an enlarged view of the drive side surface of the cartridge. Figure 40 is a perspective view seen from the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 41 is a schematic diagram showing two states in a single figure for simplicity, including the state just before inserting the cartridge into the main assembly of the apparatus and the state of installing the cartridge in a predetermined position.

[0360] In this embodiment, a case where the box is mounted toward the lower part in the vertical direction, for example, as a clamshell-type imaging apparatus will be described. A typical clamshell imaging device is shown in Figure 37. The device main assembly A2 can be divided into a lower case D2 and an upper case E2. The upper case E2 has a door 2109 and an exposure part 210L inside the door 2109. For this reason, when the upper case E2 is opened upward, the exposure part 2101 is retracted. Then, the upper part of the box mounting portion 2130a is opened. Therefore, the user only needs to put down the box B2 in the vertical downward direction (direction X42 in the figure) when installing the box B2 into the mounting portion 2130a. In this way, it is easier to install the box. In addition, paper jam clearance near the fixing member 105 can be performed from above the device. Therefore, jam clearing can be easily performed. Here, the jam clear means an operation for removing the recording material (medium) 102 that is jammed or jammed at the time of conveyance. [0361] Next, the mounting portion 2130a will be described. As shown in FIG. 38, the image forming apparatus (apparatus main assembly) A2 includes a driving side mounting guide portion 2130R as a mounting member 2130 and a non-driving side mounting guide portion (not shown) opposite to the driving side mounting guide portion 2130R. The mounting portion 2130a is a space surrounded by the opposed guide portion. In the state where the cartridge B2 is mounted in the mounting portion 2130a, the rotational force is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly A2 to the coupling 150.

[0362] In the mounting guide 2130R, a groove 2130b is provided in a substantially vertical direction. In addition, at the lowest part of the mounting guide 2130R, an abutting portion 2130Ra for positioning the cartridge B2 at a predetermined position is provided. In addition, the drive shaft 180 protrudes from the groove 2130b in order to transmit the rotational force from the apparatus main assembly A2 to the coupling 150 when the cartridge B2 is positioned at a predetermined position. In addition, in order to reliably position the box B2 at a predetermined position, a pushing spring 2188R is provided at the lower part of the mounting guide 2130R_OWith the above structure, the cartridge B2 is positioned at the mounting portion 2130a.

[0363] As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the cartridge B2 is provided with cartridge side mounting guides 2140R1 and 2140R2. Using these guides, the posture of the box B2 is stabilized during the installation process. The mounting guide 2140R1 is formed integrally with the developing device supporting member 2157. In addition, the mounting guide portion 2140R2 is provided vertically above the mounting guide portion 2140R1. The mounting guide 2140R2 is provided on the supporting member 2157 in the shape of a rib.

[0364] Incidentally, the guide portions 2140R1 and 2140R2 of the cartridge B2 and the mounting guide portion 2130R provided on the apparatus main assembly A2 constitute the above-mentioned guide structure. That is, the guide structure in this embodiment is the same as the guide structure described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, the same is true for the guiding structure at the other end. Therefore, the cartridge B2 can move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 and be mounted on the apparatus main assembly A2 (mounting portion 2130a). In addition, the box B2 can be removed from the device main assembly A2 (mounting part 2130a).

[0365] As shown in FIG. 41, when the cartridge B is installed, the housing E2 is rotated clockwise around the shaft 2109a. Then, the user moves the box B2 toward the upper side of the housing D2. At this time, the coupling 150 tilts downward by its own weight (see also FIG. 39). In other words,

The axis L2 of the coupling 150 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 so that the driven portion 150a of the coupling 150 points downward (an angular position before engagement).

[0366] In this state, by fitting the mounting guides 2140R1 and 2140R2 of the cartridge B2 on the mounting guide 2130R of the apparatus main assembly A2, the user moves the cartridge B2 downward. Therefore, the cartridge B2 can be mounted on the apparatus main assembly A2 (mounting portion 2130a) only by this operation. In this installation process, similar to that in Embodiment 1 (FIG. 19 ), the coupling 150 can engage the drive shaft 180. In this state, the coupling 150 is in the rotational force transmission angular position. That is, by moving the cartridge B2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 engages the drive shaft 180. In addition, when the cartridge B2 is removed, similar to that in Embodiment 1, the coupling 150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180 only by the removal operation of the cartridge. That is, the coupling 150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position (FIG. 22 ). In this way, by moving the cartridge B2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180, the coupling 150 is separated from the drive shaft 180.

[0367] As described above, in the case where the cartridge is downwardly mounted on the apparatus main assembly A2, the coupling 150 is inclined downward by its own weight. To this end, the coupling 150 may be engaged with the drive shaft 180.

[0368] In this embodiment, a clam shell type imaging apparatus is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, this embodiment can be applied to a case where the installation path of the cartridge points downward. The installation path can also be downward non-linear. For example, the installation path of the box can be inclined downward in the initial stage and pointed downward in the final stage. In short, the installation path needs to point downward only before the box reaches the predetermined position (installation part 2130a).

[0369] (Example 4)

[0370] Embodiment 4 to which the present invention is applied is described with reference to FIGS. 42-45. The structure of the coupling is the same as that described in Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, a device for keeping the axis L2 in an inclined state with respect to the axis L1 will be described.

[0371] FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the coupling pushing member (specific to this embodiment) is mounted to the developing device supporting member. Figures 43(a) and 43(b) are exploded perspective views showing a developing device supporting member, a coupling, and a developing shaft. Figure 44 is an enlarged perspective view showing the main part of the cartridge driving side. Figs. 45(a)-45(d) are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing a process in which the drive shaft engages the coupling.

[0372] As shown in FIG. 42, the developing device support member 4157 has a holding hole 4157j in the rib 4157e_oIn the holding hole 4157j, coupler pushing members 4159a and 4159b are installed as holding members for keeping the coupler 4150 inclined. The pushing members 4159a and 4159b push the coupling 4150 so that the coupling 4150 is inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge B2. The pushing members 4159a and 4159b are compression springs (elastic members). As shown in Figures 43(a) and 43(b), the pushing members 4159a and 4159b push the flange portion 4150jo of the coupling 4150 along the direction of the axis L1 (the direction indicated by the arrow X13 in Figure 43(a)) The contact position with the flange portion 4150j is set on the downstream side of the center of the developing shaft 153 with respect to the mounting direction X4. For this reason, the elastic force of the pushing members 4159a and 4159b is used to incline the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 so that the driven portion 4150a side points to the downstream side with respect to the cartridge mounting direction X4 (FIG. 44).

[0373] In addition, as shown in FIG. 42, at the end of the coupling side of the pushing members 4159a and 4159b, contact members 4160a and 4160bo are provided with contact members 4160a and 4160b contacting the flange portion 4150j. Therefore, the materials used for the contact members 4160a and 4160b are selected from materials with good sliding properties. As described later, by using this material, the thrust (elastic force) of the pushing members 4159a and 4159b will not affect the rotation of the coupling 4150 during the transmission of the rotational force. However, when the load used for rotation is small enough and the coupling 4150 can rotate smoothly, the contact members 4160a and 4160bo may be omitted.

[0374] In this embodiment, two pushing members are used. However, when the axis L2 can be inclined downward with respect to the axis L2 in the cartridge mounting direction X4, the number of pushing members can be changed. For example, in the case of a single pushing member, the desired pushing position is the most downstream position of the cartridge mounting position. Therefore, the coupling 4150 can be stably inclined in the downstream direction along the installation direction X4.

[0375] In this embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the urging member. However, as the pushing member, any material may be appropriately selected, such as a leaf spring, a torsion spring, rubber, or sponge, as long as the material can generate elastic force. However, the pushing member requires a certain degree of stroke in order to tilt the axis L2. For this reason, it is desirable that the material of the pushing member is a coil spring or the like capable of giving the stroke.

[0376] Next, an installation method of the coupling 4150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 43(a) and 43(b).

[0377] As shown in FIGS. 43(a) and 43(b), the pin 155 is inserted into the standby space 4150g of the coupling 4150. Then, a part of the coupling 4150 is inserted into the space 4157b of the developing device supporting member 4157. At this time, as described above, the pushing members 4159a and 4159b press the predetermined portion of the flange portion 4157a through the contact members 4160a and 4160b. In addition, the supporting member 4157 is fixed to the developing device frame 118 with bolts or the like. Therefore, the pushing members 4159a and 4159b can obtain the force to push the coupling 4150. In this way, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 (the state of FIG. 44).

[0378] Next, the operation of the coupling 4150 to engage the drive shaft 180 (as a part of the cartridge mounting operation) is described with reference to FIG. 45. Figures 45(a) and 45(c) show the state immediately before joining, and Figure 45(d) shows the joined state. In the state shown in FIG. 45(a), the axis L2 of the coupling 4150 is preliminarily inclined with respect to the axis L1 in the mounting direction X4 (an angular position before engagement). Due to the inclination of the coupling 4150, in the direction of the axis L1, the end position 4150A1 on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4 is positioned closer to the developing roller 110 than the end 180b3. In addition, the end position 4150A2 on the upstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4 is positioned closer to the pin 182 than the end 180b3. That is, as described above, the flange portion 4150J of the coupling 4150 is pushed by the pushing member 4159. For this reason, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1 by thrust.

[0379] Therefore, by moving the cartridge B in the mounting direction X4, the end surface 180b or end (main assembly side engaging portion) of the pin (rotational force applying portion) 182 contacts the drive shaft receiving surface 4150f or protrusion (cartridge side) of the coupling 4150. Contact portion) 4150do FIG. 45(c) shows a state where the pin 182 is in contact with the receiving surface 415Of. Then, by the contact force (the mounting force of the cartridge), the axis L2 approaches a direction parallel to the axis L1. At the same time, the pushing portion 4150J1 is pushed by the elastic force of the spring 4159 provided on the flange portion 4150j to move in the direction in which the compression spring 4159 is compressed. Then, the axis L1 and the axis L2 are finally substantially in line with each other. Then, the cartridge 4150 is placed in a standby state to perform transmission of rotational force (rotational force transmission angular position) (FIG. 45(d)).

[0380] After that, similar to Embodiment 1, the rotational force is transmitted from the motor 186 to the developing roller 110 through the drive shaft 180, the coupling 4150, the pin 155, and the developing shaft 4153. During the rotation, the thrust of the pushing member 4159 is applied to Connector 4150 ±o However, as mentioned above,

[0381] The pushing force of the pushing member 4159 is applied to the coupling 4150 through the contact member 4160. For this reason, the coupling 4150 can be rotated under a small load. In addition, when there is a margin in the driving torque of the motor 186, the contact member 4160 may be omitted. In this case, even when no contact member is provided, the coupling 4150 can accurately transmit the rotational force.

[0382] In addition, when the cartridge B is removed from the device main assembly A, the steps are reversed to the installation steps (FIG. 45(d)-FIG. 45(c)-FIG. 45(b)-FIG. 45(a)). That is, the pushing member 4159 always pushes the cartridge 4150 toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4. For this reason, in the process of removing the box B, on the upstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4, accept

The surface 4150 contacts the end 182A of the pin 182 (the state between FIGS. 45(d) and 45(d)). In addition, on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4, a gap n50 is always formed between the transmission (reception) surface 415Of and the end 180b of the drive shaft 180. In the above embodiment, in the process of removing the cartridge, it is described that the receiving surface 4150f or the protrusion 4150d located on the downstream side of the cartridge mounting direction X4 contacts at least the end 180b of the drive shaft 180 (for example, FIG. 19). However, in this embodiment, even when the receiving surface 4150f or the protrusion 4150d on the downstream side does not contact the end 180b of the drive shaft 180, the coupling 4150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180 following the removal operation of the cartridge B. Then, also after the coupling 4150 leaves the drive shaft 180, the thrust of the pushing member 4159 is used to tilt the axis L2 downward relative to the axis L1 in the mounting direction X4 (removal angular position). That is, in this embodiment, the angle relative to the axis L1 at the pre-engagement angular position is equal to the angle relative to the axis L1 at the detached angular position. This is because the coupling 4150 is pushed by the elastic force of the spring.

[0383] The pushing member 4159 has a function of tilting the axis L2 and regulating the tilting direction of the coupling 4150. That is, the pushing member 4159 also serves as a regulating device for regulating the tilt direction of the coupling 4150.

[0384] As described above, in this embodiment, the coupling 4150 is pushed by the pushing force of the pushing member 4159 provided on the supporting member 4157±. Therefore, the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the axis L1. Accordingly, the inclined state of the coupling 4150 is maintained. Therefore, the coupling 4150 can be reliably engaged with the drive shaft 180.

[0385] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the pushing member 4159 is provided on the rib 4157e of the supporting member 4157, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the pushing member 4159 may also be provided on other parts of the supporting member 4157, or on a member other than the supporting member, as long as the member is fixed on the box B.

[0386] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pushing direction of the pushing member 4159 is the direction of the axis L1. However, the pushing direction may be any direction that can incline (move) the axis L2 toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B.

[0387] In addition, in this embodiment, the flange portion 4150j is located at the pushing position of the pushing member 4159. However, the pushing position may be any position of the coupling as long as the axis L2 can be inclined toward the downstream side of the cartridge mounting direction.

(Example 5)

[0389] Embodiment 5 to which the present invention is applied is described with reference to FIGS. 46-50. The structure of the coupling is as described above.

[0390] In this embodiment, another way for inclining the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 will be described.

[0391] FIGS. 46(a1), 46(a2), 46(b1), 46(b2) are enlarged side views of the cartridge driving side. Fig. 47 is a perspective view showing the driving side of the guide portion of the main assembly of the apparatus. Figures 48(a) and 48(b) are side views showing the relationship between the cartridge and the guide portion of the main assembly of the apparatus. Figures 49(a) and 49(b) are schematic views of the relationship between the guide portion of the main assembly of the apparatus and the coupling viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction. Figures 50(a)-50(f) are side views showing the installation process.

[0392] FIGS. 46(a1) and 46(b1) are side views of the cartridge viewed from the drive shaft side. Figure 46 (a2) and Figure 46 (b2) are side views of the cartridge viewed from the side opposite to the drive shaft side. As shown in these drawings, the coupling 7150 is mounted on the developing device support member 7157 in a state where the coupling 7150 can be inclined toward the downstream side in the mounting direction X4. In addition, with regard to the tilting direction, the coupling 7150 can only be tilted toward the downstream side of the mounting direction X4. In addition, in the state of FIG. 46(a1), the axis L2 of the coupling 7150 is inclined at an angle α 60 with respect to the horizontal. The reason why the coupling 7150 is inclined at the angle α 60 is as follows. The flange portion 7150J of the coupling 7150 is regulated by regulating portions 7157h1 and 7157h2 (FIG. 46(a2)) as regulating means. To this end, the coupling 7150 may be inclined upward at an angle α 60 with respect to the downstream side of the installation direction.

[0393] Next, referring to FIG. 47, the main assembly guide 7130R will be described._oThe main assembly guide portion 7130R mainly includes a guide rib 7130Rla for guiding the box B through the coupling 7150, and box positioning portions 7130Rle and 7130Rlf_oThe rib 7130Rla is provided on the installation route of the box B. The rib 7130R1a extends to the front portion of the drive shaft 180 in the mounting direction X4. In addition, the height of the rib 7130R1L· in the vicinity of the drive shaft 180 is such that when the coupling 7150 engages the drive shaft 180, the rib

The 7130Rlb will not interfere with the coupling 7150. The main assembly guide part 7130R2 mainly includes a guide part 7130R2a and a box positioning part 7130R2C. The guide part 7130R2a is used to guide a part of the box frame to determine the posture of the box during installation.

[0394] Next, the relationship between the main assembly guide 7130R and the cartridge when the cartridge is installed is described.

[0395] As shown in FIG. 48(a), in a state where the intermediate portion (force receiving portion) 7150c contacts the surface of the guide rib (fixed portion, contact portion) 7130R1a, the cartridge B moves on the driving side. At this time, the cartridge guide portion 7157a of the support member 7157 is separated from the guide surface 7130R1C by a distance of n59. For this reason, the self-weight of the box B is applied to the coupling 7150. On the other hand, as described above, the coupling 7150 is provided so that the downstream side portion of the installation direction thereof can be inclined upward at an angle α60 with respect to the installation direction X4. For this reason, the coupling 7150 is inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4 at the driven portion 7150a (a direction inclined at an angle α6 along the driven portion 7150a) (FIG. 49(a)).

[0396] The reason for tilting the coupling 7150 is as follows. The intermediate portion 7150c receives the reaction force of the cartridge B's own weight from the guide rib 7130R1a. This reaction force acts on the regulating parts 7157hl and 7157h2 to regulate the tilt direction. Therefore, the coupling is inclined in a predetermined direction.

[0397] When the middle portion 7150c moves on the guide rib 7130R1a, frictional force is generated between the middle portion 7150c and the guide rib 7130R1a. Therefore, due to the frictional force, the coupling 7150 receives a force in a direction opposite to the mounting direction X4. However, the frictional force generated by the friction coefficient between the intermediate portion 7150c and the guide rib 7130R1a is smaller than the force that causes the coupling 7150 to incline toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X5 due to the reaction force. For this reason, by overcoming the frictional force, the coupling 7150 inclines and moves downward with respect to the installation direction X4.

[0398] Incidentally, the regulating portion 7157g of the supporting member 7157 (FIGS. 46(a1) and 46(b1)) can also be used as a regulating device for regulating tilt. Therefore, the inclination direction of the coupling is regulated by the regulating parts 7157h1 and 7157h2 (FIGS. 46(a2) and 46(b2)) and the regulating part 7157g at different positions with respect to the direction of the axis L2. Therefore, the inclination direction of the coupling 7150 can be reliably regulated. In addition, the coupling 7150 can always be inclined at an angle α60. Other methods can also be used to regulate the inclination direction of the coupling 7150.

[0399] The guide rib 7130R is provided in a space 7150s formed by the driven portion 7150a, the driving portion 7150b, and the intermediate portion 7150c. Therefore, during the installation process, the longitudinal position (the direction relative to the axis L2) of the coupling 7150 in the device main assembly A is regulated (Figures 48(a) and 48(b)). By regulating the longitudinal position of the coupling 7150, the coupling 7150 can reliably engage the drive shaft 180.

[0400] Next, the engagement operation of the coupling 7150 and the drive shaft 180 is described. The joining operation is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment (Figure (9). In this embodiment, referring to Figures 50(a) to 50(f), the main assembly guide portion during the joining process of the coupling 7150 and the drive shaft 180 is described The relationship between the 7130R2 and the supporting member 7157 and the coupling 7150. In the process that the intermediate portion 7150c contacts the rib 7130R1a, the cartridge guide portion 7157a is in a state of being separated from the guide surface 7130R1C. Therefore, the coupling 7150 is inclined (the angle between the engagements). Position) (Figure 50 (a) and Figure 50 (d)). Then, when the end 7150A1 of the inclined coupling 7150 passes through the shaft end 180b3, the middle portion 7150c does not contact the guide rib 7130Rla (Figure 50 (b) and Figure 50 (e)). In this case, the cartridge guide 7157a passes through the guide surface 7130R1C and the inclined surface 7130Rld, And it is in a state where the cartridge guide 7157a starts to contact the positioning surface 7130Rle (FIG. 50(b) and FIG. 50(e)). After that, the receiving surface 715Of or the protrusion 715Od contacts the end 180b or the pin 182. Then, with the installation operation of the cartridge, the axis L2 and the axis L1 are close to the same straight line, and the center position of the developing shaft and the center position of the coupling are close to the coaxial line. Then, finally, as shown in FIG. 50(c) and FIG. 50(f), the axis L1 and the axis L2 are substantially in line with each other. Therefore, the coupling 7150 is in a rotation standby state (rotational force transmission angular position).

[0401] In the process of removing the cartridge B from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the steps are substantially opposite to the steps of the joining operation.

Specifically, the cartridge B is moved in the removal direction. Therefore, the end 180b pushes the receiving surface 7150f_oAs a result, the axis L2 starts to incline with respect to the axis L1. Through the removal operation of the cartridge, the upstream end 7150A1 moves in the removal direction X6 along the surface of the end 180b, so that the axis L2 is inclined until the end A1 contacts the shaft end 180b3. In this state, the coupling 7150 completely passes through the shaft end 180b3 (FIG. 50(b)). After that, the coupler 7150 contacts the surface of the rib 7130R1a at the middle portion 7150c. As a result, the coupler 7150 is removed in a state where the coupler 7150 is inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4. That is, the coupling 7150 is inclined (swinging) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the detachment angular position.

[0402] As described above, the coupling swings to engage with the main assembly drive shaft by the user's installation operation of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly. In addition, a device for maintaining the attitude of the coupling is no longer particularly required. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the structure of pre-maintaining the attitude of the coupling can also be implemented in combination with the structure of this embodiment.

[0403] In this embodiment, by applying its own weight to the guide ribs, the coupling is inclined in the mounting direction X4. However, in addition to its own weight, the elastic force of a spring or the like can also be used.

[0404] In this embodiment, the middle portion of the coupling receives a force to tilt the coupling. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a part other than the intermediate part may be brought into contact with the contact part when the coupling is tilted by receiving a force from the contact part of the main assembly.

[0405] In addition, this embodiment can also be combined with any one of Embodiments 2 to 4. In this case, the coupling and separation of the coupling and the drive shaft can be further reliably achieved.

(Example 6)

[0407] Embodiment 6 is described with reference to FIGS. 51-55. In the above embodiment, the surface of the developing carriage 6110 is maintained at a predetermined interval with respect to the photosensitive drum 107. In this state, the developing roller 6110 develops the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107. In the above embodiment, the cartridge adopting the non-contact developing system is described. In this embodiment, in a cartridge adopting a so-called contact developing system, development is performed in a state where the surface of the developing roller is in contact with the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum. That is, a case where the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a cartridge adopting a contact developing system will be described.

[0408] Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge of this embodiment. Figure 52 is a perspective view showing the developing device side of the cartridge. Fig. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge taken along the line S24-S24 in Fig. 52. Figures 54(a) and 54(b) are cross-sectional views respectively showing the developing cartridge in a state capable of developing and a state in which the developing cartridge cannot be developed. Figures 55(a) and 55(b) are longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the drive connection in the states of Figures 54(a) and 54(b), respectively. The undeveloped state refers to a state in which the developing roller 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107.

[0409] First, the structure of the developing cartridge B6 employing the contact developing system will be described with reference to FIGS. 51 and 52.

[0410] The cartridge B6 includes a developing roller 6110. During the developing action, the developing cart 6110 is rotated by receiving the rotating force from the apparatus main assembly A through the coupling mechanism described later.

[0411] The developer t is accommodated in the developer accommodating frame (developer accommodating portion) 6114. The developer is conveyed to the developing chamber 6113a by the rotation of the stirring member 6116. The conveyed developer is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 6110 by the rotation of the sponge-like developer supply cart 6115 in the developing chamber 6113a. Then, the developer is charged by the friction between the thin-plate-shaped developing blade 6112 and the developing roller 6110 to form a thin layer. The developer formed into a thin layer is transported to the developing position by rotation. Next, a predetermined developing bias is applied to the developing roller 6110. Therefore, in a state where the surface of the developing roller 6110 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107, the developing roller 6110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 6110.

[0412] The developer not used for the development of the electrostatic latent image (that is, the developer t remaining on the surface of the developing roller 6110) is removed by the developing roller supply roller 6115. At the same time, new developer t is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 6110 by the supply roller 6115

on. Therefore, the developing operation is continuously performed.

[0413] The cartridge B6 includes a developing unit 6119. The developing unit 6119 includes a developing device frame 6113 and a developer containing frame 6114. In addition, the developing unit 6119 includes a developing cart 6110, a developing blade 6112, a developer supply cart 6115, a developing chamber 6113a, a developer containing frame 6114, and an agitating member 6116.

[0414] The developing vehicle 6110 rotates around the axis L1.

[0415] The structure of the device main assembly A is substantially the same as that in Embodiment 1, so the description is omitted. However, for the apparatus main assembly A applied to Embodiment 6, in addition to the structure of the above-mentioned main assembly A, a lever for contacting and separating the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 and the surface of the developing roller 6110 is provided (Figure 54(a) And 54 (b) shown in the force application member) 300. Incidentally, the rod 300 will be described later. By guiding the cartridge guide portion 6140L1.6140R2 etc. into the main assembly A of the apparatus, the user mounts the developing cartridge B described in Embodiment 1 to the mounting portion 130a (FIG. 3). Incidentally, similar to the box described above, the box B6 is also mounted on the mounting portion 130a by moving the box B6 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 180. In addition, the box B6 can be removed from the mounting portion 130a.

[0416] Incidentally, when the cartridge B6 is mounted on the mounting portion 130a as described above, the guide portion (protrusion) 614OR1 of the cartridge B6 is subjected to the elastic force of the pushing spring (elastic member) 188R as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The pressure applied. In addition, due to the elastic force of the pushing spring 188L, the guide portion (birch head) 6140L (FIG. 52) of the box B6 receives the applied pressure. Therefore, the cartridge B6 is held by the apparatus main assembly A and is rotatable around the guides 6140R1 and 6140L1. That is, the guide portion 6140R1 is rotatably supported by the main assembly guide portion 130R1, and the guide portion 6140L1 is rotatably supported by the main assembly guide portion 130L1. Then, when the door 109 (FIG. 3) is closed and closed, due to the elastic force of the push spring 192R (and the push spring 192L on the non-driving side shown in FIG. 16) provided on the door 109, the push portion 6114a (FIG. 51 and 52) Subject to applied pressure. Therefore, the cartridge B6 receives a rotational moment around the guide 6140. Next, the gap width regulating members (interval regulating members) 6136 and 6137 (FIG. 52) arranged on the end of the developing carriage 6110 of the cartridge B6 contact the end of the photosensitive drum 107. For this reason, the developing roller 6110 and the photosensitive drum 107 maintain a constant contact roller gap. In other words, the developer $16110 includes the developer shaft 6151 and the rubber part (elastic member) 6110a (Pictures 52 and 53). The developing roller 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107 in a state where the rubber portion 6110a is bent. In this state, the developing roller develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 with toner t.

[0417] With reference to FIGS. 52 and 53, the structure of the developing vehicle 6110 and the mounting structure (support structure) of the coupling 6150 are described below.

[0418] The developing shaft 6151 is an elongated member composed of a conductive material such as iron or the like. The developing shaft 6151 is rotatably supported by the developing device frame 6113 through the shaft supporting member 6152. In addition, the developing gear 6150b is fixedly positioned on the developing shaft 6151 in a non-rotatable manner. The coupling 6150 is mounted on the developing gear 6150b in a tiltable manner, and the structure is the same as that described in the first embodiment. That is, the coupling 6150 is installed so that the axis L2 can be inclined with respect to the axis L1. The rotational force received by the coupling 6150 from the main assembly A of the apparatus is transmitted to the developing vehicle 6110 through the drive transmission pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 6155, the developing gear 6153, and the developing shaft 6151. In this way, the developing car 6110 rotates.

[0419] A rubber part 6110a is coated on the developing shaft 6151 so as to be coaxial with the developing shaft 6151. The outer peripheral surface of the rubber portion 6110a carries the developer (toner) t, and a bias voltage is applied to the developing shaft 6151. Therefore, the rubber portion 6110a develops the electrostatic latent image with the developer t carried thereon.

[0420] The regulating members 6136 and 6137 are members for making the nip width tube a constant level when the surface of the developing roller 6110 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the regulating members 6136 and 6137 regulate the amount of depression of the surface of the developing roller 6110.

[0421] In the contact developing system in this embodiment, when the state of the developing roller 6110 in contact with the photosensitive drum 107 is maintained, the rubber portion 6110a of the developing roller 6110 may be deformed. For this reason, it is preferable that the developing roller 6110 moves away from the photosensitive drum 107 during the non-development period. That is, as shown in FIGS. 54(a) and 54(b), it is preferable to form a state where the developing roller 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107 (FIG. 54(a)) and a state where the developing roller 6110 moves away from the photosensitive drum 107. (Figure 54 ).

[0422] In a state where the cartridge B6 is mounted on the mounting portion 130a, the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114a of the developer accommodating frame 6114 of the cartridge B6 is pushed by the elastic force of the springs 192R and 192L. In this way, the cartridge B6 (in the clockwise direction X67 in FIG. 54(a)) rotates around the guide portions (support points) 6140R and 6140L of the cartridge B6. Therefore, the surface of the developing vehicle 6110 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (the state shown in FIG. 54(a)).

[0423] Then, in this embodiment, the lever (pushing member, force applying member) 300 provided on the apparatus main assembly A is rotated by the force of a motor (not shown) that rotates by separating a signal from the developing device (That is, rotate in the counterclockwise direction (the direction indicated by the arrow X45 in Figure 54(b))). Then, the lever 300 pushes the bottom (force receiving portion) 6114a of the cartridge B6 (developer accommodating frame 6114). Therefore, the cartridge B6 rotates around the guide portion 6140 against the elastic force of the springs 192R and 192L (that is, rotates in the counterclockwise direction X47). Therefore, the surface of the developing roller 6110 is in a state of being separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (the state shown in FIG. 54(b)). That is, the cartridge B6 rotates around the guides (support points) 6140R and 6140L to move in the direction X66.

[0424] Under the force of a motor (not shown) that rotates in the opposite direction by the contact signal of the developing device, the lever 300 rotates (that is, in the clockwise direction (the direction indicated by the arrow X44 shown in FIG. 54(b)). ) Rotate) to the standby position. Then, the cartridge B6 returns to the developing device contact portion (the state shown in FIG. 54(a)) under the elastic force of the springs 192R and 192L. That is, the cartridge B6 rotates around the guides (support points) 6140R and 6140L to move in the direction X46.

[0425] Here, the standby position of the lever 300 refers to a state (position) in which the lever 300 is separated from the cartridge B6 (the position shown in FIG. 54(a)).

[0426] According to this embodiment, although the developing roller 6110 is still rotating, the cartridge B6 can be moved from the state of FIG. 54(b) to the state of FIG. 54(a) and from the state of FIG. 54(a) to the state of FIG. 54(a). 54(b) status.

[0427] The operation is described below. Preferably, the rotation of the developing roller 6110 can be started just before the state of the cartridge B6 changes from the state of Fig. 54(b) to the state of Fig. 54(a). That is, the developing roller 6110 preferably contacts the photosensitive drum 107 while rotating. In this way, rotating the developing carriage 6110 while contacting the photosensitive drum 107 with the developing carriage 6110 may damage the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller 6110. The same is true when the developing roller 6110 is moved away from the photosensitive drum 107, so it is preferable to separate the developing roller 6110 from the photosensitive drum 107.

[0428] With reference to FIGS. 55(a) and 55(b), an example of the drive input structure in this embodiment is described.

[0429] The state of FIG. 55(a) corresponds to the state of FIG. 54(a), that is, the state in which the developing vehicle 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107 and is rotatable. That is, the axis L1 of the developing roller 6110 and the axis L2 of the coupling 6150 are substantially collinear, so that the coupling 6150 is in a state capable of receiving the rotational force from the drive shaft 180. When the development is completed, the cartridge B6 is moved from this state in the direction X66 (in conjunction with Fig. 54(a)). At this time, the developing shaft 6153 gradually moves in the direction X66, so that the axis L2 is gradually inclined. When the cartridge B6 is in the state of FIG. 55(b), the developing roller 6110 is completely moved away from the photosensitive drum 107. After that, the rotation of the motor 186 is stopped. That is, even in the state of FIG. 55(b), the motor 186 rotates for a certain period of time. According to this embodiment, the cartridge B6 can transmit rotational force even in a state where the axis L2 is inclined. Therefore, even in the state shown in FIG. 55(b), the cartridge B5 can transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 6110. Therefore, according to the present invention, even though the developing wheel 6110 is rotating, the developing roller 6110 can be moved away from the photosensitive drum 107.

[0430] A similar operation is performed when the state of the box B6 is changed from the state of FIG. 55(b) to the state of FIG. 55(a). That is, the motor 186 is rotated from the state of FIG. 55(b), so that the developing roller 6110 can be rotated. That is, according to this embodiment, the developing roller 6110 can contact the photosensitive drum 107 while rotating.

[0431] Incidentally, the engagement operation and the disengagement operation of the coupling 6150 with respect to the drive shaft 180 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1, so the description is omitted.

[0432] The structure described in Example 6 is as follows.

[0433] The device main assembly A described in Embodiment 6 has a rod (pushing member) 300 in addition to the above-mentioned structure of the device main assembly A.

[0434] The cartridge B6 in Embodiment 6 includes a bottom portion (force receiving portion) 6114bo. In a state where the cartridge B6 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A, the bottom portion 6114b receives a pushing force for moving the developing roller 6110 away from the photosensitive drum. 107.

[0435] The cartridge B is pushed by the elastic force of the springs 192R and 192L on the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114a of the developer accommodating frame 6114. Therefore, the developing cart 6110 of the cartridge B6 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 107 rotatably positioned in the main assembly A of the apparatus. Therefore, the cartridge B6 is placed in a contact state where the developing carriage 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107.

[0436] When the upper surface (force receiving portion) 6114a of the cartridge B6 is pushed by the lever 300, the cartridge B6 is placed in a separated state where the developing carriage 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107.

[0437] Since the coupling 6150 is in the above-mentioned rotational force transmission angular position, the cartridge B6 in the contact state or the separated state can transmit the rotational force from the coupling 6150 to the developing roller 6110. When moving from in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 When the box B6 is removed from the device main assembly A, the coupling 6150 moves from the above-mentioned rotational force transmission angular position to the above-mentioned separation angular position. Therefore, the coupling 6150 can be separated from the drive shaft 180.

[0438] In this way, even when the cartridge B6 is in the above-described separated state and the axis L3 and the axis L1 deviate from each other, the coupling 6150 to which the present invention is applied can smoothly transmit the rotational force from the drive shaft 180 to the developing roller 6110.

[0439] Incidentally, the axis L1 represents the rotation axis of the developing vehicle 6110, and the axis L3 represents the rotation axis of the drive shaft 180.

[0440] In this way, in Embodiment 6, the effect of applying the embodiment of the present invention is effectively utilized.

[0441] As described above, even when the drive input position is not at the swing center, the rotational force can be transmitted to the developing roller in a state where the developing cartridge is moved away from the photosensitive drum. For this reason, a certain free range of the drive input position can be allowed, so that the box and the main assembly of the device can be miniaturized.

[0442] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the drive input position is coaxial with the developing roller. However, as described in the following embodiments, similar effects can be achieved even in the case where the drive input position is not coaxial with the developing roller.

[0443] In this embodiment, the engagement and separation of the coupling during the separation of the developing device are described. However, in this embodiment, the coupling and disengagement of the coupling can also be applied to Embodiment 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cartridge can be installed/detached without particularly providing the drive connection mechanism and the release mechanism to the main assembly of the apparatus. In addition, the drive connection and release can be realized during the contact/separation of the developing roller of the cartridge with respect to the photosensitive drum.

[0444] That is, according to the cartridge B6 to which the present embodiment is applied, the cartridge B6 can be mounted to and detached from the apparatus main assembly A by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 . In addition, according to the cartridge B6, even during the separation of the developing device, the rotational force can be smoothly transmitted from the apparatus main assembly A to the developing roller 6110.

[0445] Here, "during the separation of the developing device" refers to the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller whose surfaces have been in contact with each other.

The 6110 are separated (moved away) from each other.

[0446] The description of FIG. 6 is an example of a so-called developing cartridge as a cartridge, but the present invention can also be applied to a cartridge as an example.

The so-called process box.

[0447] The structure of the cartridge is not limited to the structure in Embodiment 6, and may be appropriately changed to other structures.

[0448] Embodiment 6 can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0449] (Example 7)

[0450] Embodiment 7 is described with reference to FIGS. 56 and 57.

[0451] Embodiment 7 is different from Embodiment 6 in the drive input position (coupler position) and structure for transmitting the rotational force from the coupling to the developing reel and the developer supply roller. Specifically, the coupling 8150 is not located on the axis L1 of the developing roller 8110, but is located at a position deviated from the axis L1.

[0452] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the cartridge B8. Fig. 57 is a perspective view showing the driving portion of the cartridge B8.

[0453] The developing vehicle gear 8145 and the developer supply vehicle gear 8146 are respectively arranged at the drive side end of the developer vehicle 8110 and the drive side end of the developer supply $16115 (FIG. 51). Gears 8145 and 8146 are each fixed on a shaft (not shown). These gears transmit the rotational force received from the apparatus main assembly A through the coupling 8150 to other rotatable members of the cartridge B8 (developing roller 8110, developer supply roller 6115, toner agitating member (not shown), etc.).

[0454] Next, the drive input gear 8147 to which the coupling 8150 is mounted (the coupling 8150 is supported by) will be described.

[0455] As shown in FIG. 57, the gear 8147 is rotatably fixed at a position where the gear 8147 engages with the developing wheel gear 8145 and the developer supply roller gear 8146. The gear 8147 includes a coupling accommodating portion 8147J, which is similar to that in the developing roller gear 151 described in Embodiment 1. The coupling 8150 is mounted to the gear 8147 ±o in a tiltable manner through the holding member 8156. That is, the coupling 8150 is not provided on the axis L1 of the developing roller 8110, but is provided at a position deviated from the axis L1. The rotational force received from the drive shaft 180 through the coupling 8150 is transmitted to the developing vehicle 8110 through the gears 8147 and 8145. The rotational force is further transmitted to the developer supply vehicle 6115 through the gears 8147 and 8146.

[0456] The support member 8157 has a hole that defines an inner peripheral surface 8157i that can be engaged with the gear 8147. The description of the coupling, driving, and disengagement by the installation and removal operations of the cartridge is the same as in Embodiment 1. , So the description is omitted.

[0457] In addition, as a structure in which the axis L2 of the coupling 8150 is inclined to the pre-engagement angular position immediately before the coupling 8150 is engaged with the drive shaft, any one of Embodiment 2 to Embodiment 5 can be adopted.

[0458] As described above, the coupling 8150 does not need to be arranged at the end coaxial with the developing roller 8110. According to this embodiment, the design freedom range of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and the cartridge can be improved.

[0459] (Example 8)

[0460] Embodiment 8 is described with reference to FIGS. 58 to 62.

[0461] FIG. 58 is a main sectional view of the process cartridge B9 of this embodiment, and FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the process cartridge B9. Fig. 60 is a main cross-sectional view of the main assembly of the apparatus, and Fig. 61 is a perspective view showing the installation guide portion (drive side) and the drive connection part of the main assembly of the apparatus. Figures 62(a) to 62(c) are schematic diagrams showing the process of installing the process cartridge into the main assembly of the apparatus as viewed from above the apparatus. The process cartridge is an example of the above-mentioned cartridge.

[0462] In this embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a process cartridge which is manufactured by integrally supporting a photosensitive drum and a developing roller as a unit, and is detachably mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus. That is, this embodiment relates to a process cartridge that can be mounted to and detached from an apparatus main assembly A having the drive shaft by moving the process cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft. According to this embodiment, the process cartridge (hereinafter simply referred to as the cartridge) includes two parts for receiving rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus.

[0463] That is, the cartridge to which the present invention is applied receives the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum and the

Receives the rotational force for rotating the developing roller from the main assembly of the apparatus.

[0464] The present invention can also be applied to this structure, and the effects described later can be obtained. The charging cart 9108 in contact with the photosensitive drum 9107 serves as a charging member (processing member).

[0465] In addition, the cartridge B9 includes a developing roller 9110 as a developing member (processing member). The developing roller 9110 supplies the developer t to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 9107. Using the developer t, the developing roller 9110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 9107. The developing roller 9110 includes a magnetic roller (fixed magnet) 9111.

[0466] A developing blade 9112 in contact with the developing roller 9110 is provided. The developing blade 9112 determines the amount of the developer t to be deposited on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 9110.

[0467] The developer accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber 9114 is supplied by the rotation of the agitating members 9115 and 9116. Then, a developer layer charged by the development blade 9112 is formed on the surface of the development roller 9110. Next, based on the latent image, the developer t is transferred to the photosensitive drum 9107 ±o, and the latent image is developed.

[0468] An elastic cleaning blade 9117a as a cleaning member (processing member) is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 9107. The doctor blade 9117a removes the developer t remaining on the photosensitive drum 9107 after the developer image is transferred to the recording material 9102. The developer t removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 9107 by the doctor blade 9117a is collected in the developer removal container 9117b.

[0469] The box B9 includes a first frame unit 9119 and a second frame unit 9120, which are swingably (rotatably) connected together.

[0470] The first frame unit (developing device) 9119 is constituted by the first frame 9113 as a part of the cartridge frame. The first frame unit 9119 includes a developing cart 9110, a developing blade 9112, a developing chamber 9113a, a developer accommodating chamber (developer accommodating portion) 9114, and agitating members 9115 and 9116.

[0471] The second frame unit 9120 is constituted by the second frame 9118 as a part of the box frame. The second frame unit 9120 includes a photosensitive drum 9107, a cleaning blade 9117a, a developer removing container (developer receiving portion) 9117b, and a charging cart 9108.

[0472] The first frame unit (developing device) 9119 and the second frame unit 9120 are rotatably connected by a pin P. By the elastic member (not shown) provided between the units 9119 and 9120, the developing roller 9110 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 9107 ±o that is, the first frame unit (developing device) 9119 determines the second frame unit 9120 s position.

[0473] The user grabs the handle T and installs the box B9 on the box mounting portion 9130a, which is provided on the device main assembly A9. At this time, as described later, during the mounting operation of the cartridge B9, the drive shaft 9108 provided on the apparatus main assembly A9 and the cartridge-side developer coupling (rotational force transmission portion) 9150 of the cartridge B9 are connected to each other. The developing cart 9110 and the like are rotated by receiving rotational force from the main assembly A9 of the apparatus.

[0474] After mounting the cartridge B9 on the apparatus main assembly A9, the door 109 is closed. With the closing operation of the door 109, the main assembly side drum coupling 9190 and the cartridge side drum coupling (rotational force transmitting portion) 9145 are connected to each other. In this way, by receiving the rotational force from the apparatus main assembly A9, the photosensitive drum 9107 rotates. The main assembly side drum coupler 9190 is a non-circular twisted hole having a plurality of corners in cross section. The coupling 9190 is provided at the center of the rotatable driving member 9191. A gear (helical gear) 9191a is provided at the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable driving member 9191. The rotational force from the motor 196 is transmitted to the gear 9191a.

[0475] In addition, the cartridge side drum coupling 9145 is a non-circular twisted protrusion having a plurality of corners in cross section. The coupling 9145 engages the coupling 9190 so as to receive the rotational force from the motor 186. That is, in a state where the hole of the coupling 9145 and the protrusion of the coupling 9190 are engaged with each other, the rotatable member 9191 rotates. Therefore, the protrusion is pulled into the hole

In the state, the rotational force of the rotatable driving member 9191 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 9107 through the protrusions.

[0476] The shape of the protrusion may be appropriately changed as long as the protrusion can receive a rotational force from the hole in a state of being engaged with the hole. In this embodiment, the shape of the hole is substantially an equilateral triangle, and the shape of the protrusion is a substantially twisted equilateral triangular prism. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to transmit the rotational force from the hole to the protrusion in a state where the axis of the hole and the axis of the protrusion are aligned with each other (center-aligned) and in a state where the protrusion is pulled into the hole. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 9107 can be rotated accurately and smoothly. In addition, the hole is provided to be coaxial with the axis of the shaft portion 9107a of the photosensitive drum 9107. The shaft portion 9107a is provided at one end portion of the photosensitive drum 9107, and is rotatably supported by the unit 9120.

[0477] As described later, the main assembly side drum coupling 9190 (rotatable driving member 9191) is moved by a moving member (retractable mechanism) 9195 interlocked with the closing operation of the door 109. That is, the coupling 9190 is moved along the direction of the rotation axis X70 of the coupling 9190 and along the direction X93 in which the coupling 9145 is provided by the moving member 9195. Therefore, the coupling 9190 and the coupling 9145 are engaged with each other. Then, the rotational force of the coupling 9190 is transmitted to the coupling 9145 (Fig. 62(b)).

[0478] The coupling 9190 (rotatable driving member 9191) is moved along the direction of the rotation axis X70 and along the direction X95 in which the coupling 9190 is separated from the coupling 9145 by the moving member 9195 interlocked with the opening operation of the door 109 . Therefore, the coupling 9190 and the coupling 9145 are separated from each other. (Figure 62(c)).

[0479] That is, as described later, the coupling 9190 is moved toward and away from the coupling 9145 in the direction of the rotation axis X70 by the moving member (retractable member) 9195 (along FIG. 62(b) and 62(c) in the direction indicated by arrows X93 and X95). Incidentally, since a known structure can be appropriately used as the structure of the moving member 9195, a description of the details of the structure of the moving member 9195 is omitted. For example, the structure of the coupling 9145, the coupling 9190, and the moving member 9195 is described in Japanese Patent No. 2875203.

[0480] As shown in FIG. 61, the mounting part 9130 in this embodiment includes main assembly guides 9130R1 and 9130R2 provided in the device main assembly A9.

[0481] These guide portions are relatively provided in the cassette mounting portion 9130a (cassette mounting space), which is provided in the apparatus main assembly A9. FIG. 61 shows the driving side surface, and the non-driving side has a symmetrical shape with the driving side, so the description is omitted. The guide portions 9130R1 and 9130R2 are provided along the mounting direction of the cartridge B9.

[0482] When mounting the cartridge B9 to the apparatus main assembly A9, insert the cartridge guide described later while being guided by the guides 9130R1 and 9130R2. In a state where the door 109 is opened around the shaft 9109a with respect to the apparatus main assembly A9, the cartridge B9 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A9. By closing the door 109, the installation of the cartridge B9 to the apparatus main assembly A9 is completed. Incidentally, when the cartridge B9 is removed from the main assembly A9 of the apparatus, the removal operation is also performed with the door 109 opened. These operations are performed by the user.

[0483] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 59, the outer peripheral portion 9159a of the shaft support member 9195 also serves as the cartridge guide portion 9140RL. That is, the shaft support member 9159 protrudes outward so that its outer peripheral surface has Orientation function.

[0484] At the longitudinal end (driving side) of the second frame unit 9120, a cartridge guide 9140R2 is provided at the cartridge guide

Above the 9140R1.

[0485] When the cartridge B9 is mounted on the device main assembly A9 and when the cartridge B9 is removed from the device main assembly A9, the guide portion 9140R1 is guided by the guide portion 9130R1, and the guide portion 9140R2 is guided by the guide portion 9130R2.

[0486] The guide structure on the other end side of the device main assembly and the guide structure on the other end side of the cartridge are the same as those described above, so the description is omitted here. In the above-mentioned direction, the cartridge B9 is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 9180 to be mounted to and detached from the apparatus main assembly A9.

[0487] When the cartridge B9 is mounted on the device main assembly A9, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the coupling 9150 engages the drive shaft 9180 of the device main assembly A9. Then, the drive shaft 9180 is rotated by the rotation motor 186. The developing vehicle 9110 is rotated by the rotating force transmitted from the coupling 9150 to the developing vehicle 9110. Incidentally, for the drive transmission path in the cartridge, as described in Embodiment 1, the coupling may be arranged coaxially with the developing roller 9110, or arranged at a position deviated from the axis of the developing roller 9110. The engagement and disengagement between the coupling 9150 and the drive shaft 9180 are the same as described above, so the description is omitted.

[0488] As the structure of the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 1950, the structure of the aforementioned coupling can be suitably adopted.

[0489] Here, referring to FIGS. 62(a) to 62(c), a process of mounting the above-described process cartridge B9 to the mounting portion 9130a to establish a drive connection between the apparatus main assembly A9 and the cartridge B9 is described.

[0490] In FIG. 62(a), the cartridge B9 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly A9. At this time, as described above, the axis L2 of the coupling 9150 is inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction (X92). In addition, the apparatus main assembly side drum coupling 9190 to be engaged with the drum coupling 9145 is retracted so as not to obstruct the installation path of the cartridge B9. In Figure 62(a), the retraction amount is represented by X91. In this figure, the drive shaft 9180 appears to be in the installation (removal) path of the cartridge B9. However, as can be seen from FIG. 61, the drum coupling 9145 and the developing roller coupling 9150 deviate from each other in the cross-sectional direction (vertical direction) with respect to the moving path. Therefore, the drive shaft 1980 does not hinder the installation and removal of the cartridge B9.

[0491] Next, from this state, when the user inserts the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A9, the cartridge B9 is mounted on the mounting portion 9130a. Similar to the foregoing description, the coupling 9150 is engaged with the drive shaft 9180 through this operation. In this way, the coupling 9150 is in a state capable of transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller 9110.

[0492] Next, the drum coupling 9190 on the apparatus main assembly A9 side is moved in the direction X93 by the moving member 9195 that moves in accordance with the closing operation of the user closing the door 109 (FIG. 61) (FIG. 62( b )). Then, the coupling 9190 engages the drum coupling 9145 of the cartridge B9 to be placed in a state where the rotational force can be transmitted. After that, through the image forming operation, the rotational force from the motor 186 is transmitted to the drum gear 9190 fixed to the drum coupling 9190±. In addition, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing gear 9181 that is fixed on the drive shaft 9180 to receive the rotational force from the coupling 9150. Therefore, the rotational force from the motor 196 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 9107 through the drum coupling 9190 and the drum gear 9190. In addition, The rotational force from the motor 196 is transmitted to the developing vehicle 9110 through the coupling 9150, the rotational force receiving drive shaft 9180, and the developing gear 9181. Incidentally, the details of the transfer path from the coupling 9150 in the developing unit 9114 to the developing roller 9110 through the supporting member 9147 are the same as those described above, so the description is omitted. When the cartridge B9 is removed from the device main assembly A9, the user opens the door 109 (FIG. 61). By the moving member 9195 that moves with the opening operation of the door 109, the drum coupler 9190 on the main assembly A9 side of the apparatus moves along The direction X95 opposite to the direction X93 moves (Figure 62(c)). Therefore, the coupling 9190 is separated from the drum coupling 9145. In this way, the box B9 can be removed from the device main assembly A9_Ο

[0493] As described above, in addition to the above-mentioned structure of the apparatus main assembly A, the apparatus main assembly A9 in Embodiment 8 also includes a moving member (retractable mechanism) 9195 for the main assembly side drum coupler 9190 and the coupling The actuators 9145 move in their axis direction (rotation axis direction X70).

[0494] In Embodiment 8, the cartridge (process cartridge) B9 integrally includes the photosensitive drum 9107 and the developing cart 9110.

[0495] In Embodiment 8, when the cartridge B9 is removed from the apparatus main assembly A9 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing carriage 9110, the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 9150 moves as described below. That is, the coupling 9150 moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position so as to be separated from the drive shaft 9180. Then, by the moving member 9185, the main assembly side drum coupler 9190 is moved in the axial direction thereof and in the direction in which the coupler 9190 is separated from the cartridge side drum coupler 9145. Therefore, the cartridge side drum coupling 9145 is separated from the main assembly side drum coupling 9190.

[0496] According to Embodiment 8, regarding the coupling structure for transmitting the rotational force from the apparatus main assembly A9 to the photosensitive drum 9107 and the coupling structure for transmitting the rotational force from the apparatus main assembly A9 to the developing roller 9110 Compared with those situations where each structure requires one moving member, the number of moving members can be reduced.

[0497] Therefore, according to Embodiment 8, the device main assembly can be miniaturized. In addition, when designing the main assembly of the equipment, it is possible to allow an increased range of design freedom.

[0498] In addition, this embodiment can also be applied to the case of a contact developing system as described in Embodiment 6. In this case, the present embodiment can be applied not only to the installation and removal of the cartridge, but also to the drive connection when the developing device is separated.

[0499] In addition, in this embodiment, for the driving connection of the photosensitive drum, the manner in this embodiment is not adopted, but it is also possible to arrange the coupling as in this embodiment.

[0500] As described above, according to this embodiment, by applying the present invention to a case where at least the developing roller is rotated (ie, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing device), the number of moving members (retractable mechanisms) can be reduced at least one. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the main assembly of the apparatus and increase the design freedom range.

[0501] Incidentally, in Embodiment 8, as a cartridge-side drum coupling for receiving a rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus to rotate the photosensitive drum, a twisting protrusion is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be suitably applied to a coupling structure in which the main assembly side drum coupling can be moved (retracted) in the rotation direction of the cartridge side drum coupling. That is, in the present invention, this coupling structure is such that the main assembly side drum coupling approaches the cartridge side drum coupling in the above-mentioned moving direction so as to be engaged therewith, and leaves the cartridge side drum coupling in the above-mentioned moving direction. For the embodiments to which the present invention is applied, for example, a so-called pin-drive coupling structure can be applied.

[0502] According to Embodiment 8, in the structure in which the rotational forces for rotating the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are respectively transmitted from the main assembly of the apparatus, it is possible to reduce the moving structure for moving (retracting) the coupling with respect to its rotational direction. quantity. That is, as the moving structure, only a structure that transmits rotational force to the photosensitive drum may be used.

[0503] Therefore, according to Embodiment 8, compared with the case where the structure for transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive drum and the structure for transmitting the rotational force to the developing vehicle both require a moving structure, the effect of simplifying the structure of the main assembly of the apparatus can be achieved.

[0504] (Example 9)

[0505] Embodiment 9 is described with reference to FIG. 63.

[0506] In Embodiment 9, the present invention is applied to both the coupling that receives the rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus to rotate the photosensitive drum and the coupling that receives the rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus to rotate the developing roller.

[0507] That is, the cartridge B10 to which the present invention is applied is different from the cartridge B9 described in Embodiment 8 in that by using a coupling structure similar to that in Embodiment 8, the photosensitive drum 9107 also receives rotational force from the main assembly of the apparatus. .

[0508] According to Embodiment 9, without using the moving member (retractable mechanism) described in Embodiment 8, the process cartridge B10 can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the drive shaft 180, To install and remove it from the main assembly of the device.

[0509] The cartridge B10 in Embodiment 9 is different from the cartridge B9 in Embodiment 8 only in the structure of the cartridge-side drum coupling and the structure for transmitting the rotational force received by the coupling to the photosensitive drum. The other structures are identical.

[0510] In addition, with regard to the structure on the main assembly side of the apparatus, the two cartridges differ only in the drum coupler structure on the main assembly side.

[0511] The main assembly of the apparatus to which Embodiment 9 is applied includes the drive shaft described in the foregoing embodiment in place of the main assembly side drum coupling structure in Embodiment 8, and therefore a description thereof is omitted. For the equipment of this example (Example 9)

The main assembly is provided with a drive shaft (first drive shaft) 180 and a drive shaft (second drive shaft) having the same structure as the drive shaft 180 (not shown). However, similar to Embodiment 8, the moving paths of the cartridge-side drum coupling 10150 and the cartridge-side developing reel coupling 9150 deviate from each other in the cross-sectional direction (vertical direction). Therefore, the first drive shaft 180 and the second drive shaft (not shown) will not hinder the installation and removal of the cartridge B10.

[0512] Similar to the case of the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 9150, the cartridge-side drum coupling 10150 of the cartridge B10 has the same structure as the above-mentioned embodiment, so the description will be made with reference to the above-mentioned coupling structure.

[0513] According to Embodiment 9, the cartridge B10 is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3 of the first drive shaft 180 and the second drive shaft (not shown) to mount it on and from the main assembly of the apparatus. Remove it from above.

[0514] Furthermore, in Embodiment 9, when the cartridge B10 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 130a, the first drive shaft 180 and the developing roller coupling 9150 are engaged with each other, so that the rotational force is transmitted from the drive shaft 180 to the coupling 9150 . Through the rotating force received by the coupling 9150, the developing cart 9110 rotates.

[0515] In addition, the second drive shaft and the drum coupling 10150 are engaged with each other so that the rotational force is transmitted from the second drive shaft to the coupling 10150. By the rotational force received by the coupling 10150, the photosensitive drum 9107 rotates.

[0516] For Embodiment 9, the structure described in the above embodiment can be appropriately applied.

[0517] According to this embodiment, without using the moving member (retractable mechanism) described in Embodiment 8, the process cartridge B10 can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the drive shaft axis. Install to and remove from the main assembly of the device.

[0518] Therefore, the structure of the main assembly of the device can be simplified.

[0519] In the above embodiment, the device main assembly includes the drive shaft (180, 1180, 9180) having the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force applying portion) 182. In addition, along the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive shaft Move the box (Β, Β2, Β6, Β8, Β9, Β10) in the direction in which it is installed and removed from the main assembly of the device (Α, Α2, Α9). Each of the above boxes includes a developing car (110, 6110, 8110, 9110) and a coupler (150, 1150, 4150, 6150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150>14150).

[0520] i) The developing vehicle (110, 6110, 8110, 9110) can rotate around its axis L1 and develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum (107, 9107).

[0521] ii) The coupler engages the rotation force transmission pin (rotation force applying portion) (182, 1182, 9182) to receive the rotation force for rotating the developing wheel from the pin. The coupling may be one of couplings 150, 1150, 4150, 6150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, 14150. The coupling may be in a rotational force transmission angular position for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating developing roller to the developing roller. The coupling may be in a pre-engagement angular position inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position in a direction away from the developing roller axis L1 and a separation angular position inclined from the rotational force transmission angular position. When the cartridge (B, b-2, b6, b8, b9, bl0) is mounted to the main assembly along the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing car, the coupling moves from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angle position. In this way, the coupling is opposed to the drive shaft. When the cartridge is removed from the main assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the developing roller axis L1, the coupling moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position. In this way, the coupling is separated from the drive shaft.

[0522] In a state where the cartridge is placed in the main assembly, viewed from the direction opposite to the take-out direction X6 (for example, FIG. 19(d)), a part of the coupling is located behind the drive shaft. Part of the coupling is one of the free end positions 150AK1150AL·4150AM2150AM4150A3. The removal direction X6 is the direction in which the cartridge is removed from the main assembly. When the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A, as the cartridge moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller 110, the coupling performs the following actions. The coupling is moved (inclined) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position, so that the one of the coupling

Partially bypass the drive shaft.

[0523] When mounting the cartridge to the main assembly, the coupler performs the following actions. The coupling is moved (inclined) from the pre-engagement angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position so that the part of the coupling on the downstream side with respect to the installation direction X4 bypasses the drive shaft. The mounting direction X4 is the direction in which the box is mounted to the main assembly.

[0524] In a state where the cartridge is mounted on the main assembly, viewed from the direction opposite to the take-out direction X6 in which the cartridge is removed from the main assembly, the part or component of the coupling is located behind the drive shaft. When removing the coupling from the main assembly, the coupling performs the following actions. When the cartridge is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the coupling is moved (inclined) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position so that this part of the coupling bypasses the drive shaft.

[0525] In the above embodiment, the coupling has recesses (150z, 1150z, 1350z, 4150z, 6150z, 7150z, 9150z, 12150z, 14150z) coaxial with the coupling rotation axis L2. In the state where the coupling is in the rotational force transmission angular position, the recess covers the free end of the drive shaft 180. The rotating force receiving surface (rotating force receiving portion) engages the rotating force transmitting pin (rotating force applying portion) (182, 1182, 9182) along the rotation direction of the coupling, and the above rotating force transmitting pin is along the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis L3 Protruding from the free end of the drive shaft. The rotational force receiving surface is one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e, 1150e, 1350e, 4150e, 6150e, 7150e, 9150e, 12150e, 14150e. In this way, the coupling receives rotational force from the drive shaft to rotate. When removing the box from the main assembly, the coupler performs the following actions. When the cartridge is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the coupling is pivoted (inclined) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position so that the portion of the recessed portion bypasses the drive shaft. In this way, the coupling can be separated from the drive shaft. This part is one of the free ends 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, and 14150A3.

[0526] As described above, the coupling has a recess coaxial with its rotation axis L2. When the coupling is in the rotational force transmission angular position, the recess covers the free end of the drive shaft. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) engages the rotational force transmitting pin of the free end of the drive shaft in the rotational direction of the coupling. In this way, the coupling receives rotational force from the drive shaft to rotate. When removing the box from the main assembly, the coupler performs the following actions. When the cartridge is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L1 of the developing roller, the coupling pivots (moves) from the rotational force transmission angular position to the separation angular position, so that the portion of the recessed portion bypasses the drive shaft. In this way, the coupling can be separated from the drive shaft.

[0527] The rotational force receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving portions) are arranged such that they are positioned on a virtual circle C1 having a center S on the rotation axis L2 of the coupling (for example, FIG. 6(d)). In this embodiment, four rotational force receiving surfaces are provided. In this way, according to this embodiment, the coupling can uniformly receive force from the main assembly. Therefore, the coupling can rotate smoothly.

[0528] In a state where the coupling is in the rotational force transmission angular position, the axis L2 of the coupling is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 of the developing roller. In the state where the coupling is in the separated angular position, the coupling is inclined with respect to the axis L1 so that the upstream side thereof can sweep the free end of the drive shaft in the extraction direction X6. The upstream side is one of the free end positions 150AK1150AL·4150A1, 12150A1, and 14150A3.

[0529] The above-mentioned cartridge is a developing cartridge that does not contain a photosensitive drum. Alternatively, the cartridge is a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum as a unit. By applying the present invention to these cartridges, the effects as described above are provided.

[0530] (Other embodiments)

[0531] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the cartridge is installed or removed downward or angled upward with respect to the drive shaft of the main assembly. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. The present invention can be suitably applied to a cartridge that can be installed and removed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft.

[0532] In the foregoing embodiment, the installation path is straight with respect to the main assembly, but the present invention is not limited to this structure.

The present invention can also be suitably applied to the case where the installation path includes a path provided in a combination of a straight line or a curved path. [0533] The developing cartridge of each embodiment forms a monochrome image. However, the present invention can also be suitably applied to a cartridge having a plurality of developing members to form a color image (two-color image, three-color image, or four-color image).

[0534] The process cartridge of each embodiment forms a monochrome image. However, the present invention can also be suitably applied to a cartridge containing a plurality of photosensitive drums, a developing member, and a charging member to form a color image such as a two-color image, a three-color image, or a four-color image, respectively.

[0535] The developing cartridge includes at least a developing roller (developing member).

[0536] The process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member as a unit and a processing part that can act on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and can be detachably mounted on the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. For example, the process cartridge includes at least an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing part as a process part.

[0537] The cartridges (developing cartridge and process cartridge) are detachably mounted to the main assembly by the user. In view of this, users can effectively maintain the main components.

[0538] According to the foregoing embodiment, the coupling can be installed and detached in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft with respect to the main assembly which does not have a mechanism for moving the main assembly side coupling member. The side coupling member is used to transmit rotational force in the direction of its axis. The developing roller can rotate smoothly.

[0539] According to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge can be detached from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft, the main assembly of which has the drive shaft.

[0540] According to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge can be mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft, the main assembly of which has the drive shaft.

[0541] According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the developing cartridge can be mounted to and detached from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft with respect to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The main assembly of the image forming apparatus has a drive shaft.

[0542] According to the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft to mount and detach it from the main assembly, even if the drive motor (drive motor) provided in the main assembly Gear) does not move along its axis.

[0543] According to the above-described embodiment, the developing roller can rotate smoothly compared to the case where gear-gear meshing is adopted between the main assembly and the cartridge.

[0544] According to the above-described embodiment, the removal of the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly and the smooth rotation of the developing roller can be performed simultaneously.

[0545] According to the above-described embodiment, mounting the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly and smoothly rotating the developing roller can be performed simultaneously.

[0546] According to the above-described embodiment, the installation and removal of the cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly and the smooth rotation of the developing roller can be performed simultaneously.

[0547] According to the above-described embodiment, in the developing cartridge (or the developing device of the process cartridge) positioned relative to the photosensitive drum, it is possible to reliably apply driving to the developing roller and achieve smooth rotation.

[0548] [Industrial Applicability]

[0549] As described above, in the present invention, the axis of the coupling member may be at different angular positions with respect to the axis of the developing roller. With this structure in the present invention, the coupling member can engage the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly. In addition, the coupling member may be separated from the drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The present invention can be applied to a developing cartridge and electrophotographic imaging using a detachable developing cartridge

An apparatus, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using a detachably mountable process cartridge.

[0550] The present invention can be applied to a so-called contact developing system in which the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member is developed in a state where the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing roller are in contact with each other.

[0551] The present invention can be applied to a so-called contact developing system in which the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member is developed in a state where the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing roller are separated from each other.

[0552] The developing car can rotate smoothly.

[0553] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum and the rotational force for rotating the developing vehicle may be received from the main assembly, respectively. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the structure for receiving the rotational force of the rotating photosensitive drum may adopt a structure for moving the coupling in the direction of its axis.

[0554] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the structure disclosed herein, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated details, and this application is intended to cover modifications or changes that are the purpose of improvement or within the scope of the appended claims.