ES2430559T3

Untitled record

Abstract

Photosensitive electrophotographic drum unit (B), which can be used with the main set of an electrophotographic imaging device, the main assembly including a drive shaft (180) driven by a motor, which has a force application part of rotation, wherein said electrophotographic detachment unit can be disassembled from the main assembly in a disassembly direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction (L3) of the drive shaft, said electrophotographic drum unit comprising: i) a photosensitive electrophotographic drum (107) having a layer photosensitive (107b) on a peripheral surface thereof, said photosensitive electrophotographic drum can rotate about an axis (L1) thereof; ii) a coupling element (150) that can rotate about an axis (L2) thereof that can be coupled with the drive shaft (180) to receive a rotational force of the application part of the deriving force, to make rotating said photosensitive electrophotographic drum (107), said coupling element being arranged at the axial end of said photosensitive electrophotographic drum (107), such that said coupling element (150) is capable of adopting an angular position of transmission of the substantially coaxial rotational force with said axis (L1) of said photosensitive electrophotographic drum (107) to transmit the rotational force to rotate said electrophotographic drum photosensitive (107) to said photosensitive photorensitive drum (107) and an angular position of disassembly in which said coupling element (150) is inclined away of the shaft (L1) of said photosensitive electrophotographic drum (107) from said angular position of transmission of the rotational force to disassemble the coupling element (150) from the drive shaft (180) in which said drum unit (B) photosensitive electrophotographic is adapted such that when said unit (B) of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum is disassembled from the main assembly in the direction of disassembly substantially perpendicular to the axis (L1) of said photosensitive electrophotographic drum (107), said coupling element (150) moves from said angular position of transmission of the rotational force added to angular position of disassembly.

ES2430559T3, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 108

Term

1.3 yearsto projected expiry

Projected expiry 25 December 2027, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.

56 claims: 3 independent, 53 dependent

1
ES 2 430 559 T3 REIVINDICACIONES 1. Unidad (B) de tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, que puede ser utilizada con el conjunto principal de un aparato de formación de imágenes electrofotográficas, incluyendo el conjunto principal un eje de accionamiento (180) accionado por un motor, que tiene una parte de aplicación de la fuerza de rotación, en el que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico puede ser desmontada del conjunto principal en una dirección de desmontaje sustancialmente perpendicular a la dirección axial (L3) del eje de accionamiento, comprendiendo dicha unidad electrofotográfica del tambor:i) un tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible (107) que tiene una capa fotosensible (107b) en una superficie periférica del mismo, pudiendo girar dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible alrededor de un eje (L1) del mismo;ii) un elemento de acoplamiento (150) que puede girar alrededor de un eje (L2) del mismo que se puede acoplar con el eje de accionamiento (180) para recibir una fuerza de rotación de la parte de aplicación de la fuerza de rotación, para hacer girar dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible (107), estando dispuesto dicho elemento de acoplamiento en el extremo axial de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible (107), de tal manera que dicho elemento de acoplamiento (150) es capaz de adoptar una posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación sustancialmente coaxial con dicho eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible (107) para transmitir la fuerza de rotación para hacer girar dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible (107) a dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible (107) y una posición angular de desmontaje en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento (150) está inclinado alejándose del eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible (107) desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación para desmontar el elemento de acoplamiento (150) del eje de accionamiento (180) en el que dicha unidad (B) de tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible está adaptada de tal modo que cuando dicha unidad (B) del tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible es desmontada del conjunto principal en la dirección de desmontaje sustancialmente perpendicular al eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible (107), dicho elemento de acoplamiento (150) se desplaza desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje.
2
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 1, en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento se puede desmontar del eje de accionamiento mediante el desplazamiento desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje.
3
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 1 ó 2, en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está adaptada de tal modo que en una situación en la que el elemento de acoplamiento está situado en dicha posición angular de desamontaje, el eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento está inclinado hacia arriba con respecto a la dirección de desmontaje.
4
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 1 a 3, en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está adaptada de tal modo que en una situación en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está montada en el conjunto principal, una parte de dicho elemento de acoplamiento está detrás del eje de accionamiento, contemplado en una dirección opuesta a la dirección de desmontaje, en la que cuando dicha unidad del tambor electrofotográfico es desmontada del conjunto principal dicho elemento de acoplamiento se desmonta del eje de accionamiento por medio de dicho elemento de acoplamiento que se desplaza desde la posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a la posición angular de desmontaje, de tal manera que permite que la parte del elemento de acoplamiento evite el eje de accionamiento.
5
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 4, en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está adaptada de tal modo que cuando dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico es desmontada del conjunto principal, dicho elemento de acoplamiento se desmonta del eje de accionamiento mediante el desplazamiento desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje en respuesta al desplazamiento de dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico en la dirección de desmontaje.
6
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 5, que comprende además un elemento de recepción de la fuerza de rotación (151, 153, 155, 15151) para recibir la fuerza de rotación, estando dispuesto dicho elemento de recepción de la fuerza de rotación en un extremo de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento está acoplado con dicho elemento de recepción de la fuerza de rotación, de tal modo que dicho elemento de acoplamiento puede adoptar dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación y dicha posición angular de desmontaje.
7
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 6, que comprende además un elemento de empuje (10634) para empujar dicho elemento de acoplamiento en la dirección del eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, alejándolo de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible. ES 2 430 559 T3
8
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 7, en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento se puede desplazar hacia dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, venciendo la fuerza de empuje de dicho elemento de empuje cuando dicho elemento de acoplamiento se desplaza desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje.
9
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 8, que dicho elemento de acoplamiento incluye una parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación para montarla con la parte de aplicación de la fuerza de rotación para recibir dicha fuerza de rotación desde el eje de accionamiento, y una parte de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación para transmitir la fuerza de rotación recibida a través de dicha parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación a dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible.
10
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 9, en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está adaptada de tal modo que cuando dicha parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación recibe la fuerza de rotación para hacer girar dicho elemento de acoplamiento, dicha parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación está inclinada con respecto al eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento de manera que recibe una fuerza hacia el eje de accionamiento.
11
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 9 ó 10, en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento incluye una parte de conexión entre dicha parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación y dicha parte de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación.
12
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 11, en la que dicha parte de conexión incluye un eje que está formado a lo largo del eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento.
13
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 12, en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento tiene un entrante en el que se extiende un eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento, en la que dicho entrante está por encima de un extremo libre de dicho eje de accionamiento en la situación en la que la unidad electrofotográfica está montada en dicho conjunto principal.
14
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 13, en la que dicho entrante incluye una parte ensanchada, que se ensanche hacia un extremo libre de dicho elemento de acoplamiento.
15
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 14, en la que:el entrante (150z) está constituido por una superficie cónica;o bien el entrante (14150z) está constituido por dos superficies (14150f1;14150f2) que se ensanchan en una dirección que se aleja del eje del elemento de acoplamiento (L2);o bien el entrante tiene una forma divergente, una forma de campana, una forma cilíndrica o una forma esférica;o bien el entrante está constituido por una serie de salientes (12350d1, 12350d2;12350d3;12350d4) radicalmente hacia el extremo libre de dicho elemento de acoplamiento.
16
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 15, en la que una serie de dichas partes de recepción de la fuerza de rotación están dispuestas sobre un círculo virtual que tiene el centro sobre el eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento, sustancialmente en posiciones diametralmente opuestas entre sí.
17
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según la Reivindicación 16, en la que una serie de dichas partes de recepción de la fuerza de rotación están dispuestas a intervalos regulares a lo largo de la dirección de rotación de dicho elemento de acoplamiento, en la que la parte de aplicación de la fuerza de rotación está dispuesta en cada una de las dos posiciones que están diametralmente opuestas entre sí con respecto al eje (L3) del eje de accionamiento.
18
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 17, en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está adaptada de tal modo que dicho elemento de acoplamiento se desplaza desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje mediante la recepción de una fuerza desde dicho eje de accionamiento cuando dicha unidad de tambor es desmontada del conjunto principal.
19
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 17, que comprende además otro elemento de empuje (4159) para empujar dicho elemento de acoplamiento desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje de la fuerza.
20
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 17, en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está adaptada de tal modo que dicho elemento de acoplamiento se desplaza desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje por su propio peso cuando dicha unidad de tambor es desmontada hacia arriba desde el conjunto principal. ES 2 430 559 T3
21
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 20, en la que en una situación en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento está situado en dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación, el eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento es sustancialmente coaxial con el eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible.
22
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 21, en la que el ángulo entre el eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento y el eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible es de aproximadamente 20° hasta aproximadamente 60°, cuando dicho elemento de acoplamiento adopta dicha posición angular de desmontaje.
23
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 22, en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento está dispuesto en un extremo de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible y puede bascular en relación con el eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, sustancialmente en todas las direcciones.
24
Unidad de tambor electrofotográfico, según cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 1 a 23, en la que la dirección de desmontaje es una combinación de líneas rectas o es curvilínea.
25
Cartucho de procesamiento que tiene una unidad de tambor electrofotográfico según una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, y medios de procesamiento que pueden actuar sobre dicho tambor electrofotográfico, en el que dicho cartucho de procesamiento puede ser desmontado del conjunto principal.
26
Cartucho de procesamiento, según la reivindicación 25, en el que dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible está dotado de un engranaje en la misma parte extrema que tiene dicho elemento de acoplamiento, en el que dicho engranaje es efectivo para transmitir la fuerza de rotación recibida del conjunto principal por medio de dicho elemento de acoplamiento hasta un rodillo de revelado como dicho medio de procesamiento, y en el que dicho engranaje y dicha parte de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación están superpuestos entre sí con respecto a la dirección del eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible.
27
Cartucho de procesamiento, según la reivindicación 26, en el que dicho engranaje incluye un engranaje helicoidal.
28
Cartucho de procesamiento, según la reivindicación 26, en el que dicho engranaje incluye un engranaje recto.
29
Aparato de formación de imágenes electrofotográficas que comprende:i) un conjunto principal que incluye un eje de accionamiento que es accionado por un motor, teniendo una parte de aplicación de la fuerza de rotación;y ii) una unidad de un tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, según la reivindicación 1.
30
Aparato, según la reivindicación 29, en el que dicho elemento de acoplamiento puede ser desacoplamiento del eje de accionamiento mediante el desplazamiento desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje.
31
Aparato, según la reivindicación 29 ó 30, en el que el aparato está adaptado de tal modo que en una situación en la que el elemento de acoplamiento está situado en dicha posición angular de desacoplamiento, el eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento está inclinado hacia arriba con respecto a la dirección de desmontaje.
32
Aparato, según la reivindicación 29 a 31, en el que el aparato está adaptado de tal modo que en una situación en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está montada en el conjunto principal, una parte de dicho elemento de acoplamiento está detrás del eje de accionamiento, contemplada en una dirección opuesta a la dirección de desmontaje, en el que cuando dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico es desmontada del conjunto principal, dicho elemento de acoplamiento está desmontado del eje de accionamiento por medio de dicho elemento de acoplamiento que se desplaza desde la posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a la posición angular de desacoplamiento, de tal modo que permite que la parte del elemento de acoplamiento evite el eje de accionamiento.
33
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 32, en el que el aparato está adaptado de tal modo que cuando dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico es desmontada del conjunto principal, dicho elemento de acoplamiento es desmontado del eje de accionamiento por medio del desplazamiento desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje en respuesta al desplazamiento de dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico en la dirección de desmontaje.
34
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 33, en el que dicha unidad de tambor incluye un elemento de recepción de la fuerza de rotación (151, 153, 155, 15151) para recibir la fuerza de rotación, estando dispuesto dicho elemento de recepción de la fuerza de rotación en un extremo de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, ES 2 430 559 T3 en el que dicho elemento de acoplamiento está acoplado con dicho elemento de recepción de la fuerza de rotación de tal modo que dicho elemento de acoplamiento puede adoptar dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación y dicha posición angular de desmontaje.
35
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 34, en el que dicha unidad de tambor incluye un elemento de empuje (10634) para empujar dicho elemento de acoplamiento en la dirección del eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, alejándolo de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible.
36
Aparato, según la reivindicación 35, en el que el aparato está adaptado de tal modo que dicho elemento de acoplamiento desplaza dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible venciendo la fuerza de empuje de dicho elemento de empuje, cuando dicho elemento de acoplamiento se desplaza desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición de desmontaje.
37
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 36, en el que dicho elemento de acoplamiento incluye una parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación para acoplarse con la parte de aplicación de la fuerza de rotación para recibir la fuerza de rotación del eje de accionamiento, y una parte de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación para transmitir la fuerza de rotación recibida a través de dicha parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación a dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible.
38
Aparato, según la reivindicación 37, en el que el aparato está adaptado de tal modo que cuando dicha parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación recibe la fuerza de accionamiento para hacer girar dicho elemento de acoplamiento, dicha parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación está inclinada con respecto al eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento de tal modo que recibe una fuerza hacia el eje de accionamiento.
39
Aparato, según la reivindicación 37 ó 38, en el que dicho elemento de acoplamiento incluye una parte de conexión entre dicha parte de recepción de la fuerza de rotación y dicha parte de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación.
40
Aparato, según la reivindicación 39, en el que dicha parte de conexión incluye un eje que está formado a lo largo del eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento.
41
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 40, en el que dicho elemento de acoplamiento tiene un entrante en el que se extiende un eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento, en el que dicho entrante está por encima del extremo libre de dicho eje de accionamiento en la situación en la que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico está montada en dicho conjunto principal.
42
Aparato, según la reivindicación 41, en el que dicho entrante incluye una parte ensanchada que se ensancha a través de un extremo libre de dicho elemento de acoplamiento.
43
Aparato, según la reivindicación 42, en el que:el entrante (150z) está constituido por una superficie cónica;o bien el entrante (14150z) está constituido por dos superficies (14150f1;14150f2) que se ensanchan en una dirección alejada del eje (L2) del elemento de acoplamiento;o bien el entrante tiene forma divergente, una forma como de campana, una forma cilíndrica o una forma esférica;o bien el entrante está constituido por una serie de salientes (12350d1, 12350d2;12350d3;12350d4) radicalmente hacia el extremo libre de dicho elemento de acoplamiento.
44
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 43, en el que una serie de dichas partes de recepción de dicha fuerza de rotación están dispuestas sobre un círculo virtual que tiene el centro en el eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento en posiciones diametralmente opuestas entre sí.
45
Aparato, según la reivindicación 44, en el que una serie de dichas partes de recepción de dicha fuerza de rotación están dispuestas a intervalos regulares a lo largo de la dirección de rotación de dicho elemento de acoplamiento, en el que la parte de aplicación de la fuerza de rotación está dispuesta en una de dos posiciones que son diametralmente opuestas entre sí con respecto al eje (L3) del eje de accionamiento.
46
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 45, en el que dicho aparato está adaptado de tal modo que dicho elemento de acoplamiento se desplaza desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje mediante la recepción de una fuerza desde dicho eje de accionamiento cuando dicha unidad de tambor es desmontada del conjunto principal.
47
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 45, en el que dicha unidad de tambor incluye otro elemento de empuje (4159) para empujar dicho elemento de acoplamiento desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de la fuerza de desmontaje. ES 2 430 559 T3
48
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 45, en el que dicho aparato está adaptado de tal modo que dicho elemento de acoplamiento se desplaza desde dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación a dicha posición angular de desmontaje por su propio peso cuando dicha unidad de tambor es desmontada hacia arriba desde el conjunto principal.
49
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 48, en el que dicho aparato está adaptado de tal modo que en una situación en la que dicho elemento de acoplamiento está situado en dicha posición angular de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación, el eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento es sustancialmente coaxial con el eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible.
50
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 49, en el que el ángulo entre el eje (L2) de dicho elemento de acoplamiento y el eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible es de aproximadamente 20° hasta aproximadamente 60°, cuando dicho elemento de acoplamiento adopta dicha posición angular de desmontaje.
51
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 50, en el que dicho elemento de acoplamiento está dispuesto en un extremo de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible y puede bascular en relación con el eje (L1) del tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible, sustancialmente en todas las direcciones.
52
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 51, en el que el aparato está adaptado de tal modo que la dirección de desmontaje es una combinación de líneas rectas o es curvilínea.
53
Aparato, según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 29 a 52, en el que dicha unidad de tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible incluye medios de procesamiento que pueden actuar sobre dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible para constituir un cartucho de procesamiento.
54
Aparato, según la reivindicación 53, en el que dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible está dotado de un engranaje en la misma parte extrema que tiene dicho elemento de acoplamiento, en el que dicho engranaje es eficaz para transmitir la fuerza de rotación recibida del conjunto principal por medio de dicho elemento de acoplamiento a un rodillo de revelado como dicho medio de procesamiento, y en el que dicho engranaje y dicha parte de transmisión de la fuerza de rotación están superpuestos uno al otro con respecto a la dirección del eje (L1) de dicho tambor electrofotográfico fotosensible.
55
Aparato, según la reivindicación 54, en el que dicho engranaje incluye un engranaje helicoidal.
56
Aparato, según la reivindicación 54, en el que dicho engranaje incluye un engranaje recto.

Independent claims56

773 paragraphs in 42 sections, as filed

ES 2 430 559 T3

DESCRIPTION

Processing cartridge, electrophotographic imaging apparatus and photosensitive, electrophotographic drum unit.

[TECHNICAL SECTOR]

The present invention relates to a processing cartridge, to an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge is removably mounted, and to a photosensitive electrophotographic drum unit.

Examples of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (a laser beam printer, an LED printer, and others), and the like.

The processing cartridge is prepared by integrally mounting a photosensitive electrophotographic element and processing means acting on the photosensitive electrophotographic element in a unit (cartridge), and this unit is assembled and disassembled from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. For example, the processing cartridge is prepared by integrally mounting the photosensitive electrophotographic element and at least one of: the developing means, the loading means and the cleaning means, as processing means in a cartridge. Accordingly, examples of the processing cartridge include a processing cartridge prepared by integrating the photosensitive electrophotographic element and three processing means consisting of developing means, charging means and cleaning means in one cartridge; a processing cartridge prepared by the integrated mounting of the photosensitive electrophotographic element and the charging means as processing means in a cartridge; and a processing cartridge prepared by the integrated assembly of the photosensitive electrophotographic element and two processing means consisting of the charging means and the cleaning means.

The processing cartridge is removably mounted in the main assembly of an apparatus by the user himself. Consequently, the maintenance of the apparatus can be carried out by the user himself without relying on a maintenance person. As a result, the maintenance operability of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus improves.

[PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE]

In a conventional processing cartridge, the following constitution is known for receiving a rotational driving force to rotate a drum-shaped photosensitive electrophotographic element (hereinafter called "photosensitive drum") of the main assembly of an apparatus.

On one side of the main assembly, a rotary element for transmitting the driving force of a motor and a curved non-circular hole are arranged which is arranged in the central part of the rotary element and has a cross section which can be rotated integrally with the rotating element, and is provided with a series of corners.

On one side of the processing cartridge, a curved non-circular protrusion is provided, located at one of the longitudinal ends of a photosensitive drum and having a cross section provided with a series of corners.

When the rotary element is rotated in a coupling situation between the projection and the hole in the case where the processing cartridge is mounted on the main assembly of the apparatus, a rotational force of the rotary element is transmitted to the photosensitive drum in a situation in which an attractive force is exerted on the projection towards the hole. As a result, the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum is transmitted from the main assembly of the apparatus to the photosensitive drum (US Patent No. 5,903,803).

Furthermore, a method is known in which a photosensitive drum is rotated by driving a gear attached to the photosensitive drum constituting a processing cartridge (US Patent No. 4,829,335).

However, in the conventional constitution described in US Patent No. 5,903,803, the rotating element is forced to move in a horizontal direction when the processing cartridge is mounted or removed from the main assembly by being moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the rotating element. That is, the rotary element is forced to move horizontally by an opening and closing operation of the main assembly cover provided on the main assembly of the apparatus. By opening the cover of the main assembly, the hole is pushed away from the projection. On the other hand, by the closing operation of the cover of the main assembly, the hole is moved towards the projection so that it is engaged in the projection.

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Accordingly, in the conventional processing cartridge, a constitution is required in the main assembly to move the rotary member in the direction of rotation of the shaft by opening and closing the cover of the main assembly.

In the constitution described in US Patent No. 4,829,335, without displacing the drive gear arranged in the main assembly along the direction of the axial line thereof, the cartridge can be assembled and disassembled from the main assembly by moving it. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial line. However, in this constitution, a part of the drive connection between the main assembly and the cartridge constitutes a gear engagement part, so that it is difficult to prevent non-uniform rotation of the photosensitive drum.

Prior art can be found in EP 1 178 370 A which discloses an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to EP 1 178 370 A includes a processing unit removably mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, the processing unit including an image support member for supporting an electrostatic image, and means for processing that can act on the image support element, the processing means having an axis of rotation, a drive shaft substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation to rotate the axis of rotation, and a drive transmission element coupled with the drive shaft and with the axis of rotation to transmit a driving force to the axis of rotation from the drive shaft, wherein the drive transmission element is coupled with the drive shaft with a certain play and is coupled with the rotation shaft with a certain play.

A further prior art can be found in US 6 473 580 B1, which discloses an actuation force receiving element, a shaft coupling, an image "toner" support element, an image cartridge. processing and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus. Another prior art can be found in JP 5 341589 A which discloses an imaging device. Another prior art can be found in US 2006/240896 A1 which discloses a constant speed bonding and an imaging device, Another prior art can be found in JP 2004 045603 A which discloses an apparatus imaging. Another prior art can be found in JP 1 164 818 A which discloses an inter-axle connection device. Another prior art can be found in JP 2002 031153 A which discloses a coupling device and an imaging device having such devices. Another prior art can be found in US 2005/191092 A1 which discloses an image forming apparatus.

[CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INVENTION]

A main object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge, a photosensitive drum unit used in the processing cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge is removably mounted, which can solve the above-described problems of conventional processing cartridges.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge that can smoothly rotate a photosensitive drum when mounted in a main assembly without mechanisms to move a lateral coupling element of the main assembly in the direction of its axial line to transmit a rotational force to the photosensitive drum by an opening and closing operation of a cover of the main assembly. A further object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive drum unit, used in the processing cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge can be mounted and detached.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge removable from the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus provided with a drive shaft in a direction perpendicular to the axial line of the drive shaft. Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive drum unit used in the processing cartridge and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge can be removably mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge mountable in the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus provided with a drive shaft, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the drive shaft. . Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive drum unit used in the processing cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge can be removably mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge that can be assembled and disassembled from the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, provided with a shaft of

ES 2 430 559 T3 drive in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the drive shaft. Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive drum unit, used in the processing cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge can be removably mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge which makes compatible that the processing cartridge can be disassembled from a main assembly provided with a drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the drive shaft. and that it is able to gently rotate the photosensitive drum. Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive drum unit, used in the processing cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge can be removably mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge that makes compatible that the processing cartridge can be mounted in a main assembly provided with a drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the drive shaft. and that it is able to gently rotate the photosensitive drum. Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive drum unit used in the processing cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge can be removably mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing cartridge which makes compatible that the processing cartridge can be assembled and disassembled from a main assembly provided with a drive shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the shaft. drive and that it is able to gently rotate the photosensitive drum. Another object of the present invention is to provide a photosensitive drum unit, used in the processing cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the processing cartridge can be removably mounted.

The objects mentioned above are achieved by what is defined in the attached independent claims. Advantageous modifications thereof are indicated in the appended dependent claims.

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

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation of a cartridge, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

Figure 4 is a sectional side elevation of the main assembly of an apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of a drum cap (drum axis), according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a photosensitive drum, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows longitudinal sectional views of a photosensitive drum according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows perspective views and a longitudinal sectional view of a coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows perspective views of a drum support member, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows detailed views of a side surface of the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 shows views, in perspective, with the parts removed, and views in longitudinal section of the coupling and the support element, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

ES 2 430 559 T3

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

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view after mounting of the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a view of the cartridge, in longitudinal section, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 shows perspective views showing a combined location of the drum shaft and the coupling.

Figure 16 shows perspective views of a coupling inclination situation.

Figure 17 shows perspective views and a longitudinal sectional view of the drive structure of the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a part of the cartridge arrangement of the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the portion of the cartridge arrangement of the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 shows sectional views of a process for assembling the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 shows perspective views of the coupling process between the drive shaft and the coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 shows views of the coupling process between the drive shaft and the coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 shows views, of the coupling of the main assembly of the apparatus and the coupling of the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive shaft, drive gear, coupling, and drum shaft in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 shows views of the drive shaft coupling disassembly process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 26 shows perspective views of the coupling and the drum shaft, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 27 shows perspective views of the drum shaft according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 28 shows perspective views of a drive shaft and a drive gear, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 shows perspective views of the coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 30 shows disassembled perspective views of the drum shaft, drive shaft and coupling, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 31 shows a side view and a longitudinal section of the side surface of the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view and a view, contemplated from the device, of the part of the cartridge arrangement, of the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 33 shows longitudinal section views of a process for disassembling the cartridge from the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 34 shows longitudinal section views of a process for assembling the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Figure 35 shows perspective views showing phase control means for a drive shaft, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 36 shows perspective views of a cartridge mounting operation, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 37 shows perspective views of a coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 38 shows top plan views of the cartridge mounting situation, viewed in the mounting direction, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 39 shows perspective views of a stop position of the drive of the processing cartridge (photosensitive drum), according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 40 shows longitudinal sectional views, and perspective views, of a removal operation of the processing cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a sectional view showing the situation when opening a door arranged in the main assembly of the apparatus, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 42 is a perspective view showing a drive-side mounting guide of the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 43 is a side view of the drive side of the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 44 is a perspective view viewed from the drive side of the cartridge, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 45 is a side view showing the insertion situation of the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 46 is a perspective view showing the fixing situation of a locking element to a drum support element, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 47 is an exploded perspective view showing the drum support member, a coupling, and a drum shaft, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 48 is a perspective view showing the drive side of the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 49 shows perspective views and longitudinal sectional views of a drive situation between a drive shaft and a coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 50 is a disassembled perspective view showing the situation where a thrust member has been mounted on a drum support member, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 51 shows disassembled perspective views of the drum support member, a coupling and a drum shaft, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 52 is a perspective view showing the drive side of a cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 53 shows perspective views and longitudinal sectional views of the coupling situation between a drive shaft and the coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 54 is a disassembled perspective view showing a cartridge prior to mounting the important elements, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 55 is a side view showing the drive side, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 56 shows schematic longitudinal sectional views of the shaft of the drum and of a coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Figure 57 shows longitudinal section views, showing the coupling between a drive shaft and a coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 58 shows sectional views of a modified example of a coupling locking element according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 59 is a perspective view showing a situation of fixing a magnet to a drum support member, according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 60 is an exploded perspective view showing the drum support member, a coupling, and the drum shaft, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 61 is a perspective view showing the drive side of the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 62 shows perspective views and longitudinal section views of a coupling situation between the drive shaft and the coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 63 is a perspective view showing the drive side of a cartridge, according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 64 shows perspective views, with the parts removed, of the situation before mounting a support element, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 65 shows views in longitudinal section, of the structures of a shaft of the drum, of a coupling and of a support element, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 66 is a perspective view showing the drive side of a mounting guide of the main assembly of an apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 67 shows longitudinal section views of the disassembly situation of a locking element, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 68 shows longitudinal sectional views of the drive between a drive shaft and a coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 69 shows side views of the drive side of a cartridge, according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 70 is a perspective view of the drive side of the guide of the main assembly of an apparatus, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 71 shows side views of the relationship between the cartridge and the main guide of the assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 72 shows perspective views of the relationship between the main guide of the assembly and the coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 73 shows side views, viewed from the drive side, showing an assembly process in the main assembly of the cartridge, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 74 is a perspective view showing a drive side of the main guide of the assembly, according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 75 is a side view showing the relationship between the main guide of the assembly and a coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 76 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the main guide of the assembly and the coupling, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 77 is a side view showing the relationship between the cartridge and the main guide of the assembly, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 78 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the main guide of the assembly and the coupling, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Fig. 79 is a side view showing the relationship between the main guide of the assembly and the coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 80 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the main guide of the assembly and the coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 81 is a side view showing the relationship between the main guide of the assembly and the coupling, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 82 is a perspective view and a sectional view of a coupling, according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 83 is a perspective view and a sectional view of the coupling according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 84 is a perspective view and a sectional view of the coupling in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 85 shows perspective views and sectional views of a coupling according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 86 is a perspective view showing a coupling, according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 87 is a sectional view showing a drum shaft, a drive shaft, the coupling, and a push member, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 88 shows sectional views showing the drum shaft, the coupling, a support member, and the drive shaft, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 89 is a perspective view showing a drum shaft and a coupling, according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 90 shows perspective views of a drive process between a drive shaft and a coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 91 shows perspective views and sectional views of a drum shaft, a coupling, and a support member, according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 92 shows perspective views of a support method for a coupling (mounting method) according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 93 shows perspective views of a support method for a coupling (mounting method), according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 94 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 95 shows only one coupling, according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 96 shows a drum having a coupling, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 97 shows views of a drum

Fig. 98 is a sectional view of a photosensitive drum unit, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 99 is a sectional view taken along -S23-S23- of Figure 85.

Figure 100 shows perspective views of a combined location of a drum shaft and a coupling, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 101 shows perspective views of a coupling inclination situation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 102 shows perspective views of a drive process between a drive shaft and a coupling, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Figure 103 shows views, of a drive process between a drive shaft and a coupling, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 104 is a disassembled perspective view of a drive shaft, a drive gear, a coupling, and a drum shaft, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 105 shows perspective views of a drive disassembly process, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

of a coupling of a shaft of

Figure 106 shows perspective views of a coupling situation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 107 shows perspective views of a coupling situation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 108 shows perspective views of a coupling situation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<td>combined</td><td>Come in</td><td>a</td><td>axis</td><td>from</td><td>a</td><td>drum</td>

and a and a and a

Fig. 109 is a perspective view of a first frame unit having a photosensitive drum, viewed from the drive side, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 110 is a perspective view showing a drum shaft and a coupling, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 111 is a sectional view taken along -S20-S20- in Figure 79.

Fig. 112 is a perspective view of a photosensitive drum unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION]

The processing cartridge and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Embodiment 1] (1) Brief description of the processing cartridge.

A processing cartridge -B- to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a sectional view of the cartridge -B-. Figures 2 and 3 show perspective views of the cartridge -B-. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the main assembly -A- of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "main assembly -A- of the apparatus"). The main assembly -A- of the apparatus corresponds to a part of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus, from which the cartridge -B- has been excluded.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the cartridge -B- includes a photosensitive electrophotographic drum -107-. The photosensitive drum -107- rotates upon receiving a rotational force from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus by means of a coupling mechanism when the cartridge -B- is mounted on the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, as shown in Figure 4. The cartridge -B- can be assembled and disassembled from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus by the user himself.

A charging roller -108- as a charging medium (processing medium), is arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum -107-. The charging roller -108- electrically charges the photosensitive drum -107- by applying a voltage from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. The charge roller -108- rotates through the rotation of the photosensitive drum -107-.

The cartridge -B- includes a developing roller -110- as a developing medium (processing medium). The developing roller -110- supplies a developer to the development zone of the photosensitive drum -107-. The developing roller -110- reveals a latent electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum -107- with the developer -t-. The developing roller -110- contains inside a magnetic roller (fixed magnet) -111-. In contact with the peripheral surface of the developing roller -110- is arranged a developing blade -112-. The developing blade -112 defines the amount of developer -t- to be deposited on the peripheral surface of the developing roller -110-. The developer blade -112- transmits triboelectric charges to the developer -t-.

ES 2 430 559 T3

The developer -t- contained in a container -114- for housing the developer is sent to a development chamber -113a- by rotating stirring elements -115- and -116-, in such a way that the developing roller -110 rotates , with the supplied voltage. As a result, a developer layer is formed to which electrical charges are transmitted on the surface of the developing roller -110- by means of the developing blade -112-. The developer -t is transferred to the photosensitive drum -107- depending on the latent image. As a result, the latent image is revealed.

The developed image formed on the photosensitive drum -107- is transferred to a recording medium -102- by means of a transfer roller -104-. The printing medium -102- is used to form an image of the developer thereon and, for example, it can be printing paper, labels, OHP sheets, and others.

In contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum -107-, an elastic cleaning blade -117a- is arranged as a cleaning medium (processing medium). The cleaning blade -117a- is in elastic contact with the photosensitive drum -107- at its end and removes the developer -t- remaining in the photosensitive drum -107- once the developed image is transferred to the printing medium -102 -. The developer -t- removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum -107- by the cleaning blade -117a- is housed in a container -117b- of removed developer.

The cartridge -B- is integrally constituted by a first frame unit -119- and a second frame unit -120-.

The first frame unit -119- is constituted by a first frame -113- as a part of the frame -B1 of a cartridge. The first frame unit -119- includes the developing roller -110-, the developing blade -112-, the developing chamber -113a-, the developer housing container -114-, and the stirring elements -115. - and -116-.

The second frame unit 120 is made up of a second frame 118 as part of the cartridge frame B1. The second unit 120 of the frame includes the photosensitive drum -107-, the cleaning blade -117a-, the reservoir -117b- of the removed developer, and the charging roller -108-.

The first frame unit 119 and the second frame unit 120 are rotatably connected to each other by a pin P. By means of an elastic element -135- (figure 3), arranged between the first and second frame units -119- and -120-, the developing roller -110- is pushed against the photosensitive drum -107-.

The user fixes (mounts) the cartridge -B- in a mounting part -130a- of the cartridge of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, holding it by means of a clamp. During assembly, as will be described later, a drive shaft -180- (figure 17) of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus and a coupling element -150- (described later) as the transmission part of the rotational force of the cartridge -B-, are connected to each other synchronized with the assembly operation of the cartridge -B-. The photosensitive drum -107-, or the like, rotates upon receiving the rotational force from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

(2) Description of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus.

Referring to Fig. 4, the electrophotographic imaging apparatus using the cartridge -B- described above will be described.

Next, a laser beam printer will be described as an example of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

During image formation, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum -107- is electrically charged evenly by the charging roller -108-. Next, the surface of the photosensitive drum -107- is irradiated with laser light, depending on the information about the image emitted from an optical medium -101- that includes elements not shown such as a laser diode, a polygonal mirror, a lens, and a reflective mirror. As a result, a latent electrostatic image is formed in the photosensitive drum 107 which is dependent on information about the image. The latent image is developed by the developing roller 110 described above.

On the other hand, synchronized with the formation of the image, the printing medium -102- arranged in a cassette -103a- is transported to a transfer position by means of a feed roller -103b-, and the pairs of conveyor rollers -103c-, -103d- and -103e-. In the transfer position, the transfer roller 104 is arranged as the transfer medium. A tension is applied to the transfer roller -104-. As a result, the developed image formed on the photosensitive drum -107- is transferred to the recording medium -102-.

The printing medium -102- on which the image of the developer is transferred, is led to fixing means -105- through a guide -103f-. The fixing means -105- includes a drive roller -105c and

ES 2 430 559 T3 a fixing roller -105b- containing inside a heater -105a-. Heat and pressure are applied to the through-printing medium -102- in such a way that the image of the developer is fixed on the printing medium -102-. As a result, an image is formed on the recording medium 102. Next, the printing medium -102- is guided by means of the pairs of rollers -103g- and -103h- and is discharged into a tray -106-. The roller -103b- described above, the pairs of conveyor rollers -103c-, -103d- and -103e-, the guide -103f-, the pairs of rollers -103g- and -103h- and the like constitute driving means - 103- to drive the printing medium -102-.

The cartridge mounting part 130a is a part (space) for mounting the cartridge B therein. In a situation where the cartridge -B- is located in said space, the coupling element 150- (described later) of the cartridge -B- is connected with the drive shaft of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. In this embodiment, the mounting of the cartridge -B- in the mounting part -130a- is called mounting of the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Furthermore, the removal (removal) of the cartridge -B- from the mounting part -130b is called removal of the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

(3) Description of the arrangement of the drum end cap

Firstly, referring to Figure 5, the end cap of a drum will be described on a side where the rotational force is transmitted from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus to the photosensitive drum -107 (hereinafter simply referred to as " drive side ”). Figure 5 (a) is a perspective view of the drum end cap on the drive side, and Figure 5 (b) is a sectional view of the drum end cap taken along the line -S1-S1 - shown in figure 5 (a). In any case, with respect to the direction of the axial line of the photosensitive drum, the side opposite the drive side is called the "non-drive side".

The drum cap 151 is formed of a resin material by injection molding. Examples of the resin material can include polyacetal, polycarbonate, and others. The shaft 153 of the drum is formed of a metallic material such as iron, stainless steel or the like. Depending on the load torque for rotating the photosensitive drum -107-, it is possible to appropriately select the materials for the drum cap -151- and for the drum shaft -153-. For example, the drum cap 151 may also be formed of metallic material, and the drum shaft 153 may also be formed of resin material. When both the drum cap 151 and the drum shaft 153 are formed of resin material, both can be integrally molded.

The cap -151- is provided with a drive part -151a- that engages with an inner surface of the photosensitive drum -107-, a gear part -151c- (helical gear or spur gear) to transmit a rotational force to the developing roller -110-, and a driving part -151d- rotatably supported on a drum support. More specifically, as for the cap -151-, the driving part -151a- engages with the end of a cylindrical drum -107a- as will be described later. Both are arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation -L1- of the photosensitive drum -107-. Furthermore, the driving part -151a of the drum has a cylindrical shape and a base -151b- arranged perpendicular to it. The base -151b- is provided with a shaft -153- of the drum that projects outwards with respect to the direction of the shaft -L1-. This axis -153- of the drum is coaxial with the driving part -151a- of the drum. Both are fixed in such a way that they are coaxial with the axis of rotation -L1-. As for the method of fixing the same, there are pressure fixing, joining, insert molding and others, and they are appropriately selected.

The axis -153- of the drum comprises the circular column portion -153a- which has a projecting configuration and is arranged so that it is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum -107-. The axis -153- of the drum is arranged at the end part of the photosensitive drum -107- on the axis -L1- of the photosensitive drum -107-. In addition, the shaft -153- of the drum has a diameter of 5 to 15 mm, depending on the material, the load and the space. A part -153b- of the free end of the part -153a- of the circular column has a configuration with a hemispherical surface, such that it can be tilted smoothly when the axis of the coupling element -150- of the drum is tilted, which it is the transmitting part of the rotary force, as will be described later in detail. Furthermore, in order to receive the rotational force from the drum coupling element 150, a rotational force transmission pin 155 (part of the rotational force receiving element) is arranged in the shaft. side -107- of the photosensitive drum of the free end of the shaft -153- of the drum. The pin -155- extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis -153- of the drum.

The pin -155-, as the element for receiving the rotational force, has a cylindrical shape that has a diameter smaller than that of the part of the circular column -153a- of the shaft -153- of the drum, and is made of metal or resin material. Likewise, it is fixed by means of pressure coupling, union and others, on the axis -153- of the drum. Likewise, the pin -155- is fixed in the direction in which its axis intersects with the axis -L1- of the photosensitive drum -107-. Preferably, it is desirable to arrange the axis of the pin -155- such that it exceeds the center -P2- of the spherical surface of the part -153b- of the free end of the axis -153- of the drum (Figure 5 (b)). Although the part -153b- of the free end is actually the surface of hemispherical configuration, the center -P2- is the center of a virtual spherical surface that constitutes the part thereof. Furthermore, the number of

ES 2 430 559 T3 pins -155- can be chosen appropriately. In this embodiment, a single pin -155 is used from the standpoint of mounting adequacy and in order to transmit the driving torque safely. The pin -155- passes through said center -P2- and passes through the shaft -153- of the drum. Also, the pin -155- protrudes outwardly at the positions (-155a1-, -155a2-) of the peripheral surface of the drum shaft -153 which are diametrically opposite. More specifically, the pin -155- protrudes in the direction perpendicular to the axis (axis -L1-) of the axis -153- of the drum with respect to the axis -153- of the drum at two opposite points (-155a1-, -155a2-) . In this way, the shaft 153 of the drum receives the rotational force from the coupling element 150 of the drum at the two points. In this embodiment, the pin -155- is mounted on the shaft -153- of the drum within a range of 5mm from the free end of the shaft -153- of the drum. However, this does not limit the present invention.

Additionally, a part of the space -151e- formed by the coupling part -151d- and the base -151b- receives a part of the drum coupling element -150- when mounting the drum coupling element -150- (which will be described later) in the cap -151-.

In this embodiment, the gear part -151a- for transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller -110- is mounted on the cap -151-. However, the rotation of the developing roller -110- may not be transmitted through the cap -151-. In such a case, the gear portion 151c is unnecessary. However, in case of arranging the gear part -151a- in the cap -151-, integral molding with the cap -151- of the gear part -151a- can be used.

The end cap -151-, the shaft -153- of the drum and the pin -155- function as a receiving element of the rotational force that receives the rotational force of the coupling element -150- of the drum, as will be described later.

(4) Structure of the photosensitive electrophotographic element of the drum unit.

Referring to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the structure of a photosensitive electrophotographic element of the drum unit ("drum unit") will be described. Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view seen from the drive side of the drum unit U1, and Figure 6 (b) is a perspective view viewed from the non-drive side. Furthermore, Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along -S2-S2- of Figure 6 (a).

The photosensitive drum -107- has a cylindrical drum -107a- coated with a photosensitive layer -107b- on the peripheral surface.

The cylindrical drum -107a- has an electrically conductive cylinder, such as made of aluminum, and the photosensitive layer -107b applied thereon. The opposite ends thereof are arranged with the surface of the drum and the substantially coaxial opening -107a1-, -107a2-, in order to engage the drum cap (-151-, -152-). More specifically, the axis -153- of the drum is arranged at the end part of the cylindrical drum -107acoaxially with the cylindrical drum -107a-. Designated by -151c-, there is a gear that transmits a rotational force, which the coupling -150- receives from the drive shaft -180-, to a developing roller -110-. The gear -151c- is molded integrally with the cap -151-.

The cylinder -107a- can be hollow or solid.

As for the drive-side drum cap 151, since it has been described above, its description is omitted.

The non-drive side drum cap 152 is made of resin material, similar to the drive side, by injection molding. Also, the drum coupling part 152b and the support part 152a are arranged substantially coaxial with each other. Furthermore, the cap -152- is provided with a plate -156- for grounding the drum. The drum grounding plate 156 is a thin electrically conductive (metal) plate. The grounding plate -156- includes contact parts -156b1-, -156b2- that are in contact with the inner surface of the electroconductive cylindrical drum -107a- and with a contact part -156a- that contacts the shaft - 154- grounding the drum (which will be described later). Also, for the purpose of grounding the photosensitive drum -107-, the drum grounding plate -156- is electrically connected to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

The non-drive side drum cap 152 is made of resin material, similar to the drive side, by injection molding. Also, the drum coupling part 152b and the support part 152a are arranged substantially coaxially with each other. Furthermore, the cap -152- is provided with a plate -156- for grounding the drum. The drum grounding plate 156 is a thin electrically conductive (metal) plate. The drum grounding plate -156- includes contact parts -156b1-, -156b2- that contact the inner surface of the electroconductive cylindrical drum -107a- and a contact part -156a- that is in contact with the shaft -154- to ground the drum (which will be described more

ES 2 430 559 T3 onwards). Also, for the purpose of grounding the photosensitive drum -107-, the drum grounding plate -156- is electrically connected to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

Although it has been described that the drum grounding plate 156 is arranged in the cap 152, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the drum grounding plate 156 may be arranged on the drum cap 151 and the position that may be grounded can be properly selected.

Thus, the drum unit -U1- comprises the photosensitive drum -107- having the cylinder -107 a-, the cap -151-, the cap -152-, the shaft -153- of the drum, the pin - 155- and the drum ground plate -156-.

(5) Rotational force transmission part (drum coupling element)

The description will be made with reference to Figure 8, as for an example of the drum coupling element that constitutes the transmission part of the rotational force. Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view, seen from the side of the main assembly of the apparatus, of the drum coupling element, Figure 8 (b) is a perspective view, seen from the photosensitive drum side , of the drum coupling element, and Fig. 8 (c) is a view, seen in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation coupling axis -L2-. Furthermore, Figure 8 (d) is the side view, viewed from the side of the main assembly of the apparatus, of the drum coupling element, Figure 8 (e) is the figure viewed from the photosensitive drum side, and Figure 8 (f) is a sectional view taken along -S3- in Figure 8 (d).

The drum coupling element 150 ("coupling") is coupled with the drive shaft -180- (figure 17) of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus in the situation where the cartridge -B- is mounted in section -130 of the installation. Furthermore, the coupling 150 is removed from the drive shaft 180 when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly A of the apparatus. Likewise, the coupling -150- receives a rotational force from a motor arranged in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus through the drive shaft -180- in the situation in which it is coupled with the drive shaft -180-. Furthermore, the coupling -150- transmits the rotational force thereof to the photosensitive drum -107-. The materials available for the coupling 150 are resin materials such as polyacetal and PPS polycarbonate. However, in order to increase the stiffness of the coupling 150, glass fibers, carbon fibers and others can be mixed in the resin material described above, corresponding to the required torque load. In the case of mixing these materials, the stiffness of the coupling 150 can be increased. Furthermore, metal can be introduced into the resin material, whereby the rigidity can be further increased, as well as the entire coupling can be made of metal or other.

The coupling 150 mainly comprises three parts.

The first part can be driven with the drive shaft -180- (to be described later), and is a driven part -150a- on the coupling side to receive the rotational force from the force transmission pin -182- rotational force, which is a rotational force application part (main assembly side rotational force transmission part) arranged on the drive shaft 180. Furthermore, the second part can be coupled with the pin -155-, and is a drive part -150b- on the coupling side to transmit the rotational force to the shaft -153- of the drum. Furthermore, the third part is a connecting part 150c-, for connecting the driven part 150a and the driving part 150b to each other (Figure 8 (c) and (f)).

The driven part 150a, the driving part 150b, and the connecting part 150c may be integrally molded or, alternatively, the separate parts may be connected to each other. In this embodiment, they are integrally molded from resin material. In this way, the manufacture of the coupling 150 is easy and the precision of the parts is high. As shown in Figure 8 (f), the driven part -150a is provided with a part -150m- with an opening for the introduction of the drive shaft that widens towards the axis of rotation -L2- of the coupling -150-. The drive part 150b has a part 1501 with a drum shaft insertion opening that widens towards the rotation axis -L2-.

The opening -150m- has a conical surface -150f- for receiving the drive shaft as a widened part that widens towards the side of the drive shaft -180- in the situation where the coupling -150- is mounted on the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. The receiving surface 150f forms a recess 150z as shown in Figure 8 (f). The recess -150z- includes the aperture -150m- in a position opposite the side adjacent to the photosensitive drum -107- with respect to the direction of the axis -L2-.

ES 2 430 559 T3 angular transmission of the rotational force, the angular position of pre-engagement, and the angular position of dismounting will be described later.

A series of projections (the drive parts) -150d1- to -150d4- are arranged at equal intervals on a circumference around the axis -L2- on an end surface of the recess -150z-. Between the adjacent projections -150d1-, -150d2-, -150d3-, -150d4- the intermediate parts -150k1-, -150k2-, -150k3-, -150k4- are arranged. The interval between the adjacent projections -150d1- to -150d4- is greater than the outer diameter of the pin -182-, such that the drive shaft rotation force transmission pins -180 arranged in the main assembly -A - of the apparatus (parts for applying the rotational force), are housed. The recesses between the adjacent projections are the intermediate parts -150k1- - -k4-. When the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180, the transmission pins 182a1, 182a2 are received in any of the intermediate parts 150k1-k4-. Furthermore, in Fig. 8 (d), the rotational force receiving surfaces -150e- (rotational force receiving parts) that intersect the direction of rotation of the coupling -150- and (-150e1- 150e4-), are arranged lower with respect to the clockwise direction (-X1-) of each protrusion -150d-. More specifically, the boss -150d1 has a reception surface -150e1-, the boss -150d2- has a reception surface -150e2-, the boss -150d3- has a reception surface -150e3-, and the boss -150d4- has a receiving surface -150e4-. In the situation where the drive shaft 180 rotates, the pin 182a1, 182a2 is in contact with any of the receiving surfaces 150e1-150e4. By doing this, the receiving surface -150e- in contact with the pin -182a1-, -182a2-, is pushed by the pin -182-. In this way, the coupling -150 rotates around the axis -L2-. The receiving surface -150e1-150e4- extends in the direction that intersects the direction of rotation of the coupling -150-.

In order to stabilize the operating torque transmitted to the coupling 150 as much as possible, it is desirable to arrange the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e on the same circumference as the center on the axis -L2-. In this way, the transmission radius of the rotational force is constant and the operating torque transmitted to the coupling 150 is stabilized. Furthermore, as regards the projections -150d1- to -150d4-, it is preferable that the position of the coupling -150- is stabilized by means of the balance of the forces received by the coupling. For this reason, in this embodiment, the receiving surfaces -150e- are arranged in diametrically opposite positions (at 180 degrees). More specifically, in this embodiment, the receiving surface -150e1- and the receiving surface -150e3- are diametrically opposed relative to each other, and the receiving surface -150e2- and the receiving surface -150e4- are diametrically opposite each other (Figure 8 (d)). By this arrangement, the forces received by the coupling 150 constitute a pair of forces. Consequently, the coupling 150 can only continue the rotational movement by receiving the torque. For this reason, the coupling -150- can rotate without the need for the position of the axis of rotation -L2- to be specified. In addition, as for the number of them, as long as the pins -182- of the drive shaft -180- (the part for applying the rotational force) can enter the intermediate parts -150k1-, -150k2-, it is possible to select them appropriately. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, all four receiving surfaces are arranged. This embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, it is not necessary that the receiving surfaces -150e (protrusions -150d1- to -150d4-) are arranged on the same circumference (virtual circle -C1- and figure 8 (d)). Nor is it necessary to arrange them in diametrically opposite positions. However, the effects described above can be provided by arranging the receiving surfaces 150e as described above.

In this case, in this embodiment, the diameter of the pin is approximately 2 mm and the length of the circumference of the intermediate part -150k- is approximately 8 mm. The circumferential length of the intermediate part -150k- is an interval between adjacent projections -150d- (in the virtual circle). The dimensions are not limited to those of the present invention.

Similar to the opening -150m-, a part -1501- of the introduction opening of the drum shaft has a conical surface -150i- for receiving the rotational force of an enlarged part that widens towards the shaft -153 - of the drum in the situation in which it is mounted on the cartridge -B-. The receiving surface 150- forms a recess -150q-, as shown in Figure 8 (f).

In this way, regardless of the angle of rotation of the photosensitive drum -107- in the cartridge -B-, the coupling -150- can pivot between an angular position of transmission of the rotational force, an angular position of pre-coupling, and an angular position of disassembly with respect to the axis -L1- of the drum, without being prevented by the free end part of the axis -153- of the drum. In the example shown, the recess -150q- is constituted by a conical receiving surface -150i- which is centered on the axis -L2-. The intermediate apertures -150g1- or -150g2- ("aperture") are arranged in the receiving surface -150i- (Figure 8b). Regarding the coupling -150-, the pins -155- can be inserted inside this opening -150g1- or -150g2-, in such a way that they can be mounted on the shaft -153- of the drum. Likewise, the size of the openings -150g1- or -150g2- is greater than the outer diameter of the pin -155-. In doing so, regardless of the angle of rotation of the photosensitive drum -107- in the cartridge -B-, the coupling -150- can pivot between the angular position of

ES 2 430 559 T3 transmission of the rotational force, and the pre-engagement angular position (or dismounting angular position) without being prevented by the pin -155-, as will be described later.

More specifically, the projection 150d is arranged adjacent to the free end of the recess 150z. Also, the projections (projections) 150d protrude in the direction of the intersection that intersects the direction of rotation in which the coupling rotates, and are arranged at intervals along the direction of rotation. Likewise, in the situation in which the cartridge -B- is mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the reception surfaces -150e- engage or abut with the pin -182- and are pushed by said pin - 182-.

In this way, the receiving surfaces -150e- receive the rotational force of the drive shaft -180-. Furthermore, the reception surfaces -150e- are arranged equidistant from the axis -L2- and constitute a pair, interposing the axis -L2- they are constituted by the surface in the intersection direction at the projections -150d-. Furthermore, the intermediate (recess) parts -150k- are arranged along the direction of rotation, and are recessed in the direction of the axis -L2-.

The intermediate part -150k- is formed as a space between the adjacent projections -150d-. In the situation where the cartridge -B- is mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the pin -182- enters the intermediate part -150k- and remains there to be actuated. Also, when the drive shaft 180 rotates, the pin 182 pushes the receiving surface 150e.

In this way, the coupling 150 rotates.

The rotational force receiving surface 150e (rotational force receiving element (part)) may be arranged inside the receiving surface 150f of the drive shaft. Or, the receiving surface -150e- may be arranged in the part that protrudes outward from the receiving surface -105f- with respect to the direction of the axis -L2-. When the receiving surface -150e- is arranged inside the receiving surface -150f-, the intermediate part -150k- is arranged inside the receiving surface -150f-.

More specifically, the intermediate part -150k- is the recess arranged between the projections -150d- inside the arc part of the reception surface -150f-. Furthermore, when the receiving surface 150e is arranged in the position that protrudes to the outside, the intermediate part 150k is the recess located between the projections 150d. In this case, the recess may be a through hole extending in the direction of the axis -L2-, or one end thereof may be closed. More specifically, the recess is provided by the spatial zone arranged between the projection 150d. Also, what is necessary is only that the pin -182- can enter the area in the situation where the cartridge -B- is mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

These mid-part structures are applicable similarly to the embodiments, as will be described later.

In Fig. 8 (e), the rotational force transmission surfaces (the rotational force transmission parts) -150h- and (-150h1- or -150h2-) are arranged higher with respect to the direction clockwise (-X1-), from the aperture -150g1- or -150g2-. Likewise, the rotational force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum -107- from the coupling -150- by means of the conduction sections -150h1- or -150h2- that are in contact with any of the pins -155a1-, -155a2- . More specifically, the transmission surfaces -150h1- or -150h2- push the lateral surface of the pin -155-. In this way, the coupling -150 rotates with its center aligned with the axis -L2-. The transmission surface -150h1- or -150h2- extends in the direction that intersects the direction of rotation of the coupling -150-.

Similar to the projection -150d-, it is desirable to arrange the transmission surfaces -150h1- or -150h2-, diametrically opposed to each other, on the same circumference.

At the time of manufacturing the drum coupling element 150 by injection molding, the connecting part 150c- may turn out to be thin. This is because the coupling is manufactured in such a way that the actuating force receiving part 150a, the actuating part 150b and the connecting part 150c- have a substantially uniform thickness. When the rigidity of the connecting part -150c- is insufficient, it is possible, accordingly, to make the connecting part -150c- thick, such that the driven part -150a-, the driving part -150b-, and the connecting portion 150c have a substantially equivalent thickness.

(6) Drum support element

The description will be made with reference to figure 9, of a drum support element. Figure 9 (a) is a perspective view viewed from the drive shaft side, and Figure 9 (b) is a perspective view viewed from the photosensitive drum side.

ES 2 430 559 T3

The drum support element -157- rotatably supports the photosensitive drum -107- in the second frame -118-. Furthermore, the support element -157- has the function of positioning the second unit -120- of the frame in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Furthermore, it has the function of retaining the coupling -150- in such a way that the rotational force can be transmitted to the photosensitive drum -107-.

As shown in FIG. 9, a drive part -157d- located in the second frame -118- and a peripheral part -157c- located in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus are arranged substantially coaxially. The drive part -157d- and the peripheral part -157c- are annular. Likewise, the coupling -150 is arranged in the space part -157b- inside it. The driving part -157d- and the peripheral part -157c- are provided with a rib -157e- to retain the coupling -150- in the cartridge -B- in the vicinity of the central part with respect to the axial direction. The support element -157- is provided with holes -157g1- or -157g2- that penetrate the stop surface -157f- and the fixing screw to fix the support element -157- to the second frame -118-. As will be described later, the guide part -157a- for mounting and dismounting, and the cartridge -B- with respect to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, are arranged in an integrated manner in the support element -157 -.

(7) Coupling mounting method

Referring from Figure 10 to Figure 16, the description of the coupling mounting method will be made. Fig. 10 (a) is an enlarged view, viewed from the drive-side surface, of the major portion around the photosensitive drum. Figure 10 (b) is an enlarged view, viewed from the non-drive side surface of the most important part. Figure 10 (c) is a sectional view taken along -S4-S4- in Figure 10 (a). Figures 11 (a) and (b) show views, in perspective, with the parts removed, showing the situation before fixing the main elements of the second frame unit. Figure 11 (c) is a sectional view taken along -S5-S5- in Figure 11 (a). Fig. 12 is a sectional view showing the situation after fixing. Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along -S6-S6- in Figure 11 (a). Fig. 14 is a sectional view showing the situation after rotating the coupling and photosensitive drum 90 degrees from the situation of the figure.

13. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the combined location of the drum shaft and the coupling. Figures 15 (a1) to (a5) show front views viewed from the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and Figures 15 (b1) to (b5) show perspective views. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the situation where the coupling is tilted in the processing cartridge.

As shown in figure 15, the coupling -150- is mounted in such a way that the axis -L2- of the same can be inclined in any direction with respect to the axis -L1- of the axis -153- of the drum (coaxial with the photosensitive drum -107-).

In figure 15 (a1) and figure 15 (b1), the axis -L2- of the coupling -150- is coaxial with the axis -L1- of the axis -153 of the drum. The situation when the coupling 150 is tilted upward from this situation is shown in Figures 15 (a2) and (b2). As shown in this figure, when the coupling 150 is inclined towards the 150g side of the aperture, the aperture 150g moves along the pin 155. As a result, the coupling 150 is inclined about an axis -AX- perpendicular to the axis of the pin -155-.

In Figures 15 (a3) and (b3), the situation in which the coupling 150 is inclined to the right is shown. As shown in this figure, when the coupling 150 is inclined in the orthogonal direction to the opening 150g, said opening 150g rotates around the pin 155. The axis of rotation is the axis line -AY- of the pin -155-.

The situation in which the coupling -150- is inclined downwards is shown in figure 15 (a4) and (b4), and the situation in which the coupling -150- is inclined to the left is shown in figure 15 (a5) and (b5). The axes of rotation -AX- and -AY- have been previously described.

In directions other than the direction of inclination described above, for example, in the direction at 45 degrees in figure 15 (a1) and others, the inclination is carried out by combining the rotations in the axes -AX- and in the -AY- addresses. In this way, the axis -L2- can pivot in any direction with respect to the axis -L1-.

More specifically, the transmission surface -150h- (rotational force transmission part) is movable relative to the pin -155- (rotational force receiving part). The pin -155- has the transmission surface -150- in a mobile position. Also, the transmission surface -150h- and the pin -155- are mounted one on the other in the direction of rotation of the coupling -150-. In this way the coupling -150 is mounted on the cartridge. In order to achieve this, a gap is provided between the transmission surface -150h- and the pin -155-. In this way, the coupling 150 can pivot in substantially all directions relative to the axis -L1-.

As described above, the aperture 150g extends in the direction (the direction of the axis of rotation of the coupling 150) that intersects at least the projection direction of the pins 155. By

Consequently, as described hereinabove, the coupling 150 can pivot in all directions.

It has been mentioned that the axis -L2- can be tilted or tilted in any direction with respect to the axis -L1-. However, the axis -L2- need not necessarily be linearly inclined at the predetermined angle within the full range of the 360-degree direction at the coupling -150-. For example, the -150g opening can be selected to be slightly wider in the circumferential direction. By doing this, at the moment when the axis -L2- which is inclined with respect to the axis -L1-, even if it is the case that it cannot be linearly inclined at the predetermined angle, the coupling -150- can rotate by a slight margin around the -L2- axis. Consequently, it can be tilted to the predetermined angle. In other words, if necessary, the amount of play in the direction of rotation of the opening -150g- is selected correctly.

In this way, the coupling 150 can rotate or oscillate substantially throughout the entire circumference with respect to the axis 153 of the drum (rotational force receiving element). More specifically, the coupling 150 can pivot over the entire circumference thereof, substantially in relation to the axis 153 of the drum.

Furthermore, as will be understood from the foregoing explanation, the coupling 150 can perform a torsional movement ("whirling"), substantially in the circumferential direction of the axis -153- of the drum. In this case, the torsion is not the movement with which the coupling itself rotates around the axis -L2-, but rather the inclined axis -L2- rotates around the axis -L1- of the photosensitive drum, although in this case the movement of Torsion does not prevent the rotation of the coupling by itself around the axis -L2- of the coupling -150-.

The assembly process of the parts will be described.

First, the photosensitive drum -107- is mounted in the direction -X1- of Figure 11 (a) and Figure 11 (b). At this time, the support portion -151d- of the cap -151- is made to engage substantially coaxially with the centering portion -118h- of the second frame -118-. Furthermore, the support hole -152a- (figure 7 of the cap -151-) is mounted substantially coaxially with the centering portion -118g- of the second frame -118-.

The shaft -154- for grounding the drum is inserted in the direction -X2-. Likewise, the centering part -154b- is made to penetrate through the support hole -152a- (figure 6b) and the centering hole -118g- (figure 10 (b)). At this time, the centering part -154b- and the support hole -152a- are supported in such a way that the photosensitive drum -107- can rotate. On the other hand, the centering part -154b- and the centering hole -118 are fixedly supported by snap coupling and so on. In this way, the photosensitive drum 107 is rotatably supported with respect to the second frame. Alternatively, it can be fixed non-rotatably with respect to the cap -152-, and the shaft -154- for grounding the drum (centering part -154b-) can be rotatably mounted on the second frame -118- .

The coupling -150- and the support element -157- are inserted in the direction -X3-. Firstly, the driving part -150b- is introduced downwards, in the direction -X3-, while keeping the axis -L2- (figure 11c) parallel to -X3-. At this time, the phase of the pin -155- and the phase of the opening -150g- coincide with each other, and the pin -155- is inserted into the openings -150g1- or -150g2-. Likewise, the free end portion -153b- of the shaft -153- of the drum abuts the support surface -150i- of the drum. The free end part -153b- is the spherical surface, and the support surface -150i- of the drum is a conical surface. That is, the bearing surface 150i- of the drum of the conical surface that constitutes the recess, and the free end portion -153b- of the shaft -153- of the drum that is the projection, are in contact with each other. Accordingly, the side of the drive part 150b is located in relation to the free end part 153b. As previously described in this specification, when the coupling 150 rotates by transmitting the rotational force from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the pin 155 located in the opening 150g will be pushed by the rotational force transmission surfaces (the rotational force transmission parts) -150h1- or -150h2- y (FIG. 8b). In this way, the rotational force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum -107-. Next, the coupling part -157d- is introduced downwards with respect to the direction -X3-. In this way, a part of the coupling -150- is received in the space part -157b-. Also, the coupling part -157d- supports the support part -151d- of the cap -151-, so that the photosensitive drum -107- can rotate. Furthermore, the mounting part -157d- mates with the centering part -118h- of the second frame -118-. The abutment surface -157f- of the support element -157- abuts against the abutment surface -118j- of the second frame -118-. Likewise, the screws -158a-, -158b- penetrate through the holes -157g1- or -157g2- and are fixed to the threaded holes -118k1-, -118k2- of the second frame -118- in such a way that the element of support -157- is fixed to the second frame -118- (figure 12).

The dimensions of the various parts of the coupling 150 will be described. As shown in Fig. 11 (c), the maximum outside diameter of the driven part -150a- is -0D2-, the maximum outside diameter of the driving part -150b- is -0D1-, and the small diameter of the intermediate aperture -150g- is -0D3-. In addition, the maximum outside diameter of the pin -155- is -0D5-, and the inside diameter of the retaining rib -157e- of the

ES 2 430 559 T3 support element -157- is -0D4-. In this case, the maximum outside diameter is the outside diameter of the location of the maximum rotation around the axis -L1- or the axis -L2-. At this time, since -0D5- <-0D3- is fulfilled, the coupling -150- can be mounted in the predetermined position by direct mounting operation in the -X3- direction, therefore the mounting adequacy is high. (Figure 12 shows the situation after assembly). The diameter of the inner surface -0D4- of the retaining rib -157e of the support element -157- is greater than -0D2- of the coupling -150- and less than -0D1- (0D2 <ΦD4 <-0D1). Thus, only the step subject to the straight direction -X3- is sufficient to mount the support member -157 in the predetermined position. For this reason, the suitability of the mounting can be improved (figure 12 shows the situation after mounting).

As shown in figure 12, the retaining rib -157e- of the support element -157- is arranged next to a part -150j- of the coupling cap -150- in the direction of the axis -L1-. More specifically, in the direction of the axis -L1-, the distance from an end surface -150j1- of the part -150j- of the cap to the axis -L4- of the pin -155- is -n1-. Furthermore, the distance from one end surface -157e1- of the rib -157e- to the other end surface -157j2- of the cap part -150j- is -n2-. It is true that the distance n2 <the distance n1.

Furthermore, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis -L1-, the part 150j- of the cap and the rib -157e- are arranged in such a way that they are superimposed with respect to each other. More specifically, the distance -n4- from the inner surface -157e3- of the rib -157e- to the outer surface -150j3- of the part -150j- of the cap, is the magnitude of superposition -n4- with respect to the orthogonal direction shaft -L1-.

By means of these arrangements, the pin -155- is prevented from dismounting from the opening -150g-. That is, the displacement of the coupling 150 is limited by the support element 157. In this way, the coupling 150 is not disengaged from the cartridge. Disassembly can be avoided without additional parts. The dimensions described above are desirable from the point of view of reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. However, the present invention is not limited to these dimensions.

As previously described (figure 10 (c) and figure 13), the receiving surface -150i- that forms the recess -150q- of the coupling -150- is in contact with the free end surface -153b- of the shaft - 153- of the drum that forms the projection. Consequently, the coupling 150 oscillates along the free end part (the spherical surface) -153b- around the center -P2- of the free end part (the spherical surface) -153b-. In other words, the axis -L2- can pivot substantially in all directions regardless of the angle of the axis -153- of the drum. The axis -L2- of the coupling -150- can pivot substantially in all directions. As will be described later, in order that the coupling -150- can be coupled with the drive shaft -180-, the shaft -L2- is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge -B in relation with shaft -L1-, just before mounting. In other words, as shown in figure 16, the axis -L2- is inclined in such a way that the driven part -150a- is located on the underside with respect to the mounting direction -X4- with respect to to the axis -X1- of the photosensitive drum -107- (the axis -153- of the drum). In Figures 16 (a) to (c), although the positions of the driven part -150a- differ slightly with respect to each other, in any case, they are located on the lower side with respect to the mounting direction -X4-.

An even more detailed description will be made.

As shown in figure 12, a distance -n3- is selected between the part with the maximum outer diameter and the support element -157- of the drive part -150b-, in such a way that a small gap is arranged between them. Thus, as previously described herein, the coupling 150 can pivot.

As shown in Figure 9, the rib -157e- is a semicircular rib. The rib -157e- is disposed lower with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge -B-. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 10 (c), the side of the driven part 150a of the shaft -L2- can pivot considerably in the -X4- direction. In other words, the side -150b- of the driving part of the shaft -L2- can pivot considerably in the direction of the angle -α3- (figure 9 (a)) in the phase in which the rib -157e- does not is willing. Figure 10 (c) shows the situation in which the axis -L2- is inclined. Furthermore, it can also pivot to the situation substantially parallel to the axis -L1- shown in figure 13, from the position of the inclined axis -L2- shown in figure 10 (c). In this way, the rib -157e- is arranged. In this way, the coupling 150 can be mounted by this simple method on the cartridge -B-. In addition, additionally, it does not matter that the axis -153- of the drum can stop in any phase, the axis -L2- can pivot relative to the axis -L1-. The nerve is not limited to the semicircular nerve. As long as the coupling 150 can pivot in the predetermined direction and it is possible to mount the coupling 150 on the cartridge B (photosensitive drum 107), any rib can be used. In this way, the rib -157e- has the function of regulating means to regulate the direction of inclination of the coupling -150-.

Furthermore, the distance -n2- (figure 12) in the direction of the axis -L1- from the rib -157e- to the part -150j- of the cap is shorter than the distance -n1- from the center of the pin -155- up to the lateral edge of the actuating part -150b-. In this way, the pin -155- does not disengage from the opening -150g-.

ES 2 430 559 T3

As described above, the coupling 150 is supported substantially by both the shaft 153 of the drum and the support 157 of the drum. More specifically, the coupling 150 is substantially mounted on the cartridge B via the drum shaft 153 and the drum support 157.

The coupling -150- has a play (the distance -n2-) in the direction of the axis -L1- in relation to the axis -153- of the drum. Consequently, the receiving surface 150i- (the conical surface) may not be in close contact with the free end portion 153b of the drum shaft (the spherical surface). In other words, the center of pivot may be different from the center of curvature -P2- of the spherical surface. However, even in this case, the axis -L2- can pivot with respect to the axis -L1-. For this reason, the purpose of this realization can be fulfilled.

Furthermore, the maximum possible angle -α4- of inclination (figure 10 (c)) between axis -L1- and axis -L2- is half the angle of inclination (-α1-, figure 8 (f)) between the axis -L2- and the reception surface -150i-. The receiving surface 150 is conical in shape and the drum shaft 153 is cylindrical in shape. For this reason, the gap -g of the angle α1 / 2 is arranged between them. In this way, the angle of inclination -α1- changes and, consequently, the angle of inclination -α4- of the coupling -150- is fixed at the optimum value. In this way, since the receiving surface 150 is the conical surface, the circular column part 153a of the drum shaft 153 is satisfactory with the simple cylindrical shape. In other words, the drum shaft need not have a complicated configuration. Accordingly, the cost of machining the drum shaft can be suppressed.

Furthermore, as shown in figure 10 (c), when the coupling -150- is tilted, a part of the coupling may be surrounded (in the illustration) by the space part -151e- (cap shading - 151-). Thus, the lightened cavity (space portion -151e-) of the gear part -151c can be utilized without being useless. Accordingly, effective utilization of space can be realized. In any case, the lightened cavity (portion -151e- of the space) is usually not used.

As described above, in the embodiment of Figure 10 (c), the coupling 150 is mounted such that a portion of the coupling 150 may be located in the position that overlaps with the portion 151c. - of the gear with respect to the direction of the axis -L2-. In the case of the cap that does not have the gear part -151c-, a part of the coupling -150- can be additionally inserted into the cylinder -107a-.

When the axis -L2- is tilted, the width of the opening -150g- is selected taking into account the size of the pin -155-, in such a way that said pin -155- cannot interfere.

More specifically, the transmission surface -150h- (rotational force transmitting part) can be displaced with respect to the pin -155- (rotational force receiving part). The pin -155- has the transmission surface -150- in a movable position. Also, the transmission surface -150h- and the pin -155- are mounted to each other in the direction of rotation of the coupling -150-. In this way, the coupling 150 is mounted on the cartridge. In order to accomplish this, a gap is provided between the transmission surface -150h- and the pin -155-. In this way, the coupling 150 can pivot substantially in all directions relative to the axis -L1-.

The location of the part -150j- of the cap when the side -150a- of the driven part is inclined in the direction -X5-, is illustrated by the zone -T1- in figure 14. As shown in the Figure, even if the coupling -150- is tilted, there is no interference with the pin -155- and, consequently, the part -150j of the cap can be arranged on the full circumference of the coupling -150- (figure 8 (b) ). In other words, the receiving surface -150i- of the shaft has a conical shape and, consequently, when the coupling -150- is inclined, the pin -155- does not penetrate the zone -T1-. For this reason, the clipping margin of the coupling 150 can be minimized. Accordingly, the rigidity of the coupling 150 can be ensured.

In the assembly process described above, the process (non-drive side) in direction -X2- and process (drive side) in direction -X3- can be interchanged.

The support element -157- has been described as being fixed with screws to the second frame -118-. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, as in the joint, if the support element -157- can be fixed in the second frame -118-, any method can be used.

(8) Drive shaft and drive structure of the main set of the apparatus.

The description will be made with reference to figure 17 regarding the structure for driving the photosensitive drum -107- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Figure 17 (a) is a perspective view, partially in section, of the side plate of the drive side in the situation where the cartridge -B- is not mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Fig. 17 (b) is a perspective view showing only the drum drive structure. Figure 17 (c) is a sectional view taken along -S7-S7- of Figure 17 (b).

ES 2 430 559 T3

The drive shaft 180 has a substantially similar structure to that described for the drum shaft 153. In other words, the free end portion 180b thereof, forms a hemispherical surface. Furthermore, it has a rotational force transmission pin 182 as the rotational force applying part of the main part 180a of the cylindrical shape which penetrates substantially through the center. The rotational force is transmitted to the coupling -150- by means of this pin -182-.

A drum drive gear -181-, substantially coaxial with the axis of the drive shaft -180- is arranged on the side longitudinally opposite to the part -180b- of the free end of the drive shaft -180-. The gear -181- is fixed non-rotatably relative to the drive shaft -180-. Consequently, the rotation of the gear -181- will also rotate the drive shaft -180-.

Furthermore, the gear -181- is mounted with a toothed pinion -187- to receive the rotational force of the motor -186-. Consequently, the rotation of the motor -186- will rotate the drive shaft -180- through the gear -181-.

Furthermore, the gear -181- is rotatably mounted on the main assembly -A- of the apparatus by means of the support elements -183-, -184-. At this time, the gear -181- does not move with respect to the direction of the axial direction -L3- of the drive shaft -180- (the gear -181-), that is, it is located with respect to the axial direction. - L3-. Accordingly, the gears -181- and the support elements -183- and -184- can be arranged close to each other in the axial direction. Furthermore, the drive shaft -180- does not move with respect to the direction thereof, of the shaft -L3-. Consequently, the drive shaft -180- and the gap between the support elements -183- and -184- have dimensions that allow the rotation of the drive shaft -180-. For this reason, the position of the gear -181- with respect to the diametrical direction in relation to the gear -187- is correctly determined.

Furthermore, although it has been described that the drive is transmitted directly to gear 181 from gear 187, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, it is suitable to use a series of gears taking into account the motor arranged in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Alternatively, it is possible to transmit the rotational force by means of a belt and so on.

(9) Side guide for mounting the main assembly for guiding the cartridge -B-

As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the mounting means -130- of this embodiment includes the guides -130R1-, -130R2-, -130L1-, -130L2-, of the main assembly arranged in the main assembly -A - of the appliance.

Said guides are arranged in opposition on both lateral surfaces of the cartridge mounting space (the cartridge installation part 130a) arranged in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus (the operating lateral surface in Figure 18), ( the side surface in Figure 19 that has no drive). The guides -130R1-, -130R2- are arranged in the main assembly, opposite the drive side of the cartridge -B- and extend along the mounting direction of the cartridge -B-. On the other hand, the guides -130L1-, -130L2- are arranged on the side of the main assembly opposite the non-drive side of the cartridge -B-, and extend along the mounting direction of the cartridge -B-. The guides -130R1-, -130R2- of the main assembly and the guides -130L1-, -130L2- of the main assembly are opposite each other. At the time of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, these guides -130R1-, -130R2-, -130L1-, -130L2- guide the guides of the cartridge as will be described later. At the time of assembly of the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the door -109- of the cartridge is opened, which can be opened and closed in relation to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus around a axis -109a-. Likewise, the assembly of the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus is completed by closing the door -109-. At the moment of extracting the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the door -109- is opened. These operations are carried out by the user.

(10) Part for positioning the cartridge -B-, relative to the mounting guide and the main assembly -A- of the device

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the outer periphery -157a- of the outer end of the support element -157- also functions as a guide -140R1- of the cartridge. Furthermore, the outer periphery -154a- of the outer end of the drum grounding shaft -154- also functions as a guide -140L1- of the cartridge.

Furthermore, the longitudinal end (the drive side) of the second frame unit 120 is provided with the cartridge guide 140R2 at the top of the cartridge guide 140R1. Also, the other end (the non-drive side) in the longitudinal direction is provided with the cartridge guide 140L2 at the top of the cartridge guide 140L1.

More specifically, the longitudinal end of the photosensitive drum -107- is provided with lateral guides -140R1-, -140R2- that project outwards from the cartridge frame -B1-. Furthermore, the other end in the longitudinal direction is provided with the lateral guides -140L1-, -140L2- which protrude outwards from

ES 2 430 559 T3 the frame of the cartridge -B1-. The guides -140R1-, -140R2-, -140L1-, -140L2- protrude along said longitudinal direction and from there to the outside. More specifically, the guides -140R1-, -140R2-, -140L1-, -140L2 protrude from the frame -B1- of the cartridge along the axis -L1-. Likewise, at the moment of assembly of the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, and at the moment of disassembly of the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the guide -140R1- is guided by guide -130R1- and guide -140R2- is guided by guide -130R2-. Furthermore, at the moment of assembly of the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, and at the moment of disassembly of the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the guide -140L1- is guided by the guide -130L1-, and the guide -140L2- is guided by the guide -130L2- In this way, the cartridge -B- is mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction -L3- of the drive shaft -180- and similarly disassembled from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cartridge guides 140R1, 140R2 are integrally molded with the second frame 118. However, independent elements such as the guides -140R1-, -140R2- of the cartridge can be used.

(11) Processing cartridge assembly operation,

With reference to FIG. 20, the assembly operation of the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A of the apparatus will be described. Figure 20 shows the assembly process. Figure 20 is a sectional view taken along -S9-S9- in Figure 18.

As shown in Figure 20 (a), door 109 is opened by the user. Likewise, the cartridge -B- can be removably mounted with respect to the cartridge mounting means -130- (installation section -130a-) arranged in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

When the cartridge -B- is assembled in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus on the drive side, the cartridge guides -140R1-, -140R2- are inserted along the guides -130R1-, -130R2 - of the main assembly, as shown in figure 20 (b). Furthermore, also around the non-drive side, the guides -140L1-, -140L2- of the cartridge (figure 3) are inserted along the guides -130L1-, -130L2- of the main assembly (figure

19) .

When the cartridge -B- is further inserted in the direction of the arrow -X4-, the coupling between the drive shaft -180- and the cartridge -B- is established, and then the cartridge -B- is mounted in the default position (the installation section -130a-) (the layout). In other words, as shown in Figure 20 (c), the guide -140R1- of the cartridge is in contact with the positioning part -130R1a- of the guide -130R1 of the main assembly and the guide -140R2- of the cartridge. it is in contact with the positioning part -130R2a- of the guide -130R2- of the main assembly. In addition, the guide -140L1- of the cartridge is in contact with the positioning guide -130L1a- (figure 19) of the guide -130L1- of the main assembly, and the guide -140L2- of the cartridge is in contact with the positioning guide. -130L2a- of the guide -130L2-. Since this situation is substantially symmetrical, the illustration is not made, in this way, the cartridge -B- is removably mounted in the installation section -130a- by means of the mounting means -130-. More specifically, the cartridge -B- is mounted in the position positioned in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Also, in the situation where the cartridge -B is mounted in the installation section -130a-, the drive shaft -180- and the coupling -150- are in a coupling situation with respect to each other.

More specifically, the coupling 150 is in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, as will be described later.

The image forming operation is made possible by means of the cartridge -B- which is mounted in the indicated part -130a-.

When the cartridge -B- is arranged in the predetermined position, a thrust receiving part -140R1b- (figure 2) of the cartridge -B- receives the thrust force of a thrust spring -188R- (figure 18, figure 19 and figure

twenty) . Furthermore, from a thrust spring -188L-, a part of the thrust receptor -140L1b- (figure 3) of the cartridge -B- receives the thrust force. In this way, the cartridge -B- (photosensitive drum -107-) is correctly positioned with respect to the transfer roller, the optical means and others of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

The user can insert the cartridge -B- into the arrangement part -130a- as described above. Alternatively, the user inserts the cartridge -B- in the halfway position, and the last mounting operation can be performed by other means. For example, using the closing operation of the door -109-, a part of the door -109- acts on the cartridge -B- which is in position during assembly to push the cartridge -B- to the final position. mounting. Furthermore, as an alternative, the user pushes the cartridge -B- to the middle part, and then drops it by its weight in the fixed position -130a-.

In this case, as shown in Figures 18 to 20, the assembly and disassembly of the cartridge -B- in relation to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus is effected by displacement in the direction substantially

ES 2 430 559 T3 perpendicular to the direction of the axis -L3- of the drive shaft -180- (figure 21) corresponding to these operations, the position between the drive shaft -180- and the coupling -150- changes between the situation assembly and disassembly situation.

In this case, the description will be made on "substantially perpendicular".

Between the cartridge -B- and the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, in order to mount and disassemble the cartridge -B smoothly, small gaps are arranged. More specifically, the small gaps are arranged between the guide -140R1- and the guide -130R1- with respect to the longitudinal direction, between the guide -140R2- and the guide -130R2- with respect to the longitudinal direction, between the guide - 140L1- and the guide -130L1- with respect to the longitudinal direction and between the guide -140L2- and the guide -130L2- with respect to the longitudinal direction. Consequently, at the time of assembling and disassembling the cartridge -B- relative to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the entire cartridge -B- can be tilted slightly within the limits of the interstices. For this reason, perpendicularity is not taken in a strict sense. However, even in such a case, the present invention is carried out with its consequences. Accordingly, the term "substantially perpendicular" encompasses the case where the cartridge is tilted slightly.

(12) Drive coupling and transmission operations

As indicated above, immediately before, or substantially simultaneously with the positioning in a predetermined position of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the coupling -150- is mounted on the drive shaft -180-. More specifically, the coupling 150 is located in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. In this case, the default position is the set position -130a-. Description will be made regarding the mounting operation of this coupling with reference to Figures 21, 22 and 23. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing most of the drive shaft and the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 22 is a longitudinal sectional view, viewed from the bottom of the main assembly of the apparatus. Figure 23 is a longitudinal sectional view seen from the lowest part of the main assembly of the apparatus. In this case, the coupling means means the situation where the shaft -L2- and the shaft -L3- are substantially coaxial with each other, and the transmission of the drive is possible.

As shown in figure 22, the cartridge -B- is mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus in the direction (arrow -X4-) substantially perpendicular to the axis -L3- of the drive shaft -180-. Or, in which it is disassembled from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. In the angular position of pre-coupling, the axis -L2- (figure 22 (a)) of the coupling -150- is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- previous with respect to the axis -L1- (figure 22 (a) of the shaft -153- of the drum (figure 21 (a) and figure 22 (a)).

In order to tilt the coupling towards the previous pre-coupling angular position, the structure of embodiment 3 to embodiment 9 is used, for example, as will be described later.

Due to the inclination of the coupling -150-, the lower free end -150A1- with respect to the mounting direction -X4- is closer to the photosensitive drum -107- than the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft in the direction of the axis -L1-. Furthermore, the free end upstream 150A2 with respect to the mounting direction is closer to the pin 182 than the free end 1803 of the drive shaft (Fig. 22 (a), (b)). In this case, the free end position is the position closest to the driving axis of the driven part -150 shown in Figures 8 (a) and (c) with respect to the direction of the axis -L2-, and is the most away from the axis -L2-. In other words, it is an edge of the driven part -150a- of the coupling -150-, or an edge of the projection -150d-, depending on the rotation phase of the coupling -150- (-150A-) in figure 8 (a) and (c).

The free end position -150A1- of the coupling -150- passes through the free end of the shaft -180b3-. Also, after the coupling -150- passes the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft, the receiving surface -150f- (lateral contact part of the cartridge) or the projection -150d- (contact part side of the cartridge) is in contact with the free end part -180b- of the drive shaft -180- (coupling side part of the main assembly), or the pin -182- (coupling side part of the main assembly) (force application part). Likewise, corresponding to the assembly operation of the cartridge -B-, the axis -L2- is inclined in such a way that it can be substantially aligned with the axis -L1- (figure 22 (c)). Likewise, when the coupling 150 is inclined from said pre-coupling angular position and the axis -L2- thereof is substantially aligned with the axis -L1-, the angular position for transmission of the rotational force is reached. Also, finally, the position of the cartridge -B- is determined relative to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. In this case, the drive shaft 180 and the drum shaft 153 are substantially coaxial with respect to each other. Furthermore, the receiving surface -150f- is opposite the spherical free end portion -180b of the drive shaft -180-. This situation is the coupling situation between the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 (figure 21 (b) and figure 22 (d)). At this time, the pin -155- (not shown) is located in the opening -150g- (Figure 8 (b)). In other words, the pin -182- adopts the intermediate part -150k-. In this case, the coupling -150- covers the free end part -180b-.

ES 2 430 559 T3

The receiving surface -150f- constitutes the recess -150z-. Also, the recess -150z- has a conical shape.

As described above, the coupling 150 can pivot with respect to the axis -L1-. Likewise, corresponding to the displacement of the cartridge -B-, a part of the coupling -150- (the reception surface -150f- and / or -150d- of the projections) which is the lateral contact part of the cartridge, is in contact with the coupling side part of the main assembly (the drive shaft -180- and / or the pin -182-). In this way, the pivoting movement of the coupling 150 is carried out. As shown in figure 22, the coupling 150 is mounted in an overlapping situation, with respect to the direction of the axis -L1-, with the drive axis -180-. However, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 can be coupled to each other in the overlapping situation by pivoting movement of the couplings, as described above.

The assembly operation of the coupling -150- described above can be carried out independently of the phases of the drive shaft -180- and of the coupling -150-. Detailed description will be made with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 23. Figure 23 shows the phase relationship between the coupling and the drive shaft. In Figure 23 (a), in a lower position relative to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge, the pin -182- and the receiving surface -150f- are located opposite each other. In Fig. 23 (b), pin 182 and boss 150d are opposite each other. In Fig. 23 (c), the free end portion 180b and the projection 150d are opposite each other. In Fig. 23 (d), the free end portion 180b and the receiving surface 150f are opposite each other.

As shown in Figure 15, the coupling 150 is pivotally mounted in any direction, relative to the axis 153 of the drum. More specifically, the coupling 150 is rotatable. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, it can be inclined towards the mounting direction -X4- independently of the angle of the axis -153- of the drum with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge -B-. Furthermore, the angle of inclination of the coupling -150- is set in such a way that regardless of the phases of the drive shaft -180- and of the coupling -150-, the free end portion -150A1- is closer to the photosensitive drum -107 - that the free axial end -180b3- with respect to the direction of the axis -L1-. Furthermore, the angle of inclination of the coupling 150 is set such that the free end position 150A2 is closer to the pin 182 than the free axial end 180b3. With said arrangement, corresponding to the assembly operation of the cartridge -B-, the free end position -150A1- passes through the free axial end -180b3- in the assembly direction -X4-. Also, in the case of Figure 23 (a), the receiving surface -150f- is in contact with the pin -182-. In the case of Fig. 23 (b), the projection 150d (the coupling part) is in contact with the pin -182- (rotational force applying part). In the case of figure 23 (c), the projection -150d- is in contact with the free end part -180b-. In the case of figure 23 (d), the receiving surface -150f- is in contact with the free end part -180b-. Furthermore, by means of the contact force generated at the moment of assembly of the cartridge -B-, the axis -L2- of the coupling -150- moves in such a way that it becomes substantially coaxial with the axis -L1-. In this way, the coupling -150- is coupled with the drive shaft -180-. More specifically, the recess -150z- of the coupling covers the extreme free part -180b-. For this reason, the coupling -150- can be coupled with the drive shaft -180- (the pin -182-) independently of the phases of the drive shaft -180-, the coupling -150- and the shaft -153- of the drum.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, a gap is provided between the shaft 153 of the drum and the coupling 150, such that the coupling can oscillate (can rotate, pivot).

In this embodiment, the coupling 150 is displaced in the plane of the sheet of the drawing of Figure 22. However, the coupling 150 of this embodiment performs a twisting (whirling), as described above. Consequently, the displacement of the coupling 150 may include a movement not included in the plane of the sheet of the drawing of Figure 22. In this case, the change occurs from the situation of Figure 22 (a) to the situation of Figure 22 (d). This is applicable to the embodiments that will be described below, unless otherwise indicated.

Referring to Fig. 24, the operation of transmitting the rotational force at the time of rotating the photosensitive drum -107- will be described. The drive shaft -180- rotates with the gear -181- in the direction (figure, -X8-) by means of the rotational force received from the drive source (the motor -186-). Likewise, the pin -182- integrated in the drive shaft -180- (-182a1-, -182a2-) is in contact with any of the rotation force reception surfaces -150e1-, -150e4- (part of reception of the rotational force). More specifically, the pin -182a1- is in contact with any of the surfaces for receiving the rotational force -150e1-, -150e4-. Furthermore, the pin -182a2- is in contact with any of the surfaces for receiving the rotational force -150e1-, -150e4-. In this way, the rotational force of the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the coupling 150 to rotate said coupling 150. Furthermore, by rotating the coupling -150-, the transmission surfaces of the rotational force -150h1- or -150h2- of the coupling -150- (transmission part of the rotational force) are in contact with the pin -155 - integrated in the shaft -153 of the drum. In this way, the rotational force of the drive shaft -180- is transmitted to the photosensitive drum -107- through the coupling -150-, of the transmission surface -150h1- or -150h2- of the rotational force, of the

ES 2 430 559 T3 pin -155-, of the shaft -153- of the drum, and of the cap -151- of the drum. In this way, the photosensitive drum -107- rotates.

In the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, the free end portion -153b- is in contact with the receiving surface -150i-. Also, the free end portion -180b- (the positioning portion) of the drive shaft -180- is in contact with the receiving surface -150f- (the positioning portion). In this way, the coupling 150 is located in relation to the drive shaft 180 in the situation where it is above the drive shaft 180 (Figures 22 (d)).

In this case, in this embodiment, even if the axis -L3- and the axis -L1- are inclined some of the coaxial ratios, the coupling -150- can effect the transmission of the rotational force because the coupling -150 - leans slightly. Even if this is the case, the coupling -150- can rotate without covering the large additional load above the shaft -153- of the drum and the drive shaft -180-. Accordingly, the high-precision operation of coupling the position of the drive shaft 180 and the drum shaft 153 at the time of assembly is easy. For this reason, the operability of the assembly can be improved.

This is also one of the effects of this embodiment.

Furthermore, in Figure 17, as described, the position of the drive shaft -180- and the gear -181 is located, with respect to the diametrical direction and the axial direction, in the predetermined position (fixing part -130a -) of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Furthermore, the cartridge -B- is located in the predetermined position of the main assembly of the apparatus, as described above. Also, the drive shaft -180- located in said predetermined position and the cartridge -B- positioned in said predetermined position are coupled by means of the coupling -150-. Coupling 150 is oscillating (pivoting) with respect to photosensitive drum 107. For this reason, as described above, the coupling 150 can smoothly transmit the rotational force between the drive shaft 180 located in the predetermined position and the cartridge B located in the predetermined position. In other words, even if there is some axial inclination between the drive shaft 180 and the photosensitive drum 107, the coupling can transmit the rotational force smoothly.

This is also one of the effects of this embodiment.

Furthermore, as described above, the cartridge -B- is located in the predetermined position. For this reason, the photosensitive drum -107- which is the constituent element of the cartridge -B- is correctly positioned with respect to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Accordingly, the spatial relationship between the photosensitive drum -107- and the optical media -101-, the transfer roller -104- or the recording material -102- can be maintained with high precision. In other words, these position deviations can be reduced.

The coupling -150- is in contact with the drive shaft -180-. Thus, although it has been mentioned that the coupling 150 oscillates from the pre-coupling angular position to the force transmitting angular position, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, it is possible to arrange the stop part as the mating part of the main assembly side of the apparatus in a position other than that of the drive shaft of the main assembly of the apparatus. Likewise, in the assembly process of the cartridge -B-, after the position of the free end -150A1- passes through the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft, a part of the coupling -150- (side contact part of the cartridge ) is in contact with this stop part. In this way, the coupling can receive the force of the vibration direction (pivot direction) and can also be made to oscillate in such a way that the axis -L2- becomes substantially coaxial with the axis -L3- (the pivot axis ). In other words, other means are sufficient if the axis -L1- can be positioned substantially coaxial with the axis -L3- in relation to the mounting operation of the cartridge -B-.

Coupling disengagement operation and cartridge removal operation

With reference to Figure 25, the operation of uncoupling the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180 will be described, at the time of extracting the cartridge B from the main assembly A of the apparatus. Figure 25 is the longitudinal sectional view, seen from the bottom of the main assembly of the apparatus.

First, the position of the pin -182- at the time of removal of the cartridge -B- will be described. Once the image formation is completed, as is clear from the above description, the pin -182- is positioned in any 2 of the intermediate portions -150k1- to -150k4- (figure 8). Likewise, the pin -155 is located in the opening -150g1- or -150g2-.

The description will be made with respect to the operation for uncoupling the coupling 150 from the drive shaft 180, interrelated with the operation to extract the cartridge -B-.

As shown in figure 25, the cartridge -B- is extracted in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis -L3- (the direction of the arrow -X6-), at the moment of disassembling it from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. .

ES 2 430 559 T3

In the situation in which the drive of the shaft -153- of the drum has been interrupted, the shaft -L2- is substantially coaxial with respect to the shaft -L1- in the coupling -150- (angular position of transmission of the rotational force ) (Figure 25 (a)). Likewise, the drum axis -153- moves in the dismounting direction -X6- with the cartridge -B-, and the receiving surface -150f- or the projection -150d- in the upper part of the coupling -150 - with respect to the disassembly direction, it is in contact, at least, with the free end portion -180b- of the drive shaft -180- (figure 25 (a)). Likewise, the shaft -L2- begins to tilt up with respect to the dismounting direction -X6- (figure 25 (b)). This direction is the same as that of the inclination of the coupling -150- at the moment of mounting the cartridge -B- (the pre-coupling angular position). It is displaced while the uppermost end part -150A3- with respect to the removal direction -X6- is in contact with the free end part -180b- by the removal operation of this cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the device. In greater detail, the coupling moves corresponding to the displacement in the removal direction of the cartridge -B-, while a part of the coupling -150- (the receiving surface -150f- and / or -150d- of the projections) that forms the lateral contact part of the cartridge is in contact with the lateral part of the main assembly of the apparatus (the drive shaft 180 and / or the pin 182). Likewise, on the axis -L2- the part -150A3- of the free end is inclined towards the free end -180b3- (angular position of disengagement) (figure 25 (c)). Likewise, in this situation, the coupling -150- passes through the drive shaft -180- contacting the free end -180b3- and disengages from the drive shaft -180- (figure 25 (d)). Next, the cartridge -B follows the process opposite to the assembly process described in figure 20 and is extracted from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

As will be appreciated from the above description, the angle of the angular position of pre-engagement relative to the axis -L1- is greater than the angle of the angular position of disengagement relative to the axis -L1-. This is due to the fact that it is preferable that the free end position -150A1- passes safely through the free end part -180b3- in the pre-coupling angular position, taking into account the dimensional tolerances of the parts at the moment of the coupling of the coupling. More specifically, it is preferable that there is a gap between the coupling 150 and the free end portion 180-3 in the pre-coupling angular position (Figure 22 (b)). On the contrary, at the moment of disengagement from the coupling, the shaft -L2- tilts interrelated with the removal operation of the cartridge in the angular position of disengagement. Consequently, the coupling -150A3- moves along the free end portion -180b3-. In other words, the top part with respect to the removal direction of the cartridge, the coupling and the free end part of the drive shaft are in substantially the same position (Figure 25 (c)). For this reason, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position relative to the axis -L1- is greater than the angle of the disengagement angular position relative to the axis -L1-.

Furthermore, in a similar way to the case of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the cartridge -B- can be extracted independently of the phase difference between the coupling -150- and the pin -182- .

As shown in figure 22, in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force of the coupling -150-, the angle relative to the axis -L1- of the coupling -150- is such that in the situation in which the cartridge -B- is mounted on the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the coupling -150- receives the transmission of the rotational force from the drive shaft -180- and rotates.

The angular position of transmission of the rotational force of the coupling 150, the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum is transmitted to the drum.

Furthermore, in the pre-coupling angular position of the coupling -150-, the angular position relative to the axis -L1 of the coupling -150- is such that in the immediately preceding situation, the coupling -150- is coupled with the drive shaft - 180- in the assembly operation in the main assembly -A- of the cartridge apparatus -B-. More specifically, it is the angular position relative to the axis -L1- whose lower free end portion -150A1- of the coupling -150- can pass through the drive axis -180- with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge -B- .

Furthermore, the angular position of uncoupling of the coupling -150- is the angular position relative to the axis -L1 of the coupling -150- at the moment of removing the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus in the case in which the coupling -150- is uncoupled from the drive shaft -180-. More specifically, as shown in figure 25, it is the angular position relative to the axis -L1- with which the part -150A3- of the free end of the coupling -150- can pass through the drive axis -180- with respect to to the cartridge removal direction -B-.

In the angular position of pre-coupling or in the angular position of uncoupling, the angle theta 2 that the axis -L2- forms with the axis -L1- is greater than the angle theta 1 that the axis -L2- forms with the axis. -L1- in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. As for the angle theta 1, 0 degrees is preferable. However, in this embodiment, if the angle theta 1 is less than 15 degrees, the transmission of the rotational force is smooth. This is also one of the effects of this embodiment. As for the angle theta 2, a range of about 20 to 60 degrees is preferable.

ES 2 430 559 T3

As previously described herein, the coupling is pivotally mounted on shaft -L1-. Likewise, the coupling -150- in the situation where it overlaps the drive shaft -180- with respect to the direction of the shaft -L1- can be disengaged from the drive shaft -180- due to the coupling tilting corresponding to the removal operation of the cartridge -B-. More specifically, by moving the cartridge -B- in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft -180-, the coupling -150- covering the drive shaft -180- can be disengaged from the drive shaft -180 -.

In the description made above, the reception surface -150f- of the coupling -150- or the projection -150d- are in contact with the free end part -180b- (the pin -182-) interrelated with the movement of the cartridge -B - in the removal direction -X6-. Thus, it has been described that the axis -L1- initiates the upward inclination of the disassembly direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the coupling 150 has a pre-structure, such that it is pushed upward in the dismounting direction. Likewise, corresponding to the displacement of the cartridge -B-, this thrust force initiates the inclination of the shaft -L1- downwards in the disassembly direction. Likewise, the free end -150A3- passes through the free end -180 b3- and the coupling -150- is uncoupled from the drive shaft -180-. In other words, the receiving surface -150f- on the top side with respect to the disassembly direction or the projection -150d- is not in contact with the free end part -180b-, and therefore can be disengaged of the drive shaft -180-. For this reason, any structure can be applied if the axis -L1- can be tilted in relation to the removal operation of the cartridge -B-.

At the moment immediately before, when the coupling 150 is mounted on the drive shaft 180, the driven part of the coupling 150 is inclined in such a way that it is inclined downward with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, the coupling 150 is previously placed in the position of the pre-coupling angular position.

In the foregoing, the movement in the plane of the sheet of the drawing of Figure 25 has been described, but the movement may include the movement of torsion ("whirling") as in the case of Figure 22.

Accordingly, in terms of structure, any structure described in Embodiment 2 and following can be used.

Referring to Fig. 26 and Fig. 27, the description will be made about the other embodiment of the drum shaft. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the drum axis. Figure 27 shows a characteristic part.

In the embodiment described above, the free end of the drum shaft 153 is formed in a spherical shape, and the coupling 150 is in contact with the spherical surface thereof. However, as shown in Figures 26 (a) and 27 (a), the free end -1153b- of the drum shaft -1153- can be a flat surface. In the case of this embodiment, the part -1153- of the edge of the peripheral surface thereof is in contact with the conical surface of the coupling -150- by means of which the rotation is transmitted. Even with such a structure, the axis -L2- can be safely inclined with respect to the axis -L1-. In the case of this embodiment, there is no need to machine the spherical surface. Accordingly, the cost of machining can be reduced.

In the embodiment described above, another pin is mounted on the shaft of the drum for transmission of the rotational force. However, as shown in Figures 26 (b) and 27 (b), it is possible to mold the drum shaft -1253 and the pin -1253c- integrally. In the case of integral molding using injection molding and others, the geometric variability is high. In this case, the pin -1253c- can be integrally formed together with the axis -1253- of the drum. For this reason, a wide area -1253d- can be provided for the transmission part of the drive. Accordingly, the operating torque can be transmitted safely to the shaft of the drum made of resin material. Furthermore, since integral molding is used, the manufacturing cost is reduced.

As shown in Figures 26 (c) and 27 (c), the opposite ends -1355a1-, -1355a2- of the rotational force transmission pin -1355- (rotational force receiving element) have previously fixed by means of pressure coupling and others, in the intermediate opening -1350g1- or -1350g2- of the coupling -1350-. Then, it is possible to insert the drum shaft -1353- having a free end part -1353c1-, -1353c2 formed with a threaded shape with grooves (concave). At this time, in order to provide pivoting capacity to the coupling -1350-, the coupling part -1355b- of the pin -1355- relative to the free end part (not shown) of the shaft -1353- of the drum is shaped in spherical shape. In this way, the pin 1355 (rotating force application part) has been previously fixed. In this way, the size of the opening -1350g- of the coupling -1350- can be reduced. Accordingly, the rigidity of the coupling 1350 can be increased.

ES 2 430 559 T3

In the foregoing, the structure by which the inclination of the axis -L1- is achieved along the free end of the axis of the drum has been described. However, as shown in Figures 26 (d), 26 (e) and 27 (d), it is possible to tilt it along the contact surface -1457a- of the contact element -1457- on the center line shaft -1453- of the drum. In this case, the free end surface -1453b- of the shaft -1453- of the drum has a height comparable to that of the end surface of the contact element -1457-. Furthermore, the rotational force transmission pin -1453c- (the rotational force receiving element) protrudes beyond the free end surface -1453b- and is inserted into the intermediate opening -1450g- of the coupling -1450 -. The pin -1453 is in contact with the transmission surface of the rotational force -1450h- (the part of transmission of the rotational force) of the coupling -1450-. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted to the drum -107-. In this way, the contact surface -1457a- at the moment of inclination of the coupling -1450- is arranged on the contact element -1457-. Thus, the processing of the drum shaft directly is not necessary. Accordingly, the cost of machining can be lowered.

Also, similarly, the spherical surface at the free end may be a cast resin part of a separate element. In this case, the machining cost of the shaft can be lowered. This is because the configuration of the axis to be processed by cutting and so on can be simplified. Furthermore, when the magnitude of the spherical surface at the axial free end decreases, the amount of processing that requires a high degree of precision can be small. Thus, the cost of machining can be reduced.

Referring to Fig. 28, description will be made of another embodiment of the drive shaft. The figure is a perspective view of a drive shaft and a drum drive gear.

First, as shown in FIG. 28 (a), the free end of the drive shaft -1180- becomes the flat surface -1180b. Thus, since the shaft configuration is simple, the cost of machining can be lowered.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 28 (b), it is possible to mold the rotational force applying part -1280- (-1280c1-, -1280c2-) (drive transmission part) integrally together with the drive shaft -1280-. When the drive shaft 1280 is a cast resin part, the rotating force applying part can be integrally cast. Accordingly, a cost reduction can be achieved. The flat surface part is indicated by -1280b-.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 28 (c), the magnitude of the free end portion -1380b- of the drive shaft -1380- decreases. For this reason, it is possible to make the outer diameter of the free end -1380c- of the shaft, smaller than the outer diameter of the main part -1380a-. As described above, the free end portion 1380b requires a certain degree of precision in order to determine the position of the coupling 150. Therefore, the spherical magnitude is limited only to the contact part of the coupling. Thus, the surface portion other than that requiring finishing precision is omitted. Thus, the machining cost is lowered. Also, similarly, it is possible to cut off the free end of the spherical surface, which is unnecessary. Indicated by -1382- there is a pin (rotating force application part).

The method of positioning the photosensitive drum -107- with respect to the direction of the axis -L1- will be described. In other words, the coupling -1550- is provided with a conical surface (an inclined plane) -1550e-, -1550h-. Also, a force is produced in the thrust direction by means of the rotation of the drive shaft -181-. The positioning, with respect to the direction of the axis -L1- of the coupling -1550- and the photosensitive drum -107-, is carried out by means of this pushing force. Said positioning will be described in detail with reference to figure and figure 30. Figure 29 is a perspective view and a top plan view exclusively of the coupling. Figure 30 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive shaft, drum shaft, and coupling.

As shown in Fig. 29 (b), the rotational force receiving surface -1550e (the inclined plane) (rotational force receiving part) is inclined at the angle -α5- relative to the axis -L2-. When the drive shaft 180 rotates in the T1 direction, the pin 182 and the rotating force receiving surface 1550e are in contact with each other. Next, a component of the force is applied to the coupling -1550- in the direction -T2-, and displaces it in said direction -T2-. Likewise, the coupling -1550- moves in the axial direction until the receiving surface -1550f- of the drive shaft (figure 30a) abuts the free end -180b- of the drive shaft -180-. In this way, the position of the coupling -1550- with respect to the direction of the axis -L2- is determined. Furthermore, the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 is shaped on the spherical surface, and the receiving surface 1550f has the conical surface. Accordingly, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis -L2- the position of the driven part -1550a- relative to the drive axis -180- is determined. In cases where the coupling -1550- is mounted on the drum -107-, said drum -107- also moves in the axial direction depending on the magnitude of the force to which it has been added in the -T2- direction. . In this case, with respect to the longitudinal direction, the position of the drum 107 relative to the main assembly of the apparatus is determined. The drum -107 is mounted with clearance in the longitudinal direction thereof in the frame -B1- of the cartridge.

ES 2 430 559 T3

As shown in figure 29 (c), the rotational force transmission surface -1550h- (the rotational force transmission part) is inclined at the angle -α6- relative to the axis -L2- . When the coupling -1550- rotates in the -T1- direction, the transmission surface -1550h- and the pin -155- abut each other. Next, a component of force is applied to the pin -155- in the direction -T2- and moves it in said direction -T2-. Likewise, the shaft -153- of the drum moves until the free end -153b of the shaft -153- of the drum is in contact with the drum support surface -1550i- (figure 30 (b)) of the coupling -1550-. In this way, the position of the axis -155- of the drum (the photosensitive drum) with respect to the direction of the axis -L2- is determined. In addition, the drum support surface -1550i- has a conical surface, and the free end -153b- of the drum shaft -153- is shaped into a spherical surface. Accordingly, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis -L2-, the position of the driving part -1550 relative to the axis -153- of the drum is determined.

The angles of inclination -α5- and -α6- are determined by the degree to which the effective force is produced to move the coupling and the photosensitive drum in the pushing direction. However, the forces thereof depend on the operating torque of the photosensitive drum -107-. However, the forces thereof differ depending on the operating torque of the photosensitive drum -107-. However, if means are provided which are effective to determine the position in the thrust direction, the inclination angles -α5- and -α6- can be small.

As described hereinabove, the inclination is arranged to drive the coupling in the direction of the axis -L2-, and the conical surface to determine the position on the axis -L2- with respect to the orthogonal direction. In this way, a position relative to the direction of the axis -L1- of the coupling and the position relative to the direction perpendicular to the axis -L1- are simultaneously determined. In addition, the coupling can transmit the rotational force safely. What's more, compared to the case where the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving part) or the rotational force transmitting surface (rotational force transmitting part) of the coupling does not have the angle of inclination as described above, The contact between the rotating force applying part of the drive shaft and the rotating force receiving part of the coupling can be stabilized. In addition, the contact stop between the drum shaft rotational force receiving part and the coupling rotational force transmitting part can be stabilized.

However, you can suppress the inclined surface (the inclined plane) to drag the coupling in the direction of the axis -L2- and the inclined surface to determine the position of the axis -L2- with respect to the orthogonal direction. For example, instead of the inclination for the drive in the direction of the axis -L2-, it is possible to add a piece to push the drum in the direction of the axis -L2-. Hereinafter, as long as it is not mentioned in particular, the inclined surface and the inclined surface are provided. Furthermore, the inclined surface and the inclined surface are also arranged in the coupling 150 described above.

With reference to Figure 31, the adjusting means for adjusting the direction of inclination relative to the coupling cartridge will be described. Figure 31 (a) is a side view showing the most important part of the drive side of the processing cartridge, and Figure 31 (b) is a sectional view taken along -S7-S7- in figure 31 (a).

In this embodiment, the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 of the main assembly of the apparatus can be more securely coupled by providing the adjustment means.

In this embodiment, as regulation means, the regulation parts -1557h1- or -1557h2- are arranged in the drum support element -1557-. The coupling 150 can be regulated in the oscillation directions relative to the cartridge B by these regulating means. The structure is such that in the immediately preceding moment, the coupling -150- is coupled with the drive shaft -180-, this regulating part -1557h1- or -1557h2- being parallel to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge -B-. Furthermore, the interval -D6- is slightly larger than the outer diameter -D7- of the driving part -150b- of the coupling -150-. By doing this, the coupling -150- can only pivot in the direction -X4- of mounting the cartridge -B-. Furthermore, the coupling 150 may be inclined in any direction relative to the axis 153 of the drum. Therefore, regardless of the angle of the axis -153- of the drum, the coupling -150- can be inclined in the regulated direction. Consequently, the opening 150m of the coupling 150 can receive the drive shaft 180 more safely. In this way, the coupling -150- can be coupled more securely with the drive shaft -180-.

Referring to Fig. 32, another structure for regulating the inclination direction of the coupling will be described. Figure 32 (a) is a perspective view showing the interior of the drive side of the main assembly of the apparatus, and Figure 32 (b) is a side view of a cartridge, viewed from the top with with respect to the mounting direction -X4-.

ES 2 430 559 T3

The regulating parts -1557h1- or -1157h2- are arranged in the cartridge -B- in the description made above. In this embodiment, a part of the mounting guide -1630R1- on the drive side of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus is a regulating part -1630R1a- in the form of a rib. The regulation part -1630R1a- is the regulation means to regulate the oscillation directions of the coupling -150-. Likewise, the structure is such that when the user introduces the cartridge -B-, the outer periphery of a connection part -150c of the coupling -150- is in contact with the upper surface -1630R1a-1- of the regulation part -1630R1a. -. In this way, the coupling 150 is guided by the upper surface 1630R1a-1-. For this reason, the inclination direction of the coupling -150- is regulated. Furthermore, similarly to the embodiment described above, regardless of the angle of the axis -153- of the drum, the coupling -50- is inclined in the direction in which it is regulated.

The regulating part -1630R1a- is arranged below the coupling -150- in the example shown in figure 32 (a). However, similarly to the regulating part -1557h2- shown in Fig. 31, a more secure regulation can be achieved when the regulating part is added to the upper side.

As described above, it can be combined with the structure in which the regulating part is arranged in the cartridge -B-. In this case, a more secure regulation can be achieved.

However, in this embodiment, by means of which, for example, the means for regulating the direction of inclination of the coupling can be eliminated, the coupling -150- is previously inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge -B- . Also, the receiving surface 150f of the drive shaft of the coupling is enlarged. In this way, the coupling between the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 150 can be established.

Furthermore, in the above description, the angle of the angular position of the pre-engagement of the coupling 150 relative to the axis -L1- of the drum is greater than the angle of the angular position of disengagement (Figures 22 and 25). However, the present invention is not limited to such an example.

The description will be made with reference to Figure 33. Figure 33 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the process for removing the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

In the process to extract the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the angle of the angular position of disengagement (in the situation of figure 33c) of the coupling -1750- relative to the axis -L1- can be equivalent to the angle of the pre-coupling angular position of the coupling -1750- in relation to the axis -L1- at the moment of coupling of the coupling -1750-. In this case, the process in which the coupling -1750- is disengaged is shown by (a), (b), (c), (d) in figure 33.

More specifically, the arrangement is such that when the upper free end part -1750A3- with respect to the dismounting direction -X6- of the coupling -1750- passes through the free end part -180b3- of the drive shaft -180- , the distance between the free end part -1750A3- and the free end part -180b3- is comparable to the distance at the moment of the pre-coupling angular position. With such an arrangement, the coupling -1750- can be disengaged from the drive shaft -180-.

The other operations at the time of disassembling the cartridge -B- are the same as the operations described above, and therefore their description is omitted.

Furthermore, in the above description, at the time of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the lower free end with respect to the mounting direction of the coupling is closer to the axis of the drum than the free end of the drive shaft -180-. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example.

The description will be made with reference to Figure 34. Figure 34 is a longitudinal sectional view to show the assembly process of the cartridge -B-. As shown in figure 34, in situation (a), the assembly process of the cartridge -B- in the direction of the axis -L1-, the position of the lower free end -1850A1- with respect to the direction mounting -X4- is closer to the direction of the pin -182- (the part of application of the rotational force) than the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft. In situation (b), the free end position -1850A1- is in contact with the free end part -180b-. At this time, the free end position -1850A1- moves towards the axis -153- of the drum along the free end part -180b-. Likewise, the free end position -1850A1- passes through the free end part -180b3- of the drive shaft -180-, in this situation, the coupling -150- adopts the pre-coupling angular position (figure 34 (c)) . And finally, the coupling is established between the coupling -1850- and the drive shaft -180- ((angular position of transmission of the rotational force), figure 34 (d)).

An example of this embodiment will be described.

ES 2 430 559 T3

First, the diameter of the shaft -153- of the drum is -0Z1-, being -0Z2- the diameter of the shaft of the pin -155- and its length -Z3- (figure 7 (a)). The maximum outer diameter of the driven part -150a- of the coupling -150- is -0Z4-, the diameter of the virtual circle -C1- that passes through the inner ends of the projections -150d1- or -150d2- or -150d3, - 150d4- is -0Z5-, and the maximum outside diameter of the drive part -150b- is -0Z6- (figure 8 (d), (f)). The angle formed between the coupling -150- and the receiving surface -150f- is -α2-, and the angle formed between the coupling -150- and the receiving surface -150i- is -α1-. The diameter of the drive shaft -180- is -0Z7-, the diameter of the pin shaft -182- is -0Z8- and its length is -Z9- (figure 17 (b)). Furthermore, the angle relative to the axis -L1- in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force is -β1-, the angle in the angular position of pre-coupling is -β2- and the angle in the angular position of uncoupling is -β3-. In this example, Z1 = 8 mm; Z2 = 2 mm; Z3 = 12 mm; Z4 = 15 mm; Z5 = 10 mm; Z6 = 19 mm; Z7 = 8 mm; Z8 = 2 mm; Z9 = 14 mm; α1 = 70 degrees; α2 = 120 degrees; β1 = 0 degrees; β2 = 35 degrees; β3 = 30 degrees.

With these provisions it has been confirmed that the coupling between the coupling 150 and the drive shaft 180 is possible. However, these provisions do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the coupling -150 can transmit the rotational force to the drum -107- with high precision. The values given above are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these values.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pin -182- (the rotational force applying part) is arranged with a margin of 5mm from the free end of the drive shaft -180-. Furthermore, the rotational force receiving surface 150e (rotational force receiving surface) located at the projection 150e is disposed within a range of 4 mm from the free end of the coupling 150. In this way, the pin -182- is arranged on the side of the free end of the drive shaft -180-, in addition, the surface -150e- receiving the rotational force is arranged on the side of the free end of the coupling - 150-.

Thus, at the time of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the drive shaft -180- and the coupling -150- can be smoothly coupled to each other. In greater detail, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e can be smoothly coupled to each other.

Furthermore, at the time of disassembling the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the drive shaft -180- and the coupling -150- can be gently disengaged from each other. More specifically, the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e can be gently disengaged from each other.

The values are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these values. However, the effects described above are further increased (d), by means of the pin -182- (part for applying the rotational force) and the surface -150e- receiving the rotational force, being arranged within these ranges. of numerical values.

As described above, in the described embodiment, the coupling element 150 can adopt the rotational force transmission angular position to transmit the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive electrophotographic drum, and the angular position of decoupling in which the coupling element 150 is inclined away from the axis of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. When the processing cartridge is disassembled from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum, the coupling member is moved from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position decoupling. When the processing cartridge is mounted on the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum, the coupling member is moved from the angular position of disengagement to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. This is applicable to the following embodiments although the following embodiment 2 is related to decoupling only.

[Embodiment 2]

Referring to Figures 35 to 40, the second embodiment to which the present invention is applicable will be described.

In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 have been assigned to the elements that have corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof has been omitted for simplicity. This also applies to the other embodiment described below.

This embodiment is effective not only in the case of assembly and disassembly of the cartridge -B- in relation to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, but also in the case of disassembling only the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. .

More specifically, when the drive shaft 180 is stopped, the drive shaft 180 is stopped at a predetermined phase by means of the control of the main assembly A of the apparatus. In other words, it stops

ES 2 430 559 T3 such that the pin -182- can remain in a predetermined position. Furthermore, it is determined that the phase of the coupling -14150- (-150-) is aligned with the phase of the drive shaft -180- stopped, for example, the position of the intermediate part -14150k- (-150k-) is determined so that it can be aligned with the stop position of the pin -182- with said arrangement, at the time of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, even if the coupling -14150- (-150- ) does not pivot, it remains in the situation of being opposite to the drive axis -180-. Likewise, the rotational force from the drive shaft -180- is transmitted to the coupling -14150- (-150-) by means of the rotation of the drive shaft -180-. In this way, the coupling -14150- (-150-) can rotate with great precision.

However, this embodiment is effective at the time of disassembling the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus by displacement in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis -L3-. This is because, even if the coupling shaft -180- stops in the predetermined phase, the pin -182- and the receiving force receiving surface -14150e1-, -14150e2- (-150e-) are are coupled relative to each other. For this reason, in order to disengage the coupling -14150- (-150-) from the drive shaft -180-, the coupling -14150- (-150-) needs to pivot.

Furthermore, in embodiment 1 described above, at the time of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus and at the time of disassembling it, the coupling -14150- (-150-) pivots. Consequently, the control of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus described above is unnecessary, and, at the time of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, it is not necessary to determine the phase of the coupling -14150 (- 150-) according to the stationary drive shaft phase 180- in advance.

The description will be made with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view showing the phase control means for the drive shaft, the drive gear and the drive shaft of the main assembly of the apparatus. Figure 36 is a perspective view and a top plan view of the coupling. Fig. 37 is a perspective view showing the cartridge mounting operation. Figure 38 is a top plan view, viewed from the mounting direction at the time of cartridge mounting. Figure 39 is a perspective view showing the stop situation of the drive of the cartridge (the photosensitive drum). Figure 40 is a longitudinal sectional view and a perspective view showing the cartridge removal operation.

In this embodiment, the description will be made of the cartridge removably mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus provided with the control means (not shown) that can control the phase of the stop position of the pin -182-. The end side (not shown side of the photosensitive drum 107) of the drive shaft 180 is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 35 (a), and therefore the description is omitted. On the other hand, as shown in figure 35 (b), the other end side (the opposite side of the photosensitive drum -107-) is provided with an indicator -14195- protruding from the outer periphery of the drive shaft - 180-. Likewise, the indicator -14195- passes through the photo switch -14196-, fixed to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, by means of its rotation. Likewise, control means (not shown) carry out the control, such that after the rotation of the drive shaft -180- (for example, the rotation for the formation of the image), when the indicator -14195- interrupts for the first time the photo switch -14196-, for the motor -186-. In this way, the pin -182- stops at a predetermined position, relative to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft -180-. As for the motor -186-, in the case of this embodiment, a stepper motor is desirable with which the control of the positioning is easy.

Referring to Fig. 36, the coupling used in this embodiment will be described.

The coupling -14150- mainly comprises three parts. As shown in figure 36 (c), they are a driven part -14150a- to receive the rotational force of the drive shaft -180-, a drive part -14150b- to transmit the rotational force to the shaft -153 - of the drum and a connection part -14150c- that connects the driven part -14150a- and the driving part -14150b- to each other.

The driven part -14150a- has an introduction part -14150m- of the drive shaft, constituted by 2 surfaces that extend in a direction away from the shaft -L2-. Furthermore, the driving part -14150b has an introduction part -14150v- of the drum shaft constituted in the two surfaces extending away from the shaft -L2-.

The introduction part -14150m- has inclined receiving surfaces -14150f1- or -14150f2- receiving the drive shaft. Also, each end surface is provided with a projection -14150d1- or -14150d2-. The projections -14150d1- or -14150d2- are arranged in a circumference around the axis -L2- of the coupling -14150-. The reception surfaces -14150f1-, -14150f2- constitute a recess -14150z-, as shown in the figure. Furthermore, as shown in figure 36 (d), the lower part of the projection -14150d1-, -14150d2 with respect to the clockwise direction, is provided with a force-receiving surface rotation -14150e- (-14150e1-, -14150e2-) (receiving part of the rotation force). A pin -182 (rotational force application part) abuts against this receiving surface -14150e1-, -14150e2-.

ES 2 430 559 T3

In this way, the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling -14150-. The interval -W- between the adjacent projections -14150d1-, -d2- is greater than the outer diameter of the pin -182-, in order to allow the entry of the pin -182-. This interval is the intermediate parts -14150k-.

Furthermore, the introduction part -14510v- is constituted by the two surfaces -14150Í1-, -14150Í2-. Likewise, on these surfaces -14150Í1-, -14150Í2- the intermediate openings -14150g1- or -14150g2- are arranged (Figures 36a, 36e). Furthermore, in Fig. 36 (e), at the top of the apertures -14150g1- or -14150g2-, with respect to the clockwise direction, a transmission surface -14150h ( -14150h1- or -14150h2-) of the rotation force (transmission part of the rotation force). Also, as described above, the pin -155a- (part for receiving the rotational force) is in contact with the transmission surfaces -14150h1- or -14150h2- of the rotational force. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum -107- from the coupling -14150-.

With the form of the coupling 1415, the coupling is on top of the free end of the drive shaft in the situation where the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.

Also, with a structure similar to that described in the first embodiment, the coupling -14150- can be inclined in any direction in relation to the axis -153- of the drum.

Referring to Fig. 37 and Fig. 38, the mounting operation of the coupling will be described. Fig. 37 (a) is a perspective view showing the situation before mounting the coupling. Fig. 37 (b) is a perspective view showing the situation where the coupling is engaged. Figure 38 (a) is a top plan view thereof, viewed from the mounting direction. Figure 38 (b) is a top plan view thereof, viewed from the top in relation to the mounting direction.

The axis -L3- of the pin -182- (rotational force application part) is parallel to the mounting direction -X4 by means of the control means described above. Furthermore, regarding the cartridge, the phase is aligned in such a way that the receiving surfaces -14150f1- and -14150f2- are opposite each other in the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction -X4-, (figure 37 (a)) . In the case of a phase alignment structure, either side of the receiving surfaces -14150f1- or -14150f2- is aligned with a mark -14157z- arranged on the support element -14157-, as shown, for example, in the figure. This is done before the cartridge is shipped from the factory. However, the user can do so, before mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly of the apparatus. In addition, other means of phase adjustment can be used. By doing this, the coupling -14150- and the drive shaft -180- (the pin -182-) do not interfere with each other with respect to the mounting direction, as shown in figure 38 (a) in the relation positional. Consequently, the coupling -14150- and the drive shaft -180- can be coupled without problems (figure 37 (b)). Likewise, the drive shaft -180- rotates in the direction -X8-, such that the pin -182- is in contact with the receiving surface -14150e1-, -14150e2-. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum -107-.

With reference to figure 39 and figure 40, the description will be made regarding the operation in which the coupling -14150- is disengaged from the drive shaft -180- in relation to the operation to extract the cartridge - B- of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. The phase of the pin 182 relative to the drive shaft 180 is stopped at the predetermined position by the control means. As described above, when considering the ease of assembly of the cartridge -B-, it is desirable that the pin -182- stops with the phase parallel to the direction -X6- of removal of the cartridge (Figure 39b). Figure 40 shows the operation at the moment of extracting the cartridge -B-. In this situation, (figure 40 (a1) and (b1)), the coupling -14150- adopts the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, and the axis -L2- and the axis -L1- are substantially coaxial with each other. . At this time, similarly to the case of the cartridge assembly -B-, the coupling -14150- can be tilted in any direction in relation to the axis -153- of the drum (figure 40 (a1), figure 40 (b1) ). Accordingly, the shaft -L2- is inclined in the opposite direction to the removal direction relative to the shaft -L1- in relation to the removal operation of the cartridge -B-. More specifically, the cartridge -B- is disassembled in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis -L3- (the direction of the arrow -X6-). Also, in the process of removing the cartridge, the shaft -L2- is inclined until the free end -14150A3- of the coupling -14150 comes to be along the free end -180b- of the drive shaft -180- (the position decoupling angle). Or, it is inclined until the axis -L2- reaches the side of the axis -153- of the drum with respect to the free end portion -180b3- (figure 40 (a2), (figure 40 (b2)). In this situation, the coupling -14150- passes close to the free end portion -180b3-. In this way, the coupling -14150- is dismounted from the drive shaft -180-.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 39 (a), the axis of the pin -182- can be stopped in the position perpendicular to the direction -X6- of removal of the cartridge. Usually, the pin 182 is stopped in the position shown in Fig. 39 (b) by control of the control means. However, the voltage source of the device (the printer) can be disconnected and the control means cannot act. In such a case, the pin 182 can be stopped in the position shown in FIG. 39 (a). However, even in such a case, the axis -L2- is inclined relative to the axis -L1- similarly to the case described above, and the extraction operation is possible. When the device is in the stop position of the drive, the pin -182- is down, beyond the protrusion -14150d2- with respect to the dismounting direction -X6-. Therefore, the extreme

ES 2 430 559 T3 free -14150A3- of the projection -14150d1- of the coupling passes through the side of the shaft -153- of the drum, past the pin -182- by tilting the shaft -L2-. In this way, the coupling -14150- is dismounted from the drive shaft -180-.

As previously described in this specification, even in the case where the coupling -14150- is coupled relative to the drive shaft -180- by a certain method on the occasion of the cartridge mounting -B-, the shaft -L2 - it is inclined in relation to the axis -L1- in the case of the disassembly operation. Thus, the coupling -14150- can be disassembled from the drive shaft -180- only by said disassembly operation.

As previously described in this specification, according to embodiment 2, this embodiment is effective even in the case of disassembling the cartridge from the main assembly of the apparatus, in addition to the case of assembling and disassembling the cartridge -B- relative to the main assembly. -A- of the device.

[Embodiment 3]

Referring to Figures 41 to 45, a third embodiment will be described.

Fig. 41 is a sectional view showing a situation in which the door of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus is open. Fig. 42 is a perspective view showing a mounting guide. Figure 43 is the enlarged view of the drive-side surface of the cartridge. Figure 44 is a perspective view viewed from the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 45 shows a view illustrating the insertion situation of the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus.

In this embodiment, for example, as in the case of the wrap-around type imaging device, the cartridge is mounted downward. A typical envelope-type imaging apparatus is shown in Fig. 41. The main assembly -A2- of the apparatus comprises a lower housing -D2- and an upper housing -E2-. Likewise, the upper casing -E2- is provided with a door -2109- and an interior device -2101- to expose the door -2109-. Consequently, when the upper housing -E2- is opened upwards, the device -2101- to expose the door, retracts. Also, the top of portion 2130a of the cartridge assembly is opened. When the user mounts the cartridge -B2- on a portion -2130a-, the user drops the cartridge -B2- on -X4B- downward. The assembly is completed in this way, and consequently the assembly of the cartridge is easy. Furthermore, the jam removal operation of the adjacent fixing device 105 can be performed from the top of the device. Consequently, it is very easy to clear jams. In this case, jam clearance is the operation to remove a media -102- jammed during feeding.

More specifically, the part of the cartridge assembly -B2- will be described. As shown in Fig. 42, the imaging device -A2- is provided with a mounting guide -2130R- on the drive side, and is provided with a mounting guide not shown on the opposite non-drive side. to it, as a mounting medium -2130-. The part -2130a- of the set is formed as the space surrounded by the guides to be opposed. The rotational force is transmitted to the coupling -150- of the cartridge -B2- arranged in this part -2130a of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

The mounting guide -2130R- is provided with a slot -2130b- which extends substantially in a perpendicular direction. Furthermore, a stop part 2130Ra for determining the cartridge B2 in the predetermined position is arranged in the lower part thereof. In addition, a drive shaft -180- protrudes from the slot -2130b-. In the situation where the cartridge -B2- is located in the predetermined position, the drive shaft -180- transmits the rotational force to the coupling -150- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. In order to place the cartridge -B2- in the predetermined position safely, a bias spring -2188R- is arranged in the lower part of the mounting guide -2130R-. By means of the structure described above, the cartridge -B2- is located in the part -2130a- of the assembly.

As shown in figure 43 and figure 44, the cartridge -B2- is provided with the side mounting guides -2140R1- and -2140R2- of the cartridge. The orientation of the cartridge -B2- is stabilized by this guide at the time of assembly. Also, the mounting guide -2140R1- is integrally formed in the support member -2157- of the drum. Furthermore, the mounting guide -2140R2- is arranged substantially above the mounting guide -2140R1-. Likewise, the guide -2140R2- is arranged in the second frame -2118- and has the shape of a rib.

The mounting guides -2140R1-, - 2140R2- of the cartridge - B2- and the mounting guide - 2130R- of the main assembly -A2- of the apparatus have the structures described above. More specifically, they are the same as those of the guide structure which has been described in relation to Figures 2 and 3. Furthermore, the guide structure at the other end is also the same. Consequently, the cartridge -B2- is mounted while moving the main assembly -A2- of the apparatus in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis -L3- of the drive shaft -180- and, furthermore, it is disassembled from the main assembly. -A2- of the apparatus, in a similar way.

ES 2 430 559 T3

As shown in figure 45, when assembling the cartridge -B2-, the upper casing -E2 rotates clockwise around an axis -2109a- and the user carries the cartridge -B2- to the upper part of the lower housing -D2-. At this moment, the coupling 150 is tilted down by its weight, figure 43. In other words, the axis -L2- of the coupling is inclined relative to the axis -L1- of the drum, in such a way that the driven part -150a- of the coupling -150- can be located downwards in the pre-angular position. -coupling.

Furthermore, as described with respect to Embodiment 1, Figures 9 and 12, it is desirable to arrange the semicircular retaining rib -2157e-, Figure 43. In this embodiment, the mounting direction of the cartridge -B2- is downward. . Consequently, the rib -2157e- is arranged in the lowest part. In this way, as described with respect to Embodiment 1, the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- can pivot relative to each other, and retention of the coupling 150 is achieved. The retaining rib prevents the coupling 150 from separating from the cartridge B2. When the coupling -150- is mounted on the photosensitive drum -107-, it prevents the separation of the photosensitive drum -107k-.

In this situation, as shown in figure 45, the user lowers the cartridge -B2- downwards, aligning the mounting guides -2140R1-, -2140R2- of the cartridge -B2- with the mounting guides -2130R- of the main assembly -A2- of the apparatus. The cartridge -B2- can be mounted in the part -2130a- of the main assembly -A2- of the apparatus only by this operation. In this assembly process, similarly to Embodiment 1, figure 22, the coupling -150- can be coupled with the drive shaft -180- of the main assembly of the apparatus (in this situation, the coupling adopts the angular position of transmission of rotational force). More specifically, by moving the cartridge -B2- in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis -L3- of the drive shaft -180-, the coupling is coupled to the drive shaft -180-. Furthermore, at the time of disassembling the cartridge, similarly to Embodiment 1, the coupling -150- can only be disengaged from the drive shaft -180- by the operation of dismounting the cartridge (the coupling is moved to the angular position decoupling from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, figure 25). More specifically, by moving the cartridge -B2- in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis -L3- of the drive shaft -180-, the coupling is disengaged from the drive shaft -180-.

As described hereinabove, since the coupling slopes downward due to weight when the cartridge is mounted downstream in the main assembly of the apparatus, it can be coupled with the drive shaft of the main assembly of the apparatus with security.

In this embodiment, the envelope-type imaging device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the present invention can be applied if the mounting direction of the cartridge is downward. Furthermore, the mounting path thereof is not limited to being straight downward. For example, it may be tilted downward in the initial stage of cartridge mounting and may ultimately be downward. The present invention is effective if the mounting path immediately before reaching the predetermined position (the part of the cartridge assembly) is downward.

[Embodiment 4]

Referring to Figures 46 to 49, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, the means for maintaining the axis -L2- in a tilted position relative to the axis -L1- will be described.

Only the item that relates to the description of this part of the present invention is shown in the drawing, and the other items have been omitted. Also, it is similar to the other embodiments as will be described later.

Fig. 46 is a perspective view showing a coupling locking member (this is specific to the present invention) attached to the drum support member. Figure 47 is an exploded perspective view showing the drum support member, coupling, and drum shaft. Figure 48 is an enlarged perspective view of a significant portion of the drive side of the cartridge. Fig. 49 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing the coupling situation between the drive shaft and the coupling.

As shown in FIG. 46, the drum support member -3157- has a space -3157b- surrounding a portion of the coupling. A locking element -3159- of the coupling as a maintenance element to maintain the inclination of the coupling -3150- is attached to the surface of a cylinder -3157- that constitutes the space of the same. As will be described later, this locking element -3159- is an element for temporarily maintaining the situation in which the axis -L2- is tilted relative to the axis -L1-. In other words, as shown in figure 48, the part -3150j- of the coupling cap -3150- is in contact with this

ES 2 430 559 T3 locking element -3159-. In this way, the axis -L2- maintains the situation of tilting downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge in relation to the axis -L1- (figure 49 (a1)). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 46, the locking element -3159- is arranged on the upstream cylindrical surface -3157i- of the support element -3157- with respect to the mounting direction -X4-. Like the material of the locking element -3159-, material having a relatively high coefficient of friction such as rubber and elastomer, or elastic materials such as sponge and flat springs, are suitable. This is because the inclination of the axis -L2- can be maintained by means of friction force, elastic force and others. Additionally, similarly to Embodiment 1 (shown in Figure 31), the support element -3157- is provided with the tilt direction-adjusting rib -3157h-. The direction of inclination of the coupling -3150- can be determined with certainty by means of this rib -3157h-. Furthermore, the cap part -3150j- and the locking element -3159- can be in contact relative to each other more securely. Referring to FIG. 47, the mounting method of the coupling 3150 will be described. As shown in figure 47, the pin -155- (part for receiving the rotational force) enters the interspace -3150g- of the coupling -3150-. In addition, a part of the coupling -3150- is inserted in the part -3157b of the space that has the support element -3157- of the drum. At this time, a distance -D12- is preferably determined between an inner end surface of the rib -3157e- and the locking element -3159-, such that it is greater than the maximum outer diameter -0D10- of the driven part - 3150a-. Furthermore, the distance -D12- is determined such that it is less than the maximum outside diameter ^ D11- of the driving part -3150b-. In this way, the support element -3157- can be mounted directly. Accordingly, the suitability of the mounting is improved. However, the present invention is not limited to this relationship.

Referring to FIG. 49, the coupling operation (a part of the cartridge mounting operation) for coupling the coupling 3150 with the drive shaft 180 will be described. Figures 49 (a1) and (b1) show the situation immediately before coupling, and Figures 49 (a2) and (b2) show the situation at the end of the coupling.

As shown in figure 49 (a1) and figure 49 (b1), the axis -L2- of the coupling -3150- is previously inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- in relation to the axis -L1- by means of the force of the locking element -3159- (angular position of pre-engagement). By this inclination of the coupling -3150-, in the direction of the axis -L1-, the free end part below -3150A1- (with respect to the mounting direction), is closer to the side of the direction of the photosensitive drum -107 - that the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft. Likewise, the free end part above -3150A2- (with respect to the mounting direction), is closer to the pin -182- than the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft -180- also, at this time, As described above, the part -3150j- of the cap is in contact with the locking element -3159-. Likewise, the inclined situation of the axis -L2- is maintained by the friction force thereof.

The cartridge -B- is then moved to the mounting direction -X4-. In this way, the free end surface -180b- or the free end of the pin -182- is in contact with the receiving surface -3150f- of the drive shaft of the coupling -3150-. Likewise, the axis -L2- approaches the direction in parallel with the axis -L1 by means of its contact force (cartridge mounting force). At this time, the cap part -3150j- moves away from the locking element -3159- and enters the non-contact situation. And finally, the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- are substantially coaxial with each other. Likewise, the coupling -3150- is in a waiting (reserve) situation for the transmission of the rotational force (figure 49 (a2), (b2)), (angular position for the transmission of the rotational force).

Similar to Embodiment 1, from the motor -186- the rotational force is transmitted through the drive shaft -180- to the coupling -3150-, to the pin -155- (part for receiving the rotational force) , to the axis -153- of the drum and to the photosensitive drum -107-. The axis -L2- is substantially coaxial with the axis -L1- at the moment of rotation. Consequently, the locking element -3159- is not in contact with the coupling -3150-. Consequently, the locking element -3159- does not affect the rotation of the coupling -3150-.

Furthermore, the operations follow similar steps to Embodiment 1 in the process in which the cartridge -B- is extracted from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus (figure 25). In other words, the free end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180 pushes the receiving surface 3150f of the drive shaft of the coupling 3150. In this way, the axis -L2- is inclined relative to the axis -L1-, and the part -3150j- of the cap is brought into contact with the locking element -3159-. In this way, the inclination situation of the coupling -3150- is maintained again. In other words, the coupling 3150 is moved to the pre-coupling angular position from the rotational force transmission angular position.

As previously described in this specification, the inclination situation of the axis -L2- is maintained by the locking element -3159- (maintenance element). In this way, the coupling -3150- can be coupled more securely with the drive shaft -180-.

ES 2 430 559 T3

In this embodiment, the locking element -3159- is attached to the uppermost part, most posterior, with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge of the inner surface -3157- of the support element -3157-. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the axis -L2- is tilted, any position that can maintain the tilting situation of the axis can be used.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking element -3159- is in contact with the part -3150j- of the cap arranged on the side of the actuating part -3150b- (figure 49 (b1)). However, the contact position may be the driven part 3150a.

Furthermore, the locking element -3159- used in this embodiment is a separate element within the support element -3157-. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the locking element -3159- can be molded integrally with the support element -3157- (for example with two-color molding). Or, the support element -3157- can be in direct contact with the coupling -3150- instead of the locking element -3159-. Or, the surface of it can be rough in order to increase the coefficient of friction.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking element -3159- is attached to the support element -3157-. However, if the locking element -3159- is the element fixed to the cartridge -B-, it can be attached in any position.

[Embodiment 5]

Referring to Figures 50 to 53, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the present embodiment, other means for maintaining the inclination situation of the axis -L2- relative to the axis -L1- will be described.

Figure 50 is a disassembled perspective view of the coupling thrust member (specific to the present invention) mounted on the drum support member. Figure 51 is an exploded perspective view showing the drum support member, coupling, and drum shaft. Figure 52 is an enlarged perspective view of a significant portion of the drive side of the cartridge. Fig. 53 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive shaft and the mounting situation with the coupling.

As shown in Figure 50, a retaining hole -4157j- is provided in the retaining rib -4157e of the drum support member -4157-. Coupling pushing elements -4159a-, -4159b- are mounted to maintain the inclination of the coupling -4150- in the retention hole -4157j- thereof. The thrust elements -4159a-, -4159b- push the coupling -4150- in such a way that the shaft -L2- tilts downwards with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge -B2- in relation to the shaft - L1-. Each thrust element -4159a-, -4159b- is a compression coil spring (elastic material). As shown in figure 51, the pushing elements -4159a-, -4159b- push the part -4150j- of the coupling cap -4150- towards the shaft -L1- (arrow -X13- in figure 51). The contact position in which the thrust elements are in contact with the part -4150j- of the cap is the lower part of the center of the axis -153- of the drum with respect to the direction -X4- of mounting the cartridge. Consequently, as in the case of the axis -L2-, the side -4150a- of the driven part is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge relative to the axis -L1- by means of the elastic force through the thrust element -4159a-, -4159b- (figure 52).

Furthermore, as shown in figure 50, the side of the free end of the coupling of each thrust element -4159a-, -4159b- which is the spiral spring, is provided with a contact element -4160a-, -4160b- . The contact element -4160a-, -4160b- is in contact with the part -1450j- of the cap. Accordingly, the material of the contact element -4160a-, -4160b-, is preferably a material with a high sliding capacity. Furthermore, by using said material, as will be described later, at the moment of transmission of the rotational force, the influence on the rotation of the coupling -4150 of a thrust force by means of the thrust element -4159a decreases -, -4159b-. However, if the load relative to rotation is small enough, and the coupling rotates satisfactorily, the contact elements 4160a, 4160b are not unavoidable.

In the present embodiment, two push elements are provided. However, if the axis -L2- can be inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge relative to the axis -L1-, the number of thrust elements can be any. For example, in the case of using a single pusher element, as in the case of the activation position, the lowest rear position with respect to the cartridge mounting direction -X4- is desirable. In this way, the coupling 4150 can be stably inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the biasing element is a compression coil spring. However, as a thrust element it can be any, if it can produce an elastic force as in the case of flat spring, torsion spring, rubber, sponge and others. However, in order to tilt the axis -L2-, it is required

ES 2 430 559 T3 a certain magnitude of the run. Therefore, as with the coil spring, etc., it is desirable that the stroke can be provided.

Referring to figure 51, the description of the coupling mounting method -4150- will be made.

As shown in figure 51, the pin -155- enters the interspace -4150g- of the coupling -4150-. Likewise, a part of the coupling -4150- is introduced into the space -4157b- of the drum support element -4157-. At this time, as previously described in this specification, the pushing elements -4159a-, -4159b- push the part -4157j- of the cap towards the predetermined position through the contact element -4160a-, -4160b- . The screw (-4158a- of figure 52, -4158b-) is screwed into the hole -4157g1- or -4157g2- arranged in the support element -4157-, by means of which the support element -4157- is fixed to the second frame -118-. In this way, the pushing force to the coupling -4150- can be ensured by the pushing element -4159a-, -4159b-. Likewise, the axis -L2- is inclined relative to the axis -L1- (figure 52).

Referring to Fig. 53, the mounting operation of the coupling 4150 with the drive shaft 180 (a part of the cartridge mounting operation) will be described. Figure 53 (a1) and (b1) show the situation immediately before assembly, Figure 53 (a2) and (b2) show the situation at the end of assembly, and Figure 53 (c) shows the intermediate situation.

In figure 53 (a1) and (b1), the axis -L2- of the coupling -4150- is previously inclined towards the mounting direction -X4- relative to the axis -L1- (angular position of pre-coupling). By tilting the coupling -4150-, the free end position down -4150A1- with respect to the direction of the axis -L1- is closer to the photosensitive drum -107- than the free end -180b3-. Furthermore, the free end position -4150A2- is closer to the pin -182- than the free end -180b3-. In other words, as described hereinabove, the portion 4150j of the coupling cap 4150 is pushed by means of the pusher element -4159. Consequently, the axis -L2- is inclined relative to the axis -L1- by the force of inclination thereof.

Then, by moving the cartridge -B- in the mounting direction -X4-, the free end surface -180b- or the free end (the mating part of the main assembly side) of the pin -182- (part of application of the rotational force) is brought into contact with the receiving surface -4150f- of the drive shaft, or with the projection -4150d- of the coupling -4150- (the contact part on the side of the cartridge). Figure 53 (c1) shows the situation in which the pin -182- is in contact with the receiving surface -4150f-. Likewise, the axis -L2- approaches the direction in parallel with the axis -L1- by means of the contact force (cartridge mounting force). Simultaneously, the thrust part -4150j1- pushed by the elastic force of the spring -4159- arranged in the part -4150j- of the cap moves in the compression direction of the spring -4159-. And finally, the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- are coaxial. Likewise, the coupling -4150- adopts the intermediate position to effect the transmission of the rotational force (angular position of transmission of the rotational force (Figures 53 (a2, b2)).

Similar to Embodiment 1, the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling -4150-, to the pin -155-, to the shaft -153- of the drum, and to the photosensitive drum -107- through the drive shaft -180- from the engine -186-. The thrust force of the thrust element -4159- acts on the coupling -4150- at the moment of rotation. However, as previously described herein, the biasing force of the thrust element -4159- acts on the coupling -4150- through the contact element -4160-. Consequently, the coupling 4150 can rotate without a high load. Furthermore, the contact element -4160- may not exist if the driving torque of the motor -186- is high enough. In this case, even if the contact element 4160 does not exist, the coupling 4150 can transmit the rotational force with high precision.

Furthermore, in the process in which the cartridge -B- is disassembled from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the step opposite to the assembly step is followed. In other words, the coupling -4150- is normally pushed down with respect to the mounting direction -X4- by means of the pusher element -4159-.

Consequently, in the process of dismounting the cartridge -B-, the receiving surface -4150f- is in contact with the free end portion -182A- of the pin -182- on the side upstream with respect to the mounting direction. -X4- (figure 53 (c1)). Furthermore, a gap -n50- is necessarily arranged between the free end -180b- of the transmission surface -4150f- and the drive shaft -180- in a downward direction with respect to the mounting direction -X4-. In the embodiments described above, in the cartridge disassembly process, the receiving surface -150f- or the protrusion -150d- in a downward direction with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the coupling, have been described as being in contact , at least, with the part -180b- of the free end of the drive shaft -180- (for example, figure 25). However, as in the present embodiment, the receiving surface -150f- or the protrusion -4150d- in the downward direction with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the coupling are not in contact with the free end portion -180b- of the drive shaft -180-, but corresponding to the removal operation of the cartridge -B-, the coupling -4150- can be separated from the drive shaft -180-. Also, even after the coupling -4150- is separated from the drive shaft -180- by means of the biasing force of the thrust element -4159-, the shaft -L2- is tilted downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- relative to the axis -L1- (decoupling angular position).

ES 2 430 559 T3

More specifically, in this embodiment, the angle of the pre-engagement angular position and the angle of the disengagement angular position relative to the axis -L1- are equivalent relative to each other. This is because the coupling -4150- is pushed by the elastic force of the spring.

Furthermore, the thrust element -4159- has the function of inclining the shaft -L2-, and additionally it has the function of regulating the inclination direction of the coupling -4150-. More specifically, the pushing element -4159 also functions as a regulating means to regulate the direction of inclination of the coupling -4150-.

As previously described in this specification, the coupling -4150- is pushed by the elastic force of the push element -4159- arranged in the support element -4157-. In this way, the axis -L2- is inclined in relation to the axis -L1-. Accordingly, the inclination situation of the coupling 4150 is maintained. Consequently, the coupling 4150 can be safely coupled with the drive shaft 180.

The thrust element -4159- described in this embodiment is arranged on the rib -4157e- of the support element -4157-. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, it can be another part of the support element -4157- and it can be any element fixed to the cartridge -B- (other than the support element).

Also, in this embodiment, the thrust direction of the thrust member -4159- is the direction of the axis -L1-. However, the thrust direction can be any direction if the axis -L2- is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge -B-.

Furthermore, in order to tilt the coupling -4150- more safely downwards with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge -B-, a regulating part can be provided to regulate the inclination direction of the coupling on the processing cartridge. (figure 31).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the activation position of the thrust element -4159- is in the part -4150j- of the cap. However, the position of the coupling can be any if the axis -L2- is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge.

Furthermore, the present invention can be practiced in combination with Embodiment 4. In this case, the mounting and dismounting operation of the coupling can be further ensured.

[Embodiment 6]

Referring to Figures 54 to 58, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, another means for maintaining the situation where the axis -L1- is inclined relative to the axis -L2- will be described.

Figure 54 is an exploded perspective view of the processing cartridge of this embodiment. Fig. 55 is an enlarged side view of the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 56 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the axis of the drum, the coupling, and the support element. Fig. 57 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the coupling mounting operation in relation to the drive shaft. Fig. 58 is a sectional view showing a modified example of a coupling locking element.

As shown in Figure 54 and Figure 56, the drum support element -5157- is provided with a coupling locking element -5157k-. At the time of mounting the support element -5157- in the direction of the axis -L1-, a part of a locking surface -5157k1- of the locking element -5157k- engages with the upper surface -5150j1- of a part -5150j- of the bonnet, while it is in contact with the inclined surface -5150m- of the coupling -5150-. At this time, the part -5150j- of the cap is supported with play (angle -α49-), in the direction of rotation between the blocking surface -5157k1- of the blocking part -5157k-, and the part -153a- of the circular column of the shaft -153- of the drum. The following effects are achieved by setting this set (angle -α49-). More specifically, even if the dimensions of the coupling -5150-, the support element -5157-, and the shaft -153- of the drum vary within the limits of the tolerance thereof, an upper surface -5150j1- can be blocked with security on a locking face -5157k1-.

Also, as shown in figure 56 (a), regarding the axis -L2-, the side -5150a- of the driven part relative to the axis -L1- is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4 - from the cartridge. Furthermore, since the part -5150j- of the cap exists on the entire circumference, it can be maintained regardless of the angle of the coupling -5150-. Furthermore, as described with respect to Embodiment 1, the coupling -5150- may be inclined only in the mounting direction -X4- by the regulating part -5157h1- or -5157h2- (figure 55) as a means of regulation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coupling locking element -5157k- is arranged on the lower side with respect to the mounting direction -X4 of the cartridge.

ES 2 430 559 T3

As will be described later, in the situation where the coupling -5150- engages the drive shaft -180-, the part -5150j- of the cap is released from the locking element -5157k-, as shown in Figure 56 (b). Also, the coupling -5150- is released from the locking element -5157k-. When the inclination situation of the coupling -5150- cannot be maintained in the case of mounting the support element -5157-, the driven part -5150a- of the coupling is pushed by a tool and others (figure 56 (b), arrow -X14-). By doing this, the coupling -5150- can easily be returned to the state in which it is held inclined (Fig. 56 (a)).

Furthermore, the rib -5157m- is arranged in order to protect the user from touching the coupling easily. The rib -5157m- is arranged at substantially the same height as the free end position in the coupling inclination situation (figure 56 (a)). Referring to FIG. 57, the operation for coupling the coupling 5150 with the drive shaft 180 (part of the cartridge mounting operation) will be described. In figure 57, (a) shows the situation of the coupling immediately before coupling, (b) shows the situation after a part of the coupling -5150- passes through the drive shaft -180-, (c) shows the situation in that the inclination of the coupling -5150- is released by means of the drive shaft -180-, and (d) shows the coupling situation.

In situations (a) and (b), the axis -L2- of the coupling -5150- is previously inclined towards the mounting direction -X4- relative to the axis -L1- (angular position of pre-coupling). By tilting the coupling -5150-, the free end position -5150A1- is closer to the photosensitive drum than the free end -180b3- in the direction of the axis -L1-. Furthermore, the free end position -5150A2- is closer to the pin -182- than the free end -180b3-. Furthermore, as described hereinabove, at this time, the portion -5150j- of the cap is in contact with the locking surface -5157k1-, and the inclination situation of the coupling -5150- is maintained.

Then, as shown in (c), the receiving surface -5150f- or the projection -5150d- is in contact with the free end portion -180b- or with the pin -182- by displacing the cartridge -B - in the mounting direction -X4-. The part -5150j - of the cap is separated from the locking surface -5157k1- by the contact force thereof. Likewise, the lock relative to the support element -5157- of the coupling -5150- is released. Also, in response to the cartridge mounting operation, the coupling is tilted such that the axis -L2- thereof becomes substantially coaxial with the axis -L1-. After passing the part -5150j- of the cap, the locking element -5157k- returns to the previous position by the restoring force. At this time, the coupling -5150- is released from the locking element -5157k-. And finally, as shown in (d), the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- become substantially coaxial and the intermediate rotation situation (angular position of transmission of the rotational force) is established.

Furthermore, the stage similar to Embodiment 1 continues in the process in which the cartridge -B- is disassembled from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus (figure 25). More specifically, the coupling -5150- is modified in the order of (d), (c), (b), and (a) by moving in the removal direction -X6- of the cartridge. First, the free end portion 180b pushes the receiving surface 5150f (the side contact portion of the cartridge). In this way, the axis -L2- is inclined relative to the axis -L1-, and the lower surface -5150j2- of the cap part begins to make contact with the inclined surface -5157k2- of the locking element -5157k-. Likewise, an elastic part -5157k3- of the locking element -5157k- bends, and the free end -5157k4- of the locking surface moves away from the location of the inclination of the part -5150j- of the cap (figure 57 (c )). In addition, the cap portion -5150j- and the locking surface -5157k1- come into contact relative to each other when the cartridge is advanced in the removal direction -X6-. In this way, the angle of inclination of the coupling -5150- is maintained (Figure 57 (b)). More specifically, the coupling -5150- rotates (pivots) from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position of disengagement.

As previously described herein, the angular position of the coupling -5150- is maintained by the locking element -5157k-. In this way, the angle of inclination of the coupling is maintained. Consequently, the coupling -5150- can be safely coupled with the drive shaft -180-. Furthermore, at the moment of rotation, the locking element -5157k- is not in contact with the coupling -5150-. Accordingly, stabilized rotation can be achieved by coupling -5150-.

The displacement of the coupling shown in Figures 56, 57- and 58 may include a twisting movement ("whirling").

In this embodiment, the locking element -5157k- is provided with an elastic part. However, it may be that the rib does not have the elastic part. More specifically, the magnitude of the coupling between the locking element -5157k- and the part -5150j- of the cap, decreases. In this way, a similar effect can be achieved by causing the cap portion 5150j to deform slightly (Fig. 58 (a)).

ES 2 430 559 T3

Furthermore, the locking element -5157k- is arranged on the lower back side with respect to the mounting direction -X4-. However, if the inclination towards the predetermined direction of the axis -L2- can be maintained, the position of the locking element -5157k- can be any.

Figure 58 (b) and (c) shows the example in which the coupling locking part -5357k- (figure 58 (b)) and -5457k- (figure 58 (c)) are arranged at the top with respect to the mounting direction -X4-.

Furthermore, the locking element -5157k- is constituted by a part of the support element -5157- in the embodiment described above. However, if it is fixed to the cartridge -B-, the locking element -5157k- can be constituted as a part of the element other than the support element. Furthermore, the locking element can be a separate element.

Furthermore, the present embodiment can be implemented with Embodiment 4 or Embodiment 5. In this case, the assembly and disassembly operation is achieved with a more secure coupling.

[Embodiment 7]

Referring to Figures 59 to 62, the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, other means for maintaining the axis of the coupling in the inclined position relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum will be described.

Figure 59 is a perspective view showing the situation of the attachment of a magnet (specific to the present embodiment) with the support element of the drum. Figure 60 is a perspective view with the parts disassembled. Figure 61 is an enlarged perspective view of a significant portion of the drive side of the cartridge. Fig. 62 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive shaft and a coupling situation between the coupling.

As shown in FIG. 59, a drum support member 8157 constitutes a space 8157b that surrounds a portion of the coupling. A magnet -8159- as a maintenance element to maintain the inclination of the coupling -8150- is attached to a cylindrical surface -8157i- that constitutes the space of the same. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 59, the magnet -8159- is arranged on top (with respect to the mounting direction -X4-) of the surface -8157i- of the cylinder. As will be described later, this magnet -8159- is an element to temporarily maintain the situation in which the axis -L2- is inclined relative to the axis -L1-. In this case, a part of the coupling -8150- is made of magnetic material. Likewise, the magnetic part is attracted to the magnet -8159- by the magnetic force of a magnet -8159-. In this embodiment, the substantially full circumference of the cap portion 8150j is made of a metallic magnetic material 8160. In other words, as shown in figure 61, the part -8150j- of the cap is in contact with this magnet -8159- by the magnetic force. In this way, the axis -L2- maintains the downward inclination situation with respect to the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge in relation to the axis -L1- (figure 62 (a1)). In a similar way to Embodiment 1 (figure 31), a rib -8157h- for adjusting the inclination direction is preferably arranged on the support element -8157-. The direction of inclination of the coupling -8150- is more reliably determined by the arrangement of the rib -8157h-. Also, the part -8150j- of the cap of magnetic material and the magnet -8159- can be in contact with each other more safely. Referring to FIG. 60, description will be made about the mounting method of the coupling -8150-.

As shown in figure 60, the pin -155- enters the intermediate space -8150g- of the coupling -8150-, and a part of the coupling -8150- is inserted into a part of the space -8157b- of the support element. -8157- of the drum. At this time, preferably, the distance -D12- between the inner end surface of a retaining rib -8157e- of the support element -8157- and the magnet -8159- is greater than the maximum outer diameter -0D10- of the part actuated -8150a-. Also, the distance -D12- is less than the maximum outside diameter ^ D11- of the driven part -8150b-. In this way, the support element -8157- can be mounted directly. Accordingly, it improves the suitability of the mounting. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this relationship.

Referring to Fig. 62, the coupling operation (a part of the cartridge mounting operation) for mounting the coupling 8150 with the drive shaft 180 will be described. Fig. 62 (a1) and (b1) show the situation immediately before coupling, and Fig. 62 (a2) and (b2) show the situation at the completion of coupling.

As shown in figure 62 (a1) and (b1), the axis -L2- of the coupling -8150- is previously inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- in relation to the axis -L1-, by means of the force of the magnet -8159 (holding element), (angular position of pre-coupling).

Then, the free end surface -180b- or the free end of the pin -182- comes into contact with the receiving surface -8150f- of the drive shaft of the coupling -8150- by means of the displacement of the

ES 2 430 559 T3 cartridge -B- in mounting direction -X4-. Likewise, the axis -L2- is approximated in such a way that it can become substantially coaxial with the axis -L1- by means of the contact force thereof (cartridge mounting force). At this time, the part -8150j- of the cap separates from the magnet -8159- and is in the non-contact situation. And finally, the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- are substantially coaxial. Likewise, the coupling -8150- is in a latent rotational situation (figure 62 (a2), figure 62 (b2)), (angular position of transmission of the rotational force).

The movement shown in Figure 62 may include a "whirling" movement.

As previously described in this specification, in this embodiment, the inclination situation of the axis -L2 is maintained by means of the magnetic force of the magnet -8159- (holding element) attached to the support element -8157-. In this way, the coupling can be more securely coupling with the drive shaft.

[Embodiment 8]

Referring to Figures 63 to 68, the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, other means for maintaining the situation where the axis -L2- is inclined with respect to the axis -L1- will be described.

Fig. 63 is a perspective view showing the drive side of a cartridge. Figure 64 is a perspective view, with the parts removed, showing the situation before mounting a drum support member. Figure 65 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the axis of a drum, of a coupling and of a drum support element. Fig. 66 is a perspective view showing the drive side of a guide of the main assembly of the apparatus. Fig. 67 is a longitudinal sectional view showing disengagement of a locking member. Fig. 68 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the mounting operation of the coupling to the drive shaft.

As shown in figure 63, the coupling -6150- is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- by means of the locking element -6159- and the elastic element -6158-.

In the first place, referring to figure 64, a description will be made of a drum support element -6157-, a locking element -6159- and an elastic element -6158-. The locking element -6157- is provided with an opening -6157v-. Also, the opening -6157v- and the locking part -6159a- (locking element) are coupled to each other. In this way, a free end -6159a1- of the locking part -6159a- protrudes towards a space part -6157b- of the support element -6157-. As will be described later, the inclination situation of the coupling -6150- is maintained by this locking part -6159a-. The locking element -6159- is mounted in the space -6157p- of the support element -6157-. The elastic element -6158- is mounted by means of the protrusion -6157m- of the hole -6159b- and the support element -6157-. In the present embodiment, the elastic element 6158 uses a compression coil spring having an elastic force of approximately 50g to 300g (elastic force). However, if it is a spring that produces the predetermined spring force, any spring can be used. Furthermore, the locking element -6159- is movable in the mounting direction -X4- by means of engagement with the groove -6159d- and the rib -6157k-.

When the cartridge -B- is outside the main assembly -A- of the apparatus (situation in which the cartridge -B- is not mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus), the coupling -6150- is in the position of inclination. In this situation, a free end -6159a1- of the locking part of the locking element -6159- is within the range of mobility -T2- (shaded) of the part -6150j- of the cap. Figure 64 (a) shows the orientation of the coupling -6150-. In this way, the inclination orientation of the coupling can be maintained. Furthermore, the locking element -6159- abuts against an outer surface -6157q- (figure 64 (b)) of the support element -6157- by the elastic force of the elastic element -6158-. In this way, the -6150 coupling can maintain stabilized orientation. In order to couple the coupling -6150- with the drive shaft -180-, this lock is released to allow the shaft -L2- to tilt. In other words, as shown in Figure 65 (b), the free end -6159a1- of the locking part moves in the direction of -X12 to retract from the range of motion -T2- of the part -6150j- of the cap.

In addition, the description about the release of the locking element -6159- will be made.

As shown in figure 66, the guide -6130R1- of the main assembly is provided with the lock-release element -6131-. At the time of assembly of the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the release element -6131- and the locking element -6159- are coupled to each other. In this way, the position of the locking element -6159- in the cartridge -B- changes. Consequently, the coupling 6150 is pivoted.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Referring to Fig. 67, the release of the locking element -6159- will be described. When the free end part -6150A1- of the coupling -6150- comes close to the free end -180b3- of the shaft by displacement in the mounting direction -X4- of the cartridge -B-, the release element -6131- and the locking element -6159- are coupled to each other. At this time, a rib -6131a- of the release element -6131- (contact part) and a hook part -6159c- of the locking element -6159- (force-receiving part) are in contact with each other. In this way, the position of the locking element -6159- inside the main assembly -A- of the apparatus is fixed in -b-. Next, the free end -6159a1- of the locking part is located in the space part -6157b- by displacement of the cartridge by 1 to 3 mm in the mounting direction. Accordingly, the drive shaft 180 and the coupling 6150 can be coupled to each other, and the coupling 6150 is in an oscillating (pivoting) state (c).

Referring to Fig. 68, the coupling mounting operation in relation to the drive shaft and the position of the locking member will be described.

In the situation of figure 68 (a) and (b), the axis -L2- of the coupling -6150- is previously inclined towards the mounting direction -X4- relative to the axis -L1- (angular position of pre-coupling) . At this moment, with respect to the axis direction -L1-, the free end position -6150A1- is closer to the photosensitive drum -107- than the free end -180b3-, and the free end position -6150A2- is closer to the pin -182- than the free end -180b3-. In situation (a) the locking element -6159- (force receiving part) is engaged in the receiving situation of the force coming from the locking release element -6131- (contact position). Also, in situation (b), the free end part -6159a1- is retracted from the part -6157b- of the space. In this way, the coupling 6150 is freed from the orientation holding situation. More specifically, the coupling -6510- is oscillating (pivoting).

Then, as shown in (c), by moving the cartridge towards the mounting direction -X4-, the receiving surface -6150f- of the coupling -6150- (the lateral contact part of the cartridge) or the projection -6150d- come into contact with the free end part -180b- or with the pin -182-. Also, in response to cartridge displacement, axis -L2- is approximated in such a way that it can become substantially coaxial with axis -L1-. And finally, as shown in (d), the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- are substantially coaxial. In this way, the coupling -6150- is in a latent rotational situation (angular position of transmission of the rotational force).

The moment in which the locking element -6159- retracts is the following. More specifically, after the part -6150A1- of the free end passes through the free end -180b3- of the shaft, and before the receiving surface -6150f- or the projection -6150d- comes into contact with the free end part -180b - or with the pin -182-, the locking element -6159- retracts. By doing this, the coupling 6150 is not overloaded, and a secure mounting operation is achieved. The receiving surface -6150f- is conical in shape.

Furthermore, in the process of disassembling the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the opposite step to the assembly step is followed. More specifically, by moving the cartridge -B- in the dismounting direction, the free end portion -180b- of the drive shaft -180- (the coupling side portion of the main assembly) pushes the receiving surface -6150f- ( the contact side of the cartridge). In this way, the axis -L2- begins to tilt (figure 68 (c)) in relation to the axis -L1-. Also, the coupling -6150 passes completely through the free end -180-3- (Figure 68 (b)). Hook portion 6159c- is detached from rib 6131a immediately thereafter. Also, the free end -6159a1- of the locking part comes into contact with the lower surface -6150j2- of the cap part. Consequently, the inclination situation of the coupling 6150 (Fig. 68 (a)) is maintained. More specifically, the coupling 6150 pivots towards the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force (oscillation).

The movement shown in Figures 67 and 68 may include a "whirling" movement.

As previously described herein, the position of the angle of inclination of the coupling -6150- is maintained by the locking element -6159-. In this way, the inclined situation of the coupling is maintained. Consequently, the coupling -6150- is more securely mounted relative to the drive shaft -180-. Furthermore, at the moment of rotation, the locking element -6159- is not in contact with the coupling -6150-. Consequently, the coupling 6150 can effect a more stabilized rotation.

In the embodiment described above, the locking element is arranged upward with respect to the mounting direction. However, the position of the locking element can be any if the inclination in the predetermined direction of the axis of the coupling is maintained.

Furthermore, the present embodiment can be practiced with Embodiments 4 to 7. In this case, the assembly and disassembly operations of the coupling can be ensured.

[Embodiment 9]

ES 2 430 559 T3

With reference to Figures 69 to 73, the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, other means for tilting the axis -L2- relative to the axis -L1- will be described.

Fig. 69 is an enlarged side view of the drive side of a cartridge. Fig. 70 is a perspective view showing the drive side of the guide of the main assembly of an apparatus. Fig. 71 is a side view showing the relationship between the cartridge and the main assembly guide. Fig. 72 is a side view and a perspective view showing the relationship between the main assembly guide and the coupling. Fig. 73 is a side view showing the assembly process.

Figure 69 (a1) and Figure 69 (b1) show side views of the cartridge (viewed from the drive shaft side), and Figure 69 (a2) and Figure 69 (b2) show side views of the drive shaft cartridge (viewed from the opposite side). As shown in Fig. 69, in the downward pivoting situation with respect to the mounting direction -X4-, the coupling -7150- is mounted on the drum support member -7157-. Furthermore, as for the inclination direction, as described with respect to embodiment 1, it can only pivot downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- by means of the retaining rib -7157e- (adjustment means) . Furthermore, in Fig. 69 (b1), the axis -L2- of the coupling -7150- is inclined at an angle -α60- in relation to the horizontal. The reason why the coupling -7150- tilts with the angle -α60-, is as follows. In the part -7150j- of the coupling cap -7150-, a regulation part -7157h1- or -7157h2- regulates, as a means of regulation. Accordingly, the bottom side (mounting direction) of the coupling -7150- can pivot towards the upward direction inclined with the angle -α60-.

With reference to Figure 70, the description will be made with respect to the guide -7130R- of the main assembly. The guide -7130R1- of the main assembly includes a guide rib -7130R1a- to guide the cartridge -B- through the coupling -7150- and the positioning portions -7130R1e-, -7130R1f- of the cartridge. The rib -7130R1a- is in the cartridge mounting location -B-. Also, the rib -7130R1a- extends to just before the drive shaft -180- with respect to the cartridge mounting. Likewise, the rib -7130R1- adjacent to the drive shaft -180- has a sufficient height to avoid interference when the coupling -7150- is coupled with the drive shaft -180-. The guide -7130R2- of the main assembly mainly includes a guide part -7130R2a- and the cartridge positioning part -7130R2c- to determine the orientation at the time of assembly of the cartridge by guiding a part of the frames -B1- cartridge.

The relationship between the main assembly guide 7130R and the cartridge at the time of cartridge assembly will be described.

As shown in figure 71 (a), on the drive side, while a connection part -7150c- (force receiving part) of the coupling -7150- is in contact with the guide rib -7130R1a- ( contact part), the cartridge -B- moves. At this time, the guide -7157 a- of the cartridge of the support element -7157- is separated from the guide surface -7130R1c- at -n59-. Consequently, the weight of the cartridge -B- is applied to the coupling -7150-. Furthermore, on the other hand, as described hereinabove, the coupling 7150 is set in such a way that it can pivot towards the down side direction with respect to the upward mounting direction which is inclined with the angle. -α60- in relation to the mounting direction -X4-. Consequently, the driven part -7150a- of the coupling -7150- is inclined downwards (inclined direction with the angle -α60- from the mounting direction) with respect to the mounting direction -X4- (Fig. 72).

The reason for the inclination of the coupling -7150- is as follows. The connecting part -7150c- receives the reaction force corresponding to the weight of the cartridge -B- from the guide rib -7130R1a-. Also, the reaction force is applied to the regulating part -7157h1- or -7157h2- to regulate the inclination direction. Thus, the coupling is inclined in the predetermined direction.

In this case, when the connecting part -7150c- moves on the guide rib -7130R1a-, there is a friction force between the connection part -7150c- and the guide rib -7130R1a-. Consequently, the coupling -7150- receives a force in the opposite direction to the mounting direction -X4- by this friction force. However, the friction force produced by the friction coefficient between the connecting part -7150c- and the guide rib -7130R1a- is less than the force to pivot the coupling -7150- down with respect to the direction of rotation. mounting -X4- by reaction force. Consequently, the coupling -7150-, which overcomes the friction force, pivots downward with respect to the mounting direction -X4-.

The regulation part -7157p- (figure 69) of the support element -7157- can be used as a regulation means to regulate the inclination. In this way, the regulation of the direction of inclination of the coupling is carried out in the different positions with respect to the direction of the axis -L2- by means of the regulation parts -7157h1-, -7157h2- (figure 69) and the part regulation -7157p-. In this way, the direction in which the coupling -7150- tilts can be more safely regulated. Also, it can always be tilted at an angle of about -α60-. However, the regulation of the inclination direction of the coupling -7150 can be done by other means.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Furthermore, the guide rib -7130R1a- is in the space -7150s- constituted by the driven part -7150a-, the driving part -7150b-, and the connecting part -7150c-. Consequently, in the assembly process, the longitudinal position (the direction of the axis -L2-) inside the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, of the coupling -7150 is regulated (figure 71). By means of the longitudinal position of the coupling -7150- which is being adjusted, the coupling -7150- can be a more secure coupling in relation to the drive shaft -180-.

The coupling operation for mounting the coupling -7150- with the drive shaft -180- will be described. The mounting operation is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1 (Figure 22). In this case, referring to figure 73, the description will be made about the relationship between the main guide -7130R2- of the assembly, the support element -7157- and the coupling -7150- in the process in which the coupling is mates with the drive shaft -180-. As the connecting part -7150c- comes into contact with the rib -7130R1a-, the guide -7157a- of the cartridge separates from the guide surface -7130R1c-. In this way, the coupling -7150- is tilted (figure 73 (a), figure 73 (d)), (angular position of pre-coupling). When the free end -7150A1- of the inclined coupling -7150- passes through the free end -180b3- of the shaft, the connection part -7150c moves away from the guide rib -7130R1a- (figure 73 (b), figure 73 (e)). At this time, the cartridge guide -7157 passes through the guide surface -7130R1c- and begins to contact the positioning surface -7130R1e- through the inclined surface -7130R1d- (figure 73 (b), figure 73 ( and)). After this, the receiving surface -7150f or the projection -7150d- come into contact with the free end portion -180b- or with the pin -182-. Also, in response to the cartridge mounting operation, the axis -L2- becomes substantially coaxial with the axis -L1-, and the center of the drum axis and the center of the coupling are aligned with each other. And finally, as shown in figure 73 (c) and in figure 73 (f), the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- are coaxial in relation to each other. Likewise, the coupling -7150- is in a latent rotational situation (angular position of transmission of the rotational force).

Furthermore, the stage substantially opposite to the assembly operation continues in the process of removing the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. In other words, the cartridge -B- moves in the removal direction. In this way, the free end portion 180b pushes the receiving surface 7150f. In this way, the axis -L2- begins to tilt in relation to the axis -L1-. The upper free end part -7150A1- with respect to the disassembly direction moves on the free end -180b- of the shaft by means of the cartridge removal operation, and the shaft -L2- is tilted until the upper end part - A1- reaches the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft. Also, in this situation, the coupling -7150- passes completely through the free end -180b3- of the shaft (figure 73 (b)). After this, the connecting part -7150c- makes contact between the coupling -7150- and the rib -7130R1a-. In this way, the coupling -7150- is pulled out in the downward inclined situation with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, the coupling -5150- pivots to the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force (oscillation).

As previously described herein, the user oscillates the coupling by mounting the cartridge in the main assembly and couples it to the drive shaft of the main assembly. Furthermore, special means for maintaining the orientation of the coupling are unnecessary. However, with the present embodiment, the orientation maintenance structure as in Embodiment 4 to Embodiment 8 can be used.

In this embodiment, the coupling is inclined towards the mounting direction by applying weight to the guide rib. However, not only weight, but elastic force and others can be additionally used.

In this embodiment, the coupling is inclined by means of the connecting part of the coupling that receives the force. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, if the coupling is tilted when receiving force from a contact part of the main assembly, a different part of the connecting part may contact the contact part.

Furthermore, the present embodiment can be practiced with any of Embodiments 4 to 8. In this case, coupling and decoupling can be ensured relative to the drive shaft of the coupling.

[Embodiment 10]

Referring to Figures 74 to 81, the tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, other means for tilting the axis -L2- relative to the axis -L1- will be described.

Fig. 74 is a perspective view showing the drive side of the main assembly of an apparatus.

Referring to Fig. 74, a main assembly guide and coupling means will be described.

The present invention is effectively applied in the case where the friction force described in Embodiment 9 is greater than the downward pivoting force of the coupling -7150- (mounting direction -X4-) due to

ES 2 430 559 T3 the reaction force. More specifically, for example, even if the friction force increases due to the friction action with the connecting part or with the guide of the main assembly, according to this embodiment, the coupling can safely pivot to the angular position of pre-coupling. . The main guide -1130R1- of the assembly includes a guide surface -1130R1b- to guide the cartridge -B- through the guide -140R1- of the cartridge (figure 2), a guide rib -1130R1c- that guides the coupling - 150- and a part -1130R1a- for positioning the cartridge. The guide rib -1130R1c- is at the cartridge mounting location -B-. Also, the guide rib 1130R1c- extends to just before the drive shaft 180 with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge. Furthermore, a rib 1130R1d arranged adjacent the drive shaft 180 has a height that does not cause interference when the coupling 150 is engaged.

A part of the rib -1130R1c- is cut off. Also, the slide -1131- of the guide of the main assembly is mounted on the rib -1130R1c- which can slide in the direction of the arrow -W-. The shoe -1131- is pushed by the elastic force of a thrust spring -1132-. Likewise, the position is determined by means of the slide -1131 that abuts against the abutment surface -1130R1e- of the guide -1130R1- of the main assembly. In this situation, the shoe -1131- protrudes from the guide rib -1130R1c-.

The guide -1130R2- of the main assembly has a guide part -1130R2b- to determine the orientation at the time of assembly of the cartridge -B- by guiding a part of the frames -B1- of the cartridge and a part -1130R2a - cartridge positioning.

With reference to Figures 75 to 77, the mutual relationship of the guides of the main assembly -1130R1-, -1130R2-, the skid -1131-, and the cartridge -B- at the time of mounting the cartridge -B- will be described. . Figure 75 is a side view, seen from the side of the drive shaft 180 of the main assembly (Figures 1 and 2), and Figure 76 is a perspective view thereof. Figure 77 is a sectional view taken along -ZZ- of Figure 75.

As shown in Fig. 75, on the drive side, while the cartridge guide 140R1 of the cartridge is in contact with the guide surface 1130R1b, the cartridge moves. At this time, as shown in Fig. 77, the connecting part 150c- is separated from the guide rib -1130R1c- at -n1-. Consequently, the force is not applied to the 150 coupling. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 75, the coupling 150 is regulated by the regulating part 140R1a on the upper surface and on the left side. Consequently, the coupling 150 can pivot freely only in the mounting direction -X4-.

Referring to Figures 78 to 81, the operation of moving the skid -1131- to the retracted position from the activation position while the coupling -150- is in contact with the skid -1131- will be described. In Figures 78 and 79, the coupling -150- is in contact at the vertex -1131b- of the skid -1131-, more specifically, the skid -1131- is in the retracted position. The connection part -150c- and the inclined surface -1131a- of the flange of the skid -1131- are in contact with each other through the input of the coupling -150- which can only pivot in the mounting direction -X4-. In this way, the skid - 1131 - sinks and moves to the retracted position.

With reference to Figures 80, 81, the operation will be described after the coupling 150 runs over an apex 1131b of the skate 1131. Figure 80 and Figure 81 show the situation after the coupling -150- runs above the vertex -1131b- of the skid -1131-.

When the coupling -150- runs above the vertex -1131b-, the slide -1131- tends to return from the retracted position to the activation position by means of the elastic force of the thrust spring -132-. In this case, a portion of the connecting part 150c- of the coupling 150 receives the force -F- from the inclined surface -1131c of the skid -1131-. More specifically, the inclined surface 1131c- functions as the force applying part, for a portion of the connecting part 150c- to receive this force. As shown in Fig. 80, the force receiving part is arranged upstream of the connection part 150c- with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge. Consequently, the coupling 150 can be tilted smoothly. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 81, the force -F- is divided into a component -F1- of the force and a component -F2- of the force. At this time, the upper surface of the coupling 150 is regulated by the regulating part 140R1a. Consequently, the coupling 150 is inclined towards the mounting direction -X4- by means of the force component -F2-. More specifically, the coupling 150 is inclined towards the angular position of pre-coupling. In this way, the coupling -150- turns out that it can be coupled with the drive shaft -180-.

In the embodiment described above, the connecting part receives the force, and the coupling is inclined. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, if the coupling can pivot upon receiving force from the contact part of the main assembly, a different part of the connecting part may be in contact with the contact part.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Furthermore, the present embodiment can be practiced with any of Embodiments 4 to 9. In this case, engagement and disengagement of the coupling relative to the drive shaft can be ensured.

[Embodiment 11]

Referring to Figures 82 to 84, the eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of the coupling will be described. Figures 82 through Figure 84 (a) show perspective views of couplings. Figures 82 to 84 (b) show sectional views of the couplings.

In the above embodiments, the drive shaft receiving surface and the coupling drum bearing surface have conical shapes, respectively. However, in this embodiment, a different configuration will be described.

A coupling -12150- shown in figure 82 mainly comprises three parts, similarly to the coupling shown in figure 8. More specifically, as shown in Figure 82 (b), the coupling -12150- comprises a driven part -12150a- to receive the drive from the drive shaft, a drive part -12150b- to transmit the drive to the drive shaft. a drum, and a connecting part -12150c connecting the driven part -12150a- and the driving part -12150b- to each other.

As shown in Figure 82 (b), the driven part -12150a- has a part -12150m- with a drive shaft insertion opening and a widened part that widens toward the drive shaft -180 relative to the shaft -L2-, the driving part -12150b- having a part -12150v- with an introduction opening as a widened part that widens towards the shaft -153- of the drum. The aperture -12150m- and the aperture -12150v- are constituted by the receiving surface -12150f- of the drive shaft in a divergent way, and the support surface -12150i- of the drum in a divergent way, respectively. The reception surface -12150f- and the reception surface -12150i- have the recesses -12150x- and -12150z-, as shown in the figure. At the moment of transmission of the rotational force, the recess -12150z- opposes the free end of the drive shaft -180-. More specifically, the recess -12150z- covers the free end of the drive shaft -180-.

Referring to Figure 83, a coupling -12250- will be described. As shown in Fig. 83 (b), a driven part -12250a- has a part with an introduction opening -12250m- of a drive shaft as an enlarged part that widens towards the drive shaft -180- in In relation to the shaft -L2-, the drive part -12250b- has a part -12250v- with a drum shaft insertion opening as the widened part that widens towards the shaft -153- of the drum in relation to the shaft -L2-.

The aperture -12250m- and the aperture -12250v- are constituted by the receiving surface -12250f- of the bell-shaped drive shaft, and the support surface -12250i- of the bell-shaped drum, respectively. The receiving surface -12250f- and the receiving surface -12250i- constitute the recesses -12250x-, -12250z-, as shown in the figure. At the moment of transmission of the rotational force, the recess -12250z- engages with the free end part of the drive shaft -180-. Referring to Figure 84, a coupling -12350- will be described. As shown in Figure 84 (a), the driven part -12350a- includes the drive receiving projections -12350d1- or -12350d2- or -12350d3- and -12350d4-, which extend directly from the connecting part. -12350c- and flare radially towards the drive axis -180- relative to the axis -L2-. Furthermore, the part between the adjacent projections -12350d1- to -121350d4- constitutes the intermediate part. Furthermore, the rotational force receiving surfaces -12350e (rotational force receiving part) (-12350e1- to -e4-) are arranged at the top with respect to the rotation direction -X7-. At the moment of rotation, a rotational force is transmitted to the rotational force receiving surfaces -12350e1- to -e4- from the pin -182- (rotational force applying part). At the moment of transmission of the rotational force, the recess -12250z- is opposite the free end part of the drive shaft which is the projection of the main assembly of the apparatus. More specifically, the recess -12250z- covers the free end of the drive shaft -180-.

Also, if the effect similar to Embodiment 1 is arranged, the aperture configuration -12350v- can be any.

Furthermore, the mounting method of the coupling cartridge is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and therefore the description is omitted. Furthermore, the operation of assembling the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus and the operation of removing it from the main assembly of the apparatus are the same as those of Embodiment 1 (Figures 22 and 25) and, therefore, the description is omitted.

As described hereinabove, the drum support surface of the coupling has the flared configuration, and the coupling can be mounted relative to the axis of the drum axis with respect to inclination. In addition, the receiving surface of the drive shaft of the coupling has the

ES 2 430 559 T3 flared configuration and can tilt the coupling without interfering with the drive shaft, in response to the mounting operation or the removal operation of the cartridge -B-. Thus, also, in this embodiment, effects similar to those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment can be provided.

Furthermore, as for the configurations of the openings -12150m-, -12250m- and of the openings -12150v-, -12250v- they can be a combination of divergent shapes of the bell type.

[Embodiment 12]

Referring to Fig. 85, the twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the coupling. Figure 85 (a) is a perspective view of a coupling having a substantially cylindrical shape, and Figure 85 (b) is a sectional view when the cartridge mounted coupling is engaged with a drive shaft.

A side drive edge of the coupling -9150- is provided with a series of driven projections -9150d-. Furthermore, an intermediate drive receiving part -9150k- is arranged between the drive receiving projections -9150d. The projection -9150d- is provided with a rotational force receiving surface -9150e- (rotational force receiving part). A pin -9182- for transmitting the rotational force (part for applying the rotational force) of the drive shaft -9180-, as will be described below, is in contact with the receiving surface -9150e- of the rotational force. In this way, a rotational force is transmitted to the coupling -9150-.

In order to stabilize the operating torque transmitted to the coupling, a series of surfaces -150e- receiving the rotational force are desirably arranged on the same circumference (in the virtual circle -C1- of Figure 8 (d)) . By such an arrangement, the transmission radius of the rotational force is constant and the transmitted torque is stabilized. Furthermore, from the point of view of stabilizing the drive transmission, the receiving surfaces -9150e- are desirably arranged in diametrically opposite positions (at 180 degrees). Furthermore, the number of receiving surfaces -9150e- can be any if the pin -9182- of the drive shaft -9180- can be received by the intermediate part -9150k-. In the present embodiment, their number is two. The rotational force receiving surfaces 9150e may not be on the same circumference, or may not be arranged in diametrically opposite positions.

Furthermore, the cylindrical surface of the coupling -9150- is provided with the intermediate opening -9150g-. Furthermore, the aperture -9150g- is provided with the rotational force transmission surface -9150h- (rotational force transmission part). The drive transmission pin -9155- (rotational force receiving element) (figure 85 (b)) of the drum shaft, as will be described later, is in contact with this transmission surface -9150h- the rotational force. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted to the photosensitive drum -107-.

Similar to boss 9150d, rotational force transmission surface 9150h is desirably disposed diametrically opposite on the same circumference.

The structures of the drum shaft -9153- and the drive shaft -9180- will be described. In Embodiment 1, the cylindrical end is a spherical surface. In this embodiment, however, the diameter of the free end spherical part -9153b- of the shaft -9153- of the drum is greater than the diameter of the main part -9153a-. With this structure, even if the coupling -9150- has the cylindrical shape shown, it can pivot relative to the axis -L1-. In other words, a gap -g- such as the one shown is arranged between the shaft -9153- and the coupling -9150-, and thus, the coupling -9150- can pivot (oscillate) in relation to the shaft -9153- of the drum. The configuration of the drive shaft -9180- is substantially the same as that of the drum shaft -9150-. In other words, the configuration of the free end portion -9180b- is the spherical surface, and the diameter thereof is greater than the diameter of the main piece -9180a- of the cylindrical-shaped portion. In addition, the pin -9182 that pierces the substantial center of the free end part -9180b- which is the spherical surface arranged on the pin -9182-, transmits the rotational force to the receiving surface -9150e- of the rotational force of the coupling -9150-.

The shaft -9150- of the drum and the spherical surface of the drive shaft -9180- are mated with the inner surface -9150p- of the coupling -9150-. In this way, the relative position between the shaft -9150- of the drum and the coupling -9150- of the drive shaft -9180- is determined. The operation regarding the mounting and dismounting of the coupling 9150 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

As described hereinabove, the coupling has a cylindrical shape and, consequently, the position with respect to the direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis -L2- of the coupling -9150- can be determined relative to the axis of the drum or drive shaft. Additionally, an example will be described

ES 2 430 559 T3 modified from the coupling. In the coupling configuration 9250 shown in Fig. 85 (c), a cylindrical shape and a conical shape are placed together. Figure 85 (d) is a sectional view of the coupling of this modified example. A driven part -9250a- of the coupling -9250- is cylindrical in shape, and an inner surface -9250p- thereof engages the spherical surface of the drive shaft. In addition, it has the abutment surface -9250q- and can perform the positioning with respect to the axial direction between the coupling -9250- and the drive shaft -180-. The drive portion 9250b is conical in shape, and similarly to Embodiment 1, the position relative to the axis 153 of the drum is determined by the support surface 9250 of the drum.

The configuration of the coupling 9350 shown in Figure 85 (e) is a combination of a cylindrical shape and a conical shape. Figure 85 (f) is a sectional view of this modified example, the driven part -9350a- of the coupling -9350- has a cylindrical shape, and the inner surface -9350p- of the same is coupled with the spherical surface of the drive shaft. -180-. The positioning in the axial direction is effected by abutting the spherical surface of the drive shaft with the part -9350q- of the edge formed between the cylindrical parts having different diameters.

The configuration of the coupling 9450 shown in Figure 85 (g) is a combination of a spherical surface, a cylindrical surface, and a conical surface. Figure 85 (h) is a sectional view of this modified example, a driven part -9450a- of the coupling -9450- has a cylindrical shape, and the inner surface -9450p- of the same is coupled with the spherical surface of the drive shaft. -180-. The spherical surface of the drive shaft -180- is in contact with the spherical surface -9450q- which is part of the spherical surface. In this way, the position with respect to the direction of the axis -L2- can be determined.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coupling has a substantially cylindrical shape and the free end parts of the drum shaft or the drive shaft have spherical configurations, furthermore, it has been described that the diameter thereof is greater than the diameter of the main part. drum shaft or drive shaft. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such an example. The coupling is cylindrical in shape and the drum shaft or the drive shaft is cylindrical in shape, and the diameter of the drum shaft or the drive shaft is small in relation to the inner diameter of the inner surface of the coupling, within limits in which the pin does not disengage from the coupling. Thus, the coupling can pivot relative to the axis -L1-, the coupling can be tilted without interfering with the drive shaft in response to the mounting operation or the removal operation of the cartridge -B-. In view of this, also in this embodiment, effects similar to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 can be achieved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, although an example of the combination of the cylindrical shape and the conical shape has been described as the coupling configuration, it may be the opposite of the example. In other words, the drive shaft side can be conically shaped, and the drum shaft side can be cylindrical.

[Embodiment 13]

Referring to Figures 86 to 88, the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in the mounting operation relative to the drive shaft of the coupling, and the structure relative thereto. Fig. 86 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a coupling 10150 of the present embodiment. The configuration of the coupling -10150- is a combination of the cylindrical shape and the conical shape that has been described in Embodiment 10. Furthermore, an inclined surface -10150r- is provided on the free end side of the coupling -10150-. Furthermore, the surface of the opposite side of the drive receiving projection -10150d with respect to the axis direction -L1- is arranged with a thrust force receiving surface -10150s.

Referring to Fig. 87, the structure of the coupling will be described.

An inner surface -10150p- and a spherical shaft surface -10153- of a coupling drum -10150 are coupled to each other. A thrust element -10634- is sandwiched between the reception surface -10150s described above and the lower surface -10151b- of the cap -10151- of a drum. In this way, the coupling -10150- is pushed towards the drive shaft -180-. Furthermore, similarly to the above embodiments, a retaining rib -10157e- is arranged on the side of the drive shaft -180 of the part -10150j- of the cap with respect to the direction of the shaft -L1-. In this way, the dismounting of the coupling -10150- from the cartridge is prevented as the inner surface -10150p- of the coupling -10150- is cylindrical. Consequently, it is movable in the direction of the axis -L2-.

Fig. 88 is to show the orientation of the coupling in the case where the coupling is coupled with the drive shaft. Fig. 88 (a) is a sectional view of the coupling 150 of Embodiment 1, and Fig. 88 (c) is a sectional view of a coupling 10150 of the present embodiment. Also, Figure 88 (b) is a sectional view before reaching the situation of Figure 88 (c), showing the mounting direction by

ES 2 430 559 T3

-X4-, and the dashed line -L5- is a line drawn parallel to the mounting direction from the free end of the drive shaft -180-.

In order for the coupling to be mounted on the drive shaft -180-, the free end position below -10150A1- with respect to the mounting position needs to pass through the free end portion -180b3- of the drive shaft -180 -. In the case of Embodiment 1, the axis -L2- is inclined by more than the angle -α104-. In this way, the coupling is moved to the position where the free end position -150A1- does not interfere with the free end part -180b3- (figure 88 (a)).

On the other hand, in the coupling -10150- of the present embodiment, in the situation in which it is not coupled with the drive shaft -180-, the coupling -10150- adopts the position closest to the drive shaft -180 by means of the force thrust element recovery -10634-. In this situation, when moving in the mounting direction -X4-, a part of the drive shafts -180- is in contact with the cartridge -B- on the inclined surface -10150r- of the coupling -10150- (figure 88 (b)). At this time, the force is applied to the inclined surface -10150r- in the opposite direction to the -X4- direction, consequently, the coupling -10150 is retracted in the longitudinal direction -X11- by means of a component of the force of the same. Likewise, the free end part -10153b- of the drive shaft -10153- of the drum abuts against a stop surface -10150t- of the coupling -10150-, in addition, the coupling -10150- rotates clockwise around the center -P1- of the free end part -10153b- (pre-coupling angular position). In this way, the free end position -10150A1- of the coupling passes through the free end -180b- of the drive shaft -180- (figure 88 (c)). When the drive shaft -180- and the shaft -10153- of the drum become substantially coaxial, a receiving surface -10150f- of the drive shaft of the coupling -10150- is in contact with the free end portion -180b- by force thrust spring recovery -10634-. In this way, the coupling remains in a latent rotational state (FIG. 87) (angular position of transmission of the rotational force). With such a structure, the displacement in the direction of the axis -L2- and the pivoting movement (oscillation operation) are combined, and the coupling oscillates from the angular position of pre-coupling to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force.

By this structure, even if the angle -α106- is small (magnitude of the inclination of the axis -L2-), the cartridge can be mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Consequently, the space required by the pivoting movement of the coupling 10150 is small. Accordingly, the design flexibility of the main assembly A of the apparatus is improved.

The rotation along the drive axis 180 of the coupling 10150 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore its description is omitted. At the moment of extracting the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the free end portion -180b- is pushed onto the conical-shaped receiving surface -10150f- of the drive shaft of the coupling -10150- by means of the removal of force. The coupling -10150- pivots by means of this force while retracting towards the direction of the shaft -L2-, thus, the coupling is dismounted from the drive shaft -180-. In other words, the displacement operation in the axis direction -L2- and the pivoting movement are combined (a twisting movement ("whirling") may be included), the coupling can pivot to the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force.

[Embodiment 14]

Referring to Figures 89 and 90, the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The point where the present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 is in the coupling operation and in the structure with respect thereto, relative to the drive shaft of the coupling.

FIG. 89 is a perspective view showing only the coupling -1150- and the shaft -153- of the drum. Figure 90 is a longitudinal sectional view, viewed from the bottom of the main assembly of the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 89, the magnet 211100 is mounted on the end of the driving portion 21150a of the coupling 21150. The drive shaft 180 shown in Figure 90 comprises magnetic material. Consequently, in this embodiment, the magnet 211100 is inclined in the coupling 21150 by the magnetic force between the drive shaft 180 thereof and the magnetic material.

First, as shown in Fig. 90 (a), the coupling -1150- is not particularly inclined relative to the axis -153- of the drum at this time, the magnet -1100 being positioned on the part of the drum. actuator -21150a- up with respect to the mounting direction -X4-.

When inserted in the position shown in FIG. 90 (b), the magnet 21100- is attracted to the drive shaft 180. Also, as shown, the coupling -1150- initiates the oscillating movement by means of the magnetic force thereof.

Next, the position - 21150A1- of the front end of the coupling -21150- with respect to the mounting direction -X4- passes through the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft having the spherical surface.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Also, the conical receiving surface -21150f- of the drive shaft or the driven projection -21150d- (the contact part on the side of the cartridge) that constitutes the recess -21150z- of the coupling -21150 is in contact with the end part free -180b- or -182- after the step (figure 90 (c)).

Also, it is tilted such that the axis -L2- becomes substantially coaxial with the axis -L1- in response to the mounting operation of the cartridge -B- (Figure 90 (d)).

Finally, the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- are substantially coaxial with each other. In this situation, the recess -21150z- covers the free end part -180b-. The axis -L2- pivots the coupling -21150- to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force from the angular position of pre-coupling, in such a way that it is substantially coaxial with the axis -L1-. Coupling -21150- and drive shaft -180- are coupled to each other (Figure 90 (e)).

The movement of the coupling shown in Figure 90 may also include a movement of revolution.

It is necessary to place the magnet -21100- higher than the actuating part -21150a- with respect to the mounting position -X4-.

Therefore, at the time of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, it is necessary to align the phase of the coupling -21150-. The method described with respect to Embodiment 2 can be used for the method for duplicating the coupling phase.

The situation of the reception of the rotary driving force and its rotation after completion of the assembly is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and therefore the description is omitted.

[Embodiment 15]

Referring to Fig. 91, the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The point where the present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 is the manner of supporting the coupling. In Embodiment 1, the shaft -L2- of the coupling thereof can pivot, while sandwiched between the free end portion of the drum shaft and the retaining rib. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the axis -L2- of the coupling can only pivot by means of the drum support element which will be described in more detail.

Figure 91 (a) is a perspective view showing the situation during the assembly of the coupling. Figure 91 (b) is a longitudinal sectional view thereof. Figure 91 (c) is a perspective view showing the situation in which the axis -L2- is inclined relative to the axis -L1-. Figure 91 (d) is a longitudinal sectional view thereof. Fig. 91 (e) is a perspective view showing the situation where the coupling rotates. Figure 91 (f) is a longitudinal sectional view thereof.

In this embodiment, the shaft -153- of the drum is located in a space protected by the inner surface of a part -11157b- of the space of a support element -11157- of a drum, in addition, the rib -11157e- and the rib -11157p- are arranged on the inner surface opposite the axis -153- of the drum (in different positions with respect to the direction of the axis -L1-).

With this structure, a part -11150j- of the cap and a support surface -11150i- of the drum are regulated by means of an inner end surface -11157p1- and a circular column part -11153a- of the rib, in the situation in the that the axis -L2- is inclined (figure 91 (d)). In this case, the end surface -11157p1- is arranged on the support element -11157-. Furthermore, the part -11153a- of the circular column is a part of the axis -11153- of the drum. Likewise, when the axis -L2- is substantially coaxial with the axis -L1 (figure 91 (f)), the part -11150j- of the cap and the inclined outer surface -11150q- are regulated by means of the outer end -11157p2- of the rib -11157e- and by the rib of the support element -11157-.

Consequently, the coupling -11150- is retained in the support element -11157- by selecting the appropriate support element -11157- configuration. Furthermore, the coupling -11150- can be pivotally mounted in relation to the axis -L1-.

In addition, the shaft -11153- of the drum only has the transmission part of the drive at the free end thereof and the spherical surface part to regulate the displacement of the coupling -11150- and so on, is unnecessary, therefore the processing of the axis -11153- of the drum is easy.

Furthermore, the rib -11157e- and the rib -11157p- are arranged off-center. Thus, as shown in Figure 91 (a) and Figure 91 (b), the coupling -11150- is mounted on the support element -11157- in a slightly oblique direction (-X12- in the figure), more specifically, the special mounting method is

ES 2 430 559 T3 unnecessary, then the support element -11157- on which the coupling -11150- was temporarily mounted, is mounted on the shaft -11153- of the drum (in the figure, the direction -X13-).

[Embodiment 16]

Referring to Fig. 92, the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The point where the present embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 is in the coupling mounting method. In Embodiment 1, the coupling is sandwiched between the free end portion and the retaining rib of the drum shaft. On the contrary, in this embodiment, the retention of the coupling is effected by means of a pin -13155- for transmitting the rotational force of the shaft -13153- of a drum. More specifically, in this embodiment, the coupling -13150- is retained by a pin -13155-.

This will be described in more detail.

Figure 92 shows the coupling retained at the end of the photosensitive drum -107- (photosensitive drum -107a-), showing a part on the drive side of the photosensitive drum -107- and the other parts being omitted for simplicity.

In figure 92 (a), the shaft -L2- is substantially coaxial in relation to the shaft -L1-, in this situation, the coupling -13510- receives a rotational force from a drive shaft -180- in a part drive -13150a-. Likewise, the coupling -13150- transmits the rotational force to the photosensitive drum -107-.

Also, as shown in Figure 92 (b), the coupling -13150- is mounted on the axis -13153- of a drum, in such a way that it can pivot in any direction relative to the axis -L1-. The configuration of the driven part -13150a- may be the same as the configuration of the driven part described with respect to Figures 82 to 85, and this photosensitive drum unit -U13- is mounted on the second frame in the manner described with regarding Embodiment 1. Also, at the time of assembly and disassembly of the cartridge -B- in relation to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the coupling can be coupled and released in relation to the drive shaft.

The mounting method according to the present invention will be described. The free end (not shown) of the shaft -13153- of the drum is covered by the coupling -13150-, then the pin -13155- (receiving element of the rotational force) is inserted into a hole (not shown) from the axis -13153- of the drum in the direction perpendicular to the axis -L1-. Furthermore, the opposite ends of the pin -13155- protrude outward beyond the inner surface of a portion -13150j- of the cap. The pin -13155- is prevented from separating from the intermediate opening -13150g- by these arrangements. Thus, it is not necessary to add a part to prevent disengagement of the coupling -13150-.

As mentioned above, according to the embodiment described above, the drum unit -U13- is constituted by the cylindrical drum -107a-, the coupling -13150-, the photosensitive drum -107-, the drum cap -13151- , the shaft -13153- of the drum, the pin -13155- of the drive transmission and others. However, the structure of the unit -U13- is not limited to this example.

As means for inclining the shaft -L2- to the pre-coupling angular position immediately before the coupling is mounted with the drive shaft, claims 3 to 10 described so far can be used.

In addition, with respect to the coupling and decoupling between the coupling and the drive shaft, which act in a manner related to the assembly and disassembly of the cartridge, it is the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore the description is omitted.

Furthermore, as described with respect to Embodiment 1 (Fig. 31), the direction of inclination of the coupling is regulated by the support member. In this way, the coupling can be more securely coupled to the drive shaft.

With the structures described above, the coupling -13150- is a part of the photosensitive drum unit integrated into the photosensitive drum. Therefore, at the time of assembly, handling is easy and can therefore improve the fit of the assembly.

[Embodiment 17]

Referring to Fig. 93, the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

ES 2 430 559 T3

The point where the present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 is in the coupling mounting method. With respect to Embodiment 1, the coupling is mounted on the free end side of the drum shaft, such that the shaft -L2- can be inclined in any direction relative to the shaft -L1-. On the contrary, in this embodiment, the coupling -15150- is mounted directly on the end -107a- of the cylindrical drum of the photosensitive drum -107-, in such a way that it can be inclined in any direction.

This will be described in more detail.

Figure 93 shows a unit -U- ("drum unit") with a photosensitive electrophotographic element. A coupling -15150- is mounted on an end portion of the photosensitive drum -107- (photosensitive drum -107a-) in this figure. As for the photosensitive drum 107, a part of the drive side is shown and the others have been omitted for the sake of simplicity.

The axis -L2- is substantially coaxial in relation to the axis -L1- in FIG. 93 (a). In this situation, the coupling -15150- receives a rotational force from the drive shaft -180- in a driven part -15150a-. Likewise, the coupling -15150- transmits the received rotational force to the photosensitive drum -107-.

Likewise, in figure 93 (b) an example is shown in which the coupling -15150- is mounted on the end part of the cylindrical drum -107 a- of the photosensitive drum -107-, in such a way that it can be inclined in any address. In this embodiment, one end of the coupling is not mounted on the shaft of the drum (projection) but on the recess (element for receiving the rotational force) arranged in the end part of the cylinder -107 a-. Likewise, the coupling -15150- can also pivot in any direction in relation to the axis -L1-. As for the driven part -15150a-, the configuration described with respect to embodiment 1 is shown, but it may be the configuration of the driven part of the coupling described in embodiment 10 or in embodiment

eleven. Also, as described with respect to Embodiment 1, this drum unit -U- is mounted on the second frame -118- (drum frame), and is constituted as the cartridge removably mountable on the main set of the apparatus.

Thus, the drum unit -U- is constituted by the coupling -15150-, the photosensitive drum -107 (cylindrical drum -107 a-), the cap -15151- and others.

Regarding the structure for inclining the shaft -L2- towards the angular position of pre-coupling, immediately before the coupling -15150- coupling with the drive shaft -180- any of the embodiments 3 to 9 can be used.

Furthermore, the engagement and disengagement between the coupling and the drive shaft which are activated in connection with the mounting and dismounting of the cartridge are the same as those of Embodiment 1. Therefore, their description is omitted.

Furthermore, as described with respect to Embodiment 1 (figure 31), the drum support element is provided with regulating means to regulate the direction of inclination of the coupling in relation to the axis -L1-. In this way, the coupling can be more securely coupling with the drive shaft.

With this structure, the coupling can be mounted so that it can be tilted without the axis of the drum that was described heretofore, in any direction relative to the photosensitive drum. Accordingly, a cost reduction can be achieved.

Furthermore, according to the above structure, the coupling -15150- is a part of the drum units comprising the photosensitive drum as a unit. Accordingly, in the cartridge, manipulation is easy at the time of assembly and the suitability of assembly is improved.

The present invention will be further described with reference to Figures 94 to 105.

Figure 94 is a perspective view of the cartridge -B2- of the process, which uses the coupling -15150- of the present embodiment. The outer periphery -15157a- of the outer end of a drum support element -15157- arranged on the drive side, functions as a guide -140R1- of the cartridge.

Furthermore, at the longitudinal end (drive side) of the second frame unit 120, there is arranged an outwardly projecting cartridge guide 140R2, substantially above a cartridge guide 140R1 projecting outward. outside.

The processing cartridge is removably supported in the main assembly of the apparatus by these cartridge guides 140R1, 140R2 and a cartridge guide (not shown) arranged on the non-drive side. More specifically, the cartridge -B- moves towards the main assembly -A- of the apparatus in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis -L3- of the drive shaft -180- when it is mounted in the main assembly -A2- of the apparatus or is disassembled from it.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Figure 95 (a) is a perspective view of the coupling, viewed from the drive side, Figure 95 (b) is a perspective view of the coupling, viewed from the photosensitive drum side, and Figure 95 (c) shows a view of the coupling, seen from the direction perpendicular to the axis -L2-. Figure 95 (d) is a side view of the coupling, viewed from the drive side, Figure 95 (e) shows a view, viewed from the photosensitive drum side, and Figure 95 (f) is a sectional view taken along -S21-S21- of Figure 95 (d).

The coupling -15150- is mounted with the drive shaft -180- in the situation where the cartridge -B- is mounted in the established part -130a- arranged in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Also, by removing the cartridge -B- from the established part -130a-, it is disengaged from the drive shaft -180-. Also, in the situation where it is mounted with the drive shaft 180, the coupling 15150 receives the rotational force from the motor 186 and transmits a rotational force to the photosensitive drum 107.

The coupling -15150- mainly comprises three parts (Figure 95 (c)). A first part is a driven part -15150a- (a part to be driven) having a rotational force receiving surface -15150e (-15150e1- to -15150e4-) (rotational force receiving part) to engage with a drive shaft -180- and receiving a rotational force from a pin -182-. A second part is a drive part -15150b- which engages with a cap -15151- (pin -15155- (rotational force receiving element)), and transmits a rotational force. A third part is a connecting part -15150c- connecting the driven part -15150a- and the driving part -15150b-. The materials of these parts are resin materials, such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, and PPS. However, in order to improve the rigidity of the element, fiberglass, carbon fiber and others can be mixed with the resin material, depending on the required loading torque. In addition, the stiffness can be further improved -d- by inserting metal into the above-described resin material, and the entire coupling can be made of metal and so on. The driven part -15150a is provided with a part -15150m- with an opening for introducing the drive shaft in the form of a widened part that widens conically in relation to the shaft -L2-, as shown in figure 95 (F). The opening -15150m- constitutes a recess -15150z- as shown in the figure.

The drive part -15150b- has a receiving surface -15150i- with a spherical drive shaft. The coupling -15150- can pivot between the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and the angular position of pre-coupling (angular position of uncoupling) relative to the axis -L1- by means of the reception surface -15150i-. In this way, the coupling -15150- is coupled with the drive shaft -180- without being prevented by the free end portion -180b- of the drive shaft -180-, regardless of the angle of rotation of the photosensitive drum -107-. The drive part -15150b- has the convex configuration shown in the figure.

Also, a series of drive receiving projections -15150d1- to -d4- are arranged on a circumference (virtual circle in Figure 8 (d) -C1-) of an end surface of the driven part -15150a-. In addition, the spaces between the adjacent projections -15150d1- or -15150d2-, or -15150d3- and -15150d4- function as intermediate parts -15150k1-, -15150k2-, -15150k3-, -15150k4- of the drive. Each of the intervals between the adjacent projections -15150d1- to -d4- is greater than the outer diameter of the pin -182-, such that the pin -182- (rotational force application part) is received in these intervals that are intermediate positions -15150k1- to -k4-. Furthermore, in Fig. 95 (d), in the clockwise direction downstream of the projection -15150d-, there are arranged rotational force receiving surfaces -15150e1- to -15150e4- (receiving parts of the rotational force) located opposite in the direction that intersects the direction of the rotary movement of the coupling -15150-. When the drive shaft -180- rotates, the pin -182- abuts or is in contact with one of the drive force receiving surfaces -15150e1- to -15150e4-. Likewise, the reception of the opposite driving force -15150- is pushed by the lateral surface of the pin -182- and rotates the coupling -15150- about the axis -L2-.

Furthermore, the driving part -15150b- has a spherical surface. The coupling -15150- can pivot between the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and the angular position of pre-coupling (or angular position of uncoupling) by means of the arrangement of the spherical surface independently of the angle of rotation of the photosensitive drum -107- in cartridge -B- (oscillation). In the example shown, the spherical surface is a spherical drum support surface -15150i- having its axis aligned with the axis -L2-. Likewise, a hole -15150g- is formed for the anchoring by penetration of the pin -15155- (part of transmission of the rotational force) in the center thereof.

Referring to FIG. 96, description will be made regarding an example of a cap -15151- that mounts the coupling -15150-. Figure 96 (a) shows a view viewed from the drive shaft side, and Figure 96 (b) is a sectional view taken along -S22-S22- of Figure 96 (a).

The openings -15151g1-, -15151g2- shown in Fig. 96 (a) are in the form of grooves extending in the circumferential direction of the cap -15151-. An aperture -15151g3- is arranged between the aperture -15151g1- and the aperture -15151g2-. At the moment of mounting the coupling -15150- in the cap -15151-, the pin

ES 2 430 559 T3

-15155- is housed in these openings -15151g1-, -15151g2-. In addition, the drum support surface -15150i- is housed in the opening -15151g3-.

With the structures described above, regardless of the angle of rotation of the photosensitive drum -107- (regardless of the stop position of the pin -15155-) in the cartridge -B2-, the coupling -15150 can pivot (oscillate) between the angular position of transmission of the rotational force and the angular positions of pre-engagement (or angular position of disengagement).

Furthermore, in figure 96 (a), the surfaces -15151h1-, -15151h2- for transmitting the rotational force (rotational force receiving elements) are arranged in a clockwise direction, above the openings -15151g1- or -15151g2-. Likewise, the lateral surfaces of the rotational force transmission pin -15155- (rotational force transmission part) of the coupling -15150- are in contact with the rotational force transmission surfaces -15151h1-, - 15151h2-. In this way, a rotational force is transmitted from the coupling -15150- to the photosensitive drum -107-. In this case, the transmission surfaces -15151h1-, -15151h2- are opposite in the circumferential direction of the rotation movement of the cap -15151-. In this way, the transmission surfaces -15151h1-, -15151h2- are pushed towards the lateral surfaces of the pin -15155-. Also, in the situation where the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- are substantially coaxial, the coupling -15150- rotates around the axis -L2-.

In this case, the cap -15151- has a transmission receiving part -15151h1-, -15151h2- and, consequently, it functions as a rotational force receiving element.

The retaining part -15151i- shown in figure 96 (b) has the function of retaining the coupling -15150- in the cap -15151-, in such a way that the coupling can pivot between the angular position of transmission of the driving force. rotation and the angular positions of pre-engagement (or angular position of disengagement). In addition, it has the function of regulating the movement of the coupling -15150- in the direction of the axis -L2-. Consequently, the opening -15151j- has a diameter -0D15- smaller than the diameter of the support surface -15150i-. In this way, the displacement of the coupling is limited by the cap -15151-. Because of this, the coupling -15150- does not disengage from the photosensitive drum (cartridge).

As shown in Fig. 96, the drive portion -15150b- of the coupling -15150- is engaged with the recess provided in the end cap -15151-.

Figure 96 (c) is a sectional view showing the process in which the coupling -15150- is mounted in the cap -15151-.

The driven part -15150a- and the connection part -15150c- are inserted in the direction -X33- in the end cap -15151-. Furthermore, the positioning element -15150p- (driving part -15150b-) having the supporting surface -15150i- is positioned in the direction of the arrow -X32-. The pin -15155- penetrates into a fixing hole -15150g- of the positioning element -15150p- and into the fixing hole -15150r- of the connection part -15150c-. In this way, the positioning element -15150p- is fixed to the connection part -15150c-.

Figure 96 (d) shows a sectional view showing the process in which the coupling -15150- is fixed to the end cap -15151-.

The coupling -15150- is displaced in the -X32- direction, such that the support surface -15150i- is brought into contact with or is close to the retaining part -15151i-. The material -15156- of the retention part is introduced in the direction of the arrow -X32- and is fixed in the cap -15151-. In this mounting method, the coupling -15150- is mounted in the cap -15151- with a clearance (gap) with the positioning element -15150p-. In this way, the coupling -15150- can change its direction.

Similar to the projection -15150d-, the rotational force transmission surfaces -15150h1-, -15150h2- are desirably disposed diametrically opposite (180 degrees) on the same circumference.

Referring to Fig. 97 and Fig. 98, the structure of a unit -U3- of a photosensitive drum will be described. Figure 97 (a) is a perspective view of the drum unit viewed from the drive side, and Figure 97 (b) is a perspective view viewed from the non-drive side. Also, Fig. 98 is a sectional view taken along -S23-S23- of Fig. 97 (a).

A cap -15151- mounted on the coupling -15150- is fixed to one end side of the photosensitive drum -107- (cylindrical drum -107a-), such that the transmission part -15150a- is exposed. In addition, the end cap -152- of the non-drive side drum is attached to the other end side of the photosensitive drum -107- (cylindrical drum -107a-). The fixing method is by stapling, joining, welding or the like.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Also, in the situation where the drive side is supported by the support member -15157-, and the non-drive side is supported by the drum support pin (not shown), the drum unit -U3 is supported by rotatable by the second frame -118-. It is also unified in the processing cartridge by mounting the first frame unit 119 on the second frame unit 120 (Figure 94).

A gear indicated by -15151c- has the function of transmitting the rotational force received by the coupling -15150- from the drive shaft -180-, to the developing roller -110-. The gear -15151c- is integrally molded together with the cap -15151-.

The drum unit -U3-, described in this embodiment, comprises the coupling -15150-, the photosensitive drum -107- (cylindrical drum -107a-), and the drum cap -15151-. The peripheral surface of the cylindrical drum -107a- is coated with a photosensitive layer -107b-. Furthermore, the drum unit comprises the photosensitive drum coated with the photosensitive layer -107b-, and the coupling mounted at one end thereof. The structure of the coupling is not limited to the structure described in this embodiment. For example, it may have the structure described hereinabove as embodiments of the coupling. In addition, it may be another structure if it has the structure in which the effects of the present invention are arranged.

In this case, as shown in figure 100, the coupling -15150- is mounted in such a way that it can be inclined in any direction in relation to the axis -L1- or the axis -L2- thereof. Figures 100 (a1) to (a5) show views seen from the drive shaft 180-, and Figures 100 (b1) to (b5) show perspective views thereof. Figures 100 (b1) to (b5) show partially broken views, substantially all of the coupling -15150-, in which a part of the cap -15151- has been removed to show it better.

In Figures 100 (a1), (b1), the axis -L2- is located coaxially in relation to the axis -L1-. When the coupling 15150 is tilted upward from this situation, it is in the situation shown in Figures 100 (a2), (b2). As shown in this figure, when the coupling -15150- is inclined towards an opening -15151g-, a pin -15155- moves along the opening -15151g-. As a result, the coupling -15150- is inclined about the axis -AX- perpendicular to the opening -15151g-.

In figure 100 (a3), (b3), the coupling -15150- is inclined to the right. As shown in this figure, when the coupling -15150- is inclined in the orthogonal direction of the opening -15151g-, it rotates in said opening -15151g-. The pin -15155- rotates around the line -AY- of the axis of the pin -15155-.

The situation in which the coupling -15150- is inclined to the left and the situation in which it is inclined downward is shown in Figures 100 (a4), (b4) and 100 (a5), (b5). Since the description of the axes of rotation -AX-, -AY- has been made previously, the description thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

Rotation in a different direction from these tilt directions, for example a 45 degree rotation shown in Fig. 100 (a1), is arranged by a combination of the rotations around the axes of rotation -AX-, -AY- . In this way, the axis -L2- can be tilted in any direction in relation to the axis -L1-.

The aperture -15151g- extends in the direction that intersects the direction of the protrusion of the pin -15155-.

Furthermore, between the cap -15151- (rotational force receiving element) and the coupling -15150-, a gap is arranged as shown in the figure. With this structure, as previously described herein, the coupling -15150- can pivot in all directions.

More specifically, the transmission surfaces -15151h- (-15151h1, -15151h2-) (rotational force transmission parts) are in the operative positions relative to the pins -15155- (rotational force transmission part) . The pin -15155- can move in relation to the transmission surface -15151h-. Drive surface -15151h- and pin -15155- are engaged or abut each other. To carry out this movement, a gap is arranged between the pin -15155- and the transmission surface -15155h-. In this way, the coupling -15150- can pivot relative to the axis -L1- in all directions. In this way, the coupling -15150- is mounted on the end of the photosensitive drum -107-.

It has been mentioned that the axis -L2- can pivot in any direction relative to the axis -L1-. However, it is not necessary that the coupling 15150 can be forcibly pivoted linearly to the predetermined angle within the range of 360 degrees. This is applicable to all the couplings described in the previous embodiments.

In this embodiment, the aperture 15151g is shaped slightly wider in the circumferential direction. With this structure, when the axis -L2- is tilted relative to the axis -L1-, even in the case where it cannot be tilted with the predetermined angle linearly, the coupling can be tilted at the predetermined angle.

ES 2 430 559 T3 by rotating a slight amount about the axis -L2-. In other words, the clearance of the aperture -15151g- in the direction of rotation is appropriately selected in view of this, if necessary.

In this way, the coupling -15150- can pivot in substantially all directions. Consequently, the coupling -15150- is rotatable (pivotal) around the entire circumference, substantially in relation to the cap -15151-.

As previously described herein (FIG. 98), the spherical surface -15150i- of the coupling -15150- is in contact with the retention portion -15151i- (a portion of the recess). Consequently, the center -P2 of the spherical surface -15150i- is aligned with the axis of rotation, and the coupling -15150- is mounted. More specifically, the shaft -L2- of the coupling -15150- can pivot independently of the angle of the end cap -15151-.

Furthermore, in order that the coupling -15150- engages with the drive shaft -180-, the shaft -L2 is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge -B2- in relation to the shaft -L1 immediately before engage. More specifically, as shown in figure 101, the axis -L2- is inclined in relation to the axis -L1- such that the driven part -15150a- is lower with respect to the mounting direction -X4- . In Figures 101 (a) to (c), the position of the driven part -15150a- is lower with respect to the mounting direction -X4-, in any case.

Figure 94 shows the situation where the axis -L2- is inclined in relation to the axis -L1-. Furthermore, Figure 98 is a sectional view taken along -S24-S24- of Figure 94. As shown in Figure 99, by means of the structure previously described in this specification, from the position of inclination of the axis -L2-, it can be changed to the situation of being substantially parallel to the -L1- axis. Furthermore, the maximum possible angle -α4- of inclination (figure 99) between the axis -L1- and the axis -L2- is the angle at the moment of inclination until the driven part -15150a- or the connection part - 15150c- is in contact with the end cap -15151- or with the support element -15157-. This angle of inclination is the value required for engagement and disengagement relative to the drive shaft of the coupling at the time of mounting and dismounting of the cartridge relative to the main assembly of the apparatus.

Immediately before, or simultaneously, with the arrangement of the cartridge -B- in the predetermined position of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the coupling -15150- and the drive shaft -180- are coupled with each other. With reference to Fig. 102 and Fig. 103, description will be made regarding the coupling operation of this coupling -15150-. Fig. 102 is a perspective view showing the important parts of the drive shaft and drive side of the cartridge. Figure 103 is a longitudinal sectional view, viewed from the bottom of the main assembly of the apparatus.

In the assembly process of the cartridge -B-, as shown in figure 102, the cartridge -B- is mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis -L3- (the direction of the arrow -X4-). The axis -L2- of the coupling -15150- is inclined downwards with respect to the mounting direction -X4- relative to the previous axis -L1- (pre-coupling angular position) (figure 102 (a), figure 103 (a )). Through this inclination of the coupling -15150- with respect to the direction of the axis -L1-, the position -15150A1- of the free end is closer to the photosensitive drum -107- than the free end -180b3- of the axis with respect to the direction shaft -L1-. Furthermore, the position -15150A2- of the free end is closer to the pin -182- than the free end -180b3- of the shaft with respect to the direction of the shaft -L1- (figure 103 (a)).

First, the position -15150A1- of the free end passes through the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft. Next, the conical-shaped receiving surface -150f- of the drive shaft or the driven projection -150d- is in contact with the free end portion -180b- of the drive shaft -180- or with the pin -182- rotary drive force transmission. In this case, the receiving surface 150f and / or the projection 150d are the contact parts on the side of the cartridge. In addition, the free end portion - 180b- and / or the pin - 182 are the main assembly side mating portions. Also, in response to the displacement of the cartridge -B-, the coupling -15150- is inclined such that the axis -L2- becomes substantially coaxial with the axis -L1- (Figure 103 (c)). Also, when the position of the cartridge -B- is finally determined relative to the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the drive shaft -180- and the photosensitive drum -107- are substantially coaxial. More specifically, in the situation of the cartridge-side contacting part that is in contact with the main-assembly side engaging part, in response to the rear-side insertion of the main assembly -A- of the cartridge apparatus - B-, the coupling -15150- pivots to the angular position of transmission of the rotational force from the angular position of pre-coupling, such that the axis -L2- becomes substantially coaxial with the axis -L1-. Also, the coupling -15150- and the drive shaft -180- are coupled to each other (Figure 102 (b), Figure 103 (d)).

As previously described herein, the coupling -15150- is mounted for a tilting movement relative to the axis -L1-. Likewise, it can be coupling with the drive shaft -180 by pivoting the coupling -15150- corresponding to the assembly operation of the cartridge -B-.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Furthermore, similarly to Embodiment 1, the coupling operation of the coupling -15150- described above can be carried out independently of the angle of the drive shaft -180- and of the coupling -15150-.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the coupling -15150- is mounted for a rotary or torsional (oscillating) movement substantially around the axis -L1-. The movement shown in Figure 103 may include the movement of twisting ("whirling").

Referring to Fig. 104, the description will be made of the operation of transmitting the rotational force at the time of rotating the photosensitive drum -107-. The drive shaft -180- rotates with the drum drive gear -181- in the direction -X8- in the figure, by means of the rotational force received from the motor -186-. The gear -181- is a helical gear and its diameter is approximately 80 mm. Likewise, the pin -182- integrated with the drive shaft -180- is in contact with either of the two reception surfaces -150e- (four places) of the coupling -15150- (parts of reception of the rotational force). Likewise, the coupling -15150- rotates by means of the pin -182- pushing the receiving surface -150e-. Furthermore, in the coupling -15150-, the rotational force transmission pin -15155- (coupling side coupling part, rotational force transmission part) is in contact with the force transmission surface -15151h1-, -15151h2- (rotational force receiving element). In this way, the coupling -15150- is coupled with the photosensitive drum -107- for transmission of the driving force. Consequently the photosensitive drum -107- rotates through the end cap -15151- by means of the rotation of the coupling -15150-.

Also, when the shaft -L1- and the shaft -L2- are inclined to a certain degree, the coupling -15150- is inclined a little. In this way, the coupling -15150- can rotate without applying a great load to the photosensitive drum -107- or to the drive shaft -180-. Therefore, at the time of mounting the drive shaft -108- and the photosensitive drum -107- no exact adjustment is necessary. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

With reference to figure 105, the description will be made regarding the disassembly operation of the coupling -15150- at the moment of extracting the processing cartridge -B2- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus. Figure 105 is a longitudinal sectional view, viewed from the bottom of the main assembly of the apparatus. When the cartridge -B- is removed from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, as shown in Fig. 105, it moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis -L3- (the direction of the arrow -X6-). In the first place, in a similar way to embodiment 1, at the time of disassembling the cartridge -B2-, the transmission pin -182- of the drive shaft drive -180- is located in either of the two intermediate parts -15150k1 - to -15150k4- (figure).

After stopping the actuation of the photosensitive drum -107-, the coupling -15150- adopts the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, in which the axis -L2- is substantially coaxial with the axis -L1-. Also, when the cartridge -B- is moved to the front side of the main assembly -A- of the apparatus (the removal direction -X6-), the photosensitive drum -107- is moved to the front side. In response to this movement, the shaft receiving surface -15150f- or the protrusion -15150d- at the top with respect to the dismounting direction of the coupling -15150- are in contact, at least, with the end part free -180b- from the drive shaft -180- (figure 105 (a)). Likewise, the shaft -L2- begins to tilt upwards (figure 105 (b)) with respect to the disassembly direction -X6-. This direction of inclination is the same as the inclination of the coupling -15150- at the time of mounting the cartridge -B-. Through the disassembly operation of this cartridge -B-, said cartridge -B- is displaced, while the upper free end part -15150A3- with respect to the disassembly direction -X6- is in contact with the free end part -180b-. Likewise, the coupling -15150- is inclined until the upper free end portion -15150A3- reaches the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft (figure 105 (c)). In this case, the angular position of the coupling -15150- is the angular position of disengagement. Also, in this situation, the coupling -15150- passes through the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft, being in contact with the free end -180b3- of the drive shaft (figure 105 (d)). Next, the cartridge -B2- is extracted from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus.

As previously described herein, the coupling -15150- is mounted for pivoting movement relative to the axis -L1-. Likewise, the coupling -15150- can be uncoupled from the drive shaft -180- by pivoting the coupling -15150- corresponding to the removal operation of the cartridge -B2-.

The movement shown in Figure 105 may include a "whirling" movement.

With a structure such as that described above, the coupling -15150- is an integral part of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive drum unit. Accordingly, at the time of assembly, the handling is easy and the suitability of the assembly is improved.

ES 2 430 559 T3

In order to tilt the shaft -L2- towards the pre-coupling angular position, immediately before the coupling -15150- engages with the drive shaft -180-, any of the structures of Embodiments 3 to 9.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, it has been described that the end cap of the drive-side drum is a separate element from the photosensitive drum. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. In other words, the rotational force receiving part may be arranged directly on the cylindrical drum, and not on the end cap of the drum.

[Embodiment 18]

Referring to Fig. 106, Fig. 107 and Fig. 108, the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The present invention is a modified example of the coupling described in Embodiment 17. The configurations of the bonnet and the drive-side retainer differ from Embodiment 17. In either case, the coupling can pivot in the given direction, regardless of the angle. of the photosensitive drum. Furthermore, the structure for mounting the photosensitive drum unit in the second frame, as will be described later, is the same as that of the previous embodiment, and its description is therefore omitted.

Figures 106 (a) and (b) show a first modified example of the photosensitive drum unit. In Figures 106 (a) and (b), since the photosensitive drum and non-drive side of the cap are the same as in Embodiment 16, these items are not shown.

More specifically, the coupling -16150- is provided with a support part -16150p- in the form of a ring that is pierced by means of the pin -155-. The lines -16150p1-, -16150p2- of the edge of the peripheral part of the support part -16150p- are equidistant from the axis of the pin -155-.

Likewise, the inner periphery of the cap -16151- (element for receiving the rotational force) constitutes a superficial spherical part -16151i- (recess). The center of the spherical surface part -16151i- is arranged on the axis of the pin -155-. Furthermore, a slot -16151- is provided and this is the hole extending in the direction of the axis -L1-. Due to the arrangement of this hole, the pin -155- does not interfere when the axis -L2- is tilted.

Furthermore, between the driven part -16150a- and the support part -16150p- a retaining element -16156- is arranged. Likewise, the part opposite the support part -16150p- is provided with the spherical surface part -16156a-. In this case, the spherical surface part -16156a- is concentric with the spherical surface part -16151i. Furthermore, a groove -16156- is arranged such that it is continuous with the groove -16151- in the direction of the axis -L1-. Consequently, when the shaft -L1- pivots, the pin -155- can move inside the grooves -16151u-, -16156u-.

Also, the cap, coupling, and retainer for these drive-side structures are mounted on the photosensitive drum. Thus, the photosensitive drum unit is constituted.

With a structure such as that described above, when the axis -L2- is inclined, the lines -16150p1-, -16150p2- of the edge of the support part -16150p- move along the part -16151i- of the spherical surface and the part -16156a- of the spherical surface. Thus, similar to the previous embodiment, the coupling 16150 can be safely tilted.

In this way, the support part -16150p- can pivot in relation to the spherical surface part -16151i-, that is, the suitable gap is arranged between the end cap -16151- and the coupling -16150-, in such a way that the coupling -16150- can oscillate.

Accordingly, effects similar to the effects described in Embodiment 17 are achieved.

Figures 107 (a) and (b) show a second modified example of the photosensitive drum unit. In Figures 107 (a) and (b), since the photosensitive drum and the non-drive side of the drum end cap are the same as in Embodiment 17, the illustration is omitted.

More specifically, similarly to Embodiment 17, a coupling -17150- is provided with a spherical support portion -17150p- that has an intersection between the axis of the pin -155- and the axis -L2-, substantially as the center .

The cap -17151- is provided with a conical part -17151i- which is in contact with the surface of the support part -17150p- (recess).

ES 2 430 559 T3

Furthermore, a retaining element -17156- is arranged between the driven part -17150a- and the support part -17150p-. Furthermore, a part -17156a- of the edge line is in contact with the surface of the support part -17150p-.

Also, the structure (the cap, the coupling and the retaining element) on this drive side is mounted on the photosensitive drum. Thus, the photosensitive drum unit is constituted.

With the structure as described above, when the axis -L2- is inclined, the support part -17150 presses mobile along the conical part -17151i- of the line -17156a- of the edge of the retaining element. In this way, the coupling -17150- can be tilted safely.

Regarding what is described above, the support surface -17150p- can pivot (oscillate) in relation to the conical part -17151i-. Between the cap -17151- and the coupling -17150- a gap is arranged in order to allow the coupling -17150- to pivot. Accordingly, effects similar to the effects described in Embodiment 17 are achieved.

Figures 108 (a) and (b) show a third modified example of the photosensitive drum unit -U7-. The photosensitive drum and non-drive side cap of the drum are the same as Embodiment 17 in the modified example of Figures 108 (a) and (b), and therefore the illustration is omitted.

More specifically, said elements are arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation of a pin -20155-. Furthermore, the coupling -20150- has a part with a flat surface -20150r- perpendicular to the axis -L2-. Furthermore, it is provided with a hemispherical support part -20150p- which has the intersection between the axis of a pin -20155- and the axis -L2-, substantially as the center.

The cap -20151- is provided with a conical part -20151i- that has a vertex -20151g- on the axis thereof. The vertex -20151g- is in contact with the part -20150r- of the flat surface of the coupling.

Furthermore, a retention element - 20156- is arranged between the driven part - 20150a- and the support part -20150p-. Furthermore, a part -20156a- of the edge line is in contact with the surface of the support part -20150p.

Also, the structure (the cap, the coupling and the retaining element) on the drive side is mounted on the photosensitive drum. Thus, the photosensitive drum unit is constituted.

With the structure as described above, even if the shaft -L2- is tilted, the coupling -20150- and the end cap -20151- are always in contact with each other, substantially at a single point. Consequently, the coupling -20150- can be tilted safely.

As described above the part -20150r- of the flat surface of the coupling can oscillate in relation to the conical part -20151i-. Between the cap -20151- and the coupling -20150-, a gap is arranged in order to allow the coupling -17150- to oscillate.

The effects described above can be achieved by constituting the photosensitive drum unit in this way.

As a means of tilting the coupling to the angular position of pre-coupling, any of the structures of Embodiment 3 to Embodiment 9 are used.

[Embodiment 19]

Referring to Fig. 109, Fig. 110 and Fig. 111, the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The point where the present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 is the mounting structure of the photosensitive drum and the structure for transmitting the rotational force from the coupling to the photosensitive drum.

Fig. 109 is a perspective view showing a drum shaft and a coupling. Fig. 111 is a perspective view of a second frame unit, viewed from the drive side. Figure 110 is a sectional view taken along -S20-S20- of Figure 111.

In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum -107- is supported by a drum axis -18153- extending from the drive side of a second frame -18118- to the non-drive side thereof. In this way, the position of the photosensitive drum 107 can further be accurately determined. This will be described in more detail.

ES 2 430 559 T3

The shaft -18153- of the drum (element for receiving the rotational force) is supported by positioning holes -18151g-, -18152g- of the end caps -18151- and -18152- at the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum -107 -. Furthermore, the drum shaft -18153- rotates integrally with the photosensitive drum -107- by means of a drive transmission part -18153c-. Furthermore, the drum shaft -18153- is rotatably supported by the second frame -18118- through the support elements -18158- and -18159- in the vicinity of the opposite ends thereof.

A free end part -18153b- of the shaft -18153- of the drum has the same configuration as the configuration described with respect to Embodiment 1. More specifically, the free end part -18153b- has a spherical surface and its surface -150f- of coupling drum bracket -150- can slide along the spherical surface. In doing so, the axis -L2- can pivot in any direction relative to the axis -L1-. Furthermore, disengagement of the coupling 150 is prevented by means of the drum support element 18157. Also, they are unified as the processing cartridge by connecting a first frame unit (not shown) with the second frame -18118-.

Likewise, the rotational force is transmitted from the coupling 150 through a pin 18155 (element for receiving the rotational force) to the photosensitive drum 107. The pin -18155- goes through the center of the free end part -18153- (spherical surface) of the drum shaft.

Furthermore, disengagement of the coupling 150 is prevented by means of the drum support element 18157.

The coupling and uncoupling between the coupling and the main assembly of the apparatus, interrelated with the assembly and disassembly operations of the cartridge are the same as those of Embodiment 1 and, therefore, their description is omitted.

As for the structure for inclining the shaft -L2- towards the pre-coupling angular position, any of the structures from Embodiment 3 to Embodiment 10 can be used.

In addition, the structure described with respect to Embodiment 1 can be used for the configuration of the free end of the drum shaft.

Furthermore, as described with respect to Embodiment 1 (Fig. 31), the direction of inclination of the coupling relative to the cartridge is regulated by means of the drum support member. In this way, the coupling can be coupled more securely with the drive shaft.

The structure will not be limited if the rotational force receiving part is arranged at the end part of the photosensitive drum and rotates integrally with the photosensitive drum. For example, it may be arranged on the axis of the drum arranged at the end part of the photosensitive drum (cylindrical drum), as described with respect to Embodiment 1. Or, as described in this embodiment, it can be arranged at the end part of the shaft that penetrates the drum, which is through the photosensitive drum (cylindrical drum). Furthermore, alternatively, as described with respect to Embodiment 17, it may be arranged in the end cap of the drum located at the end part of the photosensitive drum (cylindrical drum).

The mounting (coupling) between the drive shaft and the coupling means means the situation where, furthermore, the coupling abuts or is in contact with the drive shaft and / or the rotating force applying part, further meaning that when the drive shaft additionally starts rotation in the direction that the coupling abuts or is in contact with the rotating force applying part and the rotating force can be received from the drive shaft.

In the embodiments described above, as regards the alphabetic suffixes of the reference signs in the coupling, the same alphabetic suffixes are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions.

Fig. 112 is a perspective view of a photosensitive drum unit -U according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the photosensitive drum -107- is provided with a helical gear -107- at the end that has the coupling -150-. The helical gear -107c- transmits the rotational force that the coupling receives from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus to the developing roller -110- (processing means). This structure is applied to the drum unit -U3-, shown in figure 97.

Furthermore, the photosensitive drum -107- is provided with a gear -107d- at the end opposite the end having the helical gear -107c-. In this embodiment, this gear 107d is a helical gear. The

ES 2 430 559 T3 gear -107d- transmits the rotational force that the coupling -150- receives from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus to the transfer roller -104- (figure 4) arranged in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus .

Furthermore, the charging roller -108- (processing means) is in longitudinal contact with the photosensitive drum -107-. In this way, the charge roller -108- rotates with the photosensitive drum -107-. The transfer roller -104- may be in contact with the photosensitive drum -107- longitudinally therewith. In this way, the transfer roller -104- can rotate by means of the photosensitive drum -107-. In this case, the gear for the rotation of the transfer roller -104- is unnecessary.

Furthermore, as shown in figure 98, the photosensitive drum -107- is provided with a helical gear -15151c- at the end of which the coupling -15150- is arranged. The gear -15151c- transmits the rotational force received by the coupling -15150- from the main assembly -A- of the apparatus to the developing roller -110- and, with respect to the direction of the axis -L1- of the photosensitive drum - 107-, the position in which the gear -15151c- is arranged, and the position in which the pin -15150h1- is arranged, -h2- of rotational force transmission (rotational force transmission part) are superimposed on each other (the superposition position is shown by -3- in Fig. 98).

In this way, the gear -15151- and the rotating force transmission part are superimposed on each other, with respect to the direction of the axis -L1-. In this way, the force that tends to deform the cartridge frame -B1- is reduced. In addition, the length of the photosensitive drum 107 can be reduced.

The couplings of the embodiments described above can be applied to this drum unit.

Each coupling described above has the following structure.

Coupling (for example, couplings -150-, -1550-, -1750- and -1850-, -3150-, -4150-, -5150-, -6150-, -7150-, -8150-, -1350 -, -1450-, -11150-, -12150-, -12250-, -12350-, -13150-, -14150-, -15150-, -16150-, -17150-, -20150-, -21150-, and others) are coupled with the rotating force application part (for example, pins -182-, -1280-, -1355-, -1382-, -9182- and others) arranged in the main assembly -A - of the appliance. Likewise, the coupling receives the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum -107-. Furthermore, each of these couplings can pivot between the rotational force transmission angular position to transmit the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum -107- by coupling with the rotational force applying part to the drum. photosensitive -107-, and the angular position of decoupling, inclined in the direction away from the axis -L1- of the photosensitive drum -107- from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. Furthermore, at the time of disassembling the cartridge -B- from the main assembly -A of the apparatus in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis -L1-, the coupling pivots from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position of uncoupling.

As described above, the rotational force transmission angular position and the disengagement angular part may be the same or equivalent to each other.

Furthermore, at the time of mounting the cartridge -B- in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus, the operation is as follows. The coupling pivots from the pre-coupling angular position to the rotational force transmission angular position in response to the displacement of the cartridge -B- in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis -L1-, in such a way as to allow the part coupling (for example, the part of the position -A1- of the lower free end) located lower with respect to the position in which the cartridge -B- is mounted in the main assembly -A- of the apparatus to avoid the drive shaft. Also, the coupling is located in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force.

Substantial perpendicularity has been discussed earlier herein.

The coupling element has a recess (for example, -150z-, -12150z-, -12250z-, -14150z-, -15150z-, -21150z-) into which an axis of rotation -L2- of the coupling element extends. coupling through a center of the shape that defines the recess. The recess is above the free end of the drive shaft (for example, -180-, -1180-, -1280-, -1380-, -9180-) in the situation where the coupling element is located in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force. The rotational force receiving part (for example, the rotational force receiving surface -150e-, -9150e-, -12350e-, -14150e-, -15150e-) is projected from a part adjacent to the axis drive in the direction perpendicular to the axis -L3- and can be coupled or abutted with the rotating force application part in the rotation direction of the coupling. In this way, the coupling receives the rotational force of the drive shaft and thus rotates. When the processing cartridge is disassembled from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the coupling element pivots from the angular position of transmission of the rotational force to the angular position of uncoupling, such that a part of the coupling element coupling (upper end part -150A3-, -1750A3-, -14150A3-, -15150A3- with respect to the dismounting direction) of the coupling element bypasses the drive shaft in response to movement of the processing cartridge

ES 2 430 559 T3 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum. In this way, the coupling is disengaged from the drive shaft.

A series of said parts for receiving the rotational force are arranged on a virtual circle -C1 (figure 8 (d), figure 95 (d)) having a center -O- (figures 8 (d), figure 95 ( d)) on the axis of rotation of the coupling element in positions substantially diametrically opposite to each other.

The coupling recess has a flared portion (for example, Figures 8, 29, 33, 34, 36, 47, 51, 54, 60, 63, 69, 72, 82, 83, 90, 91, 92, 93, 106 , 107, 108). A series of the rotational force receiving parts are arranged at regular intervals along the direction of rotation of the coupling member. The rotating force applying part (eg -182a-, -182b-) protrudes in each of the two positions and extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. One of the rotational force receiving parts is coupled to one of the two rotational force applying parts. The other of the rotational force receiving parts which is opposite the first of the rotational force receiving parts is engaged in the other of the two rotational force applying parts. By doing this, the coupling thus receives the rotational force from the drive shaft to rotate. With such a structure, the rotational force can be transmitted to the photosensitive drum by coupling.

The widened part is conical in shape. The conical shape has the vertex on the axis of rotation of the coupling element and, in the situation where the coupling element is located in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, the vertex is opposite the free end of the shaft drive. The coupling element is above the free end of the drive shaft when the rotational force is transmitted to the coupling element. With such a structure, the coupling can be coupled (connected) with the protruding drive shaft in the main assembly of the apparatus being superimposed with respect to the axis direction -L2-. Accordingly, the coupling can be coupled with the drive shaft stably.

The free end part of the coupling covers the free end of the drive shaft. Consequently, the coupling can be easily disengaged from the drive shaft. The coupling can receive the rotating force with high precision from the drive shaft.

The coupling having the widened part and, consequently, the drive shaft, can be cylindrical. Because of this, machining of the drive shaft is straightforward.

The coupling has the widened part of a conical shape, so that the effects described above can be improved.

When the coupling is in the angular position of transmission of the rotational force, the axis -L2- and the axis -L1 are substantially coaxial. In the situation where the coupling element is located in the angular position of uncoupling, the axis of rotation of the coupling element is inclined relative to the axis of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum, in such a way as to allow an upper part of the coupling member to pass through the free end of the drive shaft in the extraction direction in which the processing cartridge is removed from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. The coupling element includes a rotational force transmitting part (for example, -150h-, -1550h-, -9150h-, -14150h-, -15150h-) for transmitting the rotational force to the photosensitive electrophotographic drum, and a connecting part (for example, -7150c- between the rotational force receiving part and the rotational force transmitting part, wherein the rotational force receiving part, the connecting part, the rotating force transmitting part are arranged along the direction of the axis of rotation. When the processing cartridge is moved in the direction substantially perpendicular to the drive axis, the angular position of pre-engagement is arranged by means of the connection part that is in contact with a fixed part (guide rib -7130R1a- (part contact)) arranged in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus.

The cartridge -B- comprises a holding element (locking element -3159-, pushing element -4159a-, -4159b-, locking element -5157k-, magnet -8159-) to keep the coupling element in position. angular pre-engagement, wherein the engagement member is held in the angular pre-engagement position by means of a force exerted by the holding member. The coupling is placed in the angular position of pre-coupling by the force of the holding element. The holding element can be an elastic element (thrust element -4159a-, -4159b-). By the elastic force of the elastic element, the coupling is held in the angular position of coupling. The maintenance element can be a friction element (locking element -3159-). By the friction force of the friction element, the coupling is held in the angular position of coupling. The maintenance element can be a locking element (locking element -5157k-). The maintenance element can be a magnet (part -8159-) arranged in the coupling. By the magnetic force of the magnet the coupling is held in the angular coupling position.

ES 2 430 559 T3

The rotational force receiving part is coupled with the rotational force applying part which can rotate integrally with the drive shaft. The rotational force receiving part can be coupled to the rotational force applying part which can rotate integrally with the drive shaft, wherein when the rotational force receiving part receives the force drive to rotate the coupling member, and the rotating force receiving part is inclined in a direction to receive a force toward the drive shaft. By the attractive force, the coupling is secured to contact the free end of the drive shaft. Next, the position of the coupling relative to the axis direction -L2- relative to the drive axis. When the photosensitive drum -107- is also attracted, the position of the photosensitive drum -107- is determined relative to the main assembly of the apparatus with respect to the direction of the axis -L1-. The tensile force can be suitably determined by a person skilled in the art.

The coupling member is disposed at one end of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum and can pivot relative to the axis of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum in substantially all directions. By doing this, the coupling can pivot smoothly between the pre-coupling angular position and the rotational force transmitting angular position and between the rotational force transmitting angular position and the disengaging angular position.

Substantially, "all directions" is intended to mean that the coupling can pivot to the rotational force transmitting angular position regardless of the angle at which the rotational force applying part stops.

Furthermore, the coupling can pivot to the angular position of disengagement, regardless of the angle at which the rotating force applying part stops.

A gap is provided between the rotational force transmitting part (for example, -150h-, -1550h-, -9150h-, -14150h-, -15150h-) and the rotational force receiving element, by example, the pin -155-, -1355-, -9155-, -13155-, -15155-, -15151h-), such that the coupling element can pivot relative to the axis of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum substantially in all directions, wherein the rotational force transmitting part is arranged at one end of the photosensitive electrophotographic drum and can be displaced relative to the rotational force receiving element, and the rotational force transmitting part and the element rotational force receiving devices can be coupled to each other in the direction of rotation of the coupling element. The coupling is mounted on the end of the drum in this way. The coupling can be inclined substantially in all directions in relation to the axis -L1-.

The main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus includes a pusher element (eg, skid -1131-) that is movable between a push position and a retract position, retracted from the push position. When the processing cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the coupling element moves to the angular position of pre-coupling by being pushed by the elastic force of the pushing element, recovering the pushing position after being temporarily retracted to the retracted position when in contact with the processing cartridge. With this structure, even if the connecting part is retracted by friction, the coupling can safely pivot to the angular position of pre-coupling.

The photosensitive drum unit comprises the following structure. The photosensitive drum unit (-U-, -U1-, -U3-, -U7-, -U13-) can be assembled and disassembled from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. drive shaft. The drum unit has a photosensitive electrophotographic drum having a photosensitive layer (-170b-) on the peripheral surface thereof with the photosensitive electrophotographic drum rotatable about an axis thereof. It also includes a coupling for engaging the rotational force applying part and for receiving the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum -107-. The coupling may have the structure described above.

The drum unit is mounted on the cartridge. By mounting the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus, the drum unit can be mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.

The cartridge -B-, -B2- has the following structures.

The cartridge can be assembled and disassembled from the main assembly of the apparatus in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft. The cartridge comprises a drum having a photosensitive layer -107B- on the peripheral surface thereof, the photosensitive electrophotographic drum being able to rotate about an axis thereof. It also comprises processing means that can act on the photosensitive drum -107- (for example, cleaning blade -117a-, charging roller -108- and developing roller -100-). It further comprises the coupling for receiving the rotational force to rotate the drum 107 by coupling with the rotational force applying part. The coupling can have the structures described above.

ES 2 430 559 T3

The electrophotographic imaging apparatus can be loaded by the drum unit,

The electrophotographic imaging apparatus can be loaded via the processing cartridge.

The axis -L1- is the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum.

The axis -L2- is the axis of rotation of the coupling.

The axis -L3- is the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

The torsion movement (“whirling”) is not a movement with which the coupling itself rotates around the axis -L2-, but rather the inclined axis -L2- rotates around the axis -L1- of the photosensitive drum, although the torsion in this case does not prevent the rotation of the coupling "per se" around the axis -L2- of the coupling -150-.

[Other realizations]

The mounting and dismounting path extends in an inclined or non-inclined direction, from top to bottom, relative to the drive axis of the main assembly of the apparatus in the embodiments described above. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples. The embodiments can be suitably applied to the processing cartridge which can be assembled and disassembled in the direction perpendicular to the drive axis depending, for example, on the structure of the main assembly of the apparatus.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, although the mounting path is rectilinear in relation to the main assembly of the apparatus, the present invention is not limited to that example. For example, the mounting path can be a combination of straight lines or it can be a curvilinear path.

Furthermore, the cartridges of the embodiment described above form a monochrome image. However, the above-described embodiments can be suitably applied to the imaging cartridges (for example, two-color images, three-color images, or full-color images and others) of the plurality of colors by a plurality of developing devices.

Furthermore, the processing cartridge described above includes a photosensitive electrophotographic element and, for example, at least one processing means. Accordingly, the processing cartridge can contain the photosensitive drum and the charging means as the processing medium, in an integrated manner. The processing cartridge can contain the photosensitive drum and the developing means as unified processing means. The processing cartridge can contain the photosensitive drum and the cleaning means as integrated processing means. In addition, the processing cartridge can contain the photosensitive drum and the two or more integrated processing means.

Furthermore, the processing cartridge is assembled and disassembled by the user in relation to the main assembly of the apparatus. Accordingly, maintenance of the main assembly of the apparatus is in effect carried out by the user. According to the above-described embodiments relating to the main assembly of the apparatus that is not provided with the mechanism for moving the drum coupling element from the side of the main assembly to transmit the rotational force to the photosensitive drum in the axial direction thereof, the cartridge of Processing is removably mounted in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. Also, the photosensitive drum can rotate smoothly. Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the processing cartridge can be disassembled from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device arranged on the drive axis in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive axis.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the processing cartridge can be mounted in the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive axis. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the processing cartridge can be mounted and dismounted in the direction substantially perpendicular to the drive axis relative to the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device arranged on the drive shaft.

Furthermore, according to the above-described coupling, even if the drive gear arranged in the main assembly is not made to move in the axial direction thereof, they can be mounted and dismounted relative to the main assembly of the apparatus by moving the cartridge. processing in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, in the connection part of the drive between the main assembly and the cartridge, the photosensitive drum can rotate smoothly compared to the case of inter-gear engagement.

ES 2 430 559 T3

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the processing cartridge can be removably mounted in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft arranged in the main assembly, and simultaneously the photosensitive drum can be rotated smoothly.

Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the processing cartridge can be removably mounted in the direction substantially perpendicular to the drive axis provided in the main assembly and, simultaneously, smooth rotation of the photosensitive drum can be carried out.

[INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY]

As described hereinabove, in the present invention, the axis of the drum coupling element can assume different angular positions relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum. The drum coupling member can be coupled with the drive shaft in the direction substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft arranged in the main assembly by this structure. Furthermore, the drum engaging member can be disengaged from the drive shaft in the direction substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft. The present invention can be applied to the processing cartridge, the photosensitive electrophotographic drum element unit, the rotating force transmission part (drum coupling element), and the electrophotographic imaging device.

Contents42

266 members in 22 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim12 more offices are in the list below

Priority claims19

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
2006346190	Japan	A	2006-12-22
2006346190	Japan	A	2006-12-22
2006346190	Japan	–	2006-12-22
2007042665	Japan	A	2007-02-22
2007042665	Japan	A	2007-02-22
2007042665	Japan	–	2007-02-22
2007330303	Japan	A	2007-12-21
2007330303	Japan	A	2007-12-21
2007330303	Japan	–	2007-12-21
2007075364	Japan	W	2007-12-25
2007075364	Japan	W	2007-12-25
2006346190	–	–	–
2007042665	–	–	–
2007330303	–	–	–
JP20060346190	–	–	–
JP20070042665	–	–	–
JP20070330303	–	–	–
PCTJP2007075364	–	–	–
WO2007JP75364	–	–	–

Members266

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
US2008152388A1	United States of America	A1	2008-06-26
AU2007339163A1	Australia	A1	2008-07-03
CA2670502A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA2961034A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA3117024A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA3117031A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA3117038A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA3119205A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA3119212A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA3119274A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA3119461A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
CA3119466A1	Canada	A1	2008-07-03
WO2008078836A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2008-07-03
JP2008233867A	Japan	A	2008-10-02
TW200848959A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2008-12-16
MX2009005512A	Mexico	A	2009-06-03
EP2087407A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2009-08-12
KR20090105941A	Republic of Korea	A	2009-10-07
DE112007003045T5	Germany	T5	2009-10-15
CN101568887A	China	A	2009-10-28
HK1131668A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2010-01-29
KR20100015984A	Republic of Korea	A	2010-02-12
JP2010140051A	Japan	A	2010-06-24
JP4498407B2	Japan	B2	2010-07-07
JP2010152387A	Japan	A	2010-07-08
TW201028806A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2010-08-01
RU2009128196A	Russian Federation	A	2011-01-27
US2011091239A1	United States of America	A1	2011-04-21
JP2011100171A	Japan	A	2011-05-19
KR20110086777A	Republic of Korea	A	2011-07-29
KR20110086883A	Republic of Korea	A	2011-08-01
SG176480A1	Singapore	A1	2011-12-29
JP4854791B2	Japan	B2	2012-01-18
KR20120008546A	Republic of Korea	A	2012-01-30
KR20120008547A	Republic of Korea	A	2012-01-30
AU2012200109A1	Australia	A1	2012-02-02
AU2007339163B2	Australia	B2	2012-02-16
KR101155190B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2012-06-13
JP5005053B2	Japan	B2	2012-08-22
KR101182006B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2012-09-11
US8275286B2	United States of America	B2	2012-09-25
US8280278B2	United States of America	B2	2012-10-02
RU2467370C2	Russian Federation	C2	2012-11-20
US2013064569A1	United States of America	A1	2013-03-14
TWI391797B	Taiwan Province of China	B	2013-04-01
JP5208233B2	Japan	B2	2013-06-12
JP2013122616A	Japan	A	2013-06-20
CN101568887B	China	B	2013-06-26
SG190459A1	Singapore	A1	2013-06-28
EP2087407B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2013-07-17
CN103257563A	China	A	2013-08-21
EP2631718A2	European Patent Office (EPO)	A2	2013-08-28
EP2631719A2	European Patent Office (EPO)	A2	2013-08-28
CN103279022A	China	A	2013-09-04
CN103279023A	China	A	2013-09-04
CN103293896A	China	A	2013-09-11
CN103293897A	China	A	2013-09-11
DK2087407T3	Denmark	T3	2013-09-16
PT2087407E	Portugal	E	2013-09-18
SG193157A1	Singapore	A1	2013-09-30
TW201346465A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2013-11-16
TW201346466A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2013-11-16
ES2430559T3This record	Spain	T3	2013-11-21
SI2087407T1	Slovenia	T1	2013-11-29
BRPI0720506A2	Brazil	A2	2013-12-31
PL2087407T3	Poland	T3	2013-12-31
US8630564B2	United States of America	B2	2014-01-14
RU2012130772A	Russian Federation	A	2014-01-27
HK1185153A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2014-02-07
HK1185670A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2014-02-21
US2014056613A1	United States of America	A1	2014-02-27
US8682215B1	United States of America	B1	2014-03-25
US2014099144A1	United States of America	A1	2014-04-10
AU2012200109B2	Australia	B2	2014-05-01
TWI443481B	Taiwan Province of China	B	2014-07-01
KR20140088159A	Republic of Korea	A	2014-07-09
KR20140088160A	Republic of Korea	A	2014-07-09
AU2014208277A1	Australia	A1	2014-08-21
EP2631718A3	European Patent Office (EPO)	A3	2014-09-10
EP2631719A3	European Patent Office (EPO)	A3	2014-09-10
KR101457751B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2014-11-03
KR101457752B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2014-11-03
KR101457771B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2014-11-04
KR101457772B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2014-11-04
KR20150018905A	Republic of Korea	A	2015-02-24
JP5680123B2	Japan	B2	2015-03-04
RU2543681C2	Russian Federation	C2	2015-03-10
AU2014208277B2	Australia	B2	2015-03-12
JP2015096969A	Japan	A	2015-05-21
AU2015203129A1	Australia	A1	2015-07-09
KR101536545B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2015-07-14
KR101536546B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2015-07-14
KR101536553B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2015-07-14
BRPI0720506B1	Brazil	B1	2015-08-04
CN103279022B	China	B	2015-12-23
CN103279023B	China	B	2015-12-23
MX337215B	Mexico	B	2016-02-17
BR122015008869B1	Brazil	B1	2016-03-01
BR122015008872B1	Brazil	B1	2016-04-19
TWI534563B	Taiwan Province of China	B	2016-05-21

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Abstract

Term

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DESCRIPTION

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Priority claims19

Members266

Numbers

Titles2

Classification