Cartri dge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus which uses cartridge.

(54) Title: CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS USED BY THE CARTRIDGE. (54) Title: CARTRI DGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS WHICH USES CARTRIDGE.

(57) Summary

A cartridge for use with a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a drive shaft having a rotational force applying portion, wherein the cartridge is removable from the main assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft, the cartridge including i) a developer roller that is rotatable about an axis thereof; and ii) a coupling member (150) engageable with the rotational force applying portion (180) to receive a rotational force to rotate the developing roller, the coupling member being capable of taking an angular force transmission position rotational (Fig. 18b) to transmit rotational force to rotate the developer roller and an angular decoupling position (fig. 18a) wherein the coupling member is tilted away from the rotational force transmission angular position, where when the cartridge is removed from the main assembly, the coupling member moves from the rotational force transmission angular position to the decoupling angular position.

(57) Abstract

A cartridge for use with a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a driving shaft having a rotational torce applying portion, where the cartridge is dismountable from the main assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the driving shaft, the cartridge including i) a developing roller that is rotatable about an axis thereof; and ii) a coupling member (150) engageable with the rotational torce applying portion (180) to receive a rotational torce for rotating the developing roller, the coupling member being capable of taking a rotational torce transmitting angular position (fig. 18b) for transmitting the rotational torce for rotating the developing roller and a disengaging angular position (fig. 18a) in which the coupling member is inclined away from the rotational torce transmitting angular position, where when the cartridge is dismounted from the main assembly, the coupling member moves from the rotational torce transmitting angular position to the disengaging angular position.

PATENT TITLE No. 358043

Headlines): CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Address: 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo, 1468501, JAPAN

Denomination:

CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS USED BY THE CARTRIDGE.

Classification:

Inventor (s):

G03G15 / 08; G $ 3 <fclfie.

G03G15 / 0808; G03G15 / 0896; G03G21 / 186; G03G21 / 1853; G03G2221 / 1657 SHIGEO WABE; TAKAHITO UÉ © M4 & SANARI MORIQKA? International:

κ- '~,' / -s 9 dMuttiWte'Í009. . ·> · ..S - Λ „

CIP:

CPC:

Number:

MX / a / 2014/004892

Country:

JP

Validity: Twenty years

Divi ^ iupé

Ί v. ,

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*^:

Number:

2008/451824

Expiration Date: June 9, 2029 Issue Date: 3nJe August, φ 201 §b,_tThe reference patent is granted based on articles 1, '2 * fraction ^, $ ItáiAAn JU, and 59 of the Industrial PropMM Law.

Pursuant to article 23 of the Property Law tMnch ^ Ke ^ JgpM patent patent Lpie-a validity of twenty non-extendable years, counted to international and shall be subject to “payment of all rights in force ItK rights.

n the provisions of "(te» aiticulps 6'tracción "III and More of the Law of Industrial Property from the date of filing ¡Je la sollcffidhpti Who subscribes to the present title does so can fundfflhanto in the 3is | kiesto ( Official Gazette of the Federation (D.OF.). 27 / CB / 1991. 'H ^ rniAa «2K8Ü1994, 35/1 OWfig ?, 26/12 / 1β9Τ? 1» θ5 / 1999. 26/01/2004. 06/16/2005, 01/25/2006, 06/05/2009, 06/01/2010, 18/06/2010, 08/06/2010, 2.7 / 01/2012 and 09/0 (/ 2012 ): arJiquIOs ?!⁰, 3'fra »C | Ón, VÍ | ieisó a), 4 'and 12' sections I and III of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute S» lajg {jptf (fad Industrial (D.OF 14/12/1999, ^ formed the 07/01/2002, 07/15/2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007); articles 1, 3 ', 4, 5' section V subsection a), lift ^ raonsa, I Mílll and 30 ÓérFmelWtó ^ rgámeerd &amp; LinstitufÓ'Vexféano de la Propiedad Industrial (DOF 27/12/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 29 / 0V®t ^ «/ IWZM4l« M ^ O (p), AcÍBrdo that delegates powers to the Directors Deputy Generals, Coordinator. Directors ravj ^ qtesi; TítJIaM »je | a» TxtaújfT 8aw5ñaias. Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Instituto MexiAío larPi ^ Pedad ^ príustrial t ^ íLP'TS /

08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

(^ pity ¿Amtrial Í5 / 12/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004.

This letter is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3 of its Regulations, and 1 fraction III, 2 fraction V, 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Electronic Payment and Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS NAHANNY CANAL REYES

<img file="MX358043B_D0002.tif" />

Original string:

NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES | 00001000000403252793 | Administration Service

Tax | 1695 || MX / 2018/65317 | MX / a / 2014/004892 | Normal patent title with divisional PCT | 1223) GAGV | Page (s) 1 | F + jMC HX8qwHxWGzxxiAndyZEac8 =

Digital stamp:

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C / n / + VI8P8t0lo7mJRG + 0Hr4eNgTLCVuNUpus8TcCm2sfxYqg / 8b6y7F1fzevftxWTF¡G9BA == .'-. No. 550. Floor 1. Pueblo Santa Mana l epepan. Xochimiico. 16020. i ,,, «¡ad dt; Mexico: 0010334: 1 / Μ) gwsí gob inx / impi

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MX / 2018/65317

3SQO13

<img file="MX358043B_D0004.tif" />

CARTRIDGE, AND ELECTRO $ IMAGE FORMATION DEVICE

WHAT DOES THE CARTRIDGE USE [TECHNICAL FIELD]

The present invention relates to a cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which a cartridge is removably mountable.

Here, an electrophotographic imaging a copying machine apparatus means electrophotographic (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), and the like.

A cartridge means a developer cartridge as well as a process cartridge. Herein, a developing cartridge means a cartridge having a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed in an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus. Some electrophotographic imaging apparatus are structured such that the electrophotographic photosensitive member is a part of the main imaging apparatus assembly, while some electrophotographic imaging apparatus are structured so as to employ a process cartridge (unit processing) made of an electrophotographic photosensitive member and

IMPT a roller

<img file="MX358043B_D0005.tif" />

revealed. A process cartridge is a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member is present in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and one or more processing means, i.e. a charging medium, a developing roller (developing medium), and a medium cleaning devices are integrally arranged and removably mountable on the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus. More specifically, a process cartridge medium means a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and at least one developing roller (developing medium) are integrally arranged

<td colspan="5">so that they can be removably mounted on the</td><td>set</td>

<td>principal</td><td>of a device</td><td>of</td><td>training</td><td>of</td><td>image</td>

<td colspan="3">electrophotographic, or a cartridge</td><td>in which</td><td>a</td><td>member</td>

photosensitive electrophotographic, a developing roller (charging medium), and a charging medium, are integrally arranged so that they can be removably mounted on the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus. It also means a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing roller (developing medium) and a cleaning medium, are integrally arranged so that they can be mounted

<img file="MX358043B_D0006.tif" />

removably in the main set der^nuuap^,ára € ír-'TIe electrophotographic imaging. In addition, if a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing roller (developing medium), a cleaning medium, and a charging medium are arranged integrally so that they can be removably mounted on the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus.

A developer cartridge or a process cartridge can be removably mounted on the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus by a user by himself, making it possible for a user to maintain an imaging apparatus by himself, i.e. , without trusting a service person. In this way, a developing cartridge or a process cartridge can significantly improve an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in terms of operability, in particular in terms of its maintenance [PREVIOUS BRANCH]

An electrophotographic imaging apparatus uses a developing apparatus (developing roller) to develop an electrostatic latent image formed in an electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is in the form of a conventionally referred to as a drum (which is then conventionally photosensitive, imaging electrophotographic are

In the case of some conventional electrophotographic,

<img file="MX358043B_D0007.tif" />

• st'Wto juca me w. DBUrXOWEDAI, INDUSTWAL the apparatus of * Fó'rfiratí'i'ón——. structured as follows:

forming apparatus a cartridge (

<td>revealed</td><td>or</td><td>cartridge</td><td>of</td><td>process) is provided with</td><td>a</td>

<td>gear.</td><td>I know</td><td>rides on</td><td>the</td><td>main set of an apparatus</td><td>of</td>

<td>training</td><td>of</td><td>image,</td><td>of</td><td>such that the gear</td><td>of the</td>

<td>cartridge</td><td>I know</td><td>gear</td><td colspan="2">with a gear with which</td><td>I know</td>

provides the main set. In this way, the developer roller in the cartridge can be rotated by the rotational force transmitted to the developer roller from a motor, with which the main assembly is provided, through the gear of the main assembly and the gear of the cartridge (Patent No. 7,027,754).

In the case of other conventional electrophotographic imaging apparatus, a cartridge is provided with the cartridge portion of the developer roller coupling, while the main assembly is provided with the main assembly portion of the developer roller coupling . In addition, the main assembly is provided with a member for moving (forward or backward) the main assembly portion of the

Is.

I

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Mexicano&gt; ¡mexican,. LA FX »RSDAD * INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0008.tif" />

developer roller coupling so that the portion heard. eleven Developing roller coupling main assembly conjuntoι ιι can be moved forward (toward the cartridge) in the axial direction of the coupling to couple the main assembly portion of the coupling with the cartridge portion of the coupling, or backward (away cartridge) in the axial direction of the coupling to disengage the main assembly portion of the coupling from the cartridge portion of the coupling.

In this way, as the main assembly portion of the developer roller coupling is rotated after proper mounting of the cartridge towards the main assembly, the rotational force of the main assembly portion of the developer roller coupling is transmitted to the cartridge portion of the developer roller coupling, thereby rotating the developer roller (US Patent No. 2007 / 0,160,384).

However, the conventional structural arrangements described above make it necessary that when a cartridge is mounted to, or removed from, the main assembly of an imaging apparatus in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the developing roller in the cartridge, the main assembly portion of the

<img file="MX358043B_D0009.tif" />

ΙΜΡΪ

INSTITUTO MEXICA.-Iu OE Ι, Α PROPERTY developer coupling moves in its axial direction¹. ΓεΓ say, when a cartridge is mounted or dismounted, the main assembly portion of the developer roller coupling has to move in the horizontal direction by the opening or closing movement of the cover, with which the main assembly is provided. That is, the opening movement of the main cover assembly has to move the main assembly portion of the developer roller coupling in the direction to separate from the cartridge portion of the developer roller coupling, while the closing movement of the main assembly cover has to move the main assembly portion of the developer roller coupling in the direction to engage with the cartridge portion of the developer roller coupling.

In other words, one of the conventional technologies described above makes it necessary for the main assembly of an imaging apparatus to be structured such that the above-mentioned rotational member (movable member) moves in the direction parallel to its axial line by means of the opening or closing movement of the cartridge cover of the main assembly.

In the case of another conventional structural arrangement, i

IMPI

INÍTlTUt · MEXICAN »S IA« OfliUAB Ck.- - ·. · 'It is unnecessary to move the drive gear dd' '^BHSS ¥ tuCh ^ = -'- '' of the main set forward or hadlcl¹ ¿Ftí'áü ¢ 511 direction parallel to the axial line of the drive gear when mounting a cartridge to the main assembly of an imaging apparatus, or removing the cartridge from the main assembly. In this way, this structural arrangement makes it possible to mount or dismount a cartridge in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the cartridge drive gear of the main assembly. In the case of this structural arrangement, however, the portion through which the drive force of the main assembly is transmitted to the cartridge is the interface (gear point) between the drive gear of the drive force of the main assembly , and the cartridge drive force receiving gear, making it difficult to prevent the problem that the developing roller fluctuates in its rotational speed.

[EXHIBITION OF THE INVENTION]

Thus, one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that does not suffer from the above-described problems of conventional technologies, and also an imaging apparatus.

<img file="MX358043B_D0010.tif" />

IMPI, _,. INSTITUTO MEXICANO electrophotographic compatible with a cartridge with the present invention. .........................

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge, the developing roller of which rotates smoothly even when the cartridge is mounted on an electrophotographic imaging apparatus that is not provided with a mechanism for moving the main assembly portion of the coupling to transmit rotational force to the developer, in the parallel direction, to the axial line of the coupling, and also, to provide an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the above described cartridge is removably mountable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be removed from the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, which is provided with a cartridge drive arrow, in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the cartridge drive shaft and also an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the above described cartridge is removably mountable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be mounted towards the

<img file="MX358043B_D0011.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE ΡΚ · ΡΙΕΕ&gt; Α · main set of a training apparatus¹⁰^'*¹'electrophotographic, which is provided with a cartridge drive strip, in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the cartridge drive shaft, and also, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the cartridge described above it is removably mountable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be mounted to, or removed from, the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, which is provided with a cartridge drive shaft, and also, a cartridge forming apparatus. electrophotographic image in which the cartridge described above is removably mountable.

<td>15 An object</td><td>additional of</td><td>the</td><td>Present</td><td>invention is</td>

<td>provide a</td><td>cartridge that</td><td>is</td><td>removable</td><td>of the set</td>

<td>main of</td><td>an apparatus</td><td>of</td><td>training</td><td>of image</td>

<td colspan="2">electrophotographic you have</td><td>a</td><td>arrow of</td><td>drive</td>

cartridge, in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the cartridge drive shaft, and the developing roller of which rotates smoothly, and also, provide an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the cartridge described above is

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0012.tif" />

removably mountable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge that is mountable in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus having a cartridge drive shaft, in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the drive shaft of cartridge, and the developer roller which rotates evenly, and also, providing an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the above described cartridge is removably mountable.

A further object of the present invention is a cartridge that can be mounted to, or removed from the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus having a cartridge drive arrow, in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the cartridge drive shaft, and the developer roller which rotates evenly, and also provide an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the above described cartridge is removably mountable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge, the developing roller of which rotates more uniformly than the developing roller in a cartridge, which receives rotational force from the assemblyi ^^ Süc

<img file="MX358043B_D0013.tif" />

of an imaging apparatus by engaging its gear with the gear of the main assembly, and also providing an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the above described cartridge is removably mountable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge (process cartridge developing device), which reliably transmits rotational force to its developing roller having been precisely positioned relative to the photosensitive drum, and can uniformly rotate the developing roller, and also, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the process cartridge is removably mountable.

A so-called contact developing method has been known which places the developing roller in contact with a photosensitive drum to develop an electrostatic latent image in a photosensitive drum.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can evenly rotate its developing roller even if the developing roller is moved in the direction to be separate from the photosensitive drum while in contact with the photosensitive drum, and

IMPI. 'ΐΓΤ · ή, το_ΜuxlCANt). , ι «ι.ί&gt; 'nüiWrtAft also, an electfaHP ^ WogrSSt ^ imaging apparatus in which the cartridge is removably moritaffe *?^I'V

A combination of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a cartridge therefor has been known, which is structured such that the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum, and the rotational force to rotate the developing roller, are received separately from the main imaging apparatus assembly.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge structured such that the coupling through which the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum moves back and forth in the direction parallel to its axial line, and also, a Electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the cartridge is removably mountable.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cartridge is provided for use with the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a drive shaft having a rotational force applying portion, wherein the cartridge is removable from the main assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to one direction

IMPI Kn-Tirr-A ..AX

<img file="MX358043B_D0014.tif" />

drive shaft shaft, the cartridge buy ~ ri

i) a developing roller for developing an electrostatic image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the developing roller being rotatable about an axis thereof; and ii) a coupling member engageable with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force to rotate the developer roller, the coupling member being capable of taking an angular position of rotational force transmission to transmit rotational force to rotate the development roller and an angular decoupling position in which the coupling member is tilted away from the angular position of rotational force transmission, wherein when the cartridge is removed from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller, the coupling member moves from the angular position of rotational force transmission to the angular position of decoupling .

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic imaging apparatus to which a

ΪΜΡΙ

MEXICAN INSTITUTE 01 INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0015.tif" />

cartridge, the apparatus comprising: i)., - nna -Pushing blade having a rotational force applying portion; and ii) a cartridge including a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed in an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the developing roller being rotatable about an axis thereof; and a coupling member engageable with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force to rotate the developing roller, the coupling member being capable of taking an angular position of rotational force transmission to transmit rotational force to make turn the developer roller

<td>to the roller</td><td>revealed</td><td>and</td><td>a</td><td>position</td><td>angular</td><td>of</td>

<td>decoupling</td><td>in which</td><td colspan="2">the member</td><td colspan="2">coupling</td><td>this</td>

<td>15 inclined in</td><td>remoteness</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>position</td><td>angular</td><td>of</td>

rotational force transmission, where when the cartridge is removed from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller, the coupling member moves from the angular position of rotational force transmission to the decoupling angular position.

The present invention made it possible to provide a * ΙΜΡί ^&gt; »

MBXICANO INSTITUTE

0E THE PROPERTY CVaJS &amp; hj;

cartridge that can be removed from the main assembly^L stop electrophotographic imaging apparatus, which is provided with a cartridge drive arrow, in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the cartridge drive arrow, and also, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus at the one the cartridge described above is removably mountable.

The present invention made it possible to provide a cartridge that can be mounted to the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, which is provided with a cartridge drive arrow, in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the arrow cartridge drive, and also an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the above described cartridge is removably mountable.

The present invention made it possible to provide a cartridge that can be mounted to, or removed from, the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, which is provided with a cartridge drive arrow, in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line. of the cartridge drive shaft, and also, an electrophotographic imaging apparatus in which the above described cartridge is

ΪΜΡΙ removably mountable. ™ c ^ &amp; omsd3J2 * u * «nmu.

The present invention made it possible .prnonr to donate a cartridge that is to be mounted on the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus that has no mechanism to move its coupling to transmit rotational force to the developing roller on the cartridge, in the axial direction. of the coupling, yet rotates its development roller evenly.

The present invention made it possible to provide a cartridge that uniformly rotates its developer roller even when it is structured such that the direction in which it is to be moved and removed from the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus is practically perpendicular to the line. axial of the drive shaft with which the main assembly is provided.

The present invention made it possible to provide a car that rotates its development roller uniformly to {a when structured so that the direction in which it is to be moved to be attached to the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the drive shaft with which the main assembly is provided.

The present invention made it possible to provide a

<img file="MX358043B_D0016.tif" />

IMPI cartridge that uniformly rotates its' reSe ^^^ o roller when it is to be moved to attach to, or removed from, the main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus is practically perpendicular to the axial line of the drive arrow with the The main set is provided.

The present invention made it possible to provide a combination of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus with an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a cartridge therefor, which rotates its developing roller more uniformly than a combination of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus. and a cartridge therefor, which uses a set of gears to transmit rotational force from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus to the cartridge.

The present invention made it possible to provide a combination of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a cartridge therefor, which safely transmits rotational force to the developing roller on the cartridge and uniformly rotates the developing roller, even when the combination is structured so that the developer roller is positioned relative to the photosensitive drum with which the main assembly is provided

IMPI ^

ΙΝΠΠΙΠΌ MEXICAN PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL appliance.

The present invention made it possible to provide a combination of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a cartridge therefor, which uniformly rotates the developer roller in the cartridge, even when the developer roller in contact with the photosensitive drum moves to be separated from the photosensitive drum.

The present invention made it possible to provide a combination of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus and a cartridge therefor, the mechanism of which for the photosensitive drum to receive rotational force is structured such that the coupling of the mechanism moves in the axial direction of the coupling.

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 side sectional view of a cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present

<img file="MX358043B_D0017.tif" />

¹⁹ IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE invention. "

Figure 2 is a view in p ^ rgpo ^ ti »?, - cart vicho 4¾ in accordance with 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 side sectional view of a main assembly in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a developing roller in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a side view and a longitudinal sectional view of the drive gear in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a view showing the assembly process of the coupling and drive gear in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a detailed perspective view of the cartridge in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0018.tif" />

'' TUTO MIXICANO v

Figure 10 is a sectional view iS "5g" after assembly of the cartridge of the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating the connection state of the developer gear and the coupling.

Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the state that the coupling is tilted.

Figure 13 is a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view showing the drive structure of the main assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the development structure of the developer roller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the cartridge adjusting portion of the main assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a sectional view illustrating the process in which the cartridge is assembled to the main assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating the process in which the drive shaft and coupling are

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUID OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0019.tif" />

they couple together in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 is a perspective view illustrating the process in which the coupling is mounted to the drive shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the coupling provided in the main assembly and the coupling provided in the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating the process in which the coupling is mounted to the drive shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the drive shaft, drive gear, coupling, and development shaft in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 is a perspective view illustrating the process in which the coupling is disengaged from the drive shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 is a perspective view illustrating

<img file="MX358043B_D0020.tif" />

coupling in accordance with hn eg in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 is a perspective view illustrating the coupling in accordance with a modified example in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the drive shaft in accordance with a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

<img file="MX358043B_D0021.tif" />

Figure 26 is a perspective view illustrating the coupling in accordance with the modified example of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the drive shaft, the development shaft and the coupling only in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 28 is a side view and longitudinal section of the cartridge side in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the cartridge adjusting portion of the main assembly, and a view, as seen from the device, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 30 is a longitudinal sectional view showing

<img file="MX358043B_D0022.tif" />

illustrates the withdrawal process in the. that the 8p in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is removed from the main assembly.

Figure 31 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the assembly process in which the cartridge in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is assembled to the main assembly.

Figure 32 is a perspective view and a top plan view of the coupling in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 33 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting operation of the cartridge in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 34 is a top plan view of the cartridge, as seen in the mounting direction, in the mounting state of the cartridge in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating the cartridge in the state that the drive of the cartridge in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention is stopped.

Figure 36 is a longitudinal sectional view and a perspective view illustrating the operation of removing the

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE ')

FROM OWN ΙΛΡ INDUSTRIAL process cartridge in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 37 is a sectional view illustrating the opening state of the door provided in the main assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 38 is a perspective view illustrating a drive side mounting guide of the main assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 39 is a side view of the drive side of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 40 is a perspective view of the cartridge as seen from the drive side in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 41 is a side view illustrating the state of inserting the cartridge into the main assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 42 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the mounting state of the pressure member (peculiar to the present embodiment) to the developer support member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 43 is a detailed perspective view that

<img file="MX358043B_D0023.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0024.tif" />

. _η · , , ^{, Να}^ ΤΛ! ΛΪ illustrates a developing support member, a coupling? ^ A developing arrow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 44 is a perspective view illustrating the drive side of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 45 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the coupled state between the drive shaft and the coupling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 46 is a side view illustrating the drive side of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 47 is a perspective view illustrating the drive side of the main assembly guide in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 48 is a side view illustrating the relationship between the cartridge and the main assembly guide in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 9 is a side view and a perspective view illustrating the relationship between the main assembly guide and the coupling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 50 is a side view, '' ίΤιτυτο,_r.,,’ ^Neither • “STMiaí. how does it look

<img file="MX358043B_D0025.tif" />

drive side, of the process in which the ~ 3e cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is mounted to the main assembly.

Figure 51 is a side sectional view of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 52 is a perspective view of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 53 is a longitudinal section view of the

<td>cartridge</td><td>in accordance</td><td>with</td><td>a</td><td>modality of</td><td>the</td><td>Present</td>

<td>invention</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>The</td><td>Figure 54 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>in section</td><td colspan="2">side of</td>

<td>cartridge</td><td>in accordance</td><td>with</td><td>a</td><td>modality of</td><td>the</td><td>Present</td>

invention.

Figure 55 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 56 is a perspective view of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view illustrating a state that the developer support member of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is omitted.

<img file="MX358043B_D0026.tif" />

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX358043B_D0027.tif" />

Figure 58 is a side sectional view of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 59 is a perspective view of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 60 is a side sectional view of the main assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 61 is a perspective view of the cartridge adjusting portion of the main assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 62 is a schematic illustration, as viewed from the top of the device, of the process in which the process cartridge in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is mounted to the main assembly.

Figure 63 is a perspective view of the process cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION] (Mode 1)

To begin with, the present invention will be described with reference to one of the examples of a developer cartridge compatible with the present invention.

'' '.W. • '• «CANO' · Λ Hiop,_EnAD ' ^jW $ tr_Ial

<img file="MX358043B_D0028.tif" />

It should be noted here that a developer cartridge is an example of a process cartridge.

(¡) Description of the Developer Cartridge.

First, referring to Figures 1-4, a developer cartridge B (hereinafter referred to simply as a cartridge), which is one of the embodiments of the present invention, will be described. Figure 1 is a sectional view of cartridge B. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of cartridge B. Furthermore, Figure 4 is a sectional view of the main assembly A of an electrophotographic imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to simply as the main assembly A).

Cartridge B is capable of being attached to, or detachable from, main assembly A by a user.

Referring to Figures 1-4, Cartridge B has a developer roller 110 mounted on main assembly A. It rotates receiving rotational force from main assembly A through a coupling mechanism (to be described later) while cartridge B is appropriately located in its imaging position in main assembly A.

The developer roller 110 supplies the portion of a

<img file="MX358043B_D0029.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0030.tif" />

electrophotographic photosensitive drum 107 '* “* T^,a'i -—— will now refer simply as a photosensitive drum) (Figure 4), which is in the development area of ​​the main assembly A of the apparatus, with developer t. Reveals an electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the drum

107 photosensitive, with the use of developer t. There is a roller

<td>lll magnetic (stationary magnet)</td><td>in</td><td>the</td><td>roller</td><td> 110</td><td>of</td>

<td>revealed.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Cartridge B is provided</td><td>with</td><td>a</td><td>knife</td><td> 112</td><td>of</td>

<td>revealed who is in touch</td><td>with</td><td>the</td><td>roller</td><td> 110</td><td>of</td>

revealed. Developer blade 112 regulates the amount by which developer 5 is allowed to remain on the peripheral surface of developer roller 110. It also frictionally charges developer t.

The developer t is stored in the developer storage portion 114 of the cartridge B, and is sent to the developer chamber 113a of the cartridge B, by rotating the toner stirring members 115 and the cartridge B. 116 The developer is rotated while 20 voltage is applied to the developer roller 110. As a result, the friction loaded developer layer t is formed on the peripheral surface of the developer roller 110 by the developer roller 110. Toner particles loads into

WMJST &amp; V

<img file="MX358043B_D0031.tif" />

This friction charged developer layer is transferred to the photosensitive drum 107 in the aforementioned electrostatic latent image pattern; developer roller 110 reveals the latent image.

The developed image on the photosensitive drum 107, that is, the formed image of developer 5, is transferred to a sheet of recording medium 102 by a transfer roller 104. The recording medium can be any medium on which an image can be formed (to which the image formed from developer (toner) can be transferred). For example, it can be an ordinary piece of paper, OHP sheet, and the like.

Cartridge B has a developer unit 119, which is made of a developer medium retention frame 113 and a developer storage frame 114. More specifically, development unit 119 has the roller

110 developer, developer blade 112, developer media frame portion, developer chamber 113a, developer storage frame portion 114, and stirring members 115 and 116.

Developer roller 110 is rotatable about its axial line Ll.

The main apparatus set A is provided with a

<img file="MX358043B_D0032.tif" />

cartridge compartment 130a, into which a user is to mount cartridge B by holding cartridge B by handle T of cartridge B. As cartridge B is mounted, coupling 150 (rotational force transmission member, to be described later) of cartridge B is connected to drive shaft 180 (Figure 17), with which the main apparatus assembly A it is provided, making it possible for the developer roller 110, etc., to rotate receiving rotational force from the main apparatus assembly A. In a case where a user wishes to remove the cartridge B from the cartridge compartment 130a of the main apparatus assembly A, the user will pull the cartridge by holding the handle T. As the cartridge B moves in the direction it is to be moved out from the main apparatus assembly A, the coupling 150 of the cartridge B is decoupled from the drive shaft 180.

The direction in which cartridge B is to be moved to attach cartridge B to the main apparatus assembly A (to mount the cartridge towards the cartridge compartment 130a), or to remove cartridge B from the main apparatus assembly A (to remove the cartridge of the cartridge compartment 130a), is practically perpendicular to the axial line L3 of the drive arrow 180. This matter will be described

<img file="MX358043B_D0033.tif" />

Training later in detail.

(2) Description of the Apparatus

Electrophotographic

Next, referring to Figure 4, the electrophotographic imaging apparatus will be described. The imaging apparatus 100 in this embodiment of a laser beam printer.

Designated by the reference letter A is the main assembly of the imaging apparatus 100.

Incidentally, the main assembly A of the apparatus is what remains after the removal of cartridge B from the apparatus

100 imaging.

The main apparatus assembly A is provided with a charging roller 108 (charging member), which is parallel to the photosensitive drum 107. Charging roller 108 charges photosensitive drum 107 with the voltage applied to the roller

108 from the main set A of the device. It is in contact with the photosensitive drum 107, and is rotated by rotating the photosensitive drum 107.

The drum unit 120 has the photosensitive drum 107 and a cleaning blade 117a (cleaning medium). Unit

120 Drum also has a storage hopper 117b for the removed developer, a screw 117c to transport ^{nF LA}, £ «C) P¡EDAi) industrial

<img file="MX358043B_D0034.tif" />

the removed developer to a box (not shown) with which the main apparatus assembly A is provided for storing removed developer, and the loading roller 108. These components are integrally arranged in the main apparatus assembly A. That is, unit 120 (cartridge B) and main apparatus set A are structured so that as cartridge B is mounted toward main apparatus set A, photosensitive drum 107 is accurately positioned into position. preset (cartridge position) in main A assembly of apparatus.

More specifically, unit 120 is provided with a pair of bearings (not shown) protruding outwardly from the longitudinal ends of cartridge B, one by one, and the axial line of each of which coincides with the axial line of the drum 107 photosensitive. Thus, when cartridge B is in the aforementioned preset imaging position in main apparatus assembly A, cartridge B is supported by the pair of bearings, which are in a pair of grooves (not shown), one by one, with which the main apparatus set A is provided.

The developer removed above is the developer that was removed from the drum photosensitive 107 by the blade

117a.

^M 'Λ, ϊ &amp; ληά »IHDUSTMal

<img file="MX358043B_D0035.tif" />

Unit 120 may be capable of being solidly attached to T or removably mountable on the main apparatus assembly A. As for the structural arrangement for positioning unit 120 of main apparatus set A so that photosensitive drum 107 in unit 120 is precisely positioned for imaging, relative to main assembly A, any of the structural arrangements known can be used.

Cartridge B is mounted in the main apparatus assembly A (cartridge compartment 130a). Then, a user closes the cartridge compartment door 109 with which the main apparatus assembly A is provided. As the cartridge door 109 is closed, the cartridge B is pressed into the photosensitive drum 107 by elasticizing a pair of springs 192 that are on the inward side of the door 109 is provided. Therefore, the developing roller 110 is kept pressed towards the surface of the photosensitive drum 107, such that an appropriate amount of distance is maintained between the roller

110 developer and photosensitive drum 107 (Figure 4). That is, cartridge B is precisely positioned relative to photosensitive drum 107. More specifically, the

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0036.tif" />

Longitudinal ends of the drum shaft,. (not shown ^ of the photosensitive drum 107 are adjusted with the pair of bearings 107a, one by one, which are coaxial with the drum shaft. In addition, the pair of bearings 107a are supported by a pair of bearing locating portions 150, with which the main apparatus assembly A is provided. In this way, the photosensitive drum 107 is rotatable while remaining precisely positioned relative to the main apparatus assembly A (Figures 4 and

5) .

Door 109 is to be opened by a user when cartridge B needs to be attached to the main set A of apparatus by the user, or when cartridge B needs to be removed from main set A of apparatus by the user.

The imaging operation to be carried out by this electrophotographic imaging apparatus is as follows: The rotating photosensitive drum 107 is uniformly loaded by the loading roller 108, through the portion of its peripheral surface, which is moving in contact with the loading roller 108. Then, a beam of laser light is projected, while modulating with the information regarding the image to be formed, on the charged portion of the peripheral surface of the

<img file="MX358043B_D0037.tif" />

laser diodes, polygon mirror, lenses, and deflecting mirrors (not shown). As a result, an electrostatic latent image, reflecting the information regarding the image to be made, on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 107. This latent image is developed by the aforementioned developer roller 110.

Meanwhile, without synchronization with the development of the electrostatic latent image, a sheet of recording medium 102 on a cassette 103a is sent out of the cassette 103, and then transported to the image transfer position by the pairs 103c, 103d and 103e of recording medium transfer rollers. There is a transfer roll 104 (transfer medium) in the transfer position. To the transfer roll 104, voltage is applied from the main apparatus assembly A. As a result, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 107 of the developer transfers to the recording medium sheet 102.

The main apparatus assembly A is provided with a cleaning blade 117a., Which ends longitudinally of the photosensitive drum 107 to the other, and the cleaning edge of which is elastically in contact with the peripheral surface of the industrial photosensitive drum 107

IMPI

INDUSTRIAL cleaner is to remove the developer remaining in the

<img file="MX358043B_D0038.tif" />

peripheral surface of photosensitive drum 107 after transfer of the developer image to recording medium 102. After removal of developer t from the peripheral surface of photosensitive drum 107 by knife 117a, developer t is temporarily stored in developer hopper 117b. The developer t removed in the developer hopper 117b is then transported to the above-mentioned box 10 (not shown) for developer removed by a developer transport screw 117c in the developer hopper 117b, and then accumulates in the box .

After transfer of the developer image to the recording medium 102, the recording medium 102 is transported to a fixing medium 105 by a guide 103f.

Fixing means 105 is provided with a drive roll 105c, and a fixing roll 105 containing a heater 105a. The fixing means 105 fixes the developer image to the recording medium 102 by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium while the recording medium 102 is transported through the fixing means 105. After image formation on recording medium 102 (after fixing the developer image on recording medium 102

<img file="MX358043B_D0039.tif" />

), the recording medium 102 is further transported, and then unloaded into a tray 106, by a pair of roller 103g and a pair of rollers 103h. The pairs of rollers 103c, 103d, and 103e guide 103f, and the pairs of rollers 103g and 103h, etc., form the recording medium transport medium 103.

Cartridge compartment 130a is the room (space) in which cartridge B is to be adjusted. As cartridge B is mounted in this room, the coupling 150 of cartridge B (to be described later) is connected to drive shaft 180 with which the main apparatus assembly A is provided. In this embodiment, the placement of the cartridge B in the cartridge compartment 130a is synonymous with the attachment of the cartridge B to the main apparatus assembly A. Furthermore, removal of cartridge B from cartridge compartment 130a is synonymous with separation of cartridge B from main apparatus assembly A.

(3) Development Roller Structure

Next, referring to Figure 5, the developer roller 110 will be described about its structure. Figure 5 (a) is a perspective view of the developing roller 110 as seen from its receiving side.

IMPI

MSXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL FROnBTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0040.tif" />

rotational force (hereinafter referred to as a drive force receiving side). Figure 5 (B) is a perspective view of the developer roller 110 as viewed from the opposite side of the drive force receiving side (which may be referred to below simply as the opposite side).

Developer roll 110 is made of a cylinder

Developer roller 110a, developer roller tab 151 (which is at the drive force receiving end), and developer roller tab 152 (which is at the opposite end), and a magnetic roller 111 .

The developer roller cylinder 110a is made of a cylinder made of an electrically conductive cylinder, such as an aluminum cylinder, and a coated layer. Cylinder 110a carries the developer on its peripheral surface.

The developer carried in cylinder 110a is charged. The longitudinal ends of the cylinder 110a are provided with openings llOal and 110a2, one by one, which are approximately equal in diameter to the cylinder 110a, and are fitted with the above mentioned tabs 151 and 152, respectively.

The flange 151 is formed from a metallic substantial, such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. However, you can

<img file="MX358043B_D0041.tif" />

form of a resinous substance, as long as it can withstand the amount of torque required to rotate the roller

110 of developing.

The tab 151 is provided with a gear adjusting portion 151c, around which the developer roller gear 153 (Figure 8 (b)) for driving the developer members 115 and 116 (Figure 1), etc., it fits. It is also provided with a bearing adjusting portion 151d, around which the developer roller bearing 138 is adjusted to rotatably support the developer roller 110. The gear adjusting portion 151c and the portion

151d bearing adjustment are coaxial with flange

151. The tab 151 is also provided with an internal cavity to support the magnetic roller 111, which will be described later. Developing roller gear 153, with which flange 151 is adjusted, adjusts with coupling 150 (to be described later) such that coupling 150 can be tilted relative to the axial line of developing roller 110 even while it is moving.

Tab 152 is made of a metallic substance, such as aluminum or stainless steel, as is the tab

151. Tab 152 can also be made of a 'NIXUTItlAl' substance

You are resinous as long as it can withstand the amount that the developing roller 110 is subjected to. Furthermore, the axial line of the cylinder adjusting portion 152b approximately coincides with that of the bearing 152a.

Furthermore, one of the longitudinal end portions of magnetic roller 111 is made to extend beyond the corresponding longitudinal end of developer roller 110, and is supported by bearing 152a.

Magnetic roll 11 is formed of a magnetic substance, or a resinous substance into which magnetic particles have been mixed. Magnetic roller 111 is provided with two to six magnetic poles, which are distributed in its circumferential direction. It contributes to the transfer of the developer, retaining the developer on the peripheral surface of the developer roller 110.

The above described magnetic roller 111 is placed in the developing cylinder 110a, and the flange adjusting portion 151a is adjusted in the opening 11Oal of the cylinder 110a.

In addition, the tab adjusting portion 152b 152 fits into the opening 110a2 of the other longitudinal end of the developer roller cylinder 110a. The method of solidly fixing the tabs 151 and 152 to the developing roller cylinder 110a is adhesion, stamping, etc. Also, a

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF ! TO INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0042.tif" />

spacer 136, developer roller bearing 138, and developer roller gear (not shown) are adjusted from the drive force receiving side of developer roller 110. Also, spacer 137 and developer roller contact 156 from the opposite side of developer roller 110.

Spacers 136 and 137 are the members for regulating the gap between developer roller 110 and photosensitive drum 107. There are cylindrical members formed of a resinous substance, and are approximately 200 - 400 um thick. Spacer 136 is snug around one of the longitudinal end portions of developer roller cylinder 110a, and spacer 137 is snug around the other longitudinal end portion of developer roller cylinder 110a. By adjusting the developer roller 110 with the spacers 136 and 137, a gap of approximately 200-400 um is maintained between the developer roller 110 and the photosensitive drum 107.

Bearing 138 is the bearing for rotatably supporting developer roller 110 by developer unit frame 113 (Figure 1).

The developing voltage contact 156 is formed from an electrically conductive substance (mainly,

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0043.tif" />

metallic substance), and is in the na form. The inner surface of the developer roller cylinder 110a, or flange 152, is provided with the developer voltage contact 156b. In this embodiment, an imaging apparatus is structured so that the contact

156 voltage developer contact tab 152.

In this way, as cartridge B is mounted to main apparatus set A, an electrical connection is established between main apparatus set A and cartridge B through the external electrical contact (not shown) of cartridge B and the electrical contact 156a of the main apparatus A. That is, while cartridge B is in its imaging position in main apparatus set A, the electrical contacts (not shown) with which main apparatus set A is provided, remain in contact with the contacts. external electrical circuits of cartridge B, making it possible for cartridge B to receive electrical voltage from the main set A of the apparatus. The voltage received by the external electrical contact of cartridge B is supplied to the developing roller 110 through electrical contact 156.

(5) Rotational force transmission portions (coupling member)

IMPI '' KSS 'NeUsfSI?

<img file="MX358043B_D0044.tif" />

Then, referring to Figure 6, an example of the coupling member which is the rotational force transmission portion will be described. Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view of a coupling member, as seen from the main assembly side, Figure 6 (b) is a perspective view of the coupling member, as seen from the side of developer roller. Figure 6 (c) is a view, as seen in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the coupling axis L2. Figure 6 (d) is a side view of the coupling member, as seen from the main assembly side, Figure 6 € is a view, as seen from one side of the developer roller. The

Figure 6 (f) is a sectional view taken along line S3 in Figure 6 (d).

In the state that cartridge B fits into the portion

Adjusting 130a coupling member (coupling) 150 engages with drive shaft 180 (Figure 17) of main assembly A. Coupling 150 disengages from drive shaft 180 by taking cartridge B out of main assembly A. In this case, cartridge B moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of axis L3 of drive arrow 180 from the adjusting portion in main assembly A. At the time of assembly, the

<img file="MX358043B_D0045.tif" />

Cartridge Β moves to the adjusting portion of the main crankcase in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the L3 axis of the drive arrow 180. In its state in engagement with drive shaft 180, coupling 150 receives a rotational force from motor 186 (Figure 14) provided in main assembly A via drive shaft 180. In addition, coupling 150 transmits rotational force to the roller.

110 of developing. By this, the developer roller 110 is rotated. Here, the material of the coupling 150 is the polyacetal resin material, PPS polycarbonate, or the like. However, in order to increase the stiffness of the coupling 150, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or the like can be mixed into the resin material in accordance with the required load torque. When such material is mixed, a stiffness of the coupling 150 can be increased.

Furthermore, in the resin material, the stiffness can be further increased by inserting a metal member. Furthermore, the entire coupling 150 can be made of metal or the like. Furthermore, the coupling material is similar also in the embodiments as will be described later.

Coupling 150 has three main parts (Figure 6

<img file="MX358043B_D0046.tif" />

IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

The first portion is a driven portion ISSU having a rotational force receiving surface 150e (rotational force receiving portion) (150el to 150e4) to receive the rotational force of pin 182 engaging with drive arrow 180. The second portion is a drive portion 150b for transmitting rotational force by mating with developer gear 153.

Furthermore, the third portion is an intermediate part 150c between the driven portion 150a and the driven portion 150b. Developer gear 153 transmits the rotational force received by coupling 150 from main assembly A to a developer supply roll, for example (as will be described later).

As shown in Figure 6 (f), the driven portion 150a has a drive shaft insertion opening 50m which is an expanded portion that expands in a cone shape away from the L2 axis. As shown in the Figure, the opening 150m constitutes a recess 150z. The recess 150z is coaxial with the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling 150.

The drive portion 150b has a spherical drive shaft receiving surface 150i. Through the receiving surface 150i, the coupling 150 can

IMPI

MUICAN INSTITUTE OF WW11DAD

INDUSTIIAL pivot substantially (move) between an angular position of rotational force transmission and an angular position of pre-coupling (or an angular position of disengagement) relative to the axis Ll. By this, coupling 150 engages with drive shaft 180 without being obstructed by a free end portion 180b of drive shaft 180, regardless of a rotational phase of developing roller 110. As shown in the Figure, the drive portion 150b has a projection configuration.

And, a plurality of drive receiving projections 150dl-d4 are provided on the circumference (Figure 6 (d), shadow circle Cl) of an end surface of the driven portion 150a. In addition, the drive receive wait portions 150kl, 150k2, 150k3, 150k4 is provided between adjacent 150d 1 or 150d 2 or 150d3, 150d4 projections. The intervals of the adjacent 50dl-d4 projections are greater than an outer diameter of the pins 182 so that the pins (the rotational force application portions) 182 can enter the intervals. These portions of interval clearance are 150kl-k4 waiting portions. Furthermore, in the

Figure 6 (d), the right-hand downstream side of the

IMPI- *

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Τ OF PROPERTY l

INDUSTRIAL projection 150d is provided with a rotational force receiving surface (the rotational force receiving portion) 150e that intersects the rotational direction of the coupling 150, and (150el-e4). When drive shaft 180 rotates, pins 182 bump into one of the receiving surfaces 1560el-e4. And, the receiving surfaces 150el-e4 are pushed by the peripheries of the pins 182, so that the coupling 150 rotates about the axis L2.

The drive portion 150b has a spherical surface. Due to this reason, in cartridge B, regardless of the rotational phase of developer roller 110, coupling 150 can substantially pivot (move) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-coupling angular position (or the decoupling angular position). In the illustrated example, the drive portion 150b is constituted by a spherical developing arrow receiving surface 150i having the axis L2 as the axis thereof. And, in the position that passes through the center of it, a hole

150g of fixation penetrated by the pin (the rotational force transmission portion) 155 is provided

As described above, the coupling

<img file="MX358043B_D0047.tif" />

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MLAFMOH £_Dao 'ndustwai

<img file="MX358043B_D0048.tif" />

150 has the recess 150z coaxial with the axis of rotation L2 of the coupling 150. In the state that the coupling 150 is in the angular position of rotational force transmission, the recess 150z covers the free end of the drive shaft 180. And, the rotational force receiving surface 150e (150el to 150e4) couples the rotational force transmitting pins (rotational force applying portion) 182 projecting in the direction perpendicular to the L3 axis of the drive arrow 180 in the Free end portion of drive shaft 180 in the rotational direction of coupling 150. Rotational force receiving surface 150e is the rotational force receiving portion. Pin 182 is the rotational force application portion. In this way, coupling 150 receives rotational force from drive shaft 180 to rotate. In disassembling cartridge B from main assembly A, cartridge B moves, so that coupling 150 moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Ll of developer roller 110, in the cartridge. In response to movement of cartridge B, coupling 150 pivots (moves) to the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of rotational force transmission, so that a portion of the recess 150z

<img file="MX358043B_D0049.tif" />

(free end position 150A1) surrounds drive shaft 180. By this, coupling 150 can be disengaged from drive shaft 180.

The rotational force receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving portions) 150e (150el a

150e4) are placed, interposing the center S, in the shadow circle that has a center S on the axis L2 of rotation of the coupling 150C1 (Figure 6 (d)). In this embodiment, the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e are arranged at four locations.

Here, the force is applied evenly to the coupling

150 by the opposite arrangement of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150e. Consequently, the rotational precision of coupling 150 can be improved.

In the state of being in the angular position of rotational force transmission to the coupling L2 axis

150 it is substantially coaxial with the axis L1 of the developing roller 100. In the state that the coupling 150 is in the disengaging angular position, it is tilted relative to the axis L1 such that in the X6 removal removal direction of cartridge B, the upstream side (free end portion 150 A3 ) can pass through the free end of drive shaft shaft 180 of assembly A

<img file="MX358043B_D0050.tif" />

principal.

(6) Engr anaje of development

Referring to Figure 7, an example of a developer gear 153 supporting the coupling 150 will be described. Figure 7 (a) is a view, as seen from the drive shaft side, and Figure 7 (b ) is a sectional view taken along line S4-S4 on the

Figure 7 (a).

The openings 153gl or 153g2 shown in Figure 7 (a) are the grooves extended in a rotational axis direction of the development gear 153. A portion 153f of space is provided between openings 153gl, 153g2. In mounting the coupling 150 to the developing gear 153, the pins 155 are received in the opening 153gl, 153g2.

Furthermore, the developing arrow receiving surface 150i is accepted in the space portion 153.

Due to the structure described above, in the cartridge B, regardless of the rotational phase (stop position of the pin 155) of the developing roller 110, the coupling 150 is pivotable (movable) between the angular position of rotational force transmission and the portion Pre-coupling angle (or decoupling angular position).

Pl ^d"WprSp"

<img file="MX358043B_D0051.tif" />

In Figure 7 (a), the side of γ · πi ii i. i J ¿ί ji i dextrorotatory of the openings 153gl, 153g2 is provided with the rotational force transmission surfaces 153hl, 153h2 (transmitted portions of rotational force). The sides of the rotational force transmission pin (rotational force transmission portion 155 of coupling 150 155 contact surfaces 153h 1 or

153h2 transmission. By this, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110 from the coupling

150. Here, the transmission surface 153h 1-I53h2 is the surface that is oriented in the rotational direction of the developing gear 153. Therefore, the surfaces 153h

1-I53h2 drive are pushed down the sides of the pin

15155. In the state that axis L1 and axis L2 are substantially coaxial with each other, coupling 150 rotates about axis L2.

Developing gear 153 has portions 153h 1 o

153h2 transmitted here, and therefore function as the transmitted member of rotational force.

Similar to projection 15150d, it is desirable to • arrange diametrically opposed rotational force transmission surfaces 15150h 1, 15150h2 on a circumference.

(7) Assembling the coupling t

FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the process in which the coupling 150 is assembled towards the development gear 153.

FIG. 8 (a) is a view illustrating the assembled state of the drive transmission pin and coupling retaining member 156 comprising two parts. Figure 8 (b) is a view illustrating the process in which the structure assembled in this way is assembled to the development gear.

Retaining member 156 is clamped with developing gear 153. By this, coupling 150 is mounted so that they are pivotable (movable) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-coupling angular position (or the decoupling angular position). And, the movement, in the direction of the axis L2, of the coupling 150 is restricted. Due to this reason, opening 156j has a diameter D15 smaller than the diameter of arrow receiving surface 150i. More particularly, the movement of the coupling 150 is regulated by the developing gear 153 and a retaining member 156. By this, the coupling 150 is not separated from the developer roller (the cartridge).

<img file="MX358043B_D0052.tif" />

As shown in Figure 8, drive portion 150b of coupling 150 is in engagement with the recess (gap portion 153f) of development gear 153.

A specific mounting method of the coupling will be described.

As shown in Figure 8 (a), the driven portion 150a and intermediate portion 150c are inserted in the X33 direction relative to the positioning member 150q having the arrow receiving surface 150i (drive portion 150c). At this time, the retaining member 156 is placed between the driven portion 150c and the positioning member 150q in advance. In this state, the pin 155 penetrates the fixing hole 150g of the positioning member 150q and the fixing hole 150r of the intermediate portion 150c. By this, the positioning member 150q is attached to the intermediate portion 150c.

As shown in Figure 8 (b), then, coupling 150 moves in the X33 direction. By this, coupling 150 is inserted into development gear 153. Then, the retaining member 156 is inserted in the direction of an arrow X33. And, the retaining member 156 is attached to the developing gear 153. By this method of

IMPI

MUICANO INSTITUTE OF PROFIBILITY

IfOUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0053.tif" />

mounting, the coupling 150 can be mounted with then (space) between the positioning member 150q and the developing gear 153. By this, the coupling 150 can change its orientation (inclination and / or movement relative to the axis L2).

The coupling mounting method is not limited to these mounting methods. For example, what is required is that the coupling not moveable in the axial direction relative to the development gear 153, and that tiltable relative to the axis of the development gear 153 (roller

110 of development).

In view of this, for example the coupling is integrally formed. And, a flexible clamping jaw is provided on the developing gear 153, and the surface

Arrow receiving 150i is secured by this. In this way retention can be achieved. Furthermore, even in this case the retention member can also be used.

(8) Cartridge assembly (developer cartridge)

Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10, the mounting of the cartridge will be described. Figure 9 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 10 (a) is the sectional view taken along the line S4-S4 in Figure 2 where the axis L2 is₅₆ IMPI

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M LA nonCTMD INDUSTRIAL coaxial with the Ll axis. Figure 10 (b) is a sectional view taken along the line S5-S5 in Figure 2.

The developer gear 153 having the coupling 150 is fixed to the one end portion (developer roller flange 151) of the developer roller 110 so that the drive portion 150a is exposed.

The drive side of the integral structure (roller

110 developer, developer gear 153, coupling 150) is supported by the bearing member 157, and the non-drive side is supported by the developer support pin (not shown). And, in this state, the integral structure is rotatably supported on the developing device frame 119. By this, they are unified in cartridge B (Figure 2 and Figure 3).

In this state, the rotational force received from the drive shaft 180 is transmitted to the developer roller 110 through the coupling 150 and the developer gear 153.

Furthermore, in this state, the axis L2 of the coupling 150 may be in the state of being substantially coaxial with the axis Ll of the development roller 110 (Figure 10 (a)), and may also be in the state of inclination relative to the Ll axis (Figure 10 (b)).

<img file="MX358043B_D0054.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0055.tif" />

As shown in Figure 11, here, coupling 150 is mounted to developer device frame 119 so that axis L2 can tilt in any direction relative to axis Ll. Figure 11 (al) - (a5) are views as seen in the direction of drive arrow 180 and perspective views of the elements shown in Figure 11 (bl) - (b5). Here, Figure 11 (bl) - (b5) illustrates a substantial totality of the coupling 150 with the partially detailed development gear 153.

In Figure 11 (al) and (bl), the L2 axis is coaxial with respect to the Ll axis. The state when the coupling 150 has been tilted up from this state is shown in the

Figure 11 (a2) and (b2). As shown in this view, when coupling 150 tilts toward opening 153g, pin 155 moves along opening 153g. As a result, coupling 150 is tilted around an axis

AX perpendicular to opening 153g.

In Figure 11 (a3) ​​and (b3), coupling 150 tilts to the right. As shown in this view, when coupling 150 tilts in the direction perpendicular to opening 153g, pin 155 rotates in opening 153g. Pin 155 rotates around the central axis

AY of pin 155.

<img file="MX358043B_D0056.tif" />

In Figure 11 (a4), (b4), and Figure 11 (a5) and (b5), the state that the coupling 150 is tilted down and the state of being tilted to the left are shown. The description of the AX, AY axes of rotation is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

In the direction other than the inclined direction describe, v. gr., in the direction shown in Figure 11 (at) 45 degrees, rotations in the direction of the AX axis of rotation and the AY axis of rotation are combined together, and therefore said tilt (movement) is possible.

In this way, in accordance with this modality, the L2 axis can be tilted in all directions relative to the Ll axis.

In this embodiment, opening 151g extends in the direction that it intersects with the projection direction of pin 155.

In addition, the space as shown in the Figure between the developer gear (transmitted rotational force member) 153 and coupling 150 is provided. As described above, coupling 150 is tiltable (movable) in all directions.

More particularly, the transmission surface 153h (transmitted portion of rotational force) (153hl, h2) is

<img file="MX358043B_D0057.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0058.tif" />

'NDUSTRIal

<img file="MX358043B_D0059.tif" />

movable relative to pin 155 (rotational force transmission portion). Pin 155 is movable relative to transmission surface 153h. In the rotational direction of the coupling the transmission surface 153h and the pin 155 engage each other. In order to accomplish this, space is provided between pin 155 and transmission surface 153h. By this, coupling 150 is pivotable through substantially all directions relative to axis Ll. In this way, coupling 150 is mounted to the end of developer roller 110.

The L2 axis has been described to be tiltable in all directions relative to the Ll axis. However, coupling 150 does not necessarily need 360 degrees to be linearly tiltable to the predetermined angle in either direction. In this case, the aperture 150g, for example, adjusts more widely in the circumferential direction. If adjusted in this way, it can be rotated to a slight degree by the coupling 150 relative to the L2 axis, even in the case where the L2 axis cannot be tilted linearly by the predetermined angle, when the L2 axis is tilted with relation to the axis Ll. By this, you can tilt to the predetermined angle. In other words,

IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX358043B_D0060.tif" />

The amount of 150g opening / rotational steering clearance can be appropriately selected if necessary.

This point applies to all the modalities described in this specification.

In this way, coupling 150 is pivotally mounted substantially in either direction. Due to this reason, the coupling 150 is rotatable (movable) through the entire circumference substantially relative to the developing gear 153 (axis Ll of the developing roller 110). As described above (Figure 10), the spherical surface 150i of the coupling 150 contacts the retaining portion 156i (a part of the recess). Due to this reason, coupling 150 is concentrically mounted with center P2 of spherical surface 150i (Figure 10). More particularly, regardless of the phase of the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110), the shaft L2 of the coupling 150 can be tilted.

In order for coupling 150 to engage drive arrow 180, shaft L2 tilts toward the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction of cartridge B relative to axis Ll, ​​immediately before

ΙΜΡΙ6

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

DC Property v&gt;

INDUSTRIAL X

---------- ------ coupling. As shown in Figure 10 (b), more particularly, axis L2 is inclined so that driven portion 150a is downstream of axis Ll with respect to mounting direction X4. In Figure 12 (a) 5 (c), the position of the driven portion 150a is downstream relative to the mounting direction X4 in any case.

Using the structure described above, as shown in Figure 10, movement to the state that the L2 axis is substantially parallel to the Ll axis from the state that the L2 axis is tilted is possible. The maximum tilt angle oi4 is possible (Figure 10 (b)) between the Ll axis and the L2 axis is the tilt angle at which the driven portion 15150a or the intermediate portion 15150c contacts the developer gear 153 or the member 157 bearing. This angle of inclination is the angle that allows coupling and decoupling of coupling 150 relative to drive shaft 180 at the time of mounting and dismounting cartridge B to main assembly A.

(9) Drive shaft and drive structure of main assembly

Then, referring to Figure 13 and Figure 14, a developing roller drive structure of the

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INDUSTRIAL set A main will be described. Figure Ί3 is a perspective view of the main assembly in the state where cartridge B is not inserted, where the drive side side plate is partially omitted. Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating only the developer roller drive structure.

The free end portion 180b of drive shaft 180 is a hemispherical surface. Has a pin

182 rotational force transmission as a rotational force applying portion that substantially penetrates the center of the main cylindrical portion 180a. The rotational force is transmitted to coupling 150 through this pin 182.

The longitudinally opposite side of the free end portion 180b is provided with a developer drive gear 181 substantially coaxial with the shaft L3. Gear 181 is non-rotatably fixed on drive shaft 180. Due to this reason, when gear 181 rotates, drive shaft 180 also rotates.

Gear 181 receives rotational force through a pinion gear (motor pinion) 187, idler gear 191, and a photosensitive drum drive gear 190 from motor 186. Because of this reason, when motor 186

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<img file="MX358043B_D0061.tif" />

rotates, the drive shaft 180 also rotates.

Gear 181 is rotatably supported by main assembly A through bearing member (not shown). At this time, gear 181 does not move in the direction of axis Ll. Due to this reason, gear 181 and bearing member (not shown) can be arranged closely relative to each other.

Gear 181 has been described as receiving transmission of rotational force through gears from gear 187. This is not inevitable. For example, appropriate modification is possible from the point of view of the convenience of the arrangement of the motor 186.

The rotational force can be transmitted by band or the like.

Also, the drive shaft 180 does not move in the same direction as the L3 axis. Due to this reason the space between the drive shafts 180 and the bearing members 183, 184 is a space to allow rotation of the shaft. 180 drive. Therefore, the position of gear 181 relative to gear 187 can also be accurately determined relative to the diametrical direction.

However, due to dimensional tolerance

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MIXICANO INSTITUTE W LA M * OF1H&gt; AP

INIMÍSTUIAL '*** »^ 2

<img file="MX358043B_D0062.tif" />

Inevitably, drive arrow 180 may have iueao (space) in the direction of the L3 axis. In this case, in order to remove the clearance, the drive shaft 180 or the gear 181 may be elastically driven by a spring or the like in the direction of the L3 axis.

(10) Main Assembly Cartridge Guide Structure

Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the cartridge mounting means 130 in this embodiment has a pair of cartridge guides 130R1 and 140L1, with which the main assembly A is provided.

These guides 130R1 and 140L are in the space (cartridge compartment 130a) in which cartridge B is to be mounted. That is, the cartridge compartment 130a is provided with the cartridge mounting means 130, the cartridge guides 130R1 and 130L1 of which are positioned next to their end walls (left and right walls), one by one, and are extend in the direction in which cartridge B is inserted (mounted) into cartridge compartment 130a. The two guides 130R1 and 130L1 of the cartridge mounting means 130 are arranged next to the left and right walls of the cartridge compartment 130a, such that they square against each other through the cartridge compartment 130a (Figure 15 shows the side

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OF THE PRORITY

INDUSTRIAL opposite from which the cartridge is driven). Cartridge mounting means 130 is provided with the pair of cartridge guide portions 130R1 and 130L1, which guide cartridge B when the cartridge is mounted into cartridge compartment 130a. In terms of the direction in which cartridge B is mounted toward main assembly A, guide portion 130R1 is positioned at one end (right end, as seen from the direction cartridge B is inserted) of the compartment. Cartridge 130a, and guide portion 130L1 is positioned at the other end. They are positioned so that each one opposes each other through the compartment

130a cartridge. When a user mounts cartridge B toward cartridge compartment 130a, the user is to insert cartridge B such that a pair of portions (protrusions, to be described later) projecting from the longitudinal ends of the outer portion of the Cartridge frame are guided by guide portions 130R1 and 130L1. The procedure for mounting cartridge B in main apparatus assembly A is as follows: First, a user is going to open door 109, which can be opened or closed around arrow 109a. The user will then insert Cartridge B into the compartment

130a cartridge while allowing bumps

<img file="MX358043B_D0063.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE M The above mentioned property is guided by guide portions 130R1 and 130L1. The user is then to close door 109. Closing door 109 completes assembly of cartridge B toward main apparatus assembly A. Incidentally, the user is going to open the door 9 also when the user removes the cartridge B from the main assembly A of the apparatus.

A slot 130R2, which is on the cartridge drive side of cartridge compartment 130a, functions as a clearance for coupling 150, until coupling 150 engages with drive shaft 180.

Door 109 is provided with a spring 192, which is on the inner side of door 109. When door 109 is in the closed position, spring 192 keeps cartridge B elastically depressed so that a previously adjusted amount of clearance is keep between developer roller 110 and photosensitive drum 107. That is, spring 102 maintains cartridge B elastically depressed so that developer roller 110 is held down toward photosensitive drum 107.

(11) Structural Arrangement to Guide and Place the

Developer Cartridge

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, cartridge B is provided with a pair of cartridge guides 140R1 and 140R2,

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<img file="MX358043B_D0064.tif" />

and a pair of 14OLI and 14012 cartridge guides. In terms of the axial (longitudinal) direction of the developing roller 110, the cartridge guides 140R1 and 140R2 are at one of the longitudinal ends of cartridge B, and the cartridge guides 140L1 and 140L2 are at the other longitudinal end.

In this embodiment, the guides 140R1, 140R2, 140L1 and 140L2 are integral parts of the developer unit frame 119, the developer roller support members 157, or developer roller bearings 139, and are integrally molded therewith. They protrude out of the cartridge

B.

(12) Developing Cartridge Mounting Operation

Next, referring to Figure 17, the operation for mounting the cartridge B towards the main apparatus assembly A will be described. Figures 17 (a) - 17 (c) are cross-sectional views of the cartridge B and the cartridge compartment portion of the main apparatus assembly A, in a plane S6-S6 in Figure 15.

Referring to Figure 17 (a), a user is going to open the door 109 of the main apparatus assembly A, and mount the cartridge B towards the cartridge mounting means 130 (cartridge compartment 130a).

More specifically, referring to Figure

<img file="MX358043B_D0065.tif" />

IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

........-—

17 (b), cartridge B is to be mounted towards cartridge compartment 130a by inserting cartridge B into main apparatus assembly A such that cartridge guides 140R1 and 104R2, which are on the force receiving side of drive, they follow the cartridge guide 130R1 of the main apparatus set A, and also, so that the cartridge guides 140L1 and 140L2 (Figure 3), which are on the opposite side of the drive force reception side, follow the guide

Cartridge 130L1 (Figure 16) of main apparatus A assembly. As cartridge B is inserted as described above, coupling 150, which is on the drive force receiving side, and cylindrical portion 157c of developer roller support member 157, surrounding coupling 150, they follow slot 130R2 of guide 130R1, without contact with cylindrical portion 157c and the walls of slot 130R2.

Cartridge B is then to be inserted further in the direction indicated by an arrow mark X. As cartridge B is inserted as described above, coupling 150 engages with drive arrow 180, allowing the Cartridge B fits properly in cartridge compartment 130a (previously adjusted position in cartridge compartment 130a), as

ΙΝ5ΤΠ UTO MEXICANO DE LA PROntDAD

INDUSTRIAL ¹ «» 11 will be described later in more detail. More specifically, referring to Figure 17 ©, the guide 140R1 is brought into contact with the cartridge placement portion 130Rla of the guide 130R1. In addition, guide 140L1 contacts cartridge placement portion 130LKla (Figure 16) and guide 130L1. As described above, cartridge B is removably mounted towards cartridge compartment 130a while aided by cartridge mounting means 130. Coupling 150 engages drive arrow 180 toward the end of the cartridge mount (insert) B towards cartridge compartment 13a. While cartridge B remains appropriately positioned in the imaging position in cartridge compartment 130a, coupling 150 remains engaged with drive arrow 180 so that cartridge B can perform a portion of an imaging operation. .

Incidentally, the cartridge compartment 130a is the space in the main apparatus set A, which the cartridge B occupies while the cartridge B remains in the main apparatus set A after being mounted to the main apparatus set A by the user while being assisted by the cartridge mounting means 130.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0066.tif" />

As described above, Cartridge B is provided with the pair of guides 140R1 and 140R2, which protrude from one of the longitudinal ends of Cartridge B (Figure 2). In terms of the direction X4 in which the cartridge B is mounted to the main apparatus assembly A, a pre-established amount of distance (space) is provided between the guides 140R1 and 140R2. Additionally, Cartridge B is also provided with the pair of guides 140L1 and 140L2, which protrude from the other longitudinal end of Cartridge B (Figure 3). In terms of the direction X4 in which the cartridge B is mounted towards the main unit assembly A, a preset amount of distance (space) is provided between the guides 140L1 and 140L2.

As for the main apparatus assembly A, one end of its cartridge compartment 130a, in terms of the direction perpendicular to the cartridge mounting direction X4, is provided with the guide 130R1 and 130R2, which are aligned with each other in the direction parallel to cartridge mounting direction X4, with guide 130R1 positioned higher than guide 130R2 (Figure 15). The other end of the cartridge compartment 130a is provided with the guides 130L1 and 130L2, which are aligned with each other in the direction parallel to the cartridge mounting direction X4 (figure

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0067.tif" />

16) .

In this way, when the cartridge B is mounted towards the cartridge compartment 130a, it is to be inserted towards the cartridge compartment 130a in such a way that the guides

140R1 and guide 140R2 are guided by guide 130R1, and the underside of cartridge B is guided by guide 130R2 (Figure 17). As for the opposite side of the 14ORI and 140R2 guides, the 140L1 guide and the 140L2 guide are guided by the guide

130L1.

Furthermore, the guides 140R1 (Figure 17) and 140L1 (Figure 16) are precisely positioned relative to the cartridge compartment 130a by the cartridge locating portions 130Rla and 140Lla, respectively, after engagement 150 with the drive shaft 180 . That is, cartridge B is precisely positioned in cartridge compartment 130a after coupling coupling 150 with drive arrow 180.

It will be described later how the coupling 150 couples with the drive shaft 180, and how the coupling

150 decouples from drive shaft 180.

If cartridge B needs to be removed from the compartment

Cartridge 130a, cartridge B can be removed from the cartridge compartment 130a simply by holding it

<img file="MX358043B_D0068.tif" />

reversed from the cartnphn oliILCT mount operation described.

The structural arrangement described above for cartridge B and main apparatus assembly A makes it possible to remove cartridge B from cartridge compartment 130a by moving the cartridge in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of drive arrow 180. That is, cartridge B can be mounted to, or removed from cartridge compartment 130a, by moving cartridge B in the direction that is practically perpendicular to the axial line of drive arrow 180.

After proper placement of cartridge B in the imaging position in cartridge compartment 130a of main apparatus set A, guide 140R1 remains under the elastic pressure of spring 188R, with which set A is provided. main apparatus (Figure 2 as well as figure 15), while the 14OLI guide remains under the elastic pressure of the 188L spring, with which the main apparatus set A is provided (Figure 3 as well as Figure 16). Then, after closing door 109, cartridge B is held down on cartridge seat 114a (Figure 4) by the elasticity of spring 192R (as for spring 192L, i.e., spring

<img file="MX358043B_D0069.tif" />

IMPI * «β

............. »'on the opposite side of the drive force receiving side, see Figure 16) fixed on the inner surface of color 109. In this way, spacers 136 h 137 (Figure 2) fitted around the longitudinal end portions of the developing roller 110, one by one, are kept in contact with the longitudinal end portions of the photosensitive drum 107, whereby the Preset amount of distance is maintained between developer roller 110 and photosensitive drum 107.

In addition, closing cover 109 causes a switching means (not shown) to be connected, making it possible for development roller 110 to receive rotational force to rotate development roller 110. From the main assembly A of the apparatus through the drive arrow 180 and coupling 150.

As described above, cartridge B is removably mounted in the cartridge compartment 130a by the user while guided by the cartridge mounting means 130. That is, cartridge B is mounted toward cartridge compartment 130a while remaining precisely positioned relative to main apparatus assembly A and photosensitive drum 107. In addition, drive shaft 180 and coupling 150 remain

<img file="MX358043B_D0070.tif" />

»IMPI

Hndüstwal fully mated after precise placement of cartridge B in cartridge compartment 130a.

That is, coupling 150 is made to take its rotational force receiving attitude.

That is, the electrophotographic imaging apparatus in this embodiment is enabled to form an image, by mounting cartridge B toward cartridge compartment 130a of the imaging apparatus.

Incidentally, with respect to how cartridge B is to be assembled, the main apparatus A and cartridge B assembly can be structured such that cartridge B is to be inserted all the way to the cartridge compartment 130a by the user himself, or Cartridge B is to be inserted part by the user to enable Cartridge B to be mounted the rest of the way by other means. For example, the main apparatus assembly A may be structured so that as the door 109 is closed, a part of the door

109 it comes into contact with cartridge B, which has been inserted part of the way, and then, cartridge B is pushed into its final position in cartridge compartment 130a for the remainder of the door closing motion

109. Or Cartridge B and main A assembly of

IMPI ^msl^ SS

<img file="MX358043B_D0071.tif" />

The apparatus can be structured such that cartridge B is to be pushed part of the way into cartridge compartment 130a by a user, and then cartridge B is advanced to its final position in cartridge compartment 130a by its own weight. .

As shown in Figure 17, cartridge B is mounted and demounted relative to main assembly A by moving in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of axis L3 of drive arrow 180 (Figure 18). And, drive shaft 180 and coupling 150 are in the engaged or disengaged state.

Substantial perpendicularity will be described here.

In order to smoothly assemble and disassemble cartridge B between cartridge B and main assembly A, a space is provided between them. More specifically, small gaps are provided between the longitudinal directions of guide 140R1 and guide 130R1, between the longitudinal directions of guide 140E2 and guide 130R1, between the longitudinal directions of guide 140R2 and guide 130R1, between longitudinal directions from the guide

140L1 and guide 140L1, and between the longitudinal directions of guide 140L2 and guide 130L2. Therefore, the assembly and disassembly of cartridge B in relation to assembly A

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0072.tif" />

main, cartridge B complete in npaBíonae p.ioHa-aataj .. slightly inclined within the limits of its space. Therefore, strictly speaking, mounting and dismounting is sometimes not in the direction of orthogonality. However, even in such a case, the functional effect of the present invention is capable of being implemented. Therefore, the substantial perpendicularity includes the case where the cartridge is slightly tilted.

(13) coupling operation and transmission of rotational force between the coupling and drive shaft

As described above, the coupling

150 Cartridge B engages with drive arrow 180 immediately before being placed in mounting portion 130a (predetermined position), or, simultaneously with being placed in predetermined position. More particularly, coupling 150 is in the angular position of rotational force transmission. Here, the predetermined position is the adjusting portion 130a.

Referring to Figure 18 and Figure 19, the description will be made as to the coupling operation between coupling 150 and drive shaft 180. The Figure is a perspective view illustrating the drive shaft and the major part of the drive side of the

<img file="MX358043B_D0073.tif" />

cartridge. Figure 19 is a longitudinal sectional view, as seen from below the main assembly. Here, coupling means the state in which the L2 axis and the L3 axis are substantially coaxial with each other, and where the transmission of rotational force is possible.

As shown in Figure 19, cartridge B is mounted to main assembly A in the direction (direction of arrow X4) substantially parallel to axis L3 of drive arrow 180. Or, it is removed from main assembly A. Coupling 150 is in the pre-coupling position, where axis L2 (Figure 19 (a)) leans toward mounting direction X4 relative to axis Ll (Figure 19 (a)) of pre-development roller 110 ( Figure 18 (a) and Figure 19 (a)).

As for the structure for tilting the coupling to the pre-coupling angular position, the structures of mode 4 as will be described later or the mode are used, for example. However, the present invention cannot be limited thereto, but the other appropriate structure can be used.

By coupling 150 tilting in the direction described above, position 1450^tol of free end downstream of coupling 150 with respect to

<img file="MX358043B_D0074.tif" />

the mounting direction X4 is closer, than the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft, to the position that the developer roller 110 is provided with respect to the direction of the Ll axis. Also, position 150^to2 The upstream free end is closer, than the free end 180b2 of the arrow, to the position that pin 182 is provided with respect to mounting direction X4 (Figure 19 (a), (b)). Here, the free-end position means the position that is the most remote from the L2 axis in the position closest to the drive arrow with respect to the direction of the L2 axis in the driven portion 150a or an edge line of the projection 150d of coupling 150 depending on the rotational phase of coupling 150, (Figure 6 (a), (c) 150A).

First, the free end position (a part of coupling 150) 150A1 of coupling 150 passes through the free end 180b3 of the arrow. And, after the coupling 150 passes the free end 180b3 of the arrow, the receiving surface 150f or the projection 150d contacts the free end portion 180b or the pin

182 of drive arrow 180 (Figure 19 (b)). The receiving surface 150f and the projection 150d are the cartridge side contact portions. Arrow 180 of

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

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<img file="MX358043B_D0075.tif" />

drive is the coupling portion of the joint-main mud, pins 182 are the coupling portion of the main assembly side and the rotational force application portion. At coupling 150, in response to the mounting operation of cartridge B, coupling 150 is tilted (Figure 19 (c)), such that axis L2 becomes coaxial with axis Ll. Coupling 150 tilts from the pre-coupling angular position, pivots (moves) to the rotational force transmission angular position where the axis L2 thereof is substantially coaxial with the axis Ll. Finally, the portion of cartridge B is determined relative to main assembly A. At this time, drive shaft 180 and developer roller 110 are substantially coaxial with each other. Furthermore, in this state, the receiving surface 150f opposes the spherical surface free end portion 180b of the drive shaft 180. And, coupling 150 and drive shaft 180 are coupled to each other (Figure 18 (b) and Figure 19 (d)). In addition, at this time pin 155 (not shown) is placed in opening 150g (Figure 6 (b)). Also, the pin

182 it is placed in the 150k waiting portion. Here, coupling 150 covers free end portion 180b.

As described above, when the

<img file="MX358043B_D0076.tif" />

Cartridge B mounts to main assembly A, coupling 150 makes the following move. More particularly, while a downstream part of coupling 150 (free-end position 150A1) with respect to mounting direction X2 surrounds drive shaft 180, coupling 150 is included and moves to the angular position of force transmission rotational from the angular position of pre-coupling. The receiving surface 150f constitutes the recess 150z. The 150z recess has a conical shape. The mounting address X4 is the mounting direction from cartridge B to main assembly A.

As described above, coupling 150 is mounted for tilting motion relative to axis Ll. And, in response to the movement of the cartridge B, the coupling part 150 (receiving and / or projection surface 150f 150d) which is the cartridge side contacting portion contacts the main assembly side coupling portion (arrow 180 drive and / or pin

182). By this, the pivot movement of the coupling

150 is carried out. As shown in Figure 19, coupling 150 is mounted in the state in which it overlaps, with respect to the direction of axis Ll, ​​with drive arrow 180. However, through the pivot movement of

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IMV ΓΙ '! · »Ρτ ^. . . _

<img file="MX358043B_D0077.tif" />

InEwtr^AD couplings as described above, coupling 150 can be coupled with drive arrow 180^- overlap state.

Additionally, the coupling operation of the above-described coupling 150 can be carried out regardless of the phase difference between the arrow

180 drive and coupling 150. Referring to Figures 11 and 20, this reason will be described. FIG. 20 is a view showing the respective phases of coupling 150 and drive shaft 180. Figure 20 (a) is a view showing the state in which the pin 182 and the receiving surface 150f oppose each other on the downstream side, with respect to the mounting direction X4, of the cartridge. Figure 20 (b) is a view showing the state that pin 182 and projection 150d oppose each other. Figure 20 (c) is a view showing the state in which the free end portion 180b and the projection 150d oppose each other. Figure 20 (d) is a view showing the state in which the free end portion 180b and the receiving surface 150f oppose each other.

As shown in Figure 11, the coupling 150 is capable of tilting in all directions relative to the axis Ll of the developer roller 110. More particularly, the • SITOITO MEXICANO coupling 150 is rotatable. How will you show us ^ riSita

20, due to this reason, the direction X&gt; 'rie.1 mrtnrhn B, is able to tilt regardless of the phase of the developing gear 153 (developing roller).

Regardless of the phases of drive shaft 180 and coupling 150, position 150^toone free-end is capable of tilting on a set scale of the angle of inclination of the coupling 150 so that it is on the development roller side beyond the free end 180b3 of the arrow in the direction of the axis Ll. In addition, the scale of the angle of inclination of the coupling 150 is adjusted so that the position 150^to2 free end is located on pin side 182 with respect to free end 183b3 of the shaft. With said adjustment, in response to the mounting operation of the cartridge B, the free end position 150A1 with respect to the mounting direction X4 is passed through the free end 180b3 of the arrow. And, in the case shown in Figure 20 (a), the receiving surface 150f contacts pin 182. In the case shown in Figure

twenty (b), the projection (coupling portion) 150D contacts pin 182 (rotational force application portion). In the case shown in Figure 20 (c), the projection 150d and the drive arrow 180 at the moment of

<img file="MX358043B_D0078.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0079.tif" />

Cartridge B mounting, coupling 150 — ee — moves — so that the L2 axis is substantially coaxial with the Ll axis. More particularly, after coupling 150 begins to make contact with drive shaft 180, cartridge B moves., Until axis L2 is substantially coaxial with axis Ll. And, in the state in which axis L2 is substantially coaxial with axis Ll, ​​cartridge B is placed in main assembly A as described above. By this, coupling 150 engages with drive shaft 180. More particularly, recess 150z covers free end portion 180b. Therefore, coupling 150 can be coupled to drive shaft 180 (pin 182) independently of the phases of drive shaft 180 and coupling 150 or developer gear 153 (developer roller).

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, the space is provided between the developing gear 153 and the coupling 150, the tilt (movement) is allowed as described above.

In this embodiment, the case where the coupling 150 pivots in the plane of the sheet of the drawing of Figure 20 has been described. However, since coupling 150 can also rotate as described above, pivoting in the

<img file="MX358043B_D0080.tif" />

,. ./. . ,. INSTITUTO MEXICANO address other than within the £ 1 plan^ί!· ΪΜ $ Κ &amp; includes. Also in such case, it results in reaching, from. state of Figure 20 (a), the state of Figure 20 (d). This applies to the following modalities unless otherwise described.

Referring to Figure 21, the rotational force transmission operation at the time of developing developer roller 110 will be described. By the rotational force received from the drive source (motor 186), drive shaft 180 rotates with gear 181 in direction X8 in the Figure. And, the pin 182 (182al, 182a2) integral with the drive shaft 180 contacts one of the rotational force receiving surfaces (rotational force receiving portions) 150el through 150e4.

More particularly, pin 182al contacts one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150el through 150e4. In addition, pin 182a2 contacts one of the rotational force receiving surfaces 150el to 150e4. By this, the rotational force of the arrow

180 drive is transmitted to coupling 150 to rotate coupling 150. Additionally, by rotating coupling 150, pin 155 (rotational force transmission portion) of coupling 150 makes contact with the

ΜΡΙ

<img file="MX358043B_D0081.tif" />

WirtyroMexicANo ^OFTHE «ONEDAD. "OUSTRIAL ____, development gear 153. By this, the rotational force of drive shaft 180 is transinitTT'aT developer roller 110 through coupling 150, pin 155, developer gear 153, and developer roller flange 151. By this, the developer roller 110 is rotated.

Furthermore, in the angular position of rotational force transmission, the free end portion 153b contacts the receiving surface 150i. And, the free end portion (placement portion) 180b of the drive shaft 180 contacts the receiving surface 150f (portion to be positioned). By this, the coupling 150 is, in the state of hanging on the drive shaft 180, positioned relative to the shaft

180 drive (19d of the Figures).

Here, in this embodiment, the developer roller 110 is positioned relative to the photosensitive drum 107 through the spacer member. In contrast, drive arrow 180 is placed on the side plate of main assembly A or the like. In other words, the Ll axis is positioned through the photosensitive drum to the L3 axis. Due to this reason, dimensional tolerance tends to become large. Therefore, the L3 axis and the Ll axis deviate from the

<img file="MX358043B_D0082.tif" />

Lightweight, coupling 150 can appropriately transmit rotational force. Even in such a case, the coupling 150 can rotate without applying the large load to the development gear 153 (development roller 110 and drive shaft 180) and drive shaft 180. Due to this reason, at the time of the assembly assembly of the drive shaft 180 and the developer roller 110 (the developer cartridge), the precision required for placement adjustment can be reduced. Therefore, the assembly operability can be improved.

This is one of the advantageous effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in addition to the effects described above as the effect of the present invention.

Furthermore, as described with Figure 14, drive shaft 180 and gear 181 are positioned, with respect to the diametrical and axial directions, in the predetermined position (mounting portion 130a) of main assembly A. In addition cartridge B is attached to mounting portion 130a as described above. And, the drive shaft 180 placed in the mounting portion 130a of the cartridge B placed in the mounting portion 130a are coupled to each other by the coupling 150. The coupling 150 is oscillating layers.

IMPI

INSTITUTO MSXICANO OI LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0083.tif" />

Pivot way with rei'uílóll J1 IUILlIIu

110 of development). Therefore, it precedes, between the arrow 180 predetermined position and the

<td colspan="4">as described in what</td>

<td>drive</td><td>placed</td><td>in</td><td>the</td>

<td>cartridge B</td><td>placed</td><td>in</td><td>the</td>

predetermined position, coupling 150 can transmit rotational force uniformly. In other words, even when there is a slight deviation between drive shaft 180 and developer roller 110, coupling 150 can transmit rotational force uniformly.

This is also one of the effects of the present embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Coupling 150 makes contact with drive shaft 180. By this, it has been described that the coupling

150 It oscillates to the angular position of rotational force transmission from the pre-coupling angular position, but this is not inevitable. For example, a stop portion such as the main assembly side coupling portion may be provided in the position other than the drive arrow of the main assembly. And, in the process of assembling the cartridge B, after the free end position 150A1 passes through the free end 180b3 of the drive shaft, a part of the coupling 150 (cartridge side contact portion) makes contact with the portion of

<img file="MX358043B_D0084.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0085.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE cap. Through this, the coupling receives the^M^ WM $ »» oscillation directions (direction of (pivot) so that the L2 axis is substantially coaxial with the L3 axis. In other words, any other means are usable if the L1 axis is capable of becoming substantially coaxial with the axis L3 in interrelation with the mounting operation of cartridge B.

(14) decoupling operation between the coupling and drive shaft and operation to remove the cartridge

Referring to Figure 22, the operation to uncouple coupling 150 from drive shaft 180 by removing cartridge B from main joint A will be described. Figure 22 is a sectional view, as seen from below the main assembly.

In the state that the developing gear 153 (developing roller 110) does not rotate, the coupling shaft L2

150 it is substantially coaxial with respect to axis Ll in the angular position of rotational force transmission i (Figure 22 (a)). And, in response to the user removing the cartridge B from the mounting portion 130a, the developing gear 153 moves in the removal direction X6 with the cartridge B. Y, the receiving surface 150f or the projection 150d that is on the downstream side of the

IMPI

Mexicanoπυτο Mexican &lt; ^wu«&amp;2

<img file="MX358043B_D0086.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0087.tif" />

at least the free end portion 180b of the shaft

180 drive (Figure 22 (a)) - Y, shaft L2 of coupling 150 begins to tilt upstream side of withdrawal direction X6 (Figure 22 (b)). The direction of the tilt start of the coupling 150 is the same as the tilt direction of the coupling 150 (pro-coupling angular position) at the time of mounting the cartridge B. By removing the cartridge B from the assembly A main coupling

150 it moves while the upstream side free end portion 150 A3 with respect to the withdrawal direction X6 contacts the free end portion 180b.

In more detail, cup 150 makes the next 15 movement in response to movement of cartridge B in the X6 direction of withdrawal. More particularly, while a portion of the coupling 150 (receiving and / or projection surface 150f | 50d) which is the cartridge side contacting portion contacts the main assembly side coupling portion (drive arrow 180 and / or pin

182) Coupling 150 moves. And, in the decoupling angular position, the L2 axis tilts until the portion

150 Free End A3 Reaches Free End 180b3

<img file="MX358043B_D0088.tif" />

(Figure 22 (c)). And, in this state, it passes through the drive shaft 180, and while making contact with the free end 180n3, it disengages from the drive shaft 180 (Figure 22 (d)). Cartridge B is then removed from main assembly A through the process opposite to the assembly process described in Figure

17.

As will be evident from the above description, the {angle of the pre-coupling angular position relative to the Ll axis is greater than the angle of the decoupling angular position relative to the Ll axis. By this, in consideration of the dimensional tolerance of the parts, at the time of coupling of the coupling, the free end position (a part of the coupling 150) 150A1 can safely pass through the free end portion 180b3 in the angular position pre-coupling.

This is because, in the pre-coupling angular position, the gap is between the coupling 150 and the free-end portion 180b3 (Figure 19 (b)). On the contrary, at the time of decoupling of the coupling, the shaft L2 tilts towards the angular position of decoupling in interrelation with the removal of the cartridge B. Due to this reason, the end portion 150

<img file="MX358043B_D0089.tif" />

INSTITiJl and MEXICANO ü £ THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0090.tif" />

free A3 of coupling 150 is along the lot · '!

180b3 free end. In other words, the upstream seal of coupling 150 with respect to cartridge removal direction X6 and the free end portion 180b of drive shaft 180 are in substantially the same position (Figure 22 (c)). Therefore, the angle in the pre-coupling angular position relative to the Ll axis is greater than the angle in the decoupling angular position relative to the Ll axis.

Furthermore, similar to the case where cartridge B is mounted to main assembly A, cartridge B can be removed from main assembly A regardless of the phases of coupling 150 and pin 182.

As described above, in the state where the cartridge B is fitted to the main assembly A, a part of the coupling 150 (position 150A1 free end) as seen in the opposite direction to the removal direction X6 is behind drive arrow 180 (Figure 19 (d)). And, when removing cartridge B from main assembly A, coupling 150 makes the following movement. In response to moving cartridge B in the direction substantially perpendicular to axis Ll, ​​coupling 150 moves inclined to the disengaging angular position

<img file="MX358043B_D0091.tif" />

from the angular position of rotational force transmission so that a part of the coupling 150 (free end position 105A1) surrounds the drive shaft 180. In the state where cartridge B is mounted to main assembly A, coupling 150 receives rotational force from drive shaft 180 in the rotational force transmission angular position of coupling 150 to rotate. More particularly, the angular position of rotational force transmission is an angular position to transmit rotational force to rotate developer roller 110 to developer roller 110. Figure 21 shows the state in which the coupling 150 is in the angular position of rotational force transmission.

Angular position of pre-coupling coupling

150 is the angular position of coupling 150 relative to axis Ll immediately before coupling 150 engages drive arrow 180 at the time cartridge B is mounted to main assembly A. More particularly, it is in an angular position relative to axis Ll where the downstream-side free end portion 150A1 of coupling 150 can pass through drive arrow 180 in the mounting direction of cartridge B.

Coupling decoupling angular position

IMPI

150'TOí ^ e '

<img file="MX358043B_D0092.tif" />

150 is the angular position of the coupling to axis Ll when coupling 150 is located on drive arrow 180 in the case where cartridge B is removed from main assembly A. More particularly, as shown in Figure 22, it is an angular position relative to axis Ll where free end portion 150 A3 of coupling 150 can pass by drive arrow 180 in the direction of cartridge B removal.

In the pre-coupling angular position or the decoupling angular position, an angle Θ2 between the L2 axis and the Ll axis is greater than an angle Θ1 between the L2 axis and the Ll axis in the rotational force transmission angular position. Angle Θ1 is preferably zero. However, in accordance with this embodiment, if the angle Θ1 is less than about 50 degrees, uniform transmission of rotational force is achieved. It is preferable that the angle Θ2 is approximately 20-60 degrees.

As described above, the coupling is mounted so that it is capable of tilting relative to the Ll axis. And, in response to the removal operation of cartridge B, coupling 150 tilts. By this, the coupling 150 in the overlapping state with the drive arrow 180 with respect to the direction of the axis Ll can be

<img file="MX358043B_D0093.tif" />

uncouple from arrow 180 particularly the cartridge B moves

<img file="MX358043B_D0094.tif" />

in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction L3 of the drive arrow 180. More particularly, cartridge B moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to axial direction L3 of drive arrow 180. By this, the coupling 150 of the state of covering the drive shaft 180 can be disengaged from the drive shaft 180.

In the above description, in interrelation with cartridge B moving in the removal removal direction X6, the receiving surface 150f or the projection 150d of the coupling 150 contacts the free end portion 180b. By this, the L2 axis begins tilting (movement) to the upstream side with respect to the withdrawal direction. However, in this modality, this is inevitable. For example, a structure may be employed such that the driving force (spring force) is applied in advance on the upstream side of coupling 150 with respect to the direction of withdrawal. And, in response to the movement of the cartridge B, by means of the pushing force relative to the coupling 150, the axis L2 begins the inclination to the downstream side with

1_____ ^D industrial movement). Regarding the retirement address (the

<img file="MX358043B_D0095.tif" />

free end 150 A3 passes through free end 180b3, and coupling 150 disengages from drive shaft 180. In other words, the coupling can be disengaged from drive shaft 180, without contact with upstream receiving surface 150f (relative to coupling withdrawal direction 50) or projection 150d and free end portion 180b . Therefore, if axis L2 can be tilted in interrelation with the removal operation of cartridge B, any structure can be applied.

For the time immediately before the coupling 150 is mounted to the deflection shaft · 180, the driven portion of the coupling 150 tilts towards the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction. In other words, coupling 150 is moved to the pre-coupling angular position early.

Pivoting in the plane of the drawing sheet of the

Figure 22 has been described, but, the revolution can be included, similar to the case of Figure 19.

As described above, axis L2 of coupling 150 can be included in all directions relative to axis L1 of developer roller 110 (Figure

11) ·

More particularly, the L2 axis s ^^nst1KV ^ SÍdau any direction relative to the Ll axis. However, as far as coupling 150 is concerned, axis L2 is not necessarily capable of linear inclusion at the predetermined angle in any direction through the 360 ​​degree scale. In this case, for example opening 150q is formed more widely in the circumferential direction. With said opening, when the L2 axis is tilted in relation to the Ll axis,

<td>the</td><td>coupling</td><td>150 se</td><td>can</td><td>turn a</td><td>light</td><td>grade</td>

<td colspan="2">10 around the axis</td><td>L2 to {a</td><td>at</td><td colspan="2">case where I don't know</td><td>can</td>

<td colspan="2">tilt to angle</td><td colspan="2">predetermined</td><td>linearly.</td><td>Through</td><td>this,</td>

<td>the</td><td>coupling</td><td> 150</td><td>can</td><td>Bend down</td><td>to the</td><td>angle</td>

predetermined. In other words, the amount of play in the rotational direction of opening 150q can be appropriately selected if necessary.

In this way, the coupling 150 is rotatable (oscillable) through its entire circumference substantially relative to the axis Ll of the developer roller 110. More particularly, coupling 150 is capable of pivoting substantially across the entire circumference thereof relative to development roller 110.

As will be evident from the foregoing description, coupling 150 is rotatable substantially through

IM

MEXICAN INSTITUTE IS INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0096.tif" />

the complete circumference of the same in relation to the axis Ll. Here, the revolution of the coupling does not mean that the coupling itself rotates about the axis L2 of the coupling, but rather that the inclined axis L2 rotates around the axis Ll of the developer roller 110. However, it does not exclude that coupling 150 itself rotates around axis L2 on the scale of the game or positively provided space.

More particularly, the coupling 150 is rotatable such that the state of positioning the lateral end of the developing roller 110 of the driving portion 150b on the axis L2, the free end of the driven side 150a drawing a circle having the center thereof on the L2 axis.

In addition, coupling 150 is provided to the end of developer roller 110 so as to pivot substantially in all directions relative to the axis.

Ll. By this, the coupling 150 can pivot evenly between the pre-coupling angular position, the rotational force transmission angular position, and the decoupling angular position.

Here, the ability to pivot substantially in all directions is as follows. More particularly, when the user mounts cartridge B to main assembly A, the

IMPI «♦ sttwro MtwcANo ttlANtOHWAO« TOUSTMAl

<img file="MX358043B_D0097.tif" />

Coupling 150 can pivot to the angular position of rotational force transmission independent of the stopping phase of drive shaft 180 having the rotational force applying portion.

Furthermore, when the user removes the cartridge B from the main assembly A, the coupling 150 can pivot to the disengaging angular position regardless of the stopping phase of the drive shaft 180.

Furthermore, the coupling 150 has the space between the rotational force transmission portion (pin 155, for example), and the transmitted rotational force portion (surface 153hl, 153h2 rotational force transmission, for example) that is in engagement with the rotational force transmission portion so that it can be included substantially in all directions relative to the axis Ll. In this way, coupling 150 is mounted to the end of developer roller 110. Therefore, coupling 150 is capable of tilting substantially in all directions relative to axis Ll. As described above, the coupling of the present embodiment is mounted such that axis L2 thereof can be moved by tilting in any direction relative to axis Ll of developer roller 110. Here, the tilt

<img file="MX358043B_D0098.tif" />

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0099.tif" />

a (movement) includes pivoting, the __6 revolution described above, for example.

Referring to Figures 23-24, a modified example of the coupling will be described.

Figure 23 shows a first modified example. A drive portion 1150b of a coupling 1150 in this modified example has an expansion shape similar to a driven portion 1150a. (Jna arrow 1153 is provided coaxially with the developer roller.

Development arrow 1153 has a 5-column portion 1153a, and is approximately 5-15 mm in diameter considering material, load, and spacing. The circular column portion 1153a is fixed, by snap-fit, bonding, insert molding, and so on, to a mating portion of a developer roller flange (not shown). By this, development arrow 1153 transmits rotational force from main assembly A to development roller 110 through coupling 1150 as will be described later. Serving

Circular column 1153a thereof is provided with a free end portion 1153b. The free end portion 1153b has a spherical configuration so that when the shaft L2 of the coupling 1150 is tilted, it can be tilted

100

<img file="MX358043B_D0100.tif" />

ZK smoothly or evenly. In the vicinity of an exts «íSíEl3-i '

<td>the arrow</td><td> 1153</td><td>from revealed to</td><td>end</td><td>from '' ΤδΤ7ΐ^,1τϊ £ · ~ -_</td><td>-The force</td>

<td>rotational</td><td>of the</td><td colspan="2">1150 coupling,</td><td>the pin</td><td>1155 of</td>

<td>transmission</td><td>of</td><td>drive (serving</td><td>of</td><td>transmission</td><td>of force</td>

<td>rotational,</td><td colspan="2">receiving portion</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">rotational force)</td>

<td>extends into</td><td colspan="2">the crossing direction</td><td>with</td><td>an axis Ll of</td><td>the arrow</td>

153 of developing.

Pin 115 is made of metal, and is fixed by snap fit, link, and so on relative to development arrow 1153. The position of the same can be any, if it is said position in which rotational force is transmitted (direction that crosses the axis Ll of the development arrow 153 (development roller 110)). Preferably, it passes through the center of the spherical surface of the portion

11563b free end of development arrow 1153.

The driven portion 1150a of coupling 1150 has the same configuration as the configuration described above, and therefore the description is omitted for simplicity.

An 1150g opening is provided with the surface

1150i rotational force transmission (rotational force transmission portion). In the coupling state, an opening is established in cartridge B

11501 It has a conical shape as an expanded part that

101

<img file="MX358043B_D0101.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0102.tif" />

expands to the side with the flecnarrJtótfcxi '_

By rotating coupling 1150, rotational force transmitting surface 1150i pushes pin 1155 to transmit rotational force to developer roller 110.

By this, regardless of the rotational phase of developing roller 110 in cartridge B, the coupling

1150 it can pivot (move) between the angular position of rotational force transmission, the angular position of pre-coupling, and the angular position of disengagement relative to axis Ll without being hindered by the free end portion of development arrow 1153. In the illustrated example, the receiving surface 1150i is provided with a waiting opening 1150g (1150gl, 1150g2). The coupling

1150 it is mounted to the development arrow 53 so that the pin 1155 is received in the opening 1150g 1 or 1150g2. The size of the 1150g 1 or 1150g2 opening is greater than the outer diameter of the 1155 pin. By this, regardless of the rotational phase of developing roller 110 in cartridge B, coupling 1150 is able to pivot (moveable) between the rotational force transmission angular position and the pre-coupling angular position (or the angular position decoupling) without being prevented by pin 1155.

102

And, the 1150i surface of tr anemia! ó® 1 [c ^ | OÉH§kza Mexican rotational institute pushes pin 115 through D ^^^ QtacSSfP ^ coupling 1150 to transmit force r + íij.uni.^{1 1} developer roller 110.

Referring to Figure 24, a second modified example will be described.

In the embodiment described above, the drive shaft receiving surface or the developing shaft receiving surface of the coupling is conical. In this mode, a different configuration is used.

A coupling 12150 shown in Figure 24 has three main parts similar to coupling 150 shown in Figure 6. More particularly, coupling 12150 has a portion 12150a driven to receive rotational force from drive shaft 180, portion 12150b. drive to transmit rotation to the arrow

153 developer, and an intermediate portion 12150c for connecting the driven portion 12150a and the driven portion 12150b (Figure 24 (b)).

The driven portion 12150a and the drive portion 12150b are provided with the drive shaft insertion opening 12150m that expands toward the drive shaft 180 relative to the L2 axis and a 12150v opening of

103 developing arrow insert to be $ 1

, ...___ direction of development 153 arrow, resp ^ btii ......

(Figure 24 (b)). The opening 12150m and '^ la ^ ab ^ rt13r «---- L2J.50v constitute the expanded parts. Opening 12150m and opening 12150v are made up of a surface

12150f horn-like drive arrow reception and development arrow reception surface 12150i. The receiving surface 12150f and the receiving surface 12150Í are provided with recesses 12150x, 12150 &lt;8 Figure

24). At the time of transmission of rotational force, the recess 12150z opposes the free end of the drive shaft 180. More particularly, recess 12150z covers the free end of drive shaft 180.

As described above, the coupling development arrow receiving surface has an expansion shape, and therefore, the coupling can be mounted for tilting movement relative to the development arrow axis. Furthermore, the coupling drive shaft receiving surface is in the form of expansion, and therefore the coupling can be tilted, without interfering with the drive shaft in response to the mounting operation or removal operation of the cartridge B .

Through this, in this modality, the similar effects of

104 first or second modality

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0103.tif" />

provide. '

Each of the configurations of openings 12150m, 12250m and openings 12150v, 12250v may be a combination of a horn-like shape and a bell-like shape or the like.

Referring to Figure 25, a further embodiment of the drive shaft will be described. Figure 25 is perspective views of the drive shaft and a development drive gear.

As shown in Figure 25, the free end of drive shaft 1180 has a flat surface 1180b. In this case, the arrow configuration is simple, and therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

As shown in Figure 25 (b), a rotational force application portion (drive transmission portion) 1280.1 (1280cl, 1280c2) can be integrally molded with the drive shaft 1280. In the case of the drive shaft 1280 which is a molded resin part, the rotational force applying portion may be integrally molded. In this case, cost reduction can be achieved. In addition, designated by 1280b is a flat surface portion.

105 „. , IMPI

A method of knee placement

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0104.tif" />

In the direction of the axis Ll will be described Here, for example, the description will be made regarding the expanded coupling towards the developing roller in the axial direction (Figure

24) similarly to the coupling of the first modified example. However, the present embodiment can also be applied to the coupling of the first embodiment.

A 1350 coupling is provided with a tapered surface (sloped surface) 1350e, 1350h. The surface

Tapered 1350e, 1350h produces a pushing force over time of drive shaft 181 rotation. By means of this pushing force, the coupling 13560 and the developing roller 110 are correctly positioned in the direction of the axis Ll. Referring to Figure 26 and Figure 27, a further description is made. Figure 26 is a perspective view and a top plan view of the coupling alone. Figure 27 is a detailed perspective view illustrating a drive shaft, a development shaft, a coupling.

As shown in Figure 26 (b), the rotational force receiving surface 1350e (1350el to 1350e4, inclined surface, rotational force receiving portion) is tapered at angle a5 relative to the axis

106

INDUSTRY!

<img file="MX358043B_D0105.tif" />

L2. When drive shaft 180 rotates^tNS^ YM®StDjiüÍA ^ S &lt;* ·

TI, pin 182 and rotational force receiving surface 135- (10 contact each other. Then, a component force is applied in direction T2 to coupling 1350 to move it in direction. And, until surface 1350f drive shaft receiving shaft (Fig. 27a) makes contact with the free end 180b of drive shaft 180, coupling 1350 moves in the direction of axis L2. By this, the position of the coupling 1350 is determined with respect to the direction of the axis L2. Furthermore, the free end 180b of the drive shaft 180 is spherical. The receiving surface 1350f is conical. Due to this reason, the position of the driven portion 1350a relative to the drive arrow 180 is determined in the direction orthogonal to the axis L2. Furthermore, in the case of the coupling 1350 fitted to the developing roller 110, the developing roller 110 also moves in the axial direction by an applied force in the T2 direction. In this case, the position of the developing roller 110 relative to the main assembly A in the longitudinal direction is also determined. The developer roller 110 is playfully mounted in the longitudinal direction on the cartridge frame.

As shown in Figure 26 ©, in addition, the surface

107 _H Rotational force transmission IMPI (porTIÓTFg'fg '*

PR »PTCTMe&gt;^,'

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0106.tif" />

rotational force) 1350h is tapered at an angle αβ with respect to the L2 axis (inclined surface). When the 1350 coupling rotates in the TI direction, the surface

Transmission 1350h and pin 1155 make contact with each other. And, the transmission surface 1350h pushes the pin 1155. Then, a component force is applied in the T2 direction to the pin 1155 to move in the T2 direction.

Until the free end 1153b of the arrow 1153b of the development arrow 153 contacts the development arrow receiving surface 1350i (Figure 27 (b)) of the coupling 1350, the development arrow 53 moves.

. By this, the position of the development arrow 1153 (the development roller) is determined in the direction of the L2 axis.

The development arrow receiving surface 1350i is tapered and the free end 1153b of the development arrow 1153 is spherical. In the direction orthogonal to the L2 axis, the position of the drive portion 1350b relative to the arrow

1153 development is determined.

The taper angles α5, αβ, are selected such that sufficient force to move the coupling and the developing roller in the thrust direction occurs.

This force is different depending on the torque

108 required by the developer roll 110.

<img file="MX358043B_D0107.tif" />

Another means to place it in the direction of thrust is employed, the angles. taper &lt;x5, I heard 6 may be small.

As described above, the coupling

1350 it is provided with a tapered portion to produce retraction thrust in the direction of the L2 axis and a conical surface for placement in the direction orthogonal to the L2 axis. By this, the coupling 1350 can be determined simultaneously in the position and the Ll axis in the direction of the Ll axis, the position in the orthogonal quality direction. Furthermore, coupling 1350 can safely transmit rotational force. Compared to the case where the rotational force receiving surface (the rotational force receiving portion) of the coupling 1350 does not have the taper angle described above, the following effects are provided. In the present embodiment, the contact between pin 182 (rotational force applying portion) of drive shaft 180 and rotational force receiving surface 1350e of coupling 1350 can be stabilized. Furthermore, the contact between the pin 8 (transmitted portion of rotational force) 1155 of the arrow 1153 of

109 revealed and transmitted the rotating force surface! 9 of the

<img file="MX358043B_D0108.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0109.tif" />

/ stabilizes.

However, the tapered surface (sloped surface) described above and the conical surface described above of coupling 1350 is not inevitable. For example, instead of the taper described above, a part to apply the driving force in the direction of the L2 axis can be added.

Referring to Figure 28, the description will be made as to the regulation means for regulating the inclination direction of the coupling relative to the cartridge B. Figure 28 (a) is a side view illustrating a larger part of the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 28 (b) is a sectional view taken along an S7-S7 line in Figure 28 (a). For example, the description will be made regarding the coupling (Figure 24) of the first modified example. The drive portion expands toward the developer roller in the axial direction in the coupling of the first modified example. However, the present embodiment is also applicable to the coupling of the first embodiment. The coupling of the first embodiment has the spherical drive portion.

110

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

<img file="MX358043B_D0110.tif" />

In this mode employing the medieel coupling 1150 and the drive arrow 180 it will be seen to couple additionally securely.

In this embodiment, the developing support member 1557 is provided with a regulatory portion 1157h 1,

1557h2 as a means of regulation. The oscillation directions of coupling 1150 relative to cartridge B can be regulated by this regulating means. Regulating portions 1557h 1 or 1557h2 are brought into contact with flange portion 1150j to regulate the oscillation directions of coupling 1150. Portions 1557h 1 and

Regulating 1557h 2 are provided so that immediately before coupling 1150 engages drive shaft 180, it is parallel to the direction

Cartridge B mounting X4. In addition, the intervals D between them is slightly larger than the outer diameter D7 of the drive portion 1150b of the coupling 1150 (Figure 28 (d)). By this, the coupling 1150 is able to tilt only towards the mounting direction X4 of the cartridge B. In addition, the coupling 1150 is able to tilt in all directions relative to the arrow

1153 of developing. Due to this reason, regardless of the phase of the developing arrow 1153, the coupling 1150

<img file="MX358043B_D0111.tif" />

111 the drive shaft 180 can be tilted in the regulated direction and is furthermore safely acceptable in the opening 1150m of the coupling 1150. By this, the coupling 1150 is furthermore securely coupled with the drive shaft 180.

Referring to Figure 29, another structure for regulating the tilt direction of the coupling will be described. Figure 29 (a) is a perspective view showing an interior of a drive side of the main assembly. Figure 29 (b) is a side view of the cartridge viewed from the upstream side of mounting direction X4.

In the above description, portions 1557h 1,

Regulating 1557h2 are provided on cartridge B. In this embodiment, a portion of a drive side mounting guide 1630R1 of main assembly A is a rib-like regulating portion 1630Rla. By this, the regulating portion 1630Rla is a regulating means for regulating the oscillation directions of the coupling 1150.

And, when the user inserts the cartridge B, the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 1150c of the coupling 1150 contacts the upper surface 1620Rla-l of the regulating portion 1630Rla. Through this, the

112

IMPI institute »mexican

M IA mOPIEOAD industrial coupling 1150 is guided by the surface 7TTJ ÍGJúniufd.

higher. Therefore, the tilt direction of the 1150 coupling is regulated. Similar to the embodiment described above, furthermore, regardless of the phase of development arrow 1153, coupling 1150 may tilt in the regulated direction.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 29 (a), the portion

Regulating 1630Rla is provided below coupling 1150. Similar to regulating portion 1557h2 shown in Figure 28, however, more assured regulation can be performed when the regulating portion is added to the top side.

As described above, it can be combined with the structure that provides the regulating portion in cartridge B. In this case, still further assured regulation can be carried out.

Furthermore, an arrow is provided substantially coaxial with the axis of the coupling 150 (Figure 6) of the first embodiment, the arrow can be regulated by another part (bearing member, for example) of a cartridge.

However, in this embodiment, the means to reverse the tilt direction of the coupling may not be provided. For example, the 1150 coupling tilts

113

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0112.tif" />

towards the downstream side of the cartridge B üófl'PéSpSCÜÓ to 13 mounting direction. The coupling drive shaft receiving surface 1150f is increased. By this, drive shaft 180 and coupling 150 can be coupled to each other.

In the above description, the angle of the pre-coupling angular position of the coupling 150 relative to the axis Ll is greater than the angle of the decoupling angular position. However, this is not inevitable.

Referring to Figure 30, this will be described.

Figure 30 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a process in which cartridge B is removed from main assembly A. For example, the coupling of the first modified example is taken. However, this is also applicable to the coupling of the first modality.

In the process where cartridge B is removed from main assembly A, the angle of the decoupling angular position (Figure 30c) of coupling 1750 with respect to axis Ll can be as follows. The angle may be equivalent to the angle of coupling 1150 at the pre-coupling angular position relative to axis Ll at the time coupling 1150 engages with drive arrow 180. Here, the decoupling process of the

114 • MEXICAN PROJECT WLTUTO

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0113.tif" />

Coupling 1150 will be described with Figure 30 (a) - (b) (c) - (d).

More particularly, when the free end portion 1150 A3 passes through the free end portion 180b3 of the drive shaft 180 with respect to the upstream side in the X6 direction of withdrawal of coupling 1150, the distance between the 1150 A3 portion of free end and the free 180b3 portion is equivalent to that in the pre-coupling angular position. Coupling 1150 can be decoupled from drive shaft 180 with such adjustment.

As for the other operations when cartridge B is removed, the same as for the operation described above applies. Due to this reason, the description is omitted for simplicity.

In the above description, at the time of mounting the cartridge B to the main assembly A, the free end of the downstream side with respect to the coupling mounting direction is closer, than the free end of the drive shaft 180, to the development arrow. However, this is not inevitable.

Referring to Figure 31, the description will be made regarding this point. For example, the coupling of the first modified example is taken. However,

115

<img file="MX358043B_D0114.tif" />

it is also applicable to the coupling of the first modality. Figure 31 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an assembly process for cartridge B. Assembly of cartridge B is carried out in the order of (a) - (b) - (c) (d). In the state shown in Figure 31 (a), in the direction of the Ll axis, the downstream free end position 1150A1 with respect to the mounting direction X4 is closer than a free end 180b3 of the shaft, to the pin 182 (rotational force application portion). In the state shown in Figure 31 (b), the free end position 1150A1 is brought into contact with the free end portion 180b. At this time, the free end position 1150A1 is moved toward the development arrow 1153 along the free end portion 180b. The free end position 1150A1 is passed through the free end portion 180b3 (at this time, coupling 1150 is in the pre-coupling angular position) (Figure 31 (c)).

Finally, coupling 1150 and drive shaft 180 engage with each other (rotational force transmission angular position) (Figure 31 (d)).

In the developer cartridge in which such coupling is used, the following effects are provided in addition to the effects described above.

<img file="MX358043B_D0115.tif" />

(1) An external force is applied to the cartridge by the coupling force between the gears. In the event that the direction of the external force is such that the developer roller and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other, there is a possibility that the image quality may deteriorate. Therefore, the position of an oscillation center or the gear of the cartridge is restricted so that that moment in the direction of the developing roller approaching the photosensitive drum occurs. Due to this reason, the design latitude is narrow. Therefore, there is a possibility that the main assembly or the cartridge could become bulky. However, in accordance with this modality, the latitude around the drive input position is wide. Therefore, the main assembly or the cartridge can be reduced in size.

(2) In the case of the operative connecting gear between the cartridge and the main assembly: in order to prevent the tooth tip bearing between the gear and a gear at the time of cartridge mounting, it is required to consider the positions of the gears so that the gears get closer beyond the tangential direction. Due to this reason, there is a possibility that the design latitude may be narrow and the main assembly · or the

<img file="MX358043B_D0116.tif" />

Cartridge can be made bulky. However, according to this mode, the latitude of the drive input position is high. Therefore it is possible to reduce the size of the main assembly or the cartridge.

An example will be described in accordance with the present embodiment.

The maximum outer diameter of the driven portion 15a of coupling 150 is Z4, the diameter of a shadow circle Cl contacting the end surface of the interior of projections 150d 1, 150d 2, 150d3, 150d4 is

Z5, and the maximum outer diameter of the drive portion 150b is Z6 (Figure 6 (d), (f)). The angle of the receiving surface 150f of the coupling 150 is o2. The arrow diameter of drive arrow 180 is Z7, the arrow diameter of pin 182 is Z8, and the length thereof is Z9 (Figure 19). Relative to axis Ll, ​​the angle at the angular position of rotational force transmission is βΐ, and the angle at the angular position of pre-coupling is β2, and the angle at the angular position of decoupling is β3. At this time, for example, z4 = 13mm, z5 = 8mm, z6 = 10mm, z7 = 6mm, z8 = 2mm, z9 = 14mm, al = 70 degrees, β1 = 0 degrees, β2 = 35 degrees, β3 = 30 degrees.

118

MEXlCANc INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0117.tif" />

It has been confirmed that coupling 150 can be coupled with drive arrow 180 with the setting described above. However, similar operation is possible with the other settings. Coupling 150 can transmit rotational force to developer roller 110 with high precision. The values ​​described above are examples and the present invention is not limited to these values.

In this embodiment, pin 182 (rotational force application portion) is disposed at a position on a scale of 5 mm from the free end of drive shaft 180. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 150e provided in the projection 150d is disposed at a position on the scale of 4 mm from the free end of the coupling 150. In this way, pin 182 is provided at the free end portion of drive shaft 180. The rotational force receiving surface 150e is disposed at the free end portion of the coupling 150.

By this, in mounting cartridge B to the assembly

To main, drive shaft 180 and coupling 150 can be smoothly coupled together. More particularly,₁₁₉ IΜ ΡI @ 5 Mexican Institute ¥ 5- «ss? K3

OWNERSHIP Oteáis

INDUSTRIAL the pin 182 and the rotational force receiving surface 150e may engage smoothly or evenly with each other.

<td>When disassembling</td><td colspan="2">the cartridge</td><td colspan="2">B from the set</td><td>TO</td>

<td>main arrow</td><td>180 of</td><td colspan="2">drive and</td><td>The coupling</td><td> 150</td>

<td colspan="2">they can undock one</td><td>of the</td><td>other</td><td>gently.</td><td>Plus</td>

<td>particularly the</td><td>Barrette</td><td> 182</td><td>and the</td><td>surface 150e</td><td>of</td>

<td>force reception</td><td colspan="2">rotational se</td><td>they can</td><td>undock one</td><td>of the</td>

another evenly.

These values ​​are examples and the present invention is not limited to these values. However, the effects described above are effectively provided by arranging pin 182 (rotational force application portion) and rotational force receiving surface 150e on the value scales.

As described above, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, coupling 150 can take the angular position of rotational force transmission and the angular position of pre-coupling. Here, the angular position of rotational force transmission is an angular position to transmit rotational force

<td>to rotate the roller</td><td> 110</td><td>from developing to the roller</td><td> 110</td><td>of</td>

<td>revealed. The position</td><td colspan="2">pre-coupling angle</td><td>is</td><td>the</td>

<td>angular position that</td><td>is</td><td>the leaning position,</td><td>in</td><td>the</td>

<img file="MX358043B_D0118.tif" />

direction away from the axis Ll of the developing roller 110, from the angular position of rotational force transmission. The coupling 150 can take an angular decoupling position which is the inclined position, in the direction away from the Ll axis of the developing roller 110, from the angular position of rotational force transmission. When disassembling cartridge B, in the direction substantially perpendicular to axis Ll, ​​from main assembly A, coupling 150 moves to the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of rotational force transmission. By this, cartridge B can be removed from main assembly A. In mounting cartridge B to main assembly A in the direction substantially perpendicular to axis Ll, ​​coupling 150 moves to the rotational force transmission angular position from the pre-coupling angular position.

By this, cartridge B can be mounted to main assembly A. This applies to the following modalities. However, in mode 2 only the case where cartridge B is removed from main assembly A will be described.

(Mode 2)

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<img file="MX358043B_D0119.tif" />

Referring to Figures 32-36, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For example, the coupling of the first modified example is taken. However, the present embodiment is also applicable to the coupling of the first embodiment, for example. As for the structure of the coupling, the appropriate structure is selected by the person skilled in the field.

In the description of this modality, the same reference numbers as in Mode 1 are assigned to the elements that have the corresponding functions in this modality, and the detailed description of the same is omitted for simplicity. The same applies to all subsequent modalities.

The present modality can only be applied in the case of removing cartridge B from main assembly A.

In the case of stopping the drive arrow 180 by the main assembly A control operations, the drive arrow 180 stops in the predetermined phase (A predetermined orientation of the pin 182). The phase of the coupling 14150 (150) is established in alignment with the phase of the drive shaft 180. For example, the position of the holding portion 1415k (150k) is aligned with the stop position of the pin 182. With such adjustment, the

122

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0120.tif" />

Assembling cartridge B to main assembly A coupling 14150 (150) is in the state of opposing drive shaft 180, without pivoting (oscillation, revolution). By rotating drive shaft 180, rotational force is transmitted from drive shaft 180 to coupling 14150 (150). By this, the coupling

14150 (150) can be rotated with high precision.

However, in the case of disassembling the cartridge B, in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis L3, from the main assembly A, the structure of embodiment 2 of the present invention is effective. Here, pin 182 and rotational force receiving surface 14150el, 14150e2 (150e) are in engagement with each other. This is because in order for the coupling 14150 (150) to disengage from the drive shaft 180, the coupling

14150 (150) must pivot.

In the above-described embodiment 1, in the case of assembly and disassembly in relation to the main assembly A of a cartridge B, the coupling 14150 (150) tilts (moves). Therefore, it is not necessary to align the coupling phase 14150 8150) with the phase of the drive shaft 180 stopped in advance. At the time of mounting cartridge B to main assembly A with the control of the

123

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE Dt LA FROFIEDAD

INDUSTRIAL _ main set A with the control of the main set A described above.

<img file="MX358043B_D0121.tif" />

Referring to the drawing, the description is made.} Figure 32 is a perspective view and a top plan view of the coupling. Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the mounting operation of the cartridge. Figure 34 is a top plan view, as seen in the mounting direction in the state at the time of cartridge mounting. Figure 35 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the drive of the cartridge (developer roller) stops. Figure 36 is a longitudinal sectional view and a perspective view illustrating the operation of removing the cartridge.

In this embodiment, the cartridge removably mountable to main assembly A provides with the control means to control the phase of the stop position of the pin 182 (not shown) will be described.

Referring to Figure 32, the coupling used for the present embodiment will be described.

The 14150 coupling comprises three main parts.

As shown in Figure 32 ©, they are a portion 14150a driven to receive rotational force from drive shaft 180, a portion 14150b drive to

<img file="MX358043B_D0122.tif" />

transmitting the rotational force to the developing arrow 153, and an intermediate portion 14150c for connecting the driven portion 14150a and the driven portion 14150b. The driven portion 14150a has an arrow insert portion 14150nm comprising two surfaces that expand from the L2 axis. The drive portion 14150b has a developing arrow insert portion 14150v comprising two surfaces that expand from the axis L2.

Insertion portion 14150m has 14150f surfaces

1, 14150Í2 tapered drive shaft receiving. The respective end surface is provided with projections 14150d 1, 14150d2. Projections 14150d

1, 14150d2 are arranged on the circumference having, as the center thereof, the axis L2 of the coupling 14150. As shown in the Figure, the receiving surfaces 14150f 1 or 14150f2 constitute the recesses 14150z. As shown in Figure 32 (d), the current side below projections 14150d 1, 14150d2 with respect to the clockwise description is provided with the rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) 14150e (14150el , 14150e2). Pin 182 (rotational force application portion) contacts this receiving surface 14150el, 14150e2. Through

125

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE PcJwctwC * OF THE PROPERTY V&gt; anJ% j INDUSTRIAL this, the rotational force is transmitted 'to the coupling

14150. An interval W between adjacent projections

14150dl-d2 is greater than an outside diameter of pin 182 so that pin 182 can be received. This interval works as a 14150k wait portion.

An insert portion 14150v is formed by the two surfaces 14150H, 14150 i2. Waiting openings 14150g 1 or 14150g2 are provided on surface 14150Í1, 14150 i2 thereof (Figure 32 (a) and Figure 32 €). In Figure 32 €, the upstream side of opening 14150g 1, 14150g2 is provided with a rotational force transmission surface (rotational force transmission portion) 14150h (14150h 1, 14150h2) (Figure 32 ( b), €). As described above, the pins (transmitted rotational force portions) 155a contact the rotational force transmission surfaces 14150h 1, 14150h2. By this, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110 of the coupling 14150.

With such a 14150 coupling configuration, in the state that the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly the coupling covers the free end of the drive shaft. By this, the effects as will be described to

126 IMPIAS

MEXICAN INSTITUTE T&gt; * ¡e

OF THE PROPERTY (/""·

INDUSTRIAL below are provided.

Coupling 14150 has the structure similar to the structure of the first modified example, and can be included (moved) in all directions relative to development arrow 153.

Referring to Figure 33 and Figure 34, the coupling mounting operation will be described. Figure 33 (a) is a perspective view illustrating the being before mounting the coupling. Figure 33 (b) 10 is a perspective view illustrating the state that the coupling is in coupling. Figure 34 (a) is a top plan view as seen in the mounting direction. Figure 34 (b) is a top plan view.

The axis L3 of the pins 182 (rotational force application portion) is parallel to the mounting direction X4 by the control means described above. As for the cartridge, the phase is aligned (Figure 33 (a)) so that the receiving surfaces 14150f 1, 14150f2 oppose each other in the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction X4. As shown in the Figure, for example, as a phase aligning structure, one of the receiving surfaces 14150f 1, 14150f2 is aligned with a registration mark 14157z provided on the bearing member 14157. This is

<img file="MX358043B_D0123.tif" />

carried out when the cartridge is shipped from the plant. However, the user can do this, before mounting cartridge B to the main assembly. In doing so, coupling 14150 and drive shaft 180 (pin 182) do not interfere with each other, as shown in Figure 34 (a).

Due to this reason, coupling 14150 and drive shaft 180 are in mating position relationship (Figure 33 (b)). Drive shaft 180 rotates in the X8 direction, pin 182 makes contact with receiving surfaces 14150el, 14150e2. By this, the rotational force is transmitted to the developing roller 110.

Referring to Figure 35 and Figure 36, the description will be made as to the decoupling operation of coupling 14150 from drive shaft 180 in interrelation with the operation of removing cartridge B from main assembly A. The control means (not shown) stops pin 182 in the predetermined phase relative to drive arrow 180. From the standpoint of ease of mounting cartridge B, it is desirable to stop pin 182 parallel to the cartridge removal direction X6 (Figure 35 (b)). The operation at the time of removing the cartridge is shown in Figure 36. In this state (Figure 36 (al) and (bl), the L2 axis of the

128

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0124.tif" />

Coupling 14150 is substantially coaxial relative to axis Ll in the angular position of rotational force transmission. Similar to the cartridge mounting case

B, at this time, coupling 14150 can be tilted (is movable) in all directions relative to development arrow 153 (Figure 36 (al) and Figure 36 (bl)).

Due to this reason, the L2 axis tilts, in the opposite direction to the removal direction, relative to the Ll axis in interrelation with the removal operation of cartridge B. More particularly, cartridge B dismounts in the substantially perpendicular direction to axis L3 (the direction of arrow X6). In the cartridge removal process, shaft L2 tilts to the position where free end 14150 A3 of coupling 14150 is along free end 180b of drive shaft 180 (disengaged angular position). Or, it tilts until it is positioned on the L2 axis side of the development arrow 153 with respect to the free end portion 180b3 · (Figure 36 (a2) and Figure 36 (b2)). In this state, coupling 14150 is passed adjacent to the free end portion 180b3. By doing this, coupling 14150 is removed from drive shaft 180.

In the state that cartridge B is mounted to the assembly

129

<img file="MX358043B_D0125.tif" />

To main, a part of coupling 14150 (free end 14150 A3) is behind drive arrow 180 (Figure 36 (al)), as seen in the opposite direction of the direction

X6 for removal of removal of cartridge B from main assembly A. And, upon removal of cartridge B from main assembly A, in response to moving cartridge B in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Ll of developer roller 110, coupling 14150 does the following motion. More particularly, coupling 150 is moved to the angular position of disengagement from the rotational force transmission angular position such that the portion (free end 14150 A3) of coupling 150 surrounds the shaft

180 of impulsion.

As shown in Figure 35 (a), the axis of pin 15 182 can be stopped with the direction perpendicular to the cartridge removal direction X6. In other words, pin 182 is normally stopped at the position shown in Figure 35 (b) by the control means control operation (not shown). However, when the device (or printer) voltage source is OFF, and the control means (not shown) does not work, pin 182 can be stopped at the position shown in Figure 35 (a).

However, even in this case, the L2 axis tilts with

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<img file="MX358043B_D0126.tif" />

relative to the Ll axis to allow dismantling. In the rest state of the device, pin 182 is downstream of projection 14150d2 in the X6 removal direction. Due to this reason, by tilting the L2 axis, the free end 14150 A3 of the coupling projection 14150dl passes through the side closest to the pin.

182, to the development arrow 153. By this, coupling 14150 can be detached from drive shaft 180.

In the case where the coupling 14150 is coupled with the drive shaft 180 by a certain method in mounting the cartridge B, and there is no means to control the phase of the drive shaft, the cartridge can be removed by tilting the axis L2 in relation to axis Ll. By this, coupling 14150 can be detached from drive shaft 180 only by the cartridge removal operation.

As described above, Mode 2 is effective, even though only the case where cartridge B is removed from main assembly A is considered.

As described above. Mode 2 has the following structures.

Cartridge B is removed by being moved in the direction

131

<img file="MX358043B_D0127.tif" />

Industrial IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0128.tif" />

substantially perpendicular to the direction of axis L3 of drive shaft 180 from main assembly A provided with drive shaft 180 having pin 182 (the rotational force application portion). Cartridge B has developer roller 110 and coupling

14150.

I »The developer roller 110 is rotatable about its axis Ll, ​​and reveals the electrostatic latent image formed in the photosensitive drum 7. II »Coupling 14150 engages with pin 182 to receive rotational force to rotate developer roller 110.

Coupling 14150 can take the angular position of rotational force transmission to transmit rotational force to rotate developer roller 110 to roller

110 and the decoupling angular position to decouple the coupling 14150 from the drive shaft 180 where it tilts from the rotational force transmission angular position

By dismounting cartridge B in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Ll of the development roller 110 of the main assembly A the coupling 14150 moves to the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of rotational force transmission.

132

<img file="MX358043B_D0129.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF industrial PROPERTY (Mode 3)

Modality 3 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 37 to 41. A coupling structure is as described in

Mode 2.

Figure 37 is a sectional view showing a state in which a door of the main apparatus set A2 is open. Figure 38 is a perspective view showing an assembly guide in the state in which the door of the main apparatus assembly 42 is open. Figure 39 is an enlarged view of a drive side surface of the cartridge. Figure 40 is a perspective view as seen from the drive side of the cartridge. Figure 41 is a schematic view to illustrate two states including a state immediately before the cartridge is inserted into the main apparatus assembly and a state after the cartridge is mounted in a predetermined position in a single drawing for simplicity.

In this embodiment, the case of mounting the cartridge to a vertically lower portion, v. gr., as an oyster shell type imaging apparatus will be described. A representative shell-type imaging apparatus is shown in Figure 37. The assembly

133

<img file="MX358043B_D0130.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0131.tif" />

Main apparatus A2 is capable of being divided into a lower housing D2 and an upper housing E2. Upper housing E2 is provided with a door 2109 and an exposure device 2101 inside door 2109.

Due to that reason, when the upper housing E2 opens upward, the display device 2101 is retracted. Then, an upper portion of a cartridge mounting portion 2130a is opened. Therefore, the user is only required to drop the B2 cartridge in a vertically downward direction (an X42 direction in the figure) when the user mounts the B2 cartridge in the portion

2130a mounting. In this way, the cartridge is more likely to be mountable. Furthermore, the clearance free from jamming in the vicinity of the fixing device 105 can be realized from above the apparatus. Therefore, jam clearance is easily accomplished. Here, jam clearance refers to an operation to remove the jammed or glued recording material (media) 102 during handover.

Next, the mounting portion 2130a will be described. As shown in Figure 38, the imaging apparatus A2 (main apparatus set) includes, as a mounting means 2130, a drive side mounting guide 2130R and a diindustrial side mounting guide.

134

<img file="MX358043B_D0132.tif" />

no drive (not shown) opposite to drive side mounting guide 2130R. Mounting portion 2130a is a space enclosed by opposite guides. In a state where the cartridge B2 is mounted to the mounting portion 2130a, a rotational force is transmitted from the main apparatus assembly A2 to the coupling 150.

To the mounting guide 2130R, a slot 2130b is provided with respect to a substantially vertical direction. Also, at the lowermost portion of the mounting guide 2130R, a stop portion 2130Ra for positioning the cartridge B2 in a predetermined position is proportional.

Furthermore, a drive arrow 180 projects from slot 2130b in order to transmit rotational force from main apparatus assembly A2 to coupling 150 in the state where cartridge 32 is placed in the predetermined position. Also, in order to reliably position the B2 cartridge in position, a push 2188R spring is provided in a lower portion of the guide

2130R mounting. By means of the structure described above, the cartridge B2 is placed in the mounting portion 2130a.

As shown in Figures 39 and 40, to cartridge B2, cartridge side mount guides 2140R1 and 2140R2 are provided. Using these guides, a cartridge attitude

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IMPI nSTITUTO MEXICANO __

DC THE iNBwtiuai PROPUDITY

<img file="MX358043B_D0133.tif" />

B2 stabilizes during mounting, *? ¹ LdTTSüÍ'á 2140111 de¹Assembly is integrally formed with a developing device support member 2157. In addition, the mounting guide 2140R2 is provided vertically above the mounting guide 2140R1. Mounting guide 2140 R2 is provided in a ribbed form to support member 2157.

Incidentally, the guides 2140R1 and 2140R2 of the cartridge B2 and the mounting guide 2130R provided by the main apparatus assembly A2 provide the guide structure described above. That is, the guide structure in this embodiment is the same as the guide structure described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Furthermore,. This is true for the guide structure at the other end. In this way, the cartridge B2 moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of an axis L3 of the drive shaft 180 and is mounted to the main apparatus assembly A2 (the mounting portion 2130a). In addition, cartridge B2 is removed from main apparatus assembly A2 (mounting portion 2130a).

As shown in Figure 41, when cartridge B is mounted, housing E2 is rotationally driven in a clockwise direction around an arrow 2109a. The user then moves the cartridge B2 upwards from the housing D2.

136

M La PKOFIEDA '·) INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0134.tif" />

At this time, coupling 150 is tilted downward by its own weight (see also Figure 39). That is, an axis L2 of the coupling 150 is inclined with respect to the axis Ll so that a driven portion 150a of the coupling

150 it is directed downwards (an angular position before engagement).

In this state, the user moves the cartridge B2 downward by adjusting the mounting guides 2140R1 and 2140R2 of the cartridge B2 to the mounting guide 2130R of the main apparatus assembly A2. It is possible to mount cartridge B2 to assembly A2 (mounting portion 2130a) only by this operation. In this assembly process, similarly as in Mode 1 (Figure 19), coupling 150 is engageable with drive shaft 180. In this state, coupling 150 takes the angular position of rotational force transmission. That is, by moving cartridge B2 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of axis L3 of drive arrow 180, coupling 150 engages with drive arrow 180. In addition, also when the B2 cartridge is disassembled, similar to the

In mode 1, only by means of a removal operation of the cartridge, the coupling 150 is detachable from the drive shaft 180. That is, coupling 150 is

137

<img file="MX358043B_D0135.tif" />

vdustrul

<img file="MX358043B_D0136.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0137.tif" />

it moves from the angular position of rotational force transmission to an angular position of disengagement (Figure 22). In this way, coupling 150 is decoupled from drive shaft 180 by moving cartridge B2 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of axis L3 of drive shaft 180.

As described above, in the case where the cartridge is down-mounted to the main apparatus assembly A2, the coupling 150 is down-tilted by its own weight. Due to that reason, coupling 150 is engageable with drive shaft 180.

In this embodiment, the oyster shell type imaging apparatus is described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, this mode is applicable when a cartridge mounting path is directed downward. The mounting path can also be descending non-linear. For example, the cartridge mounting path may be obliquely downward in an initial stage and downwardly direct in a final stage. Briefly, the mounting path may only be required to be directed downward immediately before the cartridge reaches the predetermined position (portion 2130a of

138

IMPI 'KSTnWOMEXICANo ^{Dt u}, £ * Or «£ Industrial Dad

<img file="MX358043B_D0138.tif" />

mounting).

(Mode 4)

Mode 4 to which the present invention is applied

<td>will be described</td><td>with reference</td><td>to</td><td>the figures</td><td>42 a</td><td> 45.</td><td>The</td>

<td>structure of the</td><td>coupling</td><td>is</td><td colspan="2">as described</td><td>in</td><td>the</td>

<td>Mode 2. In</td><td>this modality,</td><td>a</td><td colspan="2">means to maintain</td><td>the</td><td>axis</td>

<td colspan="2">L2 in an inclined state</td><td>with</td><td>With respect to</td><td>axis</td><td>Ll</td><td>I know</td>

<td>will describe.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>The figure</td><td>42 is a view</td><td>in</td><td>perspective</td><td colspan="2">detailed</td><td>than</td>

<td colspan="2">shows a state where</td><td>a</td><td>member of</td><td colspan="2">impulsion</td><td>of</td>

coupling (peculiar to this embodiment) is mounted to the developing device support member. Figures 43 (a) and 32 (b) are detailed perspective views showing the developing device support member, coupling, and developing arrow. Figure 44 is an enlarged perspective view showing the main drive side portion of the cartridge. The figures

45 (a) to 45 (d) are longitudinal sectional views showing the process in which the drive shaft engages with the coupling.

As shown in Figure 42, the developer device support member 4557 is provided with a retention hole 4157j in a rib 4157e. At

139

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTMAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0139.tif" />

retaining hole 4157j, coupling drive members 4159a and 4159b as a maintenance member to maintain the tilt of a coupling 4150 are mounted. Push members 4159a and 4159b drive coupling 4150 such that coupling 4150 tilts to a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction of cartridge B2. The push members 4159a and 4159b are compression springs (elastic members). As shown in Figures 43 (a) and 43 (b), the thrust members 4159a and 4159b drive the flange portion 4150j of the coupling 4150 in the direction of axis Ll (in a direction indicated by an arrow X13 in Figure

43 (a)). A position of contact of the thrust members with the flange portion 4150j is established on the current side below a center of the development arrow 153 with respect to a mounting direction X4. Due to that reason, the axis L2 is tilted with respect to the axis Ll by an elastic force of the thrust members 4159a and 4159b so that the side of the driven portion 4150a is directed to the downstream side with respect to the direction X4 cartridge mount (Figure 44).

In addition, as shown in Figure 42, at the mating side ends of members 4159a and 415 9b of

<img file="MX358043B_D0140.tif" />

push, contact members 4160a and 4160b are provided. The contact members 4160a and 4160b make contact with the flange portion 4150j. Therefore, a material for the contact members 4160a and 4160b is selected from those that have good glidability. Using such material, as described below, the influence of the pushing force (spring force) of the pushing members 4159a and 4159b on the rotation of the coupling 4150 during the transmission of rotational force. However, the contact members 4160a and 4160b can also be omitted when a load on the rotation is small enough and the coupling 4150 is successfully rotated.

In this embodiment, two push members are used. However, the number of the thrust members can be changed when the L2 axis can be tilted relative to the L2 axis downward in the cartridge mounting direction X4.

For example, in the case of a single push member, it may be desirable for the push position to be a lower current position than the cartridge mount position.

As a result, the 4150 coupling can be tilted stably towards the downstream direction in its mounting direction X4.

As the push member, in this embodiment, the compression coil spring is used. However, as the member

<img file="MX358043B_D0141.tif" />

For thrust, any material such as a leaf spring, a torsion spring, a rubber, or a sponge can be appropriately selected when the material generates the spring force. However, the pushing member needs a stroke to a certain extent to tilt the L2 axis.

For that purpose, it is desirable that the material for the push member be the coil spring or the like capable of giving the stroke.

Next, with reference to Figures 43 (a) and

43 (b), a coupling mounting method will be described

4150.

As shown in Figures 43 (a) and 43 (b), a pin

155 it is inserted into a space 4150g waiting for the coupling 4150. Then, a part of the coupling 4150 is inserted into a space 4157b of the developing device support member 4157. At this time, as described above, the push members 4157a and 4157b press the predetermined portion of the flange portion 4157j through the contact members 4160a and 4160b. Furthermore, the support member 4157 is fixed to a developing device frame 118 with a screw or the like. How

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SPOUT

<img file="MX358043B_D0142.tif" />

As a result, thrust members 4159a and 4159b ^ can obtain a force that pushes coupling 4150. In this way, axis L2 tilts with respect to axis Ll (state of Figure 44).

Next, with reference to Figure 45, an operation for coupling coupling 4150 with drive shaft 180 will be described (as a part of the cartridge mounting operation). Figures 45 (a) and 45 (c) show a state immediately before coupling, and Figure 45 (d) shows a coupled state. In the state shown in Figure 45 (a), the L2 axis of the coupling 4150 is tilted ahead of the L2 axis in the mounting direction X4 (the angular position before the coupling). By tilting the coupling 4150, in the direction of the axis Ll, ​​a downstream side end position 4150A1 with respect to the mounting direction X4 is positioned closer to the developer roller 110 than one end 180b3. In addition, an upstream side end position 4150A2 with respect to mounting direction X4 is positioned closer to pin 182 than end 180b3. That is, as described above, the flange portion 4150j of the coupling

4150 it is driven by the push member 4159. Due

143

<img file="MX358043B_D0143.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY inclined with respect to axis Ll the cartridge B in the direction X4 to that reason, axis L2 is by means of the thrust force Therefore, moving assembly, an end surface 180b or one end (a main assembly side coupling portion) of the pin (portion for imparting rotational force) 182 contacts a coupling drive shaft receiving surface 4150f or a projection 4150d (portion cartridge side contact). A state of contact of pin 182 with receiving surface 4150f is shown in Figure 45 ©. Then, using the contact force (a cartridge mounting force), the L2 axis approaches a direction parallel to the Ll axis. At the same time, the spring portion 4150jl driven by the spring force of spring 4159 provided to flange portion 4150j moves in the direction in which spring 4159 is compressed. Then, finally, the Ll axis and the L2 axis are substantially in line with each other. The cartridge 4150 is then placed in a waiting state to perform rotational force transmission (rotational force transmission angular position) (Figure 45 (d)).

Next, similar to Mode 1, rotational force is transmitted from motor 186 to the roller

144 f _ instituto mex, Cano

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0144.tif" />

110 of development through development arrow 180, —eT ~ coupling 4150, pin 155, and development arrow 4153. During rotation, at coupling 4150, the driving force of the pushing member 4159 is exerted. However, as described above, the pushing force of the pushing member 4159 is exerted on the coupling 4150 through the contact member 4160. For that reason, the 4150 coupling can be rotated under not much load. Furthermore, when there is a range of drive torque of motor 186, contact member 3160 may be omitted. In this case, coupling 4150 can accurately transmit rotational force even when the contact member is not provided.

Furthermore, in the process of disassembling cartridge B from the main assembly A of the apparatus, the steps that are the reverse of the assembly steps are followed (Figure 45 (d) - figure 45 ©

- figure 45 (b) - figure 45 (a)). That is, cartridge 4150 is always driven to the downstream side with respect to mounting direction X4 by push member 4159. Due to that reason, in the process of removing the cartridge B, on the upstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4, the receiving surface 4150f contacts the end portion 182A of the pin 182

<img file="MX358043B_D0145.tif" />

*3

145

<img file="MX358043B_D0146.tif" />

(a state among those shown in Figures — 4544). and 45 (d)). In addition, downstream side with respect to mounting direction X4, a gap n50 is always created between the transmit (receive) surface 4150f and the end

180b of drive arrow 180. In the above described Modalities, in the cartridge removal process, the receiving or projecting surface 4150f 4150d which are positioned on the downstream side with respect to the cartridge mounting direction X4 is described as making contact with at least the end 180b of drive shaft 180 (eg, Figure 19). However, as in this embodiment, even when the downstream side receiving surface 4150f or the projection 4150 does not make contact

<td>with end 180b</td><td>of the</td><td>arrow</td><td> 180</td><td>of</td><td>drive the</td>

<td>15 coupling 4150 se</td><td>can</td><td>pull apart</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>arrow 180 of</td>

<td colspan="2">drive in accordance with</td><td colspan="2">the operation</td><td>of</td><td>dismantling the</td>

Cartridge B. Then, also after the coupling 4150 exits the drive shaft 180, by the pushing force of the pushing member 4159, the shaft L2 tilts 20 downwardly with respect to the shaft Ll in the mounting direction X4 (the angular dismounting position). That is, in this embodiment, an angle in the angular position before coupling with respect to the axis Ll and an angle in the

146

<img file="MX358043B_D0147.tif" />

iterovio

SttA tA PSOHBDAI Industrial

<img file="MX358043B_D0148.tif" />

disassembly angular position are equal to each other. This is because the 4150 coupling is pushed by the spring elastic force.

The push member 4159 has the functions of tilting the axis L2 and regulating the tilting direction of the coupling 4150. That is, the pushing member 4159 also functions as a regulating means to regulate the tilting direction of the coupling 4150.

As described above, in this embodiment, the coupling 4150 is pushed by the pushing force of the pushing member 4159 provided in the supporting member 4157. As a result, with respect to the Ll axis, the L2 axis is inclined. Consequently, the inclined state of the 4150 coupling is retained. Therefore, the coupling

4150 It is dockable with Drive Arrow 180 with reliability.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the push member 4159 is provided to the rib 4157e of the support member 4157 but is not limited thereto. For example, the push member 4159 may also be provided to another portion of the support member 4157 or provided to a member other than the support member as long as the member is fixed to cartridge B.

<img file="MX358043B_D0149.tif" />

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE DB LA MOPISDAD INDUSTRIAL

147

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thrust direction of the thrust member 4159 is the direction of the axis Ll. However, the thrust direction can be any direction in which axis L2 can tilt (move) towards the downstream side with respect to cartridge mounting direction X4.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the pushing position of the pushing member 4159, the flange portion 4150j is in place. However, the thrust position can also be any position of the coupling as long as the

L2 shaft is tilted to the stream side below the cartridge mounting direction.

(Mode 5)

Modality 5 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 4 6 to 50. The structure of the coupling is as described above.

In this embodiment, another means for tilting the L2 axis with respect to the L2 axis will be described.

Figures 46 (al), 46 (a2), 46 (bl) and 46 (b2) are enlarged side views of the drive side of the cartridge. The

Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the drive side of a main apparatus assembly guide. The

Figures 48 (a) and 48 (b) are side views showing a

IMPI ^

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

148 __ relationship between the cartridge and the main unit assembly guide. Figures 49 (a) and 49 (b) are schematic views showing the relationship between the main apparatus assembly guide and the coupling as viewed from the upstream side of the mounting direction. Figures 50 (a) to (f) are side views to illustrate the assembly process.

Figure 46 (al) and Figure 46 (bl) are side views of the cartridge as seen from the drive arrow side, and Figure 46 (a2) and Figure 46 {b2) are side views of the cartridge as seen from an opposite side from the drive arrow side. As shown in these figures, a coupling 7150 is mounted to the developing device support member 7157 in a state where the coupling 7150 can be tilted to the current side below the mounting direction X4. Furthermore the coupling 7150 has the axis L2 inclined at an angle a60 with respect to the horizontal line in the state of Figure (al). The reason for the tilt of the 7150 coupling at angle o60 is as follows. A flange portion 7150j of the 7150 coupling is regulated by the regulating portions 7157hl and 7157h2 as the regulating means (Figure

46 (a2)). For that reason, the 7150 coupling can be

149

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO OE LA FROFIEDAD INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0150.tif" />

tilt up to angle a60 with respect to —i — indo — draft below mounting direction.

Next, referring to Figure 47, a main assembly guide 7130R will be described. The Guide

The main assembly 7130R primarily includes, through the 7150 coupling, a guide rib 7140Rla to guide cartridge B and cartridge position portions 7130Rle and 7130Rlf. The rib 7130Rla is positioned at a mounting location for cartridge B. The rib 7130Rla extends to a portion in front of drive arrow 180 in mounting direction X4. In addition, the rib

7130Rlb in the vicinity of drive shaft 180 is so high that the rib 7130Rlb does not interfere with coupling 7150 when coupling 7150 is engaged with drive shaft 180. A main assembly guide 7130 R2 mainly includes a guide portion 7130R2a for guiding a part »of the cartridge frame to determine an attitude of the cartridge during mounting and includes a cartridge position portion 7130R2c.

Next, the relationship between the guide will be described

7130R main assembly and the cartridge at the time of cartridge mounting.

As shown in Figure 48 (a), Cartridge B is

150

<img file="MX358043B_D0151.tif" />

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MtXíCANO INSTITUTE

CHE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL ♦

it moves on the drive side in a state where an intermediate portion (a force receiving portion) 7150c contacts the surface of the guide rib (fixed portion, contact portion) 7130Rla. At this time, a cartridge guide 7157a of the support member 7157 is distant from the guide surface 7130Rlc by n59. For this reason, in the 7150 coupling, a self-weight of the cartridge B is exerted. On the other hand, as described above, coupling 7150 is adjusted so that the stream side portion below the mounting direction thereof can be tilted upward at an angle a60 with respect to the mounting direction X4. For that reason, the coupling 7150 is tilted towards the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4 in the driven portion 7150a (in the direction in which the driven portion 7150a tilts at the angle "60" (Figure 49 (to)).

The reason the 7150 coupling is tilted is as follows. The intermediate portion 7150c receives the reaction force of the self weight of the cartridge B from the guide rib 71340Rla. The reaction force acts on the regulating portions 7157hl and 7157h2 to regulate the

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tilt direction. As a result, ™ the “coupling” is tilted in a predetermined direction.

When portion 7150c. intermediate moves in the guide rib 7130Rla, a friction force occurs between the intermediate portion 7150c and the guide rib 7130Rla. Consequently, the coupling 7150 receives a force in a direction opposite to the mounting direction X4 by the friction force. However, the friction force generated by coefficient of friction between the intermediate portion 7150c and the guide rib 7130Rla is less than a force to tilt the coupling 7150 towards the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X5 by force reaction. For that reason, the 7150 coupling is tilted and moved downward with respect to the mounting direction X4 overcoming the friction force.

Incidentally, a regulating portion 7157g of the support member 7157 (Figures 46 (al) and 46 (bl)) can also be provided as the regulating means for regulating the tilt. As a result, the tilt direction of the coupling is regulated by the regulating portions 7157hl and 7157h2 (Figures 46 (a2) and 46 (b2) j and the regulating portion 7157g in different positions with respect to

152

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<img file="MX358043B_D0152.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY . INDUSTRIAL L2 axis direction. In this way, the tilt direction of the 7150 coupling can be reliably regulated. In addition, the 7150 coupling can always be tilted to the oc60 angle. Adjusting the tilt direction of the 7150 coupling can also be done by other means.

The guide rib 7130Rla is positioned in a space 1750s consisting of the driven portion 7150a, the driven portion 7150b, and the intermediate portion 7150c. Therefore, in the assembly process, a longitudinal position (with respect to the direction of the L2 axis) of the coupling

7150 it is regulated in the main assembly A of the apparatus (Figures 48 (a) and 48 (b)). By regulating the longitudinal position of the 7150 coupling, the 7150 coupling is engageable with the drive shaft 180 with reliability.

Next, the coupling operation for coupling the 7150 coupling with the arrow will be described.

180 of impulsion. The coupling operation is substantially the same as that in Mode 1 (Figure 19). In this embodiment, a relationship between the main assembly guide 7130R2 and the support member 7157 and the coupling 7150 in the coupling process of the coupling 7150 with the drive shaft 180 is

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<img file="MX358043B_D0153.tif" />

will describe with reference to Figures 50 (a) to 50 (f). During contact of the intermediate portion u7150 with the rib 7130Rla, the cartridge guide 7157a is placed in the detached state of the guide surface 7130Rlc. As a result, the 7150 coupling tilts (the angular position between the coupling) (Figure 50 (a) and Figure 50 (d)).

Then, at the moment when an end 7150A1 of the inclined coupling 7150 passes through an arrow end 180b3, the intermediate portion 7150c does not contact the guide rib 7130Rla (Figure 50 (b) and Figure 50 €). In this case, the cartridge guide 7157a passes through the guide surface 7130Rlc and an inclined surface 7130Rld and is in a location where the cartridge guide 7157a begins to contact the laying surface 7130Rle (Figure 50 (b) and Figure € 50). Next, a receiving surface 7150f or a projection 7150d contacts the end portion 180b or pin 182. Then, in accordance with the cartridge mounting operation, the L2 axis and the Ll axis approach the same line, 20 and the center position of the development arrow and the center position of the coupling approach a coaxial line.

Then finally, as shown in Figure 50 (c) and Figure 50 (f), the Ll axis and the L2 axis are substantially in

154

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0154.tif" />

line with each other. In this way, the 7150 P.qt-á ρπ coupling is in a state of waiting for rotation (the angular position of rotational force transmission).

In the process of removing the cartridge B from the main apparatus assembly A, the steps that substantially reverse the coupling operation are followed.

Specifically, cartridge B moves in the disassembly direction. As a result, the end portion 180b pushes the receiving surface 7150f. As a result, the L2 axis begins to tilt relative to the Ll axis. By the cartridge removal operation, the upstream side end portion 7150A1 moves along the surface of the end portion 180b in the direction Disassembly X6, so that shaft L2 tilts until end portion Al reaches an arrow end 180b3. In this state, the 7150 coupling passes completely through the arrow end (Figure 50 (fc&gt;)). Thereafter, the coupling 7150 contacts the surface of the rib 7130Rla in the intermediate portion 7150c. As a result, coupling 7150 is disassembled in a state where coupling 7150 is tilted towards the downstream side with respect to mounting direction X4. That is, the 7150 coupling is tilted (oscillated) from the

IMPI ι ςς Mexican Institute

OF THE PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0155.tif" />

angular position of rotational force transmission ^ a, the angular position of dismounting.

<td>How I know</td><td>describes</td><td>above, by</td><td>the</td><td>operation</td><td>of</td>

<td colspan="2">cartridge mount to</td><td>main set</td><td>by</td><td>the user,</td><td>the</td>

<td>coupling</td><td>it rocks</td><td>to be mated</td><td>with</td><td>the arrow</td><td>of</td>

<td>drive</td><td>set</td><td>principal. further</td><td colspan="3">, a means to</td>

<td>keep the</td><td>attitude</td><td>coupling</td><td>I know</td><td>maintains</td><td>with</td>

<td>anticipation</td><td>I also know</td><td colspan="2">can carry out</td><td colspan="2">in combination</td>

with the structure of this modality.

In this embodiment, by applying the self weight to the guide rib, the coupling tilts in the mounting direction X4. However, in addition to the self weight, the spring elastic force or the like can also be used.

In this embodiment, the intermediate portion of the coupling receives the force to tilt the coupling. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a portion other than the intermediate portion can also be brought into contact with the contact portion when the portion can receive force from the contact portion of the main assembly to tilt the coupling.

Furthermore, this modality can also be carried out in combination with any of Modalities 2 to 4. In this

156

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0156.tif" />

In this case, coupling and decoupling the acuplraTnlentO &lt;5on from the drive shaft can be done with additional reliability.

(Mode 6)

Mode 6 will be described with reference to the

Figures 51 to 55. In the Modes described above, the surface of the developing roller 6110 is maintained at a predetermined spacing from the photosensitive drum 107. In that state, the developing roll 6110 reveals the latent image formed in the photosensitive drum 107. In the Modes described above, the cartridge employing the so-called non-contact developing system is described. In this embodiment, a cartridge employing a so-called contact developing system in which the developing is carried out in a state where the developing roller surface is in contact with the latent image formed in the photosensitive drum. That is, the case where an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the cartridge employing the contact developing system will be described.

Figure 51 is a sectional view of the development cartridge of this embodiment. Figure 52 is a perspective view showing one side of the developing device

<img file="MX358043B_D0157.tif" />

157

<img file="MX358043B_D0158.tif" />

of the cartridge. Figure 53 is a sectional view of the cartridge taken along the line S24-S24 indicated in Figure 52. Figures 54 (a) and 54 (b) are sectional views showing the case where the developer cartridge is in a developing capable state and the case where the developing cartridge is in a developing incapacitated state, respectively. Figures 55 (a) and 55 (b) are longitudinal sectional views showing the drive connection in the states of Figures 54 (a) and

54 (b), respectively. The development disabled state refers to a being in which the development roller 6110 moves away from the photosensitive drum 107.

First, the structure of the developer cartridge B6 employing the contact developer system will be described with reference to Figures 51 and 52.

Cartridge B6 includes developer roll 6110. The developing roller 6110 rotates, during a developing action, receiving a rotational force from the main apparatus assembly A through a coupling mechanism described below.

In a developer arrangement rack (developer arrangement portion) 6114, developer t is accommodated. This developer is fed to a development chamber 6113a by

158 industrial —-—

6116 stirring. Developer the roller surface 6110 of a supply roller 6115 in the development chamber 6113a.

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA MONEDAD the rotation of a fed member is supplied to developed by rotation of sponge type developer

The developer is then supplied with electrical charges by friction between a thin plate-like developer blade 6612 and the developer roll 6110 which forms into a thin layer. The developer formation in the thin layer is fed into a developer position by rotation. Then, to the developer roll 6110, a predetermined developer offset is applied. As a result, the developing roller 6110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed in the photosensitive drum 107 in a state where the surface thereof contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the electrostatic latent image is developed by developing roller 6110.

The developer that did not contribute to the development of the electrostatic latent image, that is, the developer 5 that remains on the surface of the developer roll 6110 is removed by the developer supply roll 6115.

At the same time, fresh developer t is supplied to the surface of the developer roller 6110 by the roller

159

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE BE THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0159.tif" />

oh

6115 of supply. As a result, the developing operation is performed continuously.

Cartridge B6 includes a development unit 6119. The developer unit 6119 includes a developer device frame 6113 and developer arrangement frame 6114. In addition, the developer unit 6119 includes the developer roller 6110, the developer blade 6112, the developer supply roller 6115, the developer chamber 6113a, the developer arrangement frame 6114 and the stirring member 6116.

Developer roll 6110 rotates about axis Ll.

The structure of the main apparatus set A is substantially the same as that of Mode 1, thus being omitted from the description. However, the main set A of apparatus applied to Mode 6, in addition to the structure of the main set A described above, a lever 300 (a force-imparting member shown in Figures 54 (a) and 54 (b)) for contact and separation between the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 and the surface of the developing roller 6110. Incidentally, lever 300 will be described later. The developer cartridge B, described in Mode 1, is mounted to a mounting portion 130a (Figure 3) by guiding the guides

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0160.tif" />

160

614011, 6140 $ 2 cartridge and the like to the apparatus of the main assembly A of the apparatus by the user.

Incidentally, cartridge B6, similar to the cartridge described above, is also mounted to mounting portion 130a by being moved in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of drive arrow 180. Also, the 6B cartridge is removed from the portion

130a mount.

Incidentally, when cartridge 86 is mounted to mounting portion 130a as described above, a guide

6140R1 (projection) of cartridge B6 is subjected to pressure by the spring force of the push spring (elastic member) 188R as shown in Figures 15 and

16. Furthermore, by the elastic force of the push spring 188L, a guide (pin) 6140L1 (Figure 52) of the cartridge B6 is subjected to pressure application. As a result, cartridge B6 is rotatably retained around guides 614R1 and 6140L1 by main apparatus assembly A.

That is, guide 6140R1 is rotatably supported by main assembly guide 130R1 and guide 6140L1 is rotatably supported by main assembly guide 130L1. Then, when the door 109 (Figure 3) is closed, by the elastic force of the push spring 192R

IMPI 'MEXICAN INSTITUTE

W

161 , ^ rr— provided to the door 109 (and the push spring 192L on the non-drive side shown in Figure 16), the push portion 6114a of the cartridge B6 (Figures 51 and 52) is subjected to pressure application. As a result, cartridge B6 is subjected to moment of rotation around guide 6140.

Then, the grip width adjusting members (spacing adjusting members) 6136 and 6137 (Figure

52) arranged in end portions of the developing roller 6110 of the cartridge 6B make contact with the end portions of the photosensitive drum 107. Due to that reason, the developer roll 6110 and photosensitive drum 107 are maintained with a constant contact grip. That is, developer roll 6110 includes developer arrow 6151 and a rubber portion (elastic member) 6110a (Figures 52 and

53). Developer roll 6110 contacts the drum

107 photosensitive in a state where the rubber portion 6110a is bent. In this state, the developing roller reveals the electrostatic latent image formed on the drum

107 photosensitive with the toner t.

Next, with reference to Figures 52 and 53, the structure of the developing roller 6110 and the mounting structure (support structure) of the coupling 6150 will be described.

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MEXICAN INSTNVTC OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0161.tif" />

Development arrow 6151 is an elongated member of an electrically conductive material such as iron or the like. Developer arrow 6151 is rotatably supported by developer device frame 6113 through an arrow support member 6152. Furthermore, the development gear 6150b is fixedly attached to the development arrow 6151 in a non-rotating manner. Coupling 6150 mounts to a member capable of tilting to development gear 6150b with the same structure as described in

Mode 1. That is, the 6150 coupling is mounted so that the L2 axis can be tilted with respect to the axis

Ll. Rotational force of coupling 6150 received from main apparatus assembly A is transmitted to developing roller 6110 through drive transmission pin (rotational force transmitting portion) 6155, developing gear 6153, and developing arrow 6151 .

As a result, developer roll 6110 rotates.

The rubber portion 6110a is coated on the development arrow 6151 so as to be coaxial with the development arrow 6151. The rubber portion 6110a carries developer (toner) t on its peripheral surface and at development arrow 6151, a deviation is applied. As a result, the

IMPIgJ

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY AND V /? *

INDUSTRIAL νζ ~ &amp; ι

163 »—_ .

Rubber portion 6110a reveals the electrostatic latent image with developer t carried therein.

Regulating members 6136 and 6137 are members for regulating the grip width to a constant level when the surface of the developing roller 6110 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107. That is, the regulating members 6136 and 6137 regulate an amount of depression of the surface of the developing roller 6110.

In the case of the contact developing system as in this embodiment, when the state in which the developing roller 6110 always makes contact with the photosensitive drum 107 is maintained, there is a possibility of deformation of the portion

6110a rubber roll developer 6110a. Due to this reason, during undisclosed, it is preferable that the roller

6110 of developer move apart from photosensitive drum 107.

That is, as shown in Figures 54 (a) and 54 (b), it is preferable that a state in which the developing roller 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107 (Figure (a)) and a state in that the developer roll 6110 is moved apart from the photosensitive drum 107 (Figure 54 (b)) is created.

In the state where cartridge B6 is mounted to mounting portion 130a, an upper surface (portion of

IMPI ^{, NST,}iyro mexican

OF THE INDUSTRIAL PROHEtMD

164 ---—___ receiving force) 6114a from cartridge developer frame 6114 B6 is driven by the spring force of springs 192R and 192L. In this way, the B6 cartridge is rotated around the guides (support points) 6140R and 6140L of the B6 cartridge (in the X67 clockwise direction in Figure 54 (a)). Therefore, the surface of the developing roller 6110 contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (the state shown in Figure

54 (a)).

Then, in this embodiment, the lever (push member, force-imparting member) 300 provided to the main apparatus assembly A is rotated by a force of a motor (not shown) rotated by a developer device separation signal (is that is, rotated in the clockwise direction (direction indicated by an X45 arrow in Figure

54 (b))). The lever 300 then drives the bottom 6114a (force receiving portion) of the cartridge B6 (the frame

6114 developer arrangement). As a result, cartridge B6 rotates around guide 6140 against the spring force of springs 192R and 192L (i.e., rotates in the X47 counterclockwise direction). Therefore, the surface of the developing roller 6110 is placed in a separate state from the surface of the photosensitive drum 107 (the state shown in Figure

165

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INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0162.tif" />

(b)). That is, the B6 cartridge rotates around the guides (support points) 6140R and 6140L to move in the X66 direction.

Lever 300 is rotated to the standby position by the force of a motor (not shown) rotated in a direction opposite to a developing device contact signal (i.e., rotated in the clockwise direction (the direction indicated by a arrow X44 shown in Figure 54 (b))).

Cartridge B6 then returns to the contacting portion of the developing device by the spring force of springs 192R and 192L (the state shown in Figure 54 (a)).

That is, the B6 cartridge rotates around the guides (support points) 6140R and 67140L to move in the X46 direction.

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

In accordance with this embodiment, while developer roller 6110 is allowed to rotate, it is possible to move cartridge B6 from the state of Figure 54 (b) to the state of Figure 54 (a) and from the state of Figure 54 ( a) to the state of Figure 54 (b).

This operation will be described. Roller rotation

6110 development can be started preferably

166

ΙΜΡΪ

Mexican INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0163.tif" />

immediately before the state of cartridge B6 is changed from the state of Figure 54 (b) to the state of Figure 54 (a). That is, the developer roll 6110 may preferably contact the photosensitive drum 107 while rotating. In this way, by bringing the developing roller 6110 into contact with the photosensitive drum 107 while rotating the developing roller 6110, it is possible to damage the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller 6110. This is true for the case where the developing roll 6110 moves away from the photosensitive drum 107, so that the roll

6110 of development preferably can be separated from the drum

107 photosensitive.

Referring to Figures 55 (a) and 55 (b), an example of a drive inlet structure in this embodiment will be described.

A state of Figure 55 (a) corresponds to the state of the

Figure 54 (a), i.e. the state in which the developer roll 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107 and is rotatable. That is, the axis Ll of the developing roller 6110 and 20 the axis L2 of the coupling 6150 are in substantially the same line, so that the coupling 6150 is in a state where it can receive rotational force from the drive shaft 180 . When the development is complete, the

<img file="MX358043B_D0164.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL cartridge 86 moves from this state in the X66 direction (see also Figure 54 (a) in combination). At this time, the development arrow 6153 gradually moves in the X66 direction, so that the L2 axis gradually tilts. When the cartridge B6 is placed in the state of Figure 55 (b), the developer roller 6110 moves completely away from the photosensitive drum 107. Then, the rotation of motor 186 stops. That is, even in the state of Figure 55 (b), motor 186 is rotated for a time. In accordance with this embodiment, cartridge B6 can transmit rotational force even in the state in which axis L2 is tilted. Consequently, even in the state shown in Figure 55 (b), cartridge B6 can transmit rotational force to developer roll 6110. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, while developing roller 6110 rotates, developing roller 6110 can be moved away from photosensitive drum 107.

A similar operation is performed in the case where the state of cartridge B6 is changed from the state of Figure

55 (b) to the state of Figure 55 (a). That is, the rotation of motor 186 is started from the state of Figure 55 (b), so that developer roll 6110 can be rotated. Is

<img file="MX358043B_D0165.tif" />

IMPI Mexican institute

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL means that, in accordance with this modality, the development roller 6110 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 107 while the development roller 6110 rotates.

Incidentally, the coupling operation and the coupling uncoupling operation 6150 with respect to the drive shaft 180 are the same as those described in Mode 1, thus the description being omitted.

The structure described in Mode 6 is as follows.

The main set A of apparatus described in

Mode 6 is provided with lever 300 (push member) in addition to the above-described structure of main apparatus assembly A.

Cartridge B6 in Mode 6 includes bottom 6114b (force receiving portion). The bottom 6114b receives the pushing force to move the developing roller 6110 away from the photosensitive drum 107 in the state in which the cartridge B6 is mounted to the main apparatus assembly A.

Cartridge B6 is driven by the spring force of springs 192R and 192L on the upper surface (Force Reception Proportion) 6114a of developer arrangement frame 6114. As a result, the 6110 roller

169

IMPI

DCTTTUTO MEXICANO DS INDUSTILAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0166.tif" />

Developed cartridge B6 presses against the rotatable photosensitive drum 107 attached to the main apparatus assembly A. Therefore, cartridge B6 is placed in the contact state in which the developer roll 6110 contacts the photosensitive drum 107.

When the upper surface 6114a (force receiving portion) of the cartridge B6 is pushed by the lever 300, the cartridge B6 is placed in the detached state in which the developing roller 6110 is separated from the photosensitive drum 107.

Cartridge B6 placed in either the contact state and the detached state can transmit rotational force from coupling 6150 to developing roller 6110 since coupling 6150 is placed in the angular position of rotational force transmission described above. When the cartridge B6 is removed from the main apparatus assembly A in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Ll, ​​the coupling 6150 moves from the angular position of rotational force transmission described above to the angular decoupling position described above. As a result, the. Coupling 6150 can be decoupled from drive shaft 180.

<img file="MX358043B_D0167.tif" />

170

<img file="MX358043B_D0168.tif" />

------- In this way, even when the cartridge B6 is in the decoupling state described above and the L3 axis and the Ll axis deviate from each other, in accordance with the coupling 6150 to which this is applied. Invention, it is possible to uniformly transmit the rotational force of drive shaft 180 to development roller 6110.

Incidentally, axis Ll represents the rotational axis of developer roller 6110 and axis L3 represents the rotational axis of drive shaft 180.

Thus, in Mode 6, the effects of the mode to which the present invention is applied are effectively used.

As described above, even when the drive input position is not positioned at the center of oscillation, in the state where the developer cartridge moves away from the photosensitive drum, it is possible to transmit rotational force to the developer roller .

Due to that reason, it is possible to allow latitude for the drive inlet position, so that the cartridge and the main set of apparatus are decreased in size.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the drive-in position is positioned so as to be coaxial with the developer roller. However, as described in

171

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0169.tif" />

- λ 'Mexican institute .- / 1

OF PROPERTY V «SUr» íS4.aJ ^

INDUSTRIAL a subsequent modality, a similar effect '' S ^ püeae''Tograr '' ''also in the case where the drive inlet position is positioned so as not to be coaxial with the developer roller.

In this embodiment, coupling and decoupling of the coupling during separation of the developing device is described. However, also this modality, the coupling and uncoupling of the coupling are also applicable to those described in Mode 1. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to mount / dismount the cartridge without particularly providing the drive connection mechanism and the release mechanism to the main apparatus assembly.

Furthermore, it is possible to drive and release connection during contact / separation of the developer roller from the cartridge with respect to the photosensitive drum.

That is, in accordance with the cartridge B6 to which this embodiment is applied, the cartridge B6 can be assembled to and disassembled from the main apparatus assembly A being moved in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis L3 of the drive arrow 180. Furthermore, in accordance with the B6 cartridge, even during the separation of the developing device, the transmission of rotational force from the

172 main set A of apparatus to the roller

<img file="MX358043B_D0170.tif" />

can be done smoothly or evenly.

Here, during detachment of the developing device, it refers to a state in which the photosensitive drum 107 and the developing roller 6110 which have contacted each other on their surfaces are separated (moved away) from each other.

Figure 6 is described taking the so-called developing roller as an example of the cartridge but the present invention is also applicable to the so-called process cartridge as the cartridge.

The cartridge structure is not limited to that in Mode 6, but can also be appropriately changed to other structures.

Mode 6 is also applicable to the other modes.

(Mode 7)

Mode 7 will be described with reference to the

Figures 56 and 57.

Mode 7 is different from Mode 6 in that the drive input position (coupling position) and structure for transmitting the rotational force of the coupling to the developing roller and the

173

Mexican INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL developer feeder. Specifically, a coupling

8150 it is not positioned on the Ll axis of an 8110 developer roller, but is positioned at a position deviating from the Ll axis.

Figure 56 is a perspective view of a cartridge

B8. Figure 57 is a perspective view showing the Drive portion of the B8 cartridge.

One developer roller gear 8145 and one gear

8146 Feed roll mounts are arranged in drive side end portions of developer roll 8110 and developer feed roll 6150 (Figure 51), respectively. Gears 8145 and 8146 are attached to arrows (not shown). These gears transmit the rotational force, received from the main apparatus assembly A through the coupling 8150. To the other rotating members (developer roller 8110, developer feed roller 6115, a toner stirring member (not shown), and the like) of cartridge B8.

Next, a drive input gear 8147 to which coupling 8150 is mounted (whereby coupling 8150 is supported) will be described.

As shown in Figure 57, gear 8147 is

<img file="MX358043B_D0171.tif" />

8147 mates with developer roller gear 8145 and developer feed roller gear 8146. Gear 8147 includes a coupling accommodation portion 8147j similarly to developer roller gear 151 described in Mode 1. Coupling 8150 is mounted to gear 8147 in a manner capable of tilting by retaining member 8456. That is, the coupling 8150 is disposed on the Ll axis of the developer roller 8110 but is disposed at an offset position from the Ll axis.

The rotational force received from drive shaft 180 through coupling 8150 is transmitted to developer roller 8110 through gears 8147 and 8145. Rotational force is further transmitted to developer feed roller 6115 through gears 8147 and

8146.

A support member 8157 is provided with a hole defining an internal peripheral surface 8157i engageable with gear 8147. The description on coupling, driving, and disengaging the coupling by mounting and dismounting the cartridge is the same as that in the Mode 1, thus being omitted.

Also, as the structure to tilt the

<img file="MX358043B_D0172.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0173.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY 175 L2 axis of the 8150 coupling to the angular position before the coupling immediately before the coupling 8150 is coupled with the drive arrow, any of those in Mode 2 to Mode 5 can be used.

As described above, coupling 8150 is not required to be disposed at the coaxial end portion with developer roll 8110. In accordance with this embodiment, it is possible to improve the design latitude of the main imaging apparatus assembly and the cartridge.

(Mode 8)

Mode 8 will be described with reference to the

Figures 58 to 62.

Figure 58 is a main sectional view of a process cartridge B9. Figure 60 is a main sectional view of the main apparatus assembly and Figure 61 is a perspective view showing a mounting guide (drive side) of the main apparatus assembly and a drive connection portion. Figures 62 (a) through 62 (c) are schematic views to illustrate a process of mounting the process cartridge to the main apparatus assembly as viewed from above the apparatus. The process cartridge is an example of the cartridge described above.

176

In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to

IMPI Mexican institute

<img file="MX358043B_D0174.tif" />

GIVE PROPERTY, - ^ L ·

INDUVnUAL process cartridge that is prepared by integrally supporting the photosensitive drum and the developing roller as a unit and is detachably mountable to the main apparatus assembly. That is, this embodiment relates to the removable and removable process cartridge from the main apparatus assembly A provided with the drive shaft and moving the process cartridge in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive shaft. In accordance with this embodiment, the process cartridge (hereinafter simply referred to as the cartridge) includes two portions for receiving rotational force from the main apparatus assembly.

That is, the cartridge to which the present invention is applied separately receives the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum from the main apparatus assembly and the rotational force to rotate the developing roller from the main apparatus assembly.

Also to said structure, the present invention is applicable, and it is possible to achieve the effects described below. In contact with a photosensitive drum 9107, a charging roller 9108 as the charging medium (process medium).

<img file="MX358043B_D0175.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY m

Additionally, cartridge B9 includes developer roll 9110 and developer medium (process medium). Developer roller 9110 feeds developer to a developer area of ​​photosensitive drum 9107. Developer roll 9110 develops the electrostatic latent image formed in photosensitive drum 9107 using developer t. The roller

9110 developer contains a 9111 magnet roller (fixed magnet).

In contact with the developer roll 9110, a developer blade 9112 is provided. Developer blade 9112 determines an amount of developer t to be deposited on the peripheral surface of developer roller 9110.

The developer coupled in a developer accommodation container 9114 is fed by rotating the members

9115 and 9116 agitation. Then, a developer layer to which electrical charges are imparted by the developer blade 9112 is formed on the surface of the developer roller 9110. The developer t is then transferred to the photosensitive drum 20 9107 depending on the latent image. As a result, the latent image is revealed.

In contact with the photosensitive drum 9107, an elastic cleaning blade 9117a as the cleaning medium

<img file="MX358043B_D0176.tif" />

178

<img file="MX358043B_D0177.tif" />

(process medium) is provided. Blade 9117a removes developer t which remains in photosensitive drum 9107 after the developer image is transferred to a recording material 9102. Developer t removed from the surface of photosensitive drum 9107 by the blade

9117a is collected in a 9117b container of removed developer.

Cartridge B9 includes a first rack unit 9119 and a second rack unit 9210 that are swingably (rotatably) connected to each other.

The first frame unit 9119 (developing device) is constituted by a first frame 9113 as a part of a cartridge frame. The unit 9119 includes a developer roll 9110, the developer blade 9112, a developer chamber 9113a, the developer arrangement container 9114 (developer arrangement portion), and the stirring members 9115 and 9116.

The second rack unit 9120 is constituted by a second rack 9118 as a part of the cartridge rack. The 9120 unit includes the photosensitive drum 9107, the cleaning blade 9117a, the removed developer container (removed developer arrangement portion)

9117b, and the load roller 9108.

IMPJ

XOUSTMal

<img file="MX358043B_D0178.tif" />

(Dís'ps rack are

P. By&gt; swimming between

179

The first developing frame unit 9119) and the second unit 9120 rotatably connected by an elastic member pin (not shown) provided units 9119 and 9120, the developing roller 9110 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 9107. That is, the first rack unit 9119 (developing device) determines the position of the second rack unit 9120.

The user grasps handle T and mounts cartridge B9 to a cartridge mounting portion 9130a provided with a main apparatus assembly A9. At this time, as described below, in interrelation with the mounting operation of the B9 cartridge, the drive shaft 9180 provided to the main apparatus assembly A9 and a cartridge side developer roller coupling 9150 (force transmission part rotational) of the B9 cartridge are connected to each other. Developer roller 9110 and the like are rotated by receiving rotational force from the main apparatus assembly A9.

After completion of cartridge B9 to main apparatus assembly A9, door 109 closes. In interrelation with the door closing operation 109, a main assembly side drum coupling 9190 and

IMPIAS

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF PROPERTY OfcwMcwpU

INDUSTRIAL IgQ A Cartridge Side Drum Coupling (Rotational Force Transmission Part) 9145 connect to each other.

In this way, the photosensitive drum 9107 is rotated receiving the rotational force from the main apparatus assembly A9. The main assembly side drum coupling 9190 is a non-circular twisted hole having a plurality of corners in cross section. This coupling 9190 is provided in a central portion of a rotary drive member 9191. On a peripheral surface of the rotary drive member 9191, a gear 9191a (worm gear) is provided. The rotational force of the motor is transmitted to gear 9191a

196.

In addition, the cartridge side drum coupling 9145 is a non-circular twisted projection having a plurality of corners in cross section. Coupling 9145 couples with coupling 9190 to receive rotational force from motor 186. That is, rotatable member 9191 is rotated in a state that the hole in coupling 9145 and the projection of coupling 9190 are coupled to each other. As a result, in a state in which the projection receives a force of attraction towards the hole, the rotational force of the member

<img file="MX358043B_D0179.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

181

9191 Rotary drive is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 9107 through the projection.

The shape of the projection can be appropriately changed as long as the projection can receive rotational force from the hole in the state coupled with the hole. In this embodiment, the hole shape is a substantially equilateral triangle and the projection shape is a substantially twisted equilateral triangular column. As a result, in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to transmit rotational force from the hole to the projection in a state where the axis of the hole and the axis of the projection are aligned with each other (central alignment) and in a state in which the projection receives the drawing force towards the hole. Therefore, the drum

9107 photosensitive can be precisely and smoothly rotated.

Furthermore, the hole is provided coaxially with the axis of an arrow portion 9107a of the photosensitive drum 9107. Arrow portion 9107a is provided on a portion of photosensitive drum 9107 and is rotatably supported by unit 9120.

The main assembly side drum coupling 9190 (the rotary drive member 9191), as described below, is moved by a

-'- • 'Ν *,

<img file="MX358043B_D0180.tif" />

movement (a retractable mechanism) 9195 moved in interrelation with the closing operation of door 109. That is, coupling 9190 is moved by movement member 9195 in one direction along a rotational axis X70 of coupling 9190 and in an X93 address at which coupling 9145 is provided. As a result, coupling 9190 of coupling 9145 are coupled together.

Then, the rotational force of coupling 9190 is transmitted to coupling 9145 (Figure 62 (b)).

The coupling 9190 (the rotary drive member 9191) is moved by the moving member 9195, moved in interrelation with the door opening operation 109, in the direction along the rotational X70 axis and in an X95 direction in the coupling 9190 moves apart from coupling 9145. As a result, coupling 9190 and coupling 91435 separate from each other (Figure 62 (c)).

That is, coupling 9190 is moved to and away from coupling 9145 in the direction along rotational axis X70 by moving member 9195 (retractable member) as described below (in the directions indicated by arrows X93 and X95. in Figures 62 (b) and 62 (c)). Incidentally, the details of the

183

<img file="MX358043B_D0181.tif" />

The structure of the moving member 9195 will be omitted from the explanation since a known structure can be appropriately used as the structure of the moving member 9195. For example, coupling structures

9145, coupling 9190, and movement member 9195 are described in Japanese Patent No. 2875203.

As shown in Figure 61, a mounting means 9130 in this embodiment includes main assembly guides 9130R1 and 9130R2 provided in the main assembly A9 of the apparatus.

These guides are provided oppositely in the cartridge mounting portion 9130a (cartridge mounting space) provided in the main apparatus assembly A9. Figure 61 shows the drive side surface and a non-drive side has a symmetrical shape with respect to the drive side, thus the explanation is omitted. Guides 9130R1 and 9130R2 are provided along the mounting direction of the B9 cartridge.

When cartridge B9 is mounted to main apparatus assembly A9 20, a cartridge guide described below is inserted while guided by guides 9130R1 and 9130R2. Mounting of cartridge B9 to main apparatus assembly A9 is performed in a state in which gate 109 of

<img file="MX358043B_D0182.tif" />

with respect to the main apparatus set A9. By closing door 109, the mounting of cartridge B9 to the main apparatus assembly A9 is completed. Incidentally, also when the cartridge B9 is removed from the main apparatus assembly A9, the removal operation is performed in the state in which the door 109 is open. These operations are performed by the user.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 59, an outer end peripheral portion 9159a of the arrow support member 9195 also functions as a cartridge guide 914ORI. That is, the arrow support member 9159 projects outward, so that its outer peripheral surface has a guiding function.

At one long end (drive side) of the second rack unit 9120, the cartridge guides 9140R2 are provided above the cartridge guide 9140R1.

When cartridge B9 is mounted on main apparatus assembly A9 and when cartridge B9 is removed from main apparatus assembly A9, guide 914ORI is guided by guide 9130R1 and guides 9140R2 are guided by guide 9130R2.

The guide structure on the other end side of the main apparatus assembly and the guide structure on the other end side of the cartridge are the same as those described above, thus being omitted from the description. In the manner described above, cartridge B9 moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of axis L3 of drive arrow 9180 to mount to and remove from main apparatus assembly A9.

When said cartridge B9 is mounted to the main apparatus assembly A9, similarly as in the Modes described above, the coupling 9150 is coupled with the drive arrow 9180 of the main apparatus assembly A9. Then, by turning the motor 186, the drive shaft 9180 15 is turned. By the rotational force transmitted to the developing roller 9110 through the coupling 9150, the developing roller 9110 is rotated. Incidentally, with respect to the drive path of the cartridge, as described in Mode 1, the coupling can be arranged coaxially with the development roll 9110 or be arranged in the offset position of the axis of the development roll 9110.

Coupling and decoupling operations between coupling 9150 and drive shaft 9180 are the

<img file="MX358043B_D0183.tif" />

omitted from the description.

As for the structure of the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 9150, those couplings described above can be appropriately employed.

Here, referring to Figures 62 (a) through 62 (c), the process in which the above-described process cartridge B9 is mounted to the mounting portion 9130a to establish the drive connection between the main apparatus assembly A9 and cartridge B9 will be described.

In Figure 62 (a), cartridge B9 is being mounted to the main apparatus assembly A9. At this time, shaft L2 of coupling 9150 is, as described above, tilted towards the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction (X92). In addition, the apparatus main assembly side drum coupling 9190 for mating with the drum coupling 9145 retracts so as not to obstruct the mounting path of the cartridge B9. A retraction amount is indicated by X91 in Figure

62 (a). In this figure, the drive arrow 9180 appears to be positioned in the mount (unmount) path of the B9 cartridge. However, as is evident from Figure 61,

187

<img file="MX358043B_D0184.tif" />

the drum coupling 9145 and the developing roller coupling 9150 are offset from each other with respect to the path of movement in the cross-section direction (the vertical direction). Therefore, the arrow

9180 drive does not obstruct the mounting and dismounting of the B9 cartridge.

Then, from this state, when the user inserts the cartridge B9 into the main apparatus assembly A9, the cartridge B9 is mounted to the mounting portion 9130a. Similarly as in the aforementioned description coupling 9150 is coupled with drive shaft 9180 by this operation. In this way the coupling 9150 is placed in the state in which it can transmit the rotational force to the developing roller 9110.

Then, by means of the movement member 9195 interrelated with the closing operation of the door 109 (Figure 61) by the user, the drum coupling 9190 on the side of the main apparatus assembly A9 is moved in the X93 direction (Figure 62 ( b)). The coupling 9190 is then coupled with the drum coupling 9145 of the cartridge B9 to be placed in a transmissible state of rotational force. Then, by the imaging operation, the rotational force of motor 186 is

<img file="MX358043B_D0185.tif" />

188

IMPI • κττηπο Mexican Df lAitOFIiDA ·

JNtWWSlAt.

<img file="MX358043B_D0186.tif" />

transmits to 9190 drum gear figaete **<img file="MX358043B_D0187.tif" />

9190 drum. In addition, rotational force is transmitted to a developing gear 9181 attached to drive shaft 9180 to receive rotational force from coupling 9150. As a result, rotational force from motor 196 is transmitted to photosensitive drum 9107 through coupling. 9190 drum and 9190 drum gear. In addition, rotational force from motor 196 is transmitted to developing roller 9110 through coupling 9150, rotational force receiving drive shaft 9180, and developing gear 9181.

Incidentally, the details of the transmission path from the coupling 9150 in the developing unit 9114 to the developing roll 9110 through the member

9147 of support are the same as those described above, thus being omitted from the explanation. When the cartridge B9 is removed from the main apparatus assembly A9, the user opens the door 109 8 Figure 61). By means of the movement member 9195 interrelated with the door opening operation 109, the drum coupling 9190 on the main assembly side A9 of the apparatus is moved in the X95 direction opposite to the X93 direction (Figure 62 ©). As a result, the drum coupling coupling 9190 is

189

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE £&gt; E LA PKOnEMW

INDirtTMAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0188.tif" />

move apart from j-amhnrcL =&gt; l maner ^., coupling 9145.

Cartridge B9 can be removed from main A9 set of apparatus.

As described above, the main apparatus assembly A9 in Mode 8 includes, in addition to the above-described structure of the main apparatus assembly A , a movement member (retractable mechanism) 9195 for moving the drum coupling 9190 from side to side. main assembly and coupling 9145 in its axis direction (the direction

Rotary axis X70).

In Mode 8, cartridge B9 (process cartridge) integrally includes photosensitive drum 9107 and developer roll 9110.

In Mode 8, when the cartridge B9 is removed from the main apparatus assembly A9 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Ll of the developer roller 9110, the cartridge-side developer roller coupling 9150 moves as follows. I mean the coupling

9150 it moves from the angular position of transmission of rotational force to the angular position of disengagement to be disengaged from the drive arrow 9180. Then, by the moving member 9185, the main assembly side drum coupling 9190 is moved in its

190

IMPííáDt LA «OíltUAO INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0189.tif" />

axis direction and also in the direction in which the coupling 9190 eT moves apart from the cartridge side drum coupling 9145. As a result, the cartridge side drum coupling 9145 is decoupled from the main assembly side drum coupling 9190.

In accordance with Mode 8, with respect to the coupling structure to transmit the rotational force from the main apparatus assembly A9 to the photosensitive drum 9107 and the coupling structure to transmit the rotational force from the main apparatus assembly A9 to the roller 9110 of development, the number of movement member can be reduced compared to those requiring the movement member for each.

Therefore, in accordance with Mode 8, the main set of apparatus can be decreased in size. Also, when the main assembly is designed, it is possible to allow increased design latitude.

Furthermore, this modality can also be applied to the .20 case of the contact development system as described in

Mode 6. In this case, this mode is applicable to not only the mounting and dismounting of the cartridge but also the connection of the drive during the separation of the devices ^ tive - * ^ -.

<img file="MX358043B_D0190.tif" />

of developing.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, with respect to the photosensitive drum drive connection, said manner as in this embodiment is not employed but couplings as in this embodiment may also be provided.

As described above, in accordance with this embodiment, applying the present invention to at least the case where the developing roller is rotated (i.e. the rotational force transmitted to the developing device), the number of movement members (mechanisms retractable) can be reduced by at least one. Therefore, in accordance with this modality it is possible to realize the size reduction of the main apparatus set and the increased design latitude.

Incidentally, in Mode 8, as the cartridge side drum coupling to receive rotational force from the main apparatus assembly to rotate the photosensitive drum, the twisted projection is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is appropriately applicable to said coupling structure than the main assembly side drum coupling

192

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0191.tif" />

«HsTtruTO m« kano «ia fwwudao___ is movable (retractable) in the direction r ovaciona l ^ deí” cartridge side drum coupling¹. That is to say; In the present invention, said coupling structure that the main assembly side drum coupling approaches the cartridge side drum coupling to engage with it in the direction of movement described above and moves apart from the cartridge side in the direction of movement described above. To the modality to which the present invention is applied, v. 10 gr., a so-called pin drive coupling structure is applicable.

In accordance with Mode 8, in the structure in which the rotational forces to rotate the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are transmitted separately from the main apparatus assembly, the movement structure to move (retract) the coupling with respect to its rotational direction can be reduced in number. That is, like the motion structure, only the structure to transmit rotational force to the photosensitive drum can be used.

Therefore, in accordance with Mode 8, it is possible to achieve an effect of simplifying the structure of the main apparatus set compared to the case in

193

<img file="MX358043B_D0192.tif" />

where the moving structure is required for both of the structure to transmit the rotational force to the photosensitive drum and the structure to transmit the rotational force to the developing roller.

(Mode 9)

Mode 9 will be described with reference to Figure

63.

In Mode 9, the present invention is applied to both of the coupling to receive rotational force, from the main assembly of apparatus, to rotate the photosensitive drum and the coupling to receive rotational force, from the main assembly of apparatus, to rotate the developer roller.

That is, a B10 cartridge to which the present invention is applied and the B9 cartridge described in Mode 8 are different in that the photosensitive drum 9107 also receives rotational force from the main apparatus assembly using the coupling structure similar to that in the

Mode 8.

In accordance with Mode 9, without using the movement member (retractable mechanism) described in Mode

8, the process cartridge B10 can be moved in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the L3 axis of

194

<img file="MX358043B_D0193.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0194.tif" />

drive shaft 180 for mounting main apparatus assembly.

The B10 cartridge in Mode 9 and the B9 cartridge in

Modes 8 are merely different in the cartridge side drum coupling structure and the structure for transmitting the rotational force received by the coupling to the photosensitive drum and are the same in other structures.

Furthermore, with respect to the apparatus main assembly side structures, both cartridges are only different in the main assembly side drum coupling structure.

The main set of apparatus to which Mode 9 is applied includes the drive shaft described in the above described modes in place of the main assembly side drum coupling structure in Mode 8, thus being omitted from the description. . To the main apparatus set of this embodiment (Mode 9), a drive arrow (first drive arrow) 180 and a drive arrow (second drive arrow (not shown) having the same structure as drive arrow 180 are However, similarly to Mode 8, the moving paths of a

195

<img file="MX358043B_D0195.tif" />

Carfeuqho side drum coupling 10159 and cartridge side developing roller coupling 9150 deviate from each other in the cross section direction (the vertical direction). Therefore, the first drive shaft 180 and the second drive shaft (not shown) do not obstruct mounting and dismounting of the cartridge.

B10.

Similarly as in the case of the cartridge-side developing roller coupling 9150, the coupling

10150 Cartridge Side Drum Cartridge B10 has the same structure as those of the above described embodiments, thus being explained with reference to the above described coupling structures.

In accordance with Mode 9, cartridge B10 moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of axis L3 of the first drive shaft 180 and the second drive shaft (not shown) to be mounted to and removed from the main assembly of apparatus.

Furthermore, in Mode 9, when the cartridge B10 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 130a, the first drive shaft 180 and the developing roller coupling 9150 are coupled to each other, so that the force

196

IMPI

WSTITUT · MklCANL »OF THE INDUSTRIAL FROPUDAD

<img file="MX358043B_D0196.tif" />

Rotational is transmitted from drive shaft 180 to coupling 9150. By the rotational force received by coupling 9150, developer roller 9110 is rotated.

Furthermore, the second drive shaft and the drum coupling 10150 are coupled to each other so that the rotational force is transmitted from the second drive shaft to the coupling 10150. By means of the rotational force received by the coupling 10150, the drum is rotated 9107 photosensitive.

In Mode 9, the structures described in the modes described above are appropriately applicable.

Pursuant to this embodiment, without using the movable member (retractable mechanism) described in Mode 8, the process cartridge B10 can be assembled to and disassembled from the main apparatus assembly when moved in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis of the drive arrow.

As a result, the structure of the main apparatus assembly can be simplified.

In the embodiments described above, the main apparatus assembly includes drive shafts (180, 1180, 9180) provided with a rotational force transmission pin 182 (portion that imparts rotational force). Further,

197

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0197.tif" />

the cartridges (B, B2, B6, B8, B9, RIO) _b, p in Jai ...,. .

direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the L3 axis of the drive arrows, thus being mounted on and removed from the main apparatus assemblies (A, A2, A9). The respective cartridges described above (110, 6110, 8110, 9110) and the couplings (150,

1150, 4150, 6150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, 14150).

i. - The development roller (110, 6110, 8110, 9110) is rotatable about its axis Ll, ​​and reveals the electrostatic latent image formed in the photosensitive drum (107, 9107).

ii. - The coupling engages with the rotational force transmission pin (the rotational force applying portion (182, 1182, 9182) to receive the rotational force to rotate the developer roller from the pin. The coupling may be one of the couplings 150, 1150, 4150, 6150, 7150, 8150, 9150, 10150, 12150, 14150.

The coupling can take the angular position of rotational force transmission to rotate the developer roller to the developer roller. The coupling can take the pre-coupling angular position which is an inclined position, in the direction away from the development roller's Ll axis, from the transmission angular position

198

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0198.tif" />

of rotational force and the angular decoupling position which is an inclined position from the angular position of rotational force transmission. By mounting the cartridge (B, b-2, b6, b8, b9, blO) to the main assembly in the direction substantially perpendicular to the Ll axis of the developer roller, the coupling moves to the angular position of rotational force transmission from the Pre-coupling angular position. By this, the coupling opposes the drive shaft. When disassembling the cartridge, in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Ll of the developer roller, from the main assembly the coupling moves to the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of rotational force transmission. By this, the coupling disengages from the drive shaft.

On the side where the cartridge fits into the main assembly, a part of the coupling is placed behind the drive shaft as seen in the opposite direction to the X6 direction of removal (Figure 19 (d), for example) . A part of the coupling is one of the free end positions 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 121250A1, 14150 A3. The X6 removal reaction is the direction to remove the cartridge from the main assembly. When removing cartridge B from assembly A

199 MEXICAN TITLE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX358043B_D0199.tif" />

In response to moving the cartridge in the dlxe.cc.10Q substantially perpendicular to the Ll axis of the developer roller 110, the coupling makes the following movement. The coupling is moved (tilts) to the disengaging angular position from the rotational force transmission angular position so that the coupling portion surrounds the drive shaft.

In mounting the cartridge to the main assembly, the coupling makes the following movement. The coupling moves (tilts) to the rotational force transmission angular position from the pre-coupling angular position so that the part of the coupling on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction X4 surrounds the drive shaft. The mounting X4 address is the mounting direction of the cartridge to the main assembly.

In the state that the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, the part or portion of the coupling is behind the drive arrow as seen in the opposite direction of the removal direction X6 for removal of the cartridge from the main assembly. When removing the cartridge from the main assembly, the coupling makes the following movement. In response to moving the cartridge in the direction substantially perpendicular to the Ll axis of the

<img file="MX358043B_D0200.tif" />

₂₀₀ IMPI ^4νυ ΙΝΤΠΤυΤΟ MEXICAN

CE THE PROPltDAO

INDUSTRIAL revealed, the coupling is moved (tilts) to the disengaging angular position from the rotational force transmission angular position so that the coupling portion surrounds the drive shaft.

In the embodiment described above, the coupling has recesses (150z, 1150z, 1350z, 4150z, 6150z, 7150z, 9150z,

12150z, 14150z) coaxial with the L2 axis of rotation of the coupling. In the state that the coupling is in the angular position of rotational force transmission, the recess covers the free end of drive shaft 180.

The rotational force receiving surface, (rotational force receiving portion) engages in the rotational direction of engagement with the projecting rotational force transmitting pin (rotational force applying portion) (182, 1182, 9182) in the perpendicular direction the axis L3 of the drive shaft at the free end portion of the drive shaft. The rotational force receiving surface is one of the surfaces 150e, 1150e, 1350e, 4150e, 6150e, 7150e, 9150e,

12150e, 14150e rotational force reception. By this, the coupling receives the rotational force from the drive shaft to rotate. When removing the cartridge from the main assembly, the coupling does the following

201 movement. In response to moving the cartridge in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis Ll of the developer roller, the coupling pivots (moves) to the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of rotational force transmission so that the portion of the recess circumvents the drive arrow. By this, the coupling can be decoupled from the drive shaft. The portion is one of the free end positions 150A1,

1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, 14150 A3.

As described above, the coupling has the recess coaxially with the axis of rotation L2 thereof. In the state that the coupling is in the angular position of rotational force transmission, the recess covers the free end of the drive shaft. The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portion) engages in the rotational direction of engagement with the rotational force transmitting pin of the free end portion of the drive shaft. By this, the coupling receives the rotational force from the drive shaft to rotate. When removing the cartridge from the main assembly, the coupling makes the following movement. In response to moving cartridge B in the direction substantially perpendicular to

<img file="MX358043B_D0201.tif" />

202

WSTITUTO MEXICANO<img file="MX358043B_D0202.tif" />

Shaft Ll of the developer roller, the

OF PROPERTY 0 - = .- /. ,. , INDUSTRIAL coupling is pivoted (moves) to the angular position of disengagement from the angular position of rotational force transmission so that the portion of the recess circumvents the drive shaft. By this, the coupling can be disengaged from the drive shaft.

The rotational force receiving surface (rotational force receiving portions) is provided so that they are positioned, with the center S interposing, on the shadow circle IC having the center S on the axis L2 of rotation of the coupling (Figure 6 (d), for example). In this embodiment, the four rotational force receiving surfaces are provided. By this, in accordance with this embodiment, the coupling can uniformly receive the force of the main assembly.

As a result, the coupling can be rotated smoothly. In the state that the coupling is in the angular position of rotational force transmission, the axis L2 of the coupling is substantially coaxial with the axis Ll of the developer roller. In the state that the coupling is in the decoupled angular position, the coupling is tilted relative to the axis Ll so that the upstream side of the coupling can pass through the

203

<img file="MX358043B_D0203.tif" />

IMPI πβητυτο «EMCANO

OF THE MONEDAD

INDUSTRIAL drive shaft free end in direction X6 removal. The upstream side is a free end position 150A1, 1150A1, 4150A1, 12150A1, 14150 A3.

The cartridge described above is a developer cartridge that does not contain the photosensitive drum. Or, the cartridge is the process cartridge that includes the photosensitive drum as a unit. Applying the present invention to these cartridges will provide the effects as described above.

Other modalities)

In the above described embodiments, the cartridge is mounted and demounted downwardly or angularly upward relative to the drive shaft of the main assembly. However, the present invention is not limited to the structure thereof. The present invention can be properly applied to the cartridge which can be mounted and dismounted in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft.

In the above modalities, the mounting path is straight relative to the main assembly, but the present invention is not limited to said structure. The present invention can be applied appropriately also to the case where the mounting path includes a path the lines r

IMPI

MEXMaNo INSTITUTE

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0204.tif" />

Sixth modalities form a present invention.

204 provided as a combination of curvilinear trajectory.

The cartridge for developing monochrome images. However, you can appropriately apply it also to the cartridge having a plurality of developing means to form a color image (two-color image, three-color image, or full-color image).

The modalities process cartridge forms a monochrome image. However, the present invention can also be appropriately applied to the cartridge which may contain a plurality of photosensitive drums, and developing means and charging means, respectively, to form color images such as two-color images, three-color images, or full color images.

The developer cartridge includes at least the developer roller (developer medium).

The process cartridge contains, as a unit, the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process medium which is operable in the electrophotographic photosensitive member and is removably mountable to the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. For example, it contains at least

20s

IMPIAS mejbCano institute

OE FROFIEDAD photosensitive member electrophotographic and at ^ Inedio of development as the process medium. ...

This cartridge (developer cartridge and process cartridge) is removably mountable to the main assembly by the user. In view of this, maintenance of the main assembly can be carried out by the user.

In accordance with the above embodiments, the coupling can be assembled and disassembled, in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft, relative to the main assembly which is not provided with the mechanism for moving the assembly side coupling member 'main to transmit the rotational force in the axial direction thereof. The developer roller can be rotated smoothly.

In accordance with the embodiments described above, the cartridge can be removed, in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive arrow, from the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus provided with the drive arrow.

In accordance with the modalities described above, the cartridge can be mounted, in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive arrow, to the whole

206

<img file="MX358043B_D0205.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0206.tif" />

main of the training apparatus

electrophotographic supplied with the drive arrow.

In accordance with the embodiments described above, the developer cartridge can be mounted and dismounted, in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive arrow, relative to the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus provided with the drive arrow.

In accordance with the coupling modalities described above, the developer cartridge moves in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft to mount and dismount the developer cartridge relative to the main assembly, even though the drive rotor (gear pressure) provided in the main assembly 15 does not move in the axial direction thereof.

In accordance with the above described embodiments, the developer roller can be rotated smoothly, compared to the case where the drive connection portion between the main assembly and the cartridge employs a gear-gear coupling.

In accordance with the modalities described above, both of the disassembly of the cartridge in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the arrow of

207

IMPI

MtitKMMO INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX358043B_D0207.tif" />

«Η» x, IPwUUo 1 KiAL drive provided in the main assembly and uniform rotation of the developing roller, can be achieved. ^or '

In accordance with the above-described embodiments, both of mounting the cartridge in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive arrow on the main assembly and uniform rotation of the developer roller can be achieved.

In accordance with the above-described modes, both of mounting and dismounting the cartridge in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly and the uniform rotation of the development roller, can be accomplished.

In accordance with the modalities described above, in the developer cartridge (or process cartridge developer device) positioned relative to the photosensitive drum, the drive can be safely applied to the developer roller, and uniform rotation can be achieved .

[INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY]

As described above, in the present invention, the axis of the coupling member can take different angular positions relative to the axis of the developing roller. With this structure in the present

208

ΪΜΡΙ

INSTITUTE *

<img file="MX358043B_D0208.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0209.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0210.tif" />

Invention, the coupling member can be brought into engagement with the drive shaft in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft provided in the main assembly. Also, the coupling member can be disengaged from the drive shaft in the direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The present invention can be applied to the developing cartridge, the electrophotographic imaging apparatus usable with the removably mountable developing cartridge, the process cartridge, and the electrophotographic imaging apparatus usable with the removably mountable process cartridge.

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

The present invention can be applied to a so-called contact-type developing system where the state in which the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing roller are spaced from each other, the image

209

IMPI

<img file="MX358043B_D0211.tif" />

<img file="MX358043B_D0212.tif" />

Latent electrostatic formed on the photosensitive electrophotographic member is revealed.

The developer roller can be rotated evenly.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum and the rotational force to rotate the development roller can be received individually from the main assembly. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the structure for receiving the rotational force to rotate the photosensitive drum can employ the structure to cause the coupling to move in the axial direction thereof.

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

210