Cartridge, accessory and assembly kit

Abstract

Cartridge, accessory and mounting kit. The present invention relates to further developing a method of transmitting drive from a main assembly of an apparatus towards a cartridge. The cartridge is mountable in a detachable manner on a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, including a drive output element configured to emit a drive force, and a push element on the side of the main assembly configured to tilt the drive output element by pushing it. The cartridge includes a photosensitive cylinder and a push element on the side of the cartridge. The push element on the side of the cartridge is configured so that an angle of inclination of the drive output element is altered by pushing the push element on the side of the main assembly.

Description

"CARTRIDGE, ACCESSORY AND ASSEMBLY KIT" FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge, an accessory, an assembly kit and an image-forming apparatus.

[0002] The cartridge is mountable and detachable from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus (electrophotographic imaging apparatus).

[0003] The accessory can be mounted on the main assembly of the imaging device separately from the cartridge.

[0004] In addition, the accessory and the cartridge are collectively referred to as the assembly kit.

[0005] An imaging apparatus is an image-forming device that forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic imaging process. For example, an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, and so on), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like are included. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In an electrophotographic imaging apparatus (hereinafter also simply referred to as an “imaging apparatus”), the electrophotographic photosensitive element, which is generally a type of cylinder, acts as an image-bearing element, i.e., the photosensitive cylinder (electrophotographic photosensitive cylinder) is uniformly charged. An electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) is then formed on the photosensitive cylinder by selectively exposing the charged photosensitive cylinder. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive cylinder is then developed into a toner image using toner as a developer. The toner image formed on the photosensitive cylinder is then transferred to a registration material, such as a registration sheet or a sheet of plastic, and heat or pressure is applied to the transferred toner image on the registration material to fix the toner image, thus performing the image registration operation. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 15 / 265 2 / 121

[0007] Such an imaging apparatus generally requires toner replacement and maintenance for various process media. In order to facilitate these toner replacement and maintenance operations, the photosensitive drum, loading media, developing media, cleaning media, and so on are collectively supplied in a cartridge structure, and the cartridge, which can be assembled and disassembled from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus, has been put into practical use.

[0008] According to this cartridge system, the maintenance operation of device parts requiring maintenance can be performed by the user himself without depending on the technician in charge of after-sales service. Therefore, the operability of the device can be considerably improved, and an imaging device with excellent usability can be provided. For this reason, this cartridge method is widely used with an imaging device.

[0009] A process cartridge is an example of such a cartridge. The process cartridge is a device in which the electrophotographic photosensitive cylinder and the process media acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive cylinder are integrally formed into a cartridge and which is mounted in a detachable manner to the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

[0010] In the process cartridge described above, a structure is widely used in which a coupling element is provided at a free end of the photosensitive cylinder in order to transmit the drive force from the main assembly of the apparatus to the photosensitive cylinder. Japanese patent application No. 2016-40625, submitted for public inspection, proposes a structure in which a coupling element is structured to be able to advance and retract in the longitudinal direction, and a structure is proposed in which a pressure rod provided in a process cartridge is operated to drive the advance / retraction movement of the coupling element. Furthermore, a structure has been proposed in which the advance / retraction movement of the coupling element is effected by moving the cable. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 16 / 265 3 / 121 of tension fixed to the coupling element (Japanese Patent Application submitted for public inspection No. 2016-40625). Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved

[0011] One objective of the present invention is to further develop the prior technique mentioned above. Ways to Solve the Problem

[0012] A typical structure according to the present application is a cartridge mountable in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a drive output element configured to emit a drive force, a push element on the side of the main assembly configured to tilt the drive output element pushing the drive output element, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; and a push element on the cartridge side configured to change the tilt angle of the drive output element by pushing the push element on the main assembly side.

[0013] Another typical structure according to the present application is a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder provided in a front part of the cartridge; and a movable push element provided on a side of the cartridge in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, in a front part of the cartridge, wherein the push element is configured to perform at least (a) a first movement operation in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder towards the outside of the cartridge and (b) a second movement operation in a direction other than the axial direction.

[0014] Another typical structure according to the present application is a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum provided in a front part of the cartridge; Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 17 / 265 4 / 121 a first movable element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; a second moving element provided on the same side as the side provided with the first moving element in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the second moving element being configured to perform at least (a) a first movement operation in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder towards the outside of the cartridge and (b) a second movement operation in a direction other than the axial direction.

[0015] Another typical structure according to the present application is an accessory mountable to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a drive output element configured to emit a drive force, a push element on the side of the main assembly configured to tilt the drive output element driving the drive output element, wherein a cartridge is mountable in a detachable manner to the main assembly, the accessory comprising: A contact part configured to change the tilt angle of the moving drive output element, to connect the drive output element with the cartridge, the push element on the side of the main assembly in contact with the push element on the side of the main assembly.

[0016] Another typical structure according to the present application is a cartridge mountable in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an apparatus, the apparatus including a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; an engagement element is provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 18 / 265 5 / 121 photosensitive cylinder, the engagement element being engageable with the drive output element; and a movable positioning element configured to determine a position of the cartridge within the main assembly, wherein the engagement element is configured to be placed in contact with the drive output element by moving towards the drive output element, and wherein the cartridge is configured so that by moving the positioning element into a state in which the engagement element is in contact with the drive output element, (a) an angle of inclination of the drive output element is changed, and (b) the cartridge is moved to a mounted position that is within the main assembly.

[0017] Another typical structure is a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum provided in a front part of the cartridge; an engagement element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; an operating element configured to move the engagement element in the axial direction towards the outside of the cartridge, when receiving an external force from an outside of the cartridge; and a positioning element provided in a position that is on a front part of the cartridge and that is on an opposite side to the engagement element in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the positioning element projecting towards a front side of the cartridge and movable towards a rear part of the same.

[0018] Another typical structure, a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum provided in a front part of the cartridge; an engagement element is provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 19 / 265 6 / 121 photosensitive cylinder; a movable positioning element provided in a position that is on a front part of the cartridge and that is on the same side as the side provided with the engagement element in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; and an operating element configured to move the positioning element away from an axis of the photosensitive cylinder when receiving an external force from an exterior of the cartridge.

[0019] Another typical structure is a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum provided in a front part of the cartridge; a first movable element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; a second movable element provided outside the photosensitive cylinder in a position that is at the front of the cartridge and on the same side as the side provided with the first movable element; and an operating element configured to move the second movable element towards the front side when receiving an external force from an outside of the cartridge.

[0020] Another typical structure is an accessory mountable to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, wherein a cartridge is mountable in a detachable manner to the main assembly, the accessory comprising: A movable positioning element configured to determine the position of the cartridge within the main assembly of the imaging apparatus, wherein the positioning element is configured so that by moving the positioning element into a state in which a Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 20 / 265 7 / 121 engagement element supplied in the cartridge is in contact with the drive output element, (a) an angle of inclination of the drive output element is changed, and (b) the cartridge is moved to a mounted position that is within the main assembly.

[0021] Another typical structure is a cartridge mountable in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; a push element provided outside the photosensitive cylinder and movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the push element being configured to change an angle of inclination of the drive output element by pushing the drive output element; and an engagement element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the engagement element being configured to be enabled to engage with the drive output element moving towards the drive output element pushed by the push element.

[0022] Another typical structure is a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum provided in a front part of the cartridge; an engagement element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; a push element provided outside the photosensitive cylinder in a position that is on the front of the cartridge and on the same side as the side provided with the engagement element; and an operating element configured to cause the engagement element to move in the axial direction towards the outside of the cartridge. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 21 / 265 8 / 121 receive an external force from an exterior of the cartridge.

[0023] Another typical structure is a cartridge mountable in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; a gear element configured to cause the drive output element to approach the cartridge by rotating the cartridge in a state of engagement with a gear part provided on the drive output element; and a contact part provided outside the photosensitive cylinder and configured to change an angle of inclination of the drive output element upon contact with the drive output element approaching the cartridge by the gear element.

[0024] Another typical structure is a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; a roll of developing film; a gear element provided on a first side of the cartridge in an axial direction from the photosensitive cylinder; and an inclined part provided on the first side of the cartridge outside the photosensitive cylinder, wherein, when a second side of the cartridge is opposite to the first side in the axial direction, at least a part of the teeth of the gear element is farther from the second side than the inclined part in the axial direction from the photosensitive cylinder, a distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the inclined part in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as the distance from the second side of the cartridge in the axial direction increases, and Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 22 / 265 9 / 121 wherein, as seen in the direction of the photosensitive cylinder axis, a gear element center is within the range of more than 60° and less than 120°, as measured from a line extending from a photosensitive cylinder center through the center of the developing roller, upstream in a photosensitive cylinder rotation direction.

[0025] Another typical structure is an accessory for a main assembly of the imaging apparatus to which a cartridge is mountable in a detachable manner, the main assembly including a drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the accessory comprising: A gear element configured to cause the drive output element to approach the cartridge in order to connect the drive output element with the cartridge by rotating the same in a state of engagement with a gear part of the drive output element.

[0026] Another typical structure is a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; A gear element is provided on a first side of the cartridge in an axial direction from the photosensitive cylinder; and an inclined part is provided on the first side of the cartridge, wherein, when a second side of the cartridge is opposite the first side in the axial direction, at least part of the teeth of the gear element is farther from the second side than the inclined part in the axial direction from the photosensitive cylinder, a distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the inclined part in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as the distance from the second side of the cartridge in the axial direction increases, and wherein the gear element is movable such that a distance Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 23 / 265 10 / 121 of a photosensitive cylinder shaft to the gear element shaft is changed.

[0027] Another typical structure is a cartridge mountable in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, the main assembly including a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; and a coupling element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder, capable of transmitting the drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder and movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the coupling element including (a) a drive force receiving portion capable of receiving the drive force from the drive output element and (b) an inclined portion movable together with the drive force receiving portion in the axial direction and rotatable together with the drive force receiving portion, wherein the inclined portion is more remote from an axis of the photosensitive cylinder than from the drive force receiving portion,The inclined portion is configured to contact the drive output element to reduce the angle of inclination of the drive output element, allowing engagement between the drive output element and the drive force-receiving portion when the coupling element moves toward the drive output element.

[0028] Another typical structure is a mountable cartridge that can be detached from a main assembly of the imaging apparatus, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder having a first end part and a second end part opposite the first end part; and Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 24 / 265 11 / 121 a coupling element provided adjacent to a first end part of the photosensitive cylinder, capable of transmitting a drive force to the photosensitive cylinder and movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the coupling element including a projected drive force receiving part and an inclined part capable of advancing and retracting together with the drive force receiving part, wherein the inclined part is farther from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder than from the drive force receiving part, and wherein a distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the inclined part in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as the distance from the second end part of the photosensitive cylinder in the axial direction increases. Effect of the Invention

[0029] The conventional structure can be further developed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image-forming device.

[0031] In Figure 2, part (a) is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge, part (b) is a perspective view of the cartridge, and part (c) is an enlarged view around a coupling element.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a drive transmission element and related elements.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the drive transmission element.

[0034] Figure 5 is an illustration of the drive transmission element.

[0035] Figure 6 is an illustration of the drive transmission element.

[0036] In Figure 7, part (a) is a side view of the cartridge, and part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge.

[0037] Figure 8 is an illustration of the drive transmission element.

[0038] Figure 9 is an illustration of the drive transmission element. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 25 / 265 12 / 121

[0039] Figure 10 is an illustration of the drive transmission element.

[0040] Figure 11 is an illustration of the drive transmission element.

[0041] Figure 12 is an illustration of the gear.

[0042] Figure 13 is a side view of the cartridge.

[0043] Figure 14 is an illustration of the drive power transmission element.

[0044] Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of the cartridge.

[0045] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a photosensitive cylinder and the coupling element.

[0046] Figure 17 is an exploded view of a ring element.

[0047] Figure 18 is a partially exploded view of the cartridge.

[0048] Figure 19 is an illustration of the cartridge.

[0049] Figure 20 is an illustration of a drive transmission element 81.

[0050] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus.

[0051] Figure 22 is an illustration of the cartridge.

[0052] In Figure 23, part (a) is a perspective view of the cartridge, and part (b) is an enlarged view of the cartridge.

[0053] Figure 24 is an enlarged view of the coupling element.

[0054] Figure 25 is an illustration of the drive transmission element.

[0055] Figure 26 is an illustration of the drive transmission element.

[0056] Figure 27 is an illustration of a drive transmission element.

[0057] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission element and cartridge.

[0058] Figure 29 is an illustration of a pressure element.

[0059] Figure 30 is an illustration of the operation of an actuating element.

[0060] Figure 31 is an illustration of the operation of a push-down element.

[0061] Figure 32 is a perspective view illustrating an accessory. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 26 / 265 13 / 121

[0062] Figure 33 is an illustration of the drive transmission element and accessory.

[0063] Figure 34 is an illustration of the drive transmission element.

[0064] Figure 35 is a perspective view of the accessory.

[0065] Figure 36 is an illustration of the accessory and drive transmission element.

[0066] Figure 37 is an illustration of the accessory and drive transmission element.

[0067] Figure 38 is an illustration of the accessory and drive transmission element.

[0068] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

[0069] Figure 40 is a section of the cylinder drive transmission part.

[0070] Figure 41 is a perspective view of the periphery of a side element.

[0071] Figure 42 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side element.

[0072] Figure 43 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side element.

[0073] Figure 44 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side element.

[0074] Figure 45 is a perspective view around a second lever element.

[0075] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the periphery of the second lever element.

[0076] Figure 47 is a perspective view of a main assembly of the apparatus and process cartridge.

[0077] Figure 48 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge.

[0078] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the periphery of the drive transmission element.

[0079] Figure 50 is a perspective view around the second lever element. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 27 / 265 14 / 121

[0080] Figure 51 is a view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge seen from above.

[0081] Figure 52 is a perspective view of the periphery of the drive transmission element.

[0082] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge.

[0083] Figure 54 is a perspective view of the periphery of the drive transmission element.

[0084] Figure 55 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge.

[0085] Figure 56 is a perspective view of the periphery of the second lever element.

[0086] Figure 57 is a view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge seen from above.

[0087] Figure 58 is a perspective view of the periphery of the drive transmission element.

[0088] Figure 59 is a perspective view of the coupling element.

[0089] Figure 60 is an illustration of a modified example of a lever element.

[0090] Figure 61 is an illustration of the modified example of the lever element.

[0091] Figure 62 is an illustration of the modified example of the lever element.

[0092] Figure 63 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

[0093] Figure 64 is a perspective view of the periphery of an extension / retraction element.

[0094] Figure 65 is a perspective view of the periphery of the extension / retraction element.

[0095] Figure 66 is a perspective view of the extension / retraction element structure. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 28 / 265 15 / 121

[0096] Figure 67 is a perspective view of the extension / retraction element structure.

[0097] Figure 68 is a view of the periphery of the drive transmission element seen from above.

[0098] Figure 69 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge.

[0099] Figure 70 is a perspective view of the periphery of the extension / retraction element.

[0100] Figure 71 is a view of the periphery of the drive transmission element seen from above.

[0101] Figure 72 is a view of the periphery of the drive transmission element seen from above.

[0102] Figure 73 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the apparatus and the process cartridge.

[0103] Figure 74 is a view of the periphery of the drive transmission element seen from above.

[0104] Figure 75 is an illustration of a modified example in which the structure of the lever element is partially altered.

[0105] Figure 76 is an illustration of a modified example in which the structure of the lever element is partially altered.

[0106] Figure 77 is an illustration of a modified example in which the structure of the lever element is partially altered.

[0107] Figure 78 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning unit.

[0108] Figure 79 is an illustration showing the cartridge's position in the main assembly of the device.

[0109] Figure 80 is an illustration of the operation of a positioning element.

[0110] Figure 81 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a cartridge assembly process in the main assembly of the device.

[0111] Figure 82 is an illustration of a modified example of an element. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 29 / 265 16 / 121 positioning.

[0112] Figure 83 is a perspective view of the periphery of the side element.

[0113] Figure 84 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the drive transmission element.

[0114] Figure 85 is an illustration of the drive transmission element and the cover element.

[0115] Figure 86 is an illustration of the cartridge.

[0116] Figure 87 is a partial view of the cartridge.

[0117] Figure 88 is an illustration of the drive transmission element and the push-down element.

[0118] Figure 89 is an illustration of the cartridge.

[0119] Figure 90 is an illustration of the cartridge.

[0120] Figure 91 is an illustration of the cartridge.

[0121] Figure 92 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

[0122] Figure 93 is a perspective view of the advance / retraction element and the periphery of the coupling element.

[0123] Figure 94 is a perspective view of the advance / retraction element and the periphery of the coupling element.

[0124] Figure 95 is a perspective view of the advance / retraction element and the periphery of the coupling element.

[0125] Figure 96 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element.

[0126] Figure 97 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element.

[0127] Figure 98 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element.

[0128] Figure 99 is an illustration of the process cartridge assembly.

[0129] Figure 100 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

[0130] Figure 101 is a perspective view of the advance / retraction element and the periphery of the coupling element. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 30 / 265 17 / 121

[0131] Figure 102 is a perspective view of the extension / retraction element and the periphery of the coupling element.

[0132] Figure 103 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element.

[0133] Figure 104 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element.

[0134] Figure 105 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element.

[0135] Figure 106 is an illustration of the process cartridge assembly.

[0136] Figure 107 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

[0137] Figure 108 is a perspective view of the advance / retraction element and the periphery of the coupling element.

[0138] Figure 109 is a perspective view of the advance / retraction element and the periphery of the coupling element.

[0139] Figure 110 is a perspective view of the advance / retraction element and the periphery of the coupling element.

[0140] Figure 111 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element.

[0141] Figure 112 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element.

[0142] Figure 113 is an illustration of the operation of the advance / retraction element, the coupling element and the third lever element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Modalities<Modalidade 1>

[0143] Next, embodiment 1 will be described in detail together with the attached drawings.

[0144] The direction of the axis of rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive cylinder is simply described as the longitudinal direction, unless otherwise specified. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 31 / 265 18 / 121

[0145] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, a side on which the electrophotographic photosensitive cylinder receives the drive force from the main assembly of the image-forming apparatus is a drive side, and the opposite side is a non-drive side.

[0146] With reference to Figure 1, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 2, the overall structure and image formation process will be described.

[0147] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the main assembly of the device (main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device, main assembly of the imaging device) A of an electrophotographic imaging device and a process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as cartridge B). Part (a) of Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of cartridge B. Here, the main assembly of the device A is a part of the electrophotographic imaging device excluding cartridge B. Cartridge B is mountable and dismountable from the main assembly of the device A.

[0148] Part (b) of Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge. As shown in this Figure, cartridge B comprises a photosensitive cylinder 62 and a coupling element 64 that receives a drive force to rotate the photosensitive cylinder 62 and can transmit the drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder 62. In an axial direction Z parallel to a rotation axis Q2 of the photosensitive cylinder 62, the downstream side in the direction of arrow z1 where the coupling element 64 is provided is the drive side (first side) Bz1 of cartridge B. Furthermore, the downstream side in the direction of arrow z2 is the non-drive side (second side) Bz2 of cartridge B, which is the opposite side to the drive side Bz1.

[0149] Unless otherwise specified, the side of the cartridge where the photosensitive cylinder is disposed is considered to be the front of the cartridge.That is, the left side in part (a) of Figure 2 is the front side of the cartridge and the right side is the back side.

[0150] The details of the B cartridge structure will be described below. <Disposição geral do aparelho de formação de imagem eletrofotográfica> Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 32 / 265 19 / 121

[0151] The electrophotographic imaging apparatus (imaging apparatus) shown in Figure 1 is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic system in which cartridge B can be mounted and assembled from the main assembly of the apparatus A. An exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) is provided to form a latent image on the electrophotographic photosensitive cylinder 62 as an image-bearing element of cartridge B when cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly of the apparatus A. In addition, a sheet tray 4 containing a registration material (hereinafter described as a PA sheet material) to be subjected to the imaging operation is provided under cartridge B. The electrophotographic photosensitive cylinder 62 is a photosensitive element (electrophotographic photosensitive element) used to form an electrophotographic image on it.

[0152] In addition, the main assembly of apparatus A includes a collection roller 5a, a pair of feed rollers 5b, a pair of feed rollers 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a feed guide 8, and a clamping device 9, a pair of discharge rollers 10, a discharge tray 11 and the like which are arranged along the feed direction D of the sheet material PA. The clamping device 9 includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.<Processo de formação de imagem>

[0153] The following will be a description of the image formation process. In response to a print start signal, the electrophotographic photosensitive cylinder (hereinafter referred to as the photosensitive cylinder 62, or simply cylinder 62) is rotated in the direction of arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed).

[0154] The loading roller (loading element) 66 to which the bias voltage is applied comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 62 and uniformly loads the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 62. The loading roller 66 is a rotating element (roller) that can rotate and move in contact with the cylinder 62. The loading element is not limited to such a type of roller. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 33 / 265 20 / 121 rotary contact, and a charging element (charger) fixed with a space from the cylinder 62, such as a corona charger, can be used.

[0155] The exposure device 3 emits a laser beam L according to the image information. The laser beam L passes through the laser aperture 71 h provided in the cleaning structure 71 of cartridge B, and scans and exposes the outer peripheral surface of cylinder 62. With this, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of cylinder 62.

[0156] On the other hand, as shown in part (a) of Figure 2, in the developing unit 20 as a developing device, the toner T in the toner chamber 29 is agitated and fed to the toner supply chamber 28, through the rotation of the feed element (agitating element) 43.

[0157] Toner T is transported on a surface of the developing roller 32 by a magnetic force from a magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 is a developer transport element that carries the developer on its surface so as to reveal the latent image (electrostatic latent image) formed on the cylinder 62 with the developer (toner T). In this embodiment, a non-contact developing method is used to reveal the latent image with a small space provided between the developing roller 32 and the cylinder 62. It is also possible to employ a contact-type developing method in which the latent image is revealed with the developing roller 32 in contact with the cylinder 62.

[0158] By means of the developing blade 42, the toner T is triboelectrically charged, and the thickness of the layer on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 32 is regulated by the developer transport element.

[0159] Toner T is supplied to cylinder 62 according to the electrostatic latent image to reveal the latent image. With this, the latent image is visualized in a toner image. Cylinder 62 is an image-carrying element that carries the latent image or image (toner image, developer image) formed from toner (developer) on its surface.

[0160] In addition, cylinder 62 and developing roller 32 are rotating elements. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, p. 34 / 265 21 / 121 (rotating elements) that can rotate while carrying the developer (toner) on their surface.

[0161] As shown in Figure 1, in timed relation to the laser beam output time L, the PA sheet material stored in a lower part of the main assembly of the apparatus A is moved from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a, the pair of feed rollers 5b and the pair of feed rollers 5c. Then, the PA sheet material is fed to a transfer position that is between the cylinder 62 and the transfer roller 7, by means of a transfer guide 6. In this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from cylinder 62 to the PA sheet material.

[0162] The PA sheet material to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the cylinder 62 and fed into the clamping device 9 along a feed guide 8. The PA sheet material then passes through the narrowing section provided between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b which constitutes the clamping device 9. The pressure and heat clamping process is carried out in this narrowing section, whereby the toner image is fixed onto the PA sheet material. The PA sheet material that has undergone the toner image clamping process is fed into the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged into the discharge tray 11.

[0163] On the other hand, as shown in part (a) of Figure 2, the cylinder 62 after the transfer is used again in the image formation process after the residual toner is removed from the outer peripheral surface by the cleaning blade 77. The toner removed from the cylinder 62 is stored in a toner waste chamber 71 b of a cleaning unit 60. The cleaning unit 60 is a unit that includes a photosensitive cylinder 62.

[0164] In the description above, the loading roller 66, the developing roller 32, the transfer roller 7 and the cleaning blade 77 are the process means (process element, actuating element) actuated on the cylinder 62. <Estrutura geral do cartucho inteiro>

[0165] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the general structure of cartridge B will be Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 35 / 265 22 / 121 described. Part (a) of Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge. Part (b) of Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge. Part (c) of Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a periphery of the coupling element 64.

[0166] Cartridge B includes a cleaning unit (photosensitive element retention unit, cylinder retention unit, image carrier element retention unit, first unit) 60, and a developing unit (developer carrier element retention unit, second unit) 20.

[0167] Cartridge B of this embodiment is a process cartridge. The process cartridge comprises an electrophotographic photosensitive element and at least one of the process media actuatable on the photosensitive element that are integrated into a cartridge so that the process cartridge can be mounted and dismounted from the main assembly (main assembly of the apparatus). Examples of process media include loading media, developing media, cleaning media and the like.

[0168] As shown in part (a) of Figure 2, the cleaning unit 60 includes a cylinder 62, a loading roller 66, a cleaning element 77 and a cleaning structure 71 that supports them. The cylinder 62 is rotatably supported by the cleaning structure 71. The cleaning structure 77 is part of the cartridge structure (housing), supports each element arranged in the cleaning unit, and forms a waste toner chamber 71b which will be described below.

[0169] In the cleaning unit 60, the loading roller 66 and the cleaning element 77 are arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 62, respectively. The cleaning element 77 includes a rubber blade 77a, which is a blade-shaped elastic element made of rubber as an elastic material, and includes a support element 77b that supports the rubber blade. The rubber blade 77a is in contact with the cylinder 62 in a counterclockwise direction relative to the direction of rotation of the cylinder 62. That is, the rubber blade 77a is in contact with the cylinder 62 so that its free end faces upstream in the direction of rotation of the cylinder 62. The residual toner removed from the surface of the cylinder 62 by the cleaning element 77 is stored in the residual toner chamber 71b formed by the structure of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 36 / 265 23 / 121 cleaning 71 and cleaning element 77.

[0170] In addition, a receiving sheet 65 to prevent residual toner from leaking from the cleaning structure is provided on the edge of the cleaning structure 71 so as to come into contact with the cylinder 62.

[0171] The loading roller 66 is rotatably mounted in the cleaning unit 60 by means of a loading roller bearing (not shown) at opposite ends of the cleaning structure 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0172] The longitudinal direction of the cleaning structure 71 (longitudinal direction of cartridge B) is substantially parallel to the direction in which the axis of rotation of cylinder 62 extends (axis direction). Therefore, when a longitudinal direction or an axial direction is simply referred to, the axial direction of cylinder 62 is intended, unless otherwise specified. The axial direction is the direction in which the axis or a line parallel to the axis extends.

[0173] The loading roller 66 is pressed against the cylinder 62 by pushing the bearings of the loading roller 68 towards the cylinder 62 by a drive element (not shown). The loading roller 66 is driven by the rotation of the cylinder 62.

[0174] The developing unit 20 includes a developing roller 32, a developing container 23 that supports the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, and so forth. The developing roller 32 is rotatably mounted in the developing container 23 by rolling elements (not shown) provided at opposite ends. The developing container 23 and the rolling elements mounted in the developing container are part of the cartridge (enclosure) structure, similarly to the cleaning structure 77 described above. One of the structures of the cleaning unit (cleaning structure 77 and so forth) and the other of the developing unit 20 structure (developing container 23 and so forth) can be described as a first structure (first enclosure) and the other can be described as a second structure (first).

[0175] In addition, a magnetic roller 34 is provided in the developing roller 32. In the developing unit 20, a developing blade 42 is used to regulate the toner layer. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 37 / 265 24 / 121 on the developing roller 32 is provided. The spacing elements 38 are mounted at opposite ends of the developing roller 32 (not shown), and when the spacing element 38 and the cylinder 62 come into contact with each other, the developing roller 32 is maintained with a small gap from the cylinder 62. Additionally, an explosion prevention sheet 33 to prevent toner from leaking from the developing unit 20 is provided on the edge of the lower element 22 in contact with the developing roller 32. Furthermore, a feeding element 43 is provided in the toner chamber 29 formed by the developing container 23 and the lower element 22. The feeding element 43 agitates the toner contained in the toner chamber 29 and transports the toner to the toner supply chamber 28. <Mecanismo de inclinação para o elemento de transmissão de acionamento>

[0176] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 6, the tilting mechanism for the drive transmission element 81 of the main body of apparatus A will be described. The drive transmission element 81 is a drive output element that emits a drive force. It engages with a coupling element (see Figure 7) provided in cartridge B by a mechanism that will be described below, and transmits a drive force to the cartridge. Although the details are described below, the drive transmission element 81 is supported so as to be tilted.

[0177] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a support structure for the drive transmission element 81. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the drive transmission element 81. Part (a) of Figure 5 is a side view of part (b) of Figure 3, viewed from the direction of arrow P1 with the opening / closing door 13 (see Figure 1) closed. Part (b) of Figure 5 is a cross-section of X1-X1 of part (a) of Figure 5. Part (a) of Figure 6 is a side view of part (b) of Figure 3 viewed from the direction of arrow P1 with the opening / closing door 13 open. Part (b) of Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along a line X2-X2 of part (a) of Figure 6, and part (c) of Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along a line X3-X3 of part (a) of Figure 6. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 38 / 265 25 / 121

[0178] As shown in part (a) of Figure 3 and in part (b) of Figure 3, the drive transmission element 81 is provided with a sliding part 81a which is rotatably supported by a support hole 82a of a side support plate 82 provided in the main assembly of the apparatus A. The side support plate 82 is provided with a projection 82b and a projection 82c. The drive transmission element 81 has a cylindrical part 81b that is inserted into the hole part 85a provided in the structure 85 by means of the cylindrical cam 83. An inner peripheral surface 83a of the cylindrical cam 83 is slidably supported by an annular rib 85c of the structure 85. The cylindrical cam 83 can move in the direction of arrow H1 and in the direction of arrow H2 in interrelation with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 13 by a mechanism (not shown).Structure 85 is provided with a shoulder 85b, which rotatably supports an orifice portion 84a of a pressure element 84. As shown in Figure 4, the drive transmission element 81 includes a gear portion (output gear portion) 81f which is a right-hand helical gear. In this embodiment, the tip diameter φD3, module D4, helix angle D5 and root diameter φD6 of the gear portion 81f are φD3 = φ25.5 (mm), D4 = 0.7, D5 = 25°, φD6 = φ22.35.

[0179] The module units and diameters are mm (millimeter) (the same applies hereafter). In addition, a circumferential slot 81 g is provided at the free end of the drive transmission element 81, and the outer diameter cpD7 and the inner diameter cpD8 of the slot 81 g are φ D7 = φ20, φ D8 = φ15.8.

[0180] Furthermore, an inclination 81 h is provided at the free end of the drive transmission element 81. Additionally, as shown in part (a) of Figure 5, the pressure element 84 is driven in the direction of an arrow E1 in Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 39 / 265 26 / 121 around the shoulder 85b by a spring (not shown). With this, a contact part 84b of the pressure element 84 presses the cylindrical part 81b of the drive transmission element 81 with a pressure force F1. Here, as shown in part (b) of Figure 5, the drive transmission element 81 can be freely tilted around the edge 82a1 of the support hole 82a as a fulcrum within a gap between the diameter φD1 of the sliding part 81a and the diameter φD2 of the support hole 82a of the side support plate 82. At the same time, it can freely advance and retract in the direction of the Q1 axis of the sliding part 81a. Therefore, the drive transmission element 81 is tilted in the direction of arrow N1 by the pressure force F1.

[0181] When the opening / closing door 13 is opened, the cylindrical cam 83 moves in the direction of arrow H1 in relation to the opening / closing door 13. As a result, the contact surface 83b of the cylindrical cam 83 comes into contact with the contacted surface 81c of the drive transmission element 81, so that the drive transmission element 81 moves in the direction of arrow H1 together with the cylindrical cam 83 as shown in part (b) of Figure 6. Then, the adjacent surface 81d of the drive transmission element 81 comes into contact with at least one of the projections 82b and the projection 82c of the side support plate 82. With this, the drive transmission element 81 is inclined in the direction of arrow N2 as shown in part (a) of Figure 6 and in part (c) of Figure 6.

[0182] The reasons for tilting the drive transmission element 81 as described above are, for example, the following. Cartridge B can be mounted and dismounted from the main assembly of the device A. Depending on the structure of the cartridge and the main assembly of the device, it is possible to smoothly remove and set cartridge B by tilting the drive transmission element 81 when mounting or dismounting the cartridge. That is, by tilting the drive transmission element 81, it may be easier to avoid interference between cartridge B and the drive transmission element 81 when cartridge B is mounted or dismounted. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 40 / 265 27 / 121

[0183] Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive transmission element 81 is provided in an inclined form so that the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 becomes greater, especially when the opening / closing door 13 for mounting / dismounting cartridge B is opened.

[0184] Even though the drive transmission element 81 may be very inclined, it is desirable to reduce the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 when connecting the drive transmission element 81 and the cartridge B to each other. The means for reducing the inclination of the drive transmission element 81 will be described below. <Mecanismo de engate de elemento de acoplamento>

[0185] Next, with reference to Figures 2, 4, 7 to 11, the coupling element 64 and the structure necessary for the coupling element 64 and the drive transmission element 81 to engage with each other will be described. The coupling element 64 is an element (drive input element, input coupling) for receiving a drive force (rotational force) to rotate the cylinder 62 and the developing roller 32 from outside the cartridge B (i.e., the main assembly of the imaging apparatus). Part (a) of Figure 7 is a side view of the drive side of cartridge B and part (b) of Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of X4-X4 in part (a) of Figure 7. Part (a) of Figure 8, part (a) of Figure 9, part (a) of Figure 10 and Figure 11 (a) are side views in a state in which cartridge B is inserted.Part (b) of Figure 8, part (b) of Figure 9, part (b) of Figure 10 and Figure 11 (b) are cutaway views taken along lines X5-X5, X6-X6, X7-X7 and X8-X8 of part (a) of Figure 8, part (a) of Figure 9, part (a) of Figure 10 and Figure 11 (a), respectively.

[0186] As shown in Figure 4, the drive transmission element 81 includes a recess (drive transmission part 81 e) having a substantially triangular shape. The coupling element 64 receives a drive force by engaging a driven transmission part 64a of the coupling element 64 shown in part (a) of Figure 7 with the recess (drive transmission part 81 e). The coupling element 64 is an engagement element that. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 41 / 265 28 / 121 engages with the drive transmission element 81. The drive transmission part 64a is located on the shaft of the photosensitive cylinder 62.

[0187] As described above, the side of the cartridge provided with the coupling element 64 in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder 62 is described as the drive side, and the opposite side of the drive side is described as the non-drive side. Part (a) of Figure 7 is a side view of the drive side. Furthermore, the side of the cartridge on which the photosensitive cylinder 62 is provided is described as the front side, and the right side is the front side and the left side is the rear side in part (a) of Figure 7. The front of the cartridge corresponds to the downstream side in the cartridge mounting direction, and the rear corresponds to the upstream side in the mounting direction. Unless otherwise specified, the top and bottom parts of the cartridge are defined in the attitude shown in part (a) of Figure 7. In part (a) of Figure 7, a cleaning unit including the photosensitive cylinder is arranged in the developing unit including the developing roller.

[0188] As shown in part (b) of Figure 7, the coupling element 64 is fixed to the end of the photosensitive cylinder by means of a press fit or clamp.

[0189] Therefore, when the coupling element 64 rotates, the photosensitive cylinder 62 also rotates. The photosensitive cylinder 62 and the elements that rotate integrally with the photosensitive cylinder 62 are collectively described as a cylinder unit. The coupling element 64 is a part of the cylinder unit.

[0190] A sliding part 64c of the coupling element 64 is rotatably supported by a bearing part 76a of a side element 76 integrally fixed to the cleaning structure 71. The side element 76 is a part that partially forms a side surface on the drive side of the cartridge and is part of the cartridge structure (housing).

[0191] In addition, the coupling element 64 is provided with a gear part 64b. A developing roller gear 36 is provided at the end. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 42 / 265 29 / 121 of the developing roller 32, and the gear part 64b of the coupling element 64 meshes with the developing roller gear 36. Therefore, the drive force (rotational force) received by the coupling element 64 from the drive transmission element 81 is transmitted to the photosensitive cylinder 62 and the developing roller 32. In this embodiment, the driven transmission part 64a of the coupling element 64 employs a projection form (projection) having a substantially triangular cross-section. Specifically, a form is employed which is provided by twisting a substantially triangular cross-section counterclockwise around the axis of the photosensitive cylinder from the drive side to the non-drive side.However, the driven transmission part 64a is not limited to that which has such a shape, and can be any shape that can engage with the drive transmission element 81 (see Figure 4) to receive the drive force. In this embodiment, the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of apparatus A is provided with a substantially triangular recess (drive transmission part, output coupling part) 81 which can engage with the driven transmission part 64a. Therefore, the driven transmission part 64a has a projection shape that can be engaged with the recess part. The number of projection shapes is not limited, but can be plural, and the shape is not limited to a triangle. Furthermore, the projection shape is like a twisted triangle, but does not necessarily have to be twisted.

[0192] On the other hand, a damping gear 87 is rotationally supported by the side element 76. The damping gear 87 has a predetermined rotational resistance provided by a mechanism such as a rotary damper including an embedded oil damper. The damping gear 87 includes a gear part 87a which is a left-hand helical gear. As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, in this embodiment, the distance D9 between the addendum circle of the gear part 87a and the axis of rotation Q2 of the cylinder 62, the diameter of the end circle cpD10 of the gear part 87a, the module D11, the helix angle D12, the root diameter cpD13 and the distance D14 Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 43 / 265 30 / 121 between the dedendum of the circle and the axis of rotation Q2 of cylinder 62 are D9 = 11.3 (pD10 = φ10, D11 = 0.7 D12 = 20°, (pD13 = φ6.85, D14 = 12.875.

[0193] That is, with respect to the addendum diameter cpD3, the module D4, the helix angle D5 and the dedendum cpD6 of the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81 (see Figure 4 and part (a) of Figure 11), a relationship D6 / 2 < D9 < D3 / 2 < D14 D4 = D10 = 0.7 D5 = D11 = 20° is satisfied.

[0194] In this embodiment, the damping gear 87 is on a straight line K2 substantially perpendicular to the straight line K1 connecting the rotation axis Q2 of the cylinder 62 and the rotation axis Q3 of the developing roller 32, relative to the rotation axis Q2 of the cylinder 62. The damping gear 87 is provided in a position 90° upstream of the rotation direction R of the cylinder 62 relative to the developing roller 32.

[0195] In addition, the side element 76 is provided with an arched inclined rib (protruding part) 86 projecting from the side element 76. In this embodiment, the range S1 in which the inclined rib 86 is provided is ± 45° on the opposite side of the rotation axis Q3 of the developing roller 32 relative to the rotation axis Q2 of the cylinder 62. The inner diameter RD15 and the outer diameter RD16 of the inclined rib 86 are RD15 = R8.1 RD16 = R9.8

[0196] That is, with respect to the outer diameter cpD7 and the inner diameter cpD8 of the slot 81 g of the drive transmission element 81, a ratio of

[0197] D8 < 2 x D15 < 2 x D16 < D7 is satisfied (see Figure 4 and part (a) of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 44 / 265 31 / 121 Figure 11).

[0198] Furthermore, as shown in part (c) of Figure 2, part (b) of Figure 7 and Figure 84, the inclined rib 86 is provided with an inclined surface (inclined part, contact part) 86a.

[0199] Next, with reference to Figures 8 to 11, the engagement of the coupling element 64 will be described. Figure 8 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 13 is open, that is, the state in which cartridge B was inserted into the main assembly of device A in the state shown in Figure 6. Figure 9 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 13 is closed from the state of Figure 8. Figure 10 shows a state in which the main assembly of device A is driven and the drive transmission element 81 is rotated, from the state of Figure 9. Figure 11 shows a state in which the drive transmission element 81 is further rotated from the state of Figure 10 and the drive transmission element 81 and the coupling element 64 are engaged with each other.In Figures 8 to 11, for better illustration, only three parts of cartridge B are shown, namely, the coupling element 64, the damping gear 87 and the side element 76.

[0200] When cartridge B is inserted into the main assembly of device A from the state in which the opening / closing door 13 is open, i.e., from the state of part (t) of Figure 6, the damping gear 87 is in the vicinity of the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission gear 81 inclined in the direction N2, as shown in part (a) of Figure 8. The gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81 and the gear part 87a of the damping gear 87 are separated by a space D17. At this moment, the drive transmission part 81 and the drive transmission element 81 and the rotation axis Q2 of the cylinder 62 are misaligned due to the amount of misalignment D18.Furthermore, as shown in part (b) of Figure 8, the drive transmission part 81 and the drive transmission element 81 and the drive transmission part 64a of the coupling element 64 are separated by a space D19 in the longitudinal direction. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 45 / 265 32 / 121

[0201] When the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cylindrical cam 83 moves in the direction of arrow H2 shown in part (b) of Figure 8, so that the contact surface 83b of the cylindrical cam and the contact surface 81c of the drive transmission element 81 are separated from each other. As described above, the drive transmission element 81 is pressed by the pressure element 84 with the pressure force F1 and therefore the drive transmission element 81 is inclined in the direction of arrow N3, as shown in part (a) of Figure 9. As a result, the gear part 81f of the drive transmission element 81 and the gear part 87a of the damping gear 87 are placed in meshing engagement with each other in region S2.The drive transmission part 81 and the drive transmission element 81 are in a state of misalignment with respect to the axis of rotation Q2 of cylinder 62 due to the amount of misalignment D20.

[0202] In this state, the main assembly of the device A is driven to rotate the drive transmission element in the direction of arrow G1 around the axis of rotation Q1. As described above, the damping gear 87 has a predetermined rotational resistance. For this reason, between the gear part 81f of the drive transmission element 81, which is a helical toothed gear, and the gear part 87a of the damping gear 87, the gear force F2 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder and the engagement force F3 in the thrust direction shown in part (b) of Figure 9 are produced. As a result, the drive transmission element 81 is moved in the direction of arrow H3 along the axis of rotation Q1.So, as shown in Figure 84, the inclination 81 h is guided by the inclination 86a of the inclined rib 86, and as a result, the free end surface 81 kea and the free end 64d of the coupling element 64 come into contact with each other with a misalignment amount D21 in the N4 direction, as shown in part (a) of Figure 10 and in part (b) of Figure 10. At this moment, the ratio between the misalignment amount D20 and the misalignment amount D21 is D20 > D21. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 46 / 265 33 / 121

[0203] When the drive transmission element 81 further rotates in the direction of arrow G1 from this state, the phases of the drive transmission part 81 and the drive transmission element 81 having a substantially triangular shape and the driven transmission part 64a of the coupling element 64 are brought into alignment with each other. Then, the drive transmission element 81 moves further in the direction of arrow H3 and, as shown in Figure 11, the drive transmission part 81 and the drive transmission element and the driven transmission part 64a of the coupling element 64 are engaged with each other.

[0204] In this embodiment, the damping gear 87 is an independent gear having a predetermined rotational resistance, but such a structure is not always necessary. For example, it may be part of a power train connected with the loading roller 66 or the feed element 43. In that case, it is not necessary to incorporate an oil damper or similar, as described above in the damping gear 87, utilizing the rotational resistance of the power train.

[0205] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the center of the damping gear 87 (axis of rotation) is arranged in a position moved 90° from the position of the center of the developing roller 32 (axis of rotation) towards the upstream side of the rotation direction R of the cylinder 62, but it is not necessary to place the damping gear 87 exactly in this position, the position may be such that it can mesh with the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81 inclined in the direction of arrow N3, as shown in part (a) of Figure 9. For example, the cylinder 62 may be arranged in a range of 60° to 120° towards the upstream side of the rotation direction R of the cylinder relative to the developing roller 32.

[0206] Furthermore, although the damping gear 87 is a helical gear in the previous description, it is not always necessary to use the damping gear 87, and it is sufficient that the damping gear 87 meshes with the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 47 / 265 34 / 121

[0207] For example, a spur gear 230 having a thin face width, as shown in part (a) of Figure 12, or a structure in which the projections, as shown in part (b) of Figure 12, are arranged in a spiral profile, may be used. If it is a thin spur gear 230, as shown in part (a) of Figure 12, it may be engaged with the helical gear of the drive transmission element 81. It is conceivable that the face width of the spur gear 230 is 1 mm or less.

[0208] Furthermore, in gear 232 having the form shown in part (b) of Figure 12, four projections 232a are arranged obliquely with respect to the axis of the gear. These four projections 232a are considered to be the teeth 232b of the helical gear divided into four. That is, gear 232 can be considered as a form of the helical gear. In the present application, when referring to the cartridge helical gear, the gear in the form of gear 232 is also included.

[0209] Furthermore, in this structure, the inclined rib 86 is provided in the S1 range within a range of ± 45° in the opposite region of the developing roller relative to the axis of the photosensitive cylinder. However, this is not always necessary, and will be sufficient if it is in a position where the inclination 81 h of the drive transmission element 81 inclined in the direction of arrow N3 and in the direction of arrow N4 can be guided in this way. For example, it can be provided in a range of ± 10° on the opposite side of the developing roller or it can be provided along the entire circumference of 360°.

[0210] The structure of the cartridge above is summarized below.

[0211] As shown in part (b) of Figure 2, the coupling element (input coupling element, cylinder coupling, engagement element, drive input element) 64 is provided in the vicinity of the end on the drive side (first end) 62z1 of the photosensitive cylinder 62. The coupling element 64 includes a projected driven transmission part (drive input part, drive force receiving part, Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 48 / 265 35 / 121 input coupling part) 64a, and the driven transmission part 64a is structured to receive the drive force from the drive transmission part 81 and the drive force transmission element 1 (see Figure 11). In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the driven transmission part 64a is substantially triangular, but the shape is not necessarily limited to this shape.

[0212] In addition, cartridge B also includes a gear element (damping gear) 87 and an inclined rib 86 (inclined part 86a). The gear element 64 and the inclined part 86a are arranged on the drive side Bz1 of cartridge B as the coupling element 64. That is, the coupling element 64, the inclined part 86a and the gear element 64 are arranged in the vicinity of the side element 76. The side element 76 is a part of the cartridge structure and is an element that constitutes a side (drive side, first side) of the structure in the axial direction Z.

[0213] At least part of the inclined part 86a is located externally (the downstream side in the direction indicated by arrow z1) in the axial direction Z relative to the non-driven transmission part 64a (see part (b) of Figure 2 and part (b) of Figure 11). In other words, in the axial direction Z, at least part of the inclined part 86a is located further away (distant) from the non-driven side 71 z2 of the cartridge structure B than the driven transmission part 64a. In other words, in the axial direction Z, at least part of the inclined part 86a is further away from the end on the non-driven side (second end) 62z2 of the photosensitive cylinder than the driven transmission part 64a.

[0214] At least a portion of the teeth of gear element 87 is arranged externally (the downstream side in the direction indicated by arrow z1), in the axial direction Z, from the driven transmission part 64a (see part (b) of Figure 2 and part (b) of Figure 7). In other words, in the axial direction Z, at least a portion of the teeth of gear element 87 is farther from the non-driven side (second side) 71z2 of the cartridge structure B than from the driven transmission part 64a. In other words, in the axial direction Z, at least a portion of the teeth of the element Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 49 / 265 Gear 36 / 121 87 is further from the end part on the non-drive side (second end part) 62z2 of the photosensitive cylinder than the non-drive transmission part 64a.

[0215] When cartridge B is viewed along the axis of the photosensitive cylinder 62, as shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the teeth of the gear element 87 are placed in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive cylinder 62. Furthermore, the center of the gear element 87 is arranged in a range between 60 degrees and 120 degrees towards the upstream side in the direction of rotational movement R of the cylinder 62 relative to the line extending from the center of the photosensitive cylinder 62 towards the center of the developing roller. When the drive transmission element 1 rotates while the output gear part 81 f (see part (a) of Figure 4 of the drive transmission element 81) is engaged with the damping gear (gear element) 87, the drive transmission element 1 approaches cartridge B by the force generated by the engagement of the gears.At this moment, the inclined rib (inclined part) 86a comes into contact with the drive transmission element 81 (inclination 81 h) (see part (b) of Figure 10). As a result, the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 relative to the cylinder 62 is reduced, and the recess (output coupling part) 81 of the drive transmission element 1 is enabled to engage with the driven transmission part 64a of cartridge B (see part (b) of Figure 11). With such a structure, the inclined drive transmission element 81 is connected to cartridge B, and the drive force can be transmitted from the drive transmission element 81 to cartridge B.

[0216] In this embodiment, the coupling element 64 is used as the drive input element that receives the drive force from the drive transmission element 81.

[0217] However, the drive input element that is connected to the drive transmission element 81 to receive the drive force Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 50 / 265 37 / 121 is not limited to the coupling element 64. A gear element capable of receiving a drive force by engaging with the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81 may be provided in the cartridge separately from the damping gear 87.

[0218] For example, in this embodiment, the developing roller gear 36 connected to the developing roller 32 is structured to receive the drive force by means of the coupling element 64 (see part (b) of Figure 7). However, the developing roller gear 36 can be exposed to the outside of the cartridge and then directly meshed with the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81. That is, after the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 is reduced by the inclined rib 86a, the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81 can be engaged with the developing roller gear 36, and the drive transmission element 81 and the cartridge can be connected so as to be able to transmit the drive force.

[0219] An example of the cartridge gear element that can receive a drive force to rotate the developing roller 32 by engaging with the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81 in this way is the gear element 187 shown in part (a) of Figure 15. The gear element 187 is an element connected to the developing roller 32 so as to be capable of drive transmission. Although the damping gear 87 is not shown in Figure 15, it can be considered that the damping gear 87 is placed in the same position as in Figure 1. The cartridge structure in which the drive input element that receives the drive force is provided separately from the coupling element 64 will be described in Embodiment 2.

[0220] If the developer roller gear 36 (187) connected to the developer roller is designed to engage directly with the drive transmission element 81 to receive the drive force, the drive force can be transmitted from the gear 36 (187) to the photosensitive cylinder 62. For example, Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 51 / 265 38 / 121 as shown in Figure 22, the photosensitive cylinder 62 and the developing roller 32 are connected via gears 39 and 63, and the drive force can be transmitted from the drive transmission element 81 to the photosensitive cylinder 62 via the developing roller 32.

[0221] That is, the gear element 36 (187) as the drive input element can be connected to the photosensitive cylinder 62 by means of the developing roller 32 and other gears 39 and 63 so as to be capable of drive transmission. In such a case, the photosensitive cylinder 62 does not need to receive the drive force from the coupling element 64. The coupling element 64 can be used merely as a coupling element that engages with the drive transmission element 81 so that the drive force is not transmitted from the coupling element 64 to the photosensitive cylinder 62. Alternatively, the coupling element 64 as the coupling element can be removed from the cartridge.

[0222] However, the coupling element 64, as the engagement element, positions the drive transmission element 81 in relation to the cartridge, engaging with the recess 81 and the drive transmission element 81. From this point of view, it is still preferable to leave the engagement element that engages with the drive transmission element 81 in the cartridge.

[0223] The coupling element 64 is provided with the driven transmission part 64a in the form of an engagement part (projection) capable of engaging with the recess 81e (see part (c) of Figure 2). If the coupling element 64 is merely an engagement element that does not transmit a drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder 62, the shape of the driven transmission part 64a can be altered. For example, the shape of the driven transmission part 64a can be a cylindrical projection that can be engaged with the recess 81e of the drive transmission element 81. The cylindrical engagement part cannot receive a drive force from the drive transmission element 81, even when engaged in the recess 81e. Therefore, the coupling element 64 does not transmit the drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder 62, and is only a Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 52 / 265 39 / 121 coupling element.

[0224] The structure of this modality is summarized below.

[0225] The main assembly of the image-forming apparatus A includes the tiltable drive transmission element (drive output element) 81 capable of emitting the drive force.

[0226] On the other hand, the cartridge is provided with the photosensitive cylinder 62 and the damping gear (gear element) 87. The damping gear 87 is provided on the drive side of the cartridge. The damping gear 87 rotates in an engaged state with the gear part 81 f provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drive transmission element 81 to bring the drive transmission element closer to the cartridge (see part (b) of Figure 9, part (b) of Figure 10 and part (b) of Figure 11). This occurs because the damping gear 87 is rotationally driven by the drive transmission element 81, so that a force F3 (see part (b) of Figure 9) pulling the drive transmission element 81 towards the cartridge is generated.

[0227] In addition, an inclined rib (inclined part) 86 for contacting the drive transmission element approaching the cartridge via the damping gear 87 is disposed on the drive side of the cartridge (see part (b) of Figure 9 and Figure 84). The drive transmission element 81 moves along the inclination of the inclined rib 86, so that the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 changes. That is, the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 relative to the photosensitive cylinder 62 becomes smaller. Therefore, the drive transmission element 81 is connected to the cartridge so that the drive can be transmitted. In this embodiment, the coupling element 64 is provided as a drive input element that receives a drive force from the drive transmission element 81 (see part (a) of Figure 7).

[0228] In the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, at least one part of the damping gear 87 is arranged relatively on the drive side in Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 53 / 265 40 / 121 in relation to the inclined rib 86 (see part (b) of Figure 7). That is, at least part of the damping gear 87 is on the downstream side in the direction indicated by arrow Z1 in relation to the inclined rib 86.

[0229] In other words, in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, at least part of the damping gear 87 is located further away from the non-drive side of the cartridge than the inclined rib 86.

[0230] In the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, at least one part of the damping gear 87 is disposed relatively on the drive side in relation to the driven transmission part (drive force receiving part) 64a of the coupling element 64 (see part (b) of Figure 7). In other words, in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, at least one part of the damping gear 87 is disposed in a position further from the non-drive side of the coupling element 64 than the driven transmission part (drive force receiving part) 64a. The damping gear 87 is disposed closer to arrow Z1 than the driven transmission part 64a.

[0231] When the cartridge is viewed along the cartridge axis, the axis (center) of the damping gear 87 is arranged in an angular range of 60° to 120° upstream of the axis (center) of the developing roller 32 in the direction of rotation of cylinder R around the axis (center) of cylinder 62. That is, comparing the line that passes from the center of the photosensitive cylinder to the center of the developing roller and the line that extends from the center of the photosensitive cylinder and passes through the center of the damping gear 87, the latter line is upstream of the former line in the direction of rotation R, and the angle between the two lines is greater than 60° and less than 120°. In this embodiment, when the former line is rotated 90° upstream in the direction of rotation R, it overlaps the latter line.

[0232] The damping gear 87 can be engaged with the gear part 81 f (see Figure 4), which is a helical gear. In this embodiment, the damping gear 87 is also a helical gear (see part (c) of Figure 2). Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 54 / 265 41 / 121

[0233] The inclined rib 86 for altering the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 is structured so that the drive side thereof is farther from the Q2 axis of the photosensitive cylinder than the non-drive side thereof (see part (b) of Figure 7). That is, when the distance from the Q2 axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the inclined rib is measured along the direction perpendicular to the Q2 axis, the distance increases as the distance from the non-drive side of the cartridge increases in the axial direction. In part (b) of Figure 7, the distance between the inclined rib 86 and the Q2 axis increases in the direction of arrow z1.<Modalidade 2>

[0234] Modality 2 will be described next. The same points as in the modality described above will be omitted. In particular, among the elements described in this modality, those corresponding to the elements described in Modality 1 receive the same names as those of the elements of Modality 1, and the description will be made with respect to the elements different from those of Modality 1.

[0235] In Mode 1, the position of the damping gear 87 is fixed relative to the axis of rotation Q2 of cylinder 62, but in this mode, the axis of the damping gear 87 is movable relative to the axis of rotation Q2 of cylinder 62.

[0236] Figure 13 is a side view of cartridge B in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, a gear support 88 is mounted on the side element 76 so as to be oscillating around the axis of rotation Q3. In addition, a damping gear 87 is mounted on the gear support 88 so as to be rotatable around the axis of rotation Q4. Similar to Embodiment 1, the damping gear 87 has a predetermined rotational resistance. A thrust spring 89 is mounted on the side element 76, and the gear support 88 is driven by the thrust force F21. As a result, the gear support 88 rests against the adjacent part 76b of the side element 76. Furthermore, the side element 76 is provided with an inclined rib 86 in a position substantially opposite to the damping gear 87 with respect to the axis of rotation Q2 of the cylinder 62, in an interval S3 of ± 45°. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 55 / 265 42 / 121

[0237] When cartridge B is inserted into the main assembly of apparatus A, the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81 and the gear part 87a of the damping gear 87 are placed in meshing engagement with each other in region S4, as shown in Figure 14. The drive transmission element 81 is inclined in the direction of arrow N5, and the gear support 88 resists the thrust force F21 of the thrust spring 89 by the contact force F22 between the gear part 81 f and the gear part 87a, so that it oscillates in the direction of arrow V1 around the axis of rotation Q3. In this embodiment, the direction of movement of the gear 87 is a direction that crosses the axis of the gear 87. More specifically, the gear 87 can move in a direction perpendicular to its own axis.

[0238] Here, when the opening / closing door 13 is closed and the drive transmission element 81 is actuated in the direction of arrow G1, the drive transmission element 81 moves in the direction of arrow H4 by the engagement force F23 in the direction of thrust between the gear part 81 f of the drive transmission element 81 and the gear part 87a of the damping gear 87. As a result, as in Embodiment 1, the inclination 81 h of the drive transmission element 81 is guided by the inclined surface 86a of the inclined rib 86, so that the drive transmission part 81 and the drive transmission element 81 and the non-driven transmission part 64c of the coupling element 64 are engaged with each other.

[0239] In this embodiment, the oscillation center Q3 of the gear support 88 supporting the damping gear 87 is provided in the side element 76, but it is not always necessary, and will be sufficient if the cylinder 62 can be moved relative to the rotation axis Q2. For example, as shown in Figure 15, a gear 187 in drive connection with the developing roller 32 by an Oldham coupling can be used. With the structure described above, the damping gear 87 can move in a direction that crosses its axis, as shown in part (a) of Figure 15 and in part (b) of Figure 15. Furthermore, the force of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 56 / 265 43 / 121 drive can be transmitted to the developing roller 32 by rotating gear 187. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to transmit the drive to the developing roller 32 via the gear part 64b (see part (b) of Figure 7) of the coupling element 64.

[0240] It is also possible to transmit the drive force received from gear 187 to the photosensitive cylinder 62. When the drive force is transmitted from gear 187 to the photosensitive cylinder 62, the coupling element 64 does not have to receive the drive force from the drive transmission element 81. That is, the coupling element 64 is a coupling element that simply engages with the drive transmission element 81, and it is not necessary to provide the coupling element with a drive force transmission function. Alternatively, the coupling element 64 can be completely removed from the cartridge.

[0241] With reference to Figure 22, an example of a structure will be described in which a gear (gear element) 187 is used instead of the coupling element 64 to receive a drive force from the drive transmission element 81, wherein Figure 22 shows a modified example in which the power train is partially different from this embodiment.

[0242] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the non-drive side of cartridge B. As shown in this Figure, a cylinder drive gear 39 is provided at the end of the non-drive side of the developing roller 32. In addition, a cylinder drive gear 63 is provided at an end part 62z2 on the non-drive side of cylinder 62.

[0243] When the developing roller 32 is rotatably driven by the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the apparatus A by means of the gear 187, the drive is transmitted from the drive gear of the cylinder 39 to the driven gear of the cylinder 63, and the cylinder 62 is driven by rotation. With this structure, it is not necessary to provide the driven transmission part 364a of the coupling element 64, and the structure of the cartridge B can be simplified. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 57 / 265 44 / 121

[0244] In any case, the gear elements 87 and 187 in this embodiment can move relative to the cartridge structure B and the photosensitive cylinder in the direction that crosses the axis of rotation of the gear elements 87 and 187. Even if the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 changes, the gear element (187) can move following it. Compared with embodiment 1, the latitude in the arrangement of the gear elements can be increased in this embodiment.

[0245] Furthermore, a cartridge may include both gear 87 shown in Figure 13 and gear 187 shown in Figure 15. That is, gear 87 to bring the drive transmission element 81 closer to the inclined rib of the cartridge and a gear 187 to receive a drive force to rotate the developing roller 32 and similar from the drive transmission element 81 may be supplied separately. In this case, gear 87 does not need to be structured to be movable, as gear 87 may move in a direction that crosses its axis. This is because gear 187 may be fixed in a position where it may be engaged with the drive transmission element 81, whose angle of inclination is reduced in contact with the inclined rib 86. <Modalidade 3>

[0246] In the embodiment described above, the structure in which the drive transmission element 81 is moved in the direction of arrow H2 (see Figure 8) by the engagement force engaged in the thrust direction with the damping gear 87 to engage with the coupling element 64 was described. In this embodiment, a structure in which the drive transmission element 81 is engaged with the coupling element 64 without moving in the direction of the arrow will be described. Also in this embodiment, the same points of the embodiment described above will be omitted. Among the elements described in this embodiment, those corresponding to the elements described in the embodiment described above receive the same names as the elements in the embodiment mentioned above, and the points different from those in the embodiment mentioned above will only be described. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 58 / 265 45 / 121

[0247] With reference first to Figures 16 and 17, the drive-side flange unit 369 will be described. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the drive-side flange unit 369. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the drive-side flange unit 369.

[0248] As shown in Figure 16, a drive-side flange element 75, a coupling element 364, and a first pressure element 59 are provided at the drive-side end of the cylinder 62. The drive-side flange element 75 is fixed to the cylinder 62 by means of a press fit or clamp. Furthermore, in the coupling element 364, the supported part 364b is fitted and supported by the coupling support part 75b of the drive-side flange element 75, and is movable in the direction of the rotation axis Q2 of the cylinder 62. In addition, the first pressure element 59 is provided between the drive-side flange element and the coupling element 364, to press the coupling element 364 in the direction of arrow H301 with the pressure force F301.The coupling element 364 is provided with the driven transmission part (input coupling part) 364a which engages with the drive transmission part (output coupling part) 81e (see Figure 4) of the drive transmission element 81. Furthermore, the coupling element 364 has a cylindrical part 364g so as to enclose the transmission part on the non-drive side 364a. The free end of the cylindrical part has a sloping surface (sloping part) 364g1. The sloping surface 364g1 is positioned away from the Q2 axis of the driven transmission part 364a and has a tapered shape that opens outwards in the longitudinal direction.

[0249] Furthermore, the coupling element 364 is provided with a pair of grooved drive transmission parts 364c recessed from the support part 364b. On the other hand, the coupling support part 75b of the drive side flange element 75 is provided with a pair of driven transmission parts 75c having a projection shape that enters the pair of drive transmission parts 364c. With this, the pair of drive transmission parts 364c comes into contact with the pair of driven transmission parts Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 59 / 265 46 / 121 75c, so that the drive force is transmitted from the coupling element 364 to the drive-side flange element 75.

[0250] Subsequently, with reference to the Figure, the cleaning unit 60 including the drive-side flange unit 369 described above will be described.

[0251] Figure 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating the drive-side structure of the cleaning unit 60 according to this embodiment.

[0252] As shown in Figure 18, the side element 376 has an inner cylindrical peripheral surface 376a supporting the coupling element 364, an outer cylindrical peripheral surface 376b supporting a cam element 70 (which will be described below), and a projection 376c projecting outwards from the outer cylindrical peripheral surface. In addition, a lever element (operating element) 12 and a cam element 70 are provided between the drive-side flange unit 369 and the side element 376.

[0253] The lever element 12 comprises an adjacent part 12a provided on one end side, an engaged part 12b provided on the other end side, a sliding support part 12c connecting the adjacent part 12a and the engaged part 12b, and similarly. The meat element 70 is a ring-shaped element including a supported part 70e which is a cylindrical inner peripheral surface. Furthermore, the meat element 70 is provided to have an inner end surface 70c on the inner side in the longitudinal direction, a first surface 70a on the outer side in the longitudinal direction, a second surface 70d parallel to the first surface 70a and recessed inwards in the longitudinal direction from the first surface 70a, and an inclined surface 70b that smoothly connects the first surface 70a and the second surface 70b.

[0254] The lever element 12 is arranged so that the sliding support part 12c is placed between the sliding ribs 371g provided in the cleaning frame 371, and is supported so as to be movable in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2 relative to the cleaning frame 371. The supported part 70e of one of the advance / retraction meat elements 70 is fitted with the cylindrical outer peripheral part 376b of the side element 376, and is supported by the side element 376 of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 60 / 265 47 / 121 mode to be rotatable and movable in the direction of axis Q2.

[0255] Subsequently, with reference to Figures 18 and 19, the interrelated operation of the lever element 12, the cam element 70 and the coupling element 376 will be described.

[0256] Figure 19 is an illustration of the interrelated operation between the lever element 12 and the coupling element 364.

[0257] First, the engaged part 12b provided at one end of the lever element 12 is engaged with the engagement part of the lever element 70a of the forward / retracting cam element 70. With this, the movement of the lever element 12 in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2 and the rotation of the cam element 70 are interrelated. The lever element 12 is an operating element used to move the coupling element 364 forward and backward in the axial direction.

[0258] When the user moves the lever element 12 in the direction of arrow Y1, the effect is as follows. As a result of the movement of arrow Y1 of the lever element 12, the meat element 70 rotates counterclockwise in part (a) of Figure 18 (clockwise in part (b) of Figure 18). Then, the part of the meat element that contacts the projection 376c of the side element 376 moves from the first surface 70a to the second surface 70d by means of the inclined surface 70b. Therefore, the meat element 70 moves in the direction of arrow Z1 together with the coupling element 364 during the use of the thrust force of the first pressure element 59 (see Figure 16).

[0259] Conversely, when the user moves the lever element 12 in the direction of arrow Y2 opposite to the direction of arrow Y1, the meat element 70 rotates in the opposite direction to that described above, and the coupling element 364 moves in the direction of arrow Z2 against the thrust force of the first pressure element. In other words, the coupling element 364 moves towards the outside of the photosensitive cylinder, that is, in the direction in which the free end of the coupling element 364 moves away from the photosensitive cylinder. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 61 / 265 48 / 121

[0260] As described above, the movements of the lever element 12 in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2 and the movements of the coupling element 364 in the directions of arrows Z1 and Z2 are interrelated by means of the cam element 70.

[0261] With reference to Figure 20, a structure will be described in which the cleaning unit 60 having the above structure is mounted on the main assembly of the apparatus A, and the drives of the drive transmission element 81 and the coupling element 364 are connected.

[0262] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how the coupling element 364 is connected to the drive transmission element 81.

[0263] First, the lever element 12 is moved in the direction of arrow Y2 before mounting cartridge B in the main assembly of apparatus A. Then, as described above, the coupling element 364 is in a state of having been moved in the direction of arrow Z2. When cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of apparatus A held in this state, as shown in part (a) of Figure 20 and part (b) of Figure 20, the coupling element 364 assumes a position separate from the drive transmission element 81 in the longitudinal direction. At this moment, the large gear is inclined in the direction of arrow N1 as in the embodiment described above. When the lever element 12 is moved in the direction of arrow Y1 from this state, the coupling element 364 moves in the direction of arrow Z1 shown in Figure 18 in this way, as shown in part (c) of Figure 20 and part (d) of Figure 20.As a result, the inclined surface 364 approaches the inclined surface 81 h of the drive transmission element 81. After that, the inclined surface 364 of the coupling element 364 comes into contact with the inclined surface 81 h of the drive transmission element 81, so that the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 decreases. Then, as shown in part (e) of Figure 20 and in part (f) of Figure 20, the inclined surface 364g1 enters a slotted part 81 g of the drive transmission element 81 while reducing the angle of inclination of the element. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 62 / 265 49 / 121 drive transmission 81. Finally, the recess 81 and the drive transmission element 81 and the drive transmission part 364a are engaged with each other (see Figures 20E and 20F).

[0264] Conversely, when cartridge B is removed from the main assembly of device A, lever element 12 is moved in the direction of arrow Y2. Then, coupling element 364 moves in the direction of arrow Z2, disengages from the drive transmission part and finally returns to the states shown in part (a) of Figure 20 and in part (b) of Figure 20. With this, cartridge B can be removed from the main assembly of device A.

[0265] As described above, according to this embodiment, by moving the coupling element 364 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) by means of the lever element 12, the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the apparatus A and the coupling element 364 can be engaged and disengaged with respect to each other, as desired.

[0266] In this embodiment, the lever element 12 is moved by the user's manual operation in the present embodiment, but a drive element, such as a spring that drives the lever element 12 to move it in the direction of arrow Y2, may be provided. In addition, as shown in Figure 21, a part (cartridge pressure element 1) for moving the lever element 12 in the direction of arrow Y1 may be provided on the opening / closing door of the main assembly of the device A.

[0267] In Figure 21, the pressure element of cartridge 1 interconnected with the opening / closing door 13 presses not only the cartridge, but also the lever element 12 when the opening / closing door 13 closes. With this operation, the lever element 12 moves in the direction of arrow Y2 relative to the cartridge structure. With such a structure, the user does not need to operate the lever element 12 when assembling / disassembling cartridge B, thus improving usability.

[0268] The structure of cartridge B of this embodiment is summarized as follows. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 63 / 265 50 / 121

[0269] In this embodiment, the coupling element (engaging element, moving element, advance / retract element) 364 that can be coupled to the drive transmission element 81 can advance / retract in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder. That is, as shown in Figure 20, the coupling element 364 can move between the retracted position towards the inside of the photosensitive cylinder 62 and the advanced position towards the outside of the photosensitive cylinder 62. In this embodiment, the coupling element 364 moves linearly parallel to the axis of the photosensitive cylinder, but this is not always necessary. If the direction of movement of the coupling element 364 has a component in the axial direction, the coupling element 364 can be considered as moving in the axial direction.

[0270] The coupling element 364 and the photosensitive cylinder 62 are parts of the cylinder unit.

[0271] The coupling element 364 has a cylindrical part 364g, in addition to a projection as a driven transmission part (input coupling part) 364a, and has an inclined surface (inclined part) 364g1 in the vicinity of the free end of the cylindrical part 364g (see part (a) of Figure 17). When the coupling element 364 advances and retracts, the inclined part 364g1 moves in the axial direction (directions of arrows z1 and z2 in part (a) of Figure 17) together with the driven transmission part 364a. That is, the inclined part 364g1 and the driven transmission part 364a move integrally.

[0272] Therefore, when the coupling element 364 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the inclined part 364g1 advances towards the outside of the photosensitive cylinder together with the driven transmission part 364a, i.e., in the direction approaching the drive transmission element 81. With this movement, the inclined part 364g1 comes into contact with the drive transmission element 81 to reduce the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element (see part (c) of Figure 20, part (d) of Figure 20, part (e) of Figure 20 and part (f) of Figure 20). Therefore, the recess 81 and the drive transmission element 81 can be reliably engaged with the driven transmission part 364a of the coupling element 364. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 64 / 265 51 / 121

[0273] In this embodiment, the inclined part 364g1 for reducing the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 is arranged in a circumferential form so as to enclose the entire circumference of the driven transmission part 364a (see part (a) of Figure 17). That is, the coupling element 364 has a cylindrical part 364g that encloses the driven transmission part (drive input part, drive force receiving part) and has an inclined part 364g1 in the vicinity of the free end of the cylindrical part 364g. Then, regardless of the phase of the coupling element 364, the inclined part 364g1 certainly comes into contact with the drive transmission element 81.

[0274] However, the structure is not limited to such a structure, and a structure in which the inclined part 364g1 is arranged only in a specific location may be considered. For example, if the coupling element 364 is maintained so as to have a predetermined phase when the coupling element 364 is stopped, the inclined part 364g1 may be arranged in a specific position where it can come into contact with the drive transmission element 81.

[0275] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inclined part 364g1 is arranged in a position overlapping the driven transmission part 364a in the axial direction. That is, as shown in part (a) of Figure 16, when the inclined part 364g1 and the driven transmission part 364a are projected in a straight line parallel to the Q2 axis, the projection area U1 of the inclined part 364g1 and the projected area U2 of the driven transmission part 364a overlap at least partially. However, similarly to Embodiment 1, the inclined part 364a1 of this embodiment can be arranged outside the driven transmission part 364a in the axial direction (the side of the arrow z1 shown in part (a) of Figure 16). That is, the inclined part 364g1 can be arranged in a more remote position from the end part 62z2 on the non-driven side of the photosensitive cylinder 62 than the driven transmission part 364a.

[0276] Cartridge B also includes the lever element as an operating element for moving the coupling element 364. The end of the lever element 12 projects behind the cartridge (Figure 21). On the rear side of the cartridge Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 65 / 265 52 / 121 B, the lever element 12 moves towards the front of the cartridge receiving an external force. With this movement, the coupling element 364 moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0277] The structure of this modality is summarized below.

[0278] The main assembly of the image-forming apparatus A includes a tiltable drive transmission element (drive output element) 81 capable of emitting a drive force (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0279] On the other hand, the cartridge has a photosensitive cylinder 62 and a coupling element 364 (see Figures 3 and 18).

[0280] The coupling element 364 is a drive input element disposed near the drive end (first end) of the photosensitive cylinder and is connected to the photosensitive cylinder so that the drive force can be transmitted towards the photosensitive cylinder. In addition, the coupling element 364 is a movable element that can move in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder (see Figure 19).

[0281] The coupling element 364 includes the driven drive transmission element (drive force receiving part, engagement element) 364e engaged with the recess (output coupling part) 81e (Figure 4) provided at the free end of the drive transmission element 81 to receive the drive force (part (a) of Figure 17). The coupling element 364 is an engagement element that can engage with the drive transmission element 81.

[0282] The driven transmission part 364e is a projection having a shape corresponding to recess 81 and (part (a) of Figure 17). The driven transmission part 364e is extended along the Q2 axes of the coupling element and the photosensitive cylinder 62. That is, the driven transmission part 364e is disposed on the Q2 axis.

[0283] In addition, the coupling element 364 has the inclined part 364g1. The inclined part 364g1 is an element that can be moved integrally with the driven transmission part 364e. That is, when the coupling element 364 Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 66 / 265 53 / 121 moves in the axial directions Z1 and Z2, the driven transmission part 364e and the inclined part 364e move together in the axial directions Z1 and Z2 (see Figure 19). Similarly, when the coupling element 364 is rotatably driven, the inclined part 364g1 and the driven transmission part 364e rotate together.

[0284] In this embodiment, the inclined part 364g1 is located on the edge of the cylindrical part 364g.

[0285] The inclined part 364e is located further from the axis of the coupling element 364 than the driven transmission part 364e (Figure 16 and part (a) of Figure 17).

[0286] When the coupling element 364 moves towards the drive transmission element 81, the inclined part 364g1 reduces the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 by coming into contact with the drive transmission element 81. This allows the driven transmission part 364e to enter the recess 81 and the drive transmission element 81 (see Figure 20). That is, the coupling element 364 of the cartridge becomes connectable to the drive transmission element 81.

[0287] In order to change the tilt angle of the drive transmission element 81, the inclined part 364g of the coupling element 364 is as follows. When the measured distance from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the inclined part 364g along the direction perpendicular to the axis increases (becomes longer) as the distance from the non-drive side increases. As shown in Figure 16, the left side of the inclined part 364g1 is located further away from the axis Q2 than the right side of the inclined part 364g1. Here, the left side of Figure 16 is the drive side of the cartridge, and the right side is the non-drive side of the cartridge.

[0288] That is, the inclined part 364g1 is further from the Q2 axis, since it is far from the end part of the non-drive side (second end part) 62z2 of the photosensitive cylinder 62 (see Figure 16).

[0289] In this embodiment, the coupling element 364 can be considered Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 67 / 265 54 / 121 as a pressure element (thrust element) on the cartridge side that presses and propels the drive transmission element 81 by the inclined part 364g1 to reduce the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81.

[0290] The coupling element 364 performs two functions, namely, an input drive element to receive a drive force from the output drive element 81, and a pressure element that presses the output drive element 81. However, the coupling element 364 does not necessarily have to perform two functions and, for example, a structure in which the coupling element 364 serves only as the pressure element may be considered. In this case, an input drive element may additionally be provided in the cartridge. That is, as described above with reference to Figure 15 and so on, it will be sufficient if the cartridge B has a gear element 187 that can be engaged in the gear part 81 f (see Figure 4) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the output drive element 81.The method of connecting the gear element 187 to the photosensitive cylinder 62 so as to be able to transmit drive is as described above with reference to Figure 22 and so forth.

[0291] In this embodiment, when the gear element 187 is provided in the cartridge, the gear element 187 does not need to be movable in the direction perpendicular to its axis. This is because the angle of inclination of the drive output element 81 is reduced by contact with the inclined part 364g1, and it is sufficient to arrange the gear element in a position where it can engage with the drive output element 81 in the same state.

[0292] When the photosensitive cylinder 62 is rotated by the drive force received from the gear element 187, the driven transmission part 364e of the coupling element 364 does not need to receive the drive force from the drive transmission element 81. That is, it is also possible to omit the driven transmission part 364e of the coupling element 364 as the pressure element. However, the drive transmission part 364e also Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 68 / 265 55 / 121 functions as an engagement part to position the drive transmission element 81 in relation to the cartridge by engaging with the recess 81e (see Figure 4) of the drive transmission element 81. Therefore, it is preferable that the coupling element 364, as the pressure element, be provided with the driven transmission part 364e as the engagement part. In order to structure the driven transmission part 364e as a mere engagement part that engages with the drive transmission element 81 but does not receive the drive force, the shape of the driven engagement part 364e can be altered. For example, if the shape of the driven transmission part 364e is changed to a cylindrical projection, the driven transmission part 364e is a mere engagement part that does not receive a drive force, even when engaged with the recess 81 and the drive transmission element 81.

[0293] It is also conceivable that the cartridge has the coupling element 364 and the gear element 187 as the drive input element.<Modalidade 4>

[0294] In this embodiment, the drive transmission element 481 and the coupling element 464 are coupled by pressing down a pressure element (pressure element on the main assembly side, drive element on the main body side) 412 which is an element for tilting the drive transmission element (drive output element) 481.

[0295] Part (a) of Figure 23 is a perspective view of the cartridge in this embodiment. Part (b) of Figure 23 and Figure 24 are enlarged views of the vicinity of the coupling element 464 of Figure 23. Part (a) of Figure 24 shows a state in which the lever element 412 has been moved in the direction of arrow Y2. Part (b) of Figure 24 shows the attitude when the lever element 412 is moved in the direction of arrow Y1 from this state, and part (c) of Figure 24 shows the attitude when the lever element 412 is moved further in the direction of arrow Y1 from the state.

[0296] By the same structure as in Figure 18 in the embodiment described above, the movements of the lever element 412 and the coupling element 464 are Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 69 / 265 56 / 121 connected. That is, when the lever element 412 is moved in the direction of arrow Y1, the coupling element 464 moves in the direction of arrow Z1, and when the lever element 412 is moved in the direction of arrow Y2, the coupling element 464 moves in the direction of arrow Z2. A chamfered part (angled part) 464a is provided at the free end of the coupling element 464.

[0297] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operations of the lever element 412 and the push element (press element on the cartridge side, push element on the cartridge side) 402 are also interrelated. As shown in part (b) of Figure 23, a side element 476 is provided with a circumferential slot 476a having a center on the axis of rotation Q2 of the cylinder, and the push-down element 402 is provided in the slot 476a so as to be rotationally movable along the slot 476a. Furthermore, the push-down element 402 is driven in the direction of arrow G4 by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, the lever element 412 is provided with a guide part 412a, which is in contact with the first guided part 402a of the push-down element 402.

[0298] Here, the lever element 412 is moved in the direction of arrow Y1 in the state shown in part (a) of Figure 24. The push-down element 402 is driven in the direction of arrow G4 and therefore the first guided part 402a receives the contact force F41. Since the first guided part 402a is tapered, the contact force F41 has a component force F41a in the direction of arrow Z1. As a result, the push-down element 402 is guided by the guide part 412a of the lever element 412 in the first guided part 402a, and moves in the direction of arrow Z1. As a result, the state shown in part (b) of Figure 24 is achieved. At this time, the coupling element 464 is not moving from the position shown in part (a) of Figure 24.

[0299] Furthermore, when the lever element 412 is moved in the direction of arrow Y1, the second guided part 402b receives the contact force F42. The second guided part 402b is not a tapered surface unlike the first guided part 402a and therefore the contact force F42 does not have a component force in the direction of arrow Z1. As a result, the guide part 412a of the lever element 412 guides a Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 70 / 265 57 / 121 second guided part 402b of the push-down element 402, so that the push-down element 402 rotates along the slot 476a in the direction of arrow C40 around the axis of rotation Q2 of cylinder 62.

[0300] Simultaneously with or after the movement of the push-down element 402 in the direction C40, the coupling element 464 moves in the direction of arrow Z1 by the same mechanism as in the embodiment described above and, as a result, the state shown in Figure (c) is achieved. In this embodiment, the coupling element 464 and the push-down element 402 can be controlled at any time by guiding the coupling element 464 using the cam element 70 (see Figure 18) and guiding the push-down element 402 using the lever element 412.

[0301] Next, the structure of the drive transmission element 481 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 85 and part (a) of Figure 25 are side views showing the appearance of the drive transmission part of the main assembly of the device A in this embodiment, and part (c) of Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the support structure of the drive transmission element 481 within the cover element 401. As shown in Figure 85, in this embodiment, the drive transmission element 481 is partially covered with the cover element 401. This is to protect the drive transmission element 481 so that the user does not touch the drive transmission element 481.

[0302] As shown in part (c) of Figure 25, as in the embodiment described above, the pressure element 484 is driven in the direction of arrow E40 around the axis of rotation 484a by a spring (not shown). Therefore, the drive transmission element 481 is driven by the pressure element 484 by the contact force F40 to be inclined in the direction of arrow B40. As shown in part (a) of Figure 25, in this embodiment, the drive transmission element 481 is covered with a cover element 401. The cover element 401 has three cut parts, namely, the cut part 401a, the cut parts 401b Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 71 / 265 58 / 121 and the cut parts 401c. This occurs to uncover a part of the drive transmission element 481 through the cover element 401. That is, in the drive transmission element 481, the part necessary to perform the function is uncovered through the cover element 401.

[0303] Next, the engagement operation between the drive transmission element 481 and the coupling element 464 will be described. Figure 25 shows a state immediately after cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly of the apparatus A. For simplicity, part (a) and part (c) of Figure 25 show only the push-down element 412 for cartridge B. In addition, part (b) of Figure 25 shows only the push-down element 402 and the pressure element 484. In this state, as described above, the drive transmission element 481 is inclined in the direction of arrow B40 and therefore the recessed drive transmission part 481 and provided at the free end is compensated by the amount of misalignment W41 with respect to the axis Q2 of cylinder 62.

[0304] In this embodiment, as in the embodiment described above, the opening / closing door 13 is equipped with a mechanism for pressing the lever element 412. In Figure 21, the lever element 12 pressed by the pressure element 1 of the opening / closing door 13 corresponds to the lever element 412 in this embodiment. When the opening / closing door 13 is operated to move the lever element 412 of the cartridge B in the direction of arrow Y1, as described with reference to Figure 24, the push-down element moves in the direction of arrow Z1. Then, as shown in part (b) of Figure 25, when the push-down element 402 moves in the direction of arrow Z1, the free end part 402c contacts the end part 484b of the pressure element 484.Since the free-end portion 402c of the push-down element 402 is tapered, the push-up element 484 rotates about the shaft 484a in the direction of arrow E41 shown in part (c) of Figure 25 to achieve the state shown in part (b) of Figure 26. As a result, as shown in part (a) of Figure 26, the drive transmission element 481 is tilted in the direction of arrow B41 with the amount of misalignment W42. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 72 / 265 59 / 121

[0305] When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed from here, the lever element 412 moves further in the direction of arrow Y1 (see Figure 24) and the push-down element rotates around the cylinder axis Q2 in the direction of arrow C40. Therefore, the pressure element 484 rotates further in the direction of arrow E41 to reach the state shown in part (b) of Figure 27. As a result, the drive transmission element 481 is inclined in the direction of arrow B42 with the amount of misalignment W43 as shown in Figure 27. Here, at the same time, the coupling element moves in the direction Z1 (see Figure 24) and comes into contact with a chamfered part 464a, as shown in part (a) of Figure 28.When the coupling element 464 moves further in the direction of arrow Z1 from here, the coupling element 464 is inserted into the drive transmission part (output coupling part, recess) 481 and the drive transmission element 481 as shown in part (b) of Figure 28, and is engaged with it.

[0306] In this embodiment, the push-down element 402 performs a combination of a straight motion as a first motion and a rotary motion as a second motion, but these motions are not limited to the structures described in this embodiment, and can be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, it is not always necessary to perform both the straight and rotary motions. It will suffice if the push-down element 484 is pushed down (rotated in the direction of arrow E41). For example, as shown in Figure 29, when enlarging the tapered shape 402c, the push-down element 484 can be pushed down only by the forward / retracting motion in the Z1 direction.

[0307] For example, when employing the structure shown in Figure 30, the operating element 404 can be moved forward (moved in the Z41 direction), raised (moved in the X41 direction), and lowered (in the X42 direction) relative to the guide rail 403, which is a fixed element. In this example, a slotted portion 404a of the operating element 404 is guided by a rail portion 403 of the guide rail 403. Furthermore, a guided shoulder 404b of the operating element is guided by a groove. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 73 / 265 60 / 121 405a of the sliding guide 405. In addition, a lower part 404c of the operating element 404 is guided by an upper surface 405b of the sliding guide 405. By appropriately combining these mechanisms, the push-down element 402 can be made to perform crank-like movements, such as forward, upward, forward, and downward, as shown in Figure 31. With this, the pressure element 484 can be pushed down, bypassing the cover element 401, without providing the tapered shape at the free end. Hereafter, an example of a cartridge capable of pushing down the pressure element 484 by a straight operation using the structure as shown in Figure 30 will be shown. Part (a) of Figure 86 is a perspective view of a cartridge with this mechanism, and part (b) of Figure 86 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the coupling element 464.As shown in part (b) of Figure 86, the side element 476 is provided with a retaining hole 476b, in which the push-down element 414 is supported so as to be movable in the direction of arrow X41, in the direction of arrow X42, in the direction of arrow Z1 and in the direction of arrow Z2. Furthermore, the push-down element 414 is driven in the direction of arrow Z2 by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, the lever element 413 is mounted in the cartridge B so as to be sliding in the direction of arrow Y1 and in the direction of arrow Y2. The lever element 413 is provided with a guide rib 413a which is a cam for moving the push-down element 414 in the direction of arrow Z1 and in the direction of arrow Z2, and a guide slot 413b which is a cam for moving the push-down element 414 in the direction of arrow X41 and in the direction of arrow X42.Next, with reference to Figures 87 and 88, a behavior will be described in which the push-down element 414 operates to push the pressure element 484 downwards. Part (a) of Figure 87 to part (e) of Figure 87 show the movement of the push-down element 414 when the lever element 413 is gradually slid in the direction of arrow Y1 in chronological order. Part (a) of Figure 88 to part (e) of Figure 88 are cutaway views corresponding to part (a) of Figure 87 to part (e) of Figure 87, respectively. When the lever element 413 is slid in the direction of arrow Y1 from the states shown in part (a) of... Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 74 / 265 61 / 121 In Figure 87 and in part (a) of Figure 88, the push-down element 414 is guided by the guide rib 413a and moves in the direction of arrow Z1 and passes under the cover element 401 to reach the state of part (b) of Figure 87 and part (b) of Figure 88. When the lever element 413 is slid further in the direction of arrow Y1 from this state, the push-down element 414 is guided by the guide slot 413b and moves in the direction of arrow X41 to reach the states shown in part (c) of Figure 87 and part (c) of Figure 88. When the lever element 413 is slid further in the direction of arrow Y1, the push-down element 414 is guided by the guide rib 413a, moves in the direction of arrow Z1 and follows the pressure element 484 to reach the state of part (d) of Figure 87 and part (d) of Figure 88.When the lever element 413 is slid further in the direction of arrow Y1, the push-down element 414 is guided by the guide slot 413b and moves in the direction of arrow X42, and the pressure element is pushed down to reach the state of part (e) of Figure 87 and part (e) of Figure 88.

[0308] Finally, this modality is summarized as follows.

[0309] The main assembly of the imaging apparatus includes a drive transmission element (drive output element) 481 structured to deliver a drive force and a pressure element (thrust element, pressure element on the side of the main assembly) 484 to tilt the drive transmission element driving the drive transmission element (part (a) of Figure 25).

[0310] Cartridge B includes a photosensitive cylinder 62 and a push-down element (push element) 402 which is a pressure element on the cartridge side structured to press the pressure element on the main assembly side of the apparatus (see part (a) of Figure 2 and Figure 23). The photosensitive cylinder 62 is located on the front of the cartridge, and part of it is uncovered. The front side of cartridge B is the left side in part (a) of Figure 2 and the right side in part (a) of Figure 23.

[0311] The 402 push-down element is located at the front of the cartridge. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 75 / 265 62 / 121 together with the photosensitive cylinder 62 (see part (a) of Figure 23). Furthermore, it is disposed on the drive side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder 62. The drive side of the cartridge is the downstream side in the direction indicated by arrow Z1 in Figure 23, and is the side on which the coupling element 464 is disposed in the cartridge. That is, the coupling element 464 and the push-down element 402 are disposed on the same side.

[0312] The push-down element 402 on the cartridge side is structured to change the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element by pressing and pushing the pressure element 484 on the main assembly side of the apparatus (see part (a) of Figure 27 and part (b) of Figure 28).

[0313] That is, when the push-down element 402 acts on the pressure element 484 on the main body side of the device, the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 481 relative to the photosensitive cylinder 62 becomes smaller (see part (b) of Figure 28).

[0314] By reducing the angle of inclination, the drive transmission element 481 can be connected to the cartridge. In this embodiment, the coupling element (engagement element) 464 is provided adjacent to the end of the photosensitive cylinder (see Figure 23). By the coupling element 464 advancing towards the drive transmission element 481 in the axial direction of the cartridge, it engages and connects with the recess (output coupling part) 481 and provided at the free end of the drive transmission element (see part (b) of Figure 28). With this, the drive transmission element and the cartridge are connected so that the drive can be transmitted.

[0315] More specifically, the coupling element 464 moves in the axial direction from the retracted position (part (a) of Figure 28) in which it is retracted into the photosensitive cylinder to the advanced position (part (a) of Figure 28) in which it is advanced out of the photosensitive cylinder. The coupling element 464 does not necessarily need to move parallel to the axis of the photosensitive cylinder, nor does it need to move linearly. If the direction of movement of the coupling element Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 76 / 265 63 / 121 plamento 464 has an axial component, it can engage with the drive transmission element 481.

[0316] The means for connecting the drive transmission element 481 and the cartridge 60 to enable drive transmission are not limited to the coupling element 464 which is movable back and forth. For example, it is conceivable that, in place of the coupling element 464, a gear element 187 is connected to the developing roller, and the gear element 187 is connected to a drive transmission element 481, the angle of inclination of which is reduced by the push-down element 402, as shown in Figure 15. That is, by providing the cartridge with a gear element that is capable of meshing with the gear part provided on the outer peripheral part of the drive transmission element 481, the drive transmission element and the cartridge B are connected so as to be capable of drive transmission.The drive force received by the gear element 187 can be transmitted to the photosensitive cylinder 62 by means of another gear 39, 63 (see Figure 22) provided inside the cartridge. In such a case, the cartridge gear element is the drive input element. Furthermore, in this case, the gear element 187 (Figure 15) does not need to be movable in the direction that crosses its axis. This is because it will be sufficient if the gear element 187 is placed in a position where it can engage with the drive transmission element 481 having a reduced angle of inclination.

[0317] If the cartridge includes a gear element as a drive input element, the coupling element 464 does not have to receive a drive force from the drive transmission element. The coupling element 464 can be made a mere engagement element that only engages with the drive transmission element 481 so that the engagement element does not transmit the drive force to the photosensitive cylinder 62. Or, the coupling element 464 can be omitted from the cartridge. However, it is preferable that an engagement element be provided that can engage with the drive transmission element 481 adjacent to the end of the photosensitive cylinder. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 77 / 265 64 / 121 because the position of the drive transmission element can be determined by the engagement element.

[0318] In addition, the cartridge may have two drive input elements, namely a gear element and a coupling element.

[0319] In this embodiment, the push-down element 402 operates when the lever element (operating element) 412 (part (a) of Figure 23) receives an external force from outside the cartridge. That is, the lever element 412 projects from the cartridge structure (casing) at the rear of the cartridge (left side in Figure 23). Therefore, the lever element 412 can receive the external force by contact with the pressure element 1 provided in the port 13 of the main assembly of the apparatus, in a manner similar to the lever element 12 shown in part (b) of Figure 21. When the external force is applied, the end of the lever element 412 moves towards the front of the cartridge. As the lever element 412 moves, the push-down element 402 operates.

[0320] Furthermore, the lever element (operating element) 412 is an operating element for not only operating the push-down element 412, but also operating the coupling element 464.

[0321] The lever element 412 is structured to initiate the operation of the push-down element 402 before the operation of the coupling element 464. It is possible that the coupling element 464 is connected to the drive transmission element 481 after the tilt angle of the drive transmission element 481 is reduced by the push-down element 402.

[0322] In this embodiment, the push-down element 402 and the coupling element 464 are operated by a lever element 412, but a lever element (operating element) may be provided for each of the push-down element 412 and the coupling element 464. For example, in an embodiment which will be described below with Figure 63, a cartridge includes two operating elements (lever elements) 905 and 812. In this way, the two operating elements may be employed. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 78 / 265 65 / 121

[0323] It is desirable that the push-down element 402 perform a plurality of operations, including the following operations, in order to be able to press the pressure element of the main assembly of the apparatus.

[0324] It is desirable that the push-down element 402 perform the first operation of moving the photosensitive cylinder 62 in the axial direction Z1 (see part (a) of Figure 25) to approach the pressure element. At this point, the push-down element does not necessarily have to move parallel to the axial direction, and it does not have to move in a straight line. It will be sufficient if the direction in which the push-down element moves in the first operation includes a component in the axial direction.

[0325] It is desirable that, after this first operation, the push-down element 402 performs a second movement operation in a direction different from the Z1 direction of the first operation (Figure (a)). Part (b) of Figure 26 shows an example in which the push-down element moves in the C40 direction crossing the axial direction. By combining a plurality of operations, the push-down element 402 can easily perform the appropriate movement of the pressure element 484 on the side of the main assembly of the apparatus.

[0326] The push-down element 402, the lever element 412 and the like shown in this embodiment can be separated from the cartridge to provide an accessory that can be mounted on the main assembly of the imaging apparatus separately from the cartridge. An example of such an accessory will be described in Embodiment 5 below. <Modalidade 5>

[0327] Next, embodiment 4 will be described in which the pressure element 484 is pushed down using a removable accessory to the main assembly of apparatus A.

[0328] The accessory is a unit that can be mounted separately from cartridge B. In this embodiment, the accessory is an element for acting on the drive transmission element supplied in the main assembly of device A, and is mountable on the main assembly of device A by the user. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 79 / 265 66 / 121

[0329] Figure 32 is a perspective view of the accessory element 502 according to this embodiment. The accessory element 502 has a push-down surface 502a and is provided with a damping gear 587 rotatably mounted on the accessory element 502. As in Embodiment 1, the damping gear 587 has a predetermined rotational resistance. Figure 89 is a perspective view of the cartridge B in this embodiment. A projecting part is provided in the vicinity of the coupling element 464 of the cover element 576.

[0330] Figure 33 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device A is open, and the accessory element 502 is mounted on the cut part 401a of the cover element 401. Similar to part (b) of Figure 27 in Embodiment 4, the push-down surface 502a of the accessory element 502 pushes down the pressure element 484. In this state, since the opening / closing door 13 is open, the drive transmission element 481 maintains the state of being inclined in the direction of arrow B40 regardless of the attitude of the pressure element, as described above in Embodiment 1. Here, when the cartridge B is inserted into the main assembly of the device A and the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the inclination of the drive transmission element 481 is released as shown in Figure 34, and the gear part 481 f is arranged in meshing engagement with the part of 587a damping gear 587.Furthermore, the projection part 504 supplied in cartridge B is disposed within the cut part 401c of the cover element 401.

[0331] Here, when the drive is applied and the drive transmission element 481 rotates in the direction of arrow R, the drive transmission element 481 is arranged in contact with the projection by the gear force F50 between the gear parts in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, so that the attitude becomes substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation Q2 of the cylinder. That is, the projection part 504 is the inclined part (contact part) which is inclined so as to reduce the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 481 when it comes into contact with the element of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 80 / 265 67 / 121 drive transmission 481, as in the case of the inclined rib 86 (see Figure 84) in Mode 1.

[0332] Simultaneously with the reduction of the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 481, the drive transmission element moves in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the frontal direction of the drawing sheet of Figure 34 by a gear thrust force between the gears (F3 in Figure 9) as described in Embodiment 1. As a result, the drive transmission part 481 and the drive transmission element 481 and the coupling element 464 are arranged in engagement with each other.

[0333] In this embodiment, in order to make the drive transmission element 481 substantially coaxial with the cylinder shaft Q2, the projecting part (inclined part) 504 is disposed on the cut part 401c of the cover element 401, but it is not unavoidable. For example, as described in Embodiment 4, it will be sufficient if the chamfered part 464a (part (a) of Figure 28) is provided on the free end of the coupling element 464.

[0334] In this embodiment, the damping gear 587 is provided in the accessory element 502 in order to attract the drive transmission element 481 to the coupling element 464 in the longitudinal direction, but this is not inevitable. As shown in Embodiment 1, it can be provided in cartridge B. Furthermore, the position of the cut part 401c can be provided instead of the cut part 401a of the cover element 401. In such a case also, cartridge B can be provided with the damping gear 587, or the damping gear 587 can be provided in another accessory other than the accessory element 502.

[0335] In the case where the damping gear 587 is provided in cartridge B, the drive transmission element does not necessarily have to be engaged with the coupling element 464. It is also possible to drive cartridge B using the drive force received by the damping gear 587 as is.Alternatively, the damping gear may not be supplied, and the cartridge may be supplied with the lever element 412 for advancing and retracting the coupling element 464 as in the embodiment described above. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 81 / 265 68 / 121

[0336] In this embodiment, the push-down surface 502a of the accessory is a part corresponding to the pressure element 402 (see Figures 23 and 24) of the cartridge of embodiment 4. The push-down surface 502a is a contact part structured to make contact with the pressure element 484 to move it. The push-down surface 502a moves the pressure element 484 away from the drive transmission element 481 and fixes it in that position. As a result, the drive transmission element 481 is not pressed by the pressure element 484, or the pressing force is reduced, so that the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 481 is reduced. As a result, the drive transmission element 481 becomes connectable to the cartridge to transmit the drive.In this embodiment, the push-down surface 502a is a fixed part in the accessory, but if the pressure element 484 can be moved in contact with the pressure element 484, the push-down surface 502a can be moved.

[0337] Furthermore, the push-down surface 502a can be structured to move in interrelation with the opening and closing of the door 13 of the main assembly of the apparatus A in the same way as the push-down element of Embodiment 4. In such a case, the push-down surface 502a can be changed to the push-down element of Embodiment 4, and the lever element 412 and the slot 476a described in Embodiment 4 can also be provided in the accessory. That is, the side element (part (b) of Figure 23) described in Embodiment 4 and each element supported by the side element 476 (part (b) of Figure 23) are separated from the other parts of the cartridge, and they are formed into an accessory.

[0338] The reason for altering the inclination of the drive transmission element using the accessory as in this embodiment is considered as follows, for example. As described above, depending on the cartridge structure, it may be easier to assemble and / or disassemble the cartridge by tilting the drive transmission element when assembling and / or disassembling the cartridge. In view of this, the main assembly of the imaging apparatus employs a structure in Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 82 / 265 69 / 121 which the drive transmission element is intentionally tilted. Then, in each of the embodiments described above, the tilt of the drive transmission element is reduced as the cartridge is mounted.

[0339] However, if cartridges with different structures can be selectively mounted on the main assembly of the device, it may be unnecessary to tilt the drive transmission element during cartridge mounting / dismounting, depending on the cartridge type. Therefore, when only one cartridge that does not particularly require tilting of the drive transmission element is used, it may be desirable to stop tilting the drive transmission element or reduce the tilt angle. In this case, the user can change the tilt angle of the drive transmission element by mounting the accessory, as in this embodiment, on the main assembly of the imaging device. The user can mount the cartridge on the main assembly of the device after mounting the accessory on the main assembly of the device.

[0340] It is preferable that the accessory be removable from the main assembly of device A. That is, when the drive transmission element needs to be tilted again, with the accessory removed by the user, the drive transmission element becomes tilted as before.

[0341] The accessory shown in Figure 32 and the cartridge shown in Figure 89 are mounting units that can be mounted on the main assembly of the device. A combination including an accessory and a cartridge will be called a mounting kit (mounting unit kits). The mounting kit is a kit that includes a plurality of units that can be mounted on the main assembly of the imaging device. <Modalidade 6>

[0342] Next, another embodiment will be described in which the coupling is engaged with the main assembly of device A using a removable accessory. In embodiment 5 described above, the accessory that acts on the pressure element on the side of the main assembly that presses the drive transmission element was described, but in this embodiment, the accessory acts directly on the transmission element. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 83 / 265 70 / 121 drive will be described.

[0343] Figure 35 is a perspective view of an accessory element 602 in this embodiment. As shown in part (a) of Figure 35, the accessory element 602 is provided with a movable arm 603 which is rotatable about the shaft 602a, and a free end thereof is provided with a damping gear 687. Similar to the embodiment described above, the damping gear 687 has a predetermined rotational resistance. A thrust spring 604, which is a helical torsion spring, is mounted in alignment with the shaft 602a, and the movable arm 603 is driven in the direction of arrow A60. As shown in part (c) of Figure 35, the attitude of the movable arm 603 is determined by touching the adjacent part 602b of the accessory element 602. As shown in part (b) of Figure 35, the movable arm 603 is rotatable in the direction of arrow A61 against the thrust force of the thrust spring 604, together with the damping gear 687 provided at the free end.

[0344] That is, the damping gear 687 is movably supported by the movable arm 606 in the accessory, and the position of the damping gear shaft 687 is structured to be movable. Figure 90 is a perspective view of cartridge B in this embodiment. A projecting part 605 is provided in the vicinity of the coupling element 464 of the cover element 676.

[0345] Figure 36 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 13 is open and the accessory element 602 is mounted on the main assembly of the device A. As described above, in the state in which the opening / closing door 13 is open, the drive transmission element 481 maintains a state of being inclined in the direction of arrow B40. Therefore, when the accessory element 602 is mounted, the damping gear 687 contacts the gear part 481 f of the drive transmission element 481, and the movable arm of the accessory element 602 is in a state that has rotated in the direction of arrow A61. On the other hand, the drive transmission element 481 receives the contact force F60 from the damping gear 687 by the thrust force of the thrust spring 604. The thrust spring is selected so that the force of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 84 / 265 71 / 121 contact F60 is sufficiently greater than the contact force F61 received by the drive transmission element from the pressure element 484.

[0346] Here, cartridge B is inserted into the main assembly of the device A, and then the opening / closing door 13 is closed. In Figure 36, the contact force F60 received by the drive transmission element 481 from the damping gear 687 is greater than the contact force F61 received from the pressure element 484, and therefore, as shown in Figure 37, the movable arm 603 rotates in the direction of arrow A60 until it touches the adjacent part 602b. As a result, the inclination of the drive transmission element 481 is released. That is, by the damping gear 687 pressing and driving the drive transmission element 481, the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 481 decreases.In this embodiment, the damping gear 687 is a pressure element (polarizing element) that changes the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element by applying a force to the drive transmission element 481. More specifically, the damping gear 687 reduces the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 481 relative to the photosensitive cylinder of the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted.

[0347] Furthermore, the projection part (angled part) 605 supplied in cartridge B is disposed within the cut part 401a of the cover element 401.

[0348] When the drive is applied and the drive transmission element 481 rotates in the direction of arrow R, the drive transmission element 481 comes into contact with the projection due to the gear force F62 between the gear parts in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, with the result that the attitude becomes substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation Q2 of the cylinder. At the same time, as described in Embodiment 1, the drive transmission element moves in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the frontal direction of the paper surface in Figure 37, due to the gear thrust force between the gears (F3 in Figure 9). As a result, the drive transmission part 481 and the drive transmission element 481 Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 85 / 265 72 / 121 and coupling element 464 are engaged with each other.

[0349] Also in this embodiment, the projecting part 605 is provided on the cut part 401a of the cover element 401, in order to make the drive transmission element 481 substantially coaxial with the Q2 shaft of the cylinder, but this is not always necessary. For example, a chamfered part 464a (part (a) of Figure 28) may be provided on the free end of the coupling element 464, as described in Embodiment 4.

[0350] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the damping gear 687 is provided in the accessory element 602 in order to attract the drive transmission element 481 to the coupling element 464 in the longitudinal direction, but it is not unavoidable. As shown in Figure 38, the actuating part 606a of the movable arm 606 can be contacted directly with the drive transmission element 481. In this case, the movable arm 606 functions as a pressure element that presses the drive transmission element 481.

[0351] As a result, the drive transmission element 481 and the coupling element 464 can be engaged with each other, providing the damping gear 687 in another location, as in the embodiment described above, or by moving the coupling element 464 forward and backward.

[0352] For example, cartridge B shown in Figure 91 includes a damping gear 687 and a projection part (inclined part) 605 in the vicinity of the coupling element 464. Here, the damping gear 687 and the projection part 505 are provided in such positions that they become the same as the damping gear 587 and the projection part 504, respectively shown in Figure 34 in the embodiment described above, at the moment when cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly of apparatus A.Therefore, as in the embodiment described above (see Figure 34), the drive transmission element 481 comes into contact with the projecting part 605 by the gear force F50, and becomes in a substantially coaxial attitude with the axis of rotation Q2 of the cylinder.

[0353] At the same time, as described in Embodiment 1, the drive transmission element moves in the longitudinal direction, that is, in front of the surface. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 86 / 265 73 / 121 of the drawing in Figure 34 due to the gear thrust force between the gears (F3 in Figure 9). Therefore, the drive transmission element 481 and the coupling element 464 can be engaged with each other. In Figure 38, the actuating part 606a of the movable arm 606 is arranged in contact with the gear part 481f of the drive transmission element 481, but the same effect can be provided by the contact of the actuating part 606a with the cylindrical part 481g.

[0354] As described above, in this embodiment, the user of the imaging apparatus mounts the accessory element on the main assembly of apparatus A in advance and then mounts cartridge B on the main assembly of apparatus A. In this way, the accessory can assist in the connection between the drive transmission element and the cartridge.

[0355] That is, by the accessory, the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 481 is changed, or by the accessory, the drive transmission element 481 is brought closer to the cartridge. With this, the drive transmission element 481 can be connected to the coupling element or gear element supplied in the cartridge to perform the drive transmission.

[0356] As shown in this embodiment, the accessory, instead of the cartridge, may have a structure to be used to connect the drive transmission element to the cartridge. <Modalidade 7>

[0357] Modality 7 will be described. In this modality as well, the same points from the modality described above will be omitted. Among the elements described in this modality, those corresponding to the elements described in the modality above receive the same names as the elements of the modality mentioned above, and only the points that are different from those of the modality mentioned above will be described.

[0358] Figure 39 is a perspective view of a process cartridge B of this embodiment. As shown in the Figure, a side element 801 is provided on the drive side of the cleaning unit 60, and the side element 801 is provided Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 87 / 265 74 / 121 with a first positioning projection on the drive side 801a and a second positioning projection on the drive side 801b. In addition, a lever element 812 is provided as an operating element. A coupling element 864 as an advance / retraction element (movable element) is provided at the end of the cylinder 62, and one end of the coupling element 864 is provided with a projection (driven transmission part 864a) that enters the recess of the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the apparatus A to receive the drive.

[0359] On the other hand, a second lever element 825 as a moving element is provided on the non-actuated side.

[0360] Figure 40 is a cutaway view illustrating the structure of the drive transmission part of cylinder 62. As shown in the Figure, a drive-side flange element 75, a coupling element 864 and a first pressure element 59 are provided in the end part on the drive side. With this structure, the coupling element 864 can move in the opposite direction to the direction of arrow H80 in the drawing while being pressed in the direction of arrow H80 in the Figure (see also Figures 16 and 17).

[0361] With reference to Figures 41 to 43, the advance / retraction structure of coupling element 864 will be described. Figures 41 to 43 are viewed in perspective around the side element 801. In the Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0362] As shown in the Figure, a lever element (operating element) 812 is mounted on the rail part 801k of the side element 801. A coil part 820c of a first thrust element 820 is inserted into a fixing projection 801c of the side element 801, and a first thrust end 820a thereof is in contact with a driven projection 812b of the lever element 812. A second thrust end 820b of the first thrust element 820 is in contact with a wall surface 801m of the side element 801. In this structure, the side element 801 is supported so as to be movable in the direction of arrow H81 and in the opposite direction while being driven in the direction Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 88 / 265 75 / 121 of arrow H81 in Figure 43.

[0363] The inner peripheral surface 70k of the cam element 70 is slidingly fitted around the outer cylindrical peripheral surface 801 d of the side element 801. The engagement part of the lever element 70a of the cam element 70 is engaged with the engagement hole 812c of the lever element 812 and is in the guide hole 801 f of the side element 801. With this structure, the cam element 70 is rotatable and movable relative to the outer cylindrical peripheral surface 801 d according to the movement of the lever element 812.

[0364] A sliding cylindrical part 864b of the coupling element 864 is slidably inserted into the sliding part 801g of the side element 801.

[0365] With reference to Figures 43 and 44, the operation of the meat element 70 will be described. The side element 801 is provided with a projection 801 e (see Figure 41). In addition, the meat element 70 has first surfaces 70e (three locations) on the outer side in the longitudinal direction, second surfaces 70d (three locations) that are parallel to the first surface 70e and that are recessed inwards in the longitudinal direction of the first surface 70e, and inclined surfaces 70b (three locations) that smoothly connect the first surfaces 70e and the second surfaces 70d to each other (see Figure 42).

[0366] Figure 43 shows a normal state (free state) in which no external force is applied to the lever element 812. The lever element 812 has been moved in the direction of arrow H81 in the Figure by the force of the first thrust element 820. At this moment, the coupling element 70 is in the phase shown in the Figure. Once the coupling element 864 is driven in the direction of arrow H87 in the drawing (see Figure 40), the first surface 70e of the coupling element 70 comes into contact with the projection 801 e of the side element 801 while receiving the thrust force in the direction of arrow H87.

[0367] Figure 44 shows the state after the lever element 812 is pushed. As shown in the Figure, when a force is applied to the contact part 812a (see Figure 43) of the lever element 812 in the direction of arrow H82 in the drawing, the lever element 812 moves in the direction of arrow H82 in the drawing. According to Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 89 / 265 76 / 121 with this operation, the cam element 70 rotates to change the phase, so that the second surface 70d comes into contact with the projection 801 and of the side element 801. Therefore, the cam element moves in the direction of arrow H83 in the Figure relative to the free state (state in Figure 43). As a result, the coupling element 864 projects towards the drive side (in the direction of arrow H83 in the Figure).

[0368] When the external force acting on the lever element 812 disappears, the lever element 812 moves in the direction of arrow H81 in Figure 43 by the thrust force of the first thrust element 820. As a result, it returns to the free state, and the coupling element 864 moves to the non-actuated side.

[0369] With reference to Figures 45 and 46, the structure around the second lever element 825 will be described. Figures 45 and 46 are seen in perspective around the second lever element 825. In the Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0370] As shown in the Figure, the second lever element 825 is provided with a contact part 825a, a locking part 825b and a projection 825c. The cleaning structure 830 as the first structure that rotatably supports the cylinder 62 is provided with a structure projection 830c, a locking surface 830d and a lever opening 830e.

[0371] As shown in Figure 46, the second lever element 825 is mounted through the lever opening 830e of the cleaning frame 830 in the direction of arrow H84 in the drawing. After mounting, as shown in Figure 45, the locking part 825b of the second lever element contacts the locking surface 830d of the cleaning frame 830, so that the second lever element 825 is prevented from disengaging. A second pressure element is provided between the projection 825c of the second lever element 825 and the projection of the frame 830c of the cleaning frame 830. With this, the second lever element 825 is movably supported in the direction of arrow H88 and in the opposite direction while being driven in the direction of arrow H88 in Figure 45. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 90 / 265 77 / 121

[0372] With reference to Figures 47 to 58, the assembly of cartridge B in the main assembly of apparatus A will be described. Figures 47 to 58 are perspective views illustrating the main assembly of apparatus A and the assembly of cartridge B. In the Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0373] With reference to Figures 47 and 48, the mounting structure of cartridge B in the main assembly of device A will be described. Figures 47 and 48 are viewed in perspective in a state in which the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of device A is open.

[0374] As shown in Figure 47, a drive-side plate 850 is provided on the drive-side part of the main assembly of the device A. The drive-side plate 850 is provided with a first drive-side guide part 850a and a second drive-side guide part 850b; a terminal end part of the first drive-side guide part 850a is provided with a first drive-side positioning part 850c; and a terminal end of the second drive-side guide part 850b is provided with a second drive-side positioning part 850d. Conversely, on the non-drive side of the cartridge B, a first non-drive-side positioning projection 830a and a second non-drive-side positioning projection 830b are provided.

[0375] As shown in Figure 48, a non-drive side plate 851 is provided on the non-drive side of the main assembly of the device A. The drive side plate 851 is provided with a first non-drive side guide part 851a and a second non-drive side guide part 851b. A first non-drive side positioning part 851c is provided at the terminal part of the first non-drive side guide part 851a, and a second non-drive side positioning part 851d is provided at the terminal part of the second non-drive side guide part 851b. Conversely, the drive side of the cartridge B is provided with a first drive side positioning projection 801a and a second drive side positioning projection 801b. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 91 / 265 78 / 121

[0376] In order to mount cartridge B in the main assembly of apparatus A, the first positioning projection on the drive side 801a and the second positioning projection on the drive side 801b of cartridge B are mounted on the first guide part on the drive side 850a and the second guide part on the drive side 850b of the main assembly of apparatus A, respectively, so as to be moved along the guide parts. Similarly, the first positioning projection on the non-drive side 830a and the second positioning projection on the non-drive side 830b of cartridge B are mounted on the first guide part on the non-drive side 851a and the second guide part on the non-drive side 851b of the main assembly apparatus A, respectively, so as to be moved along the guide parts.

[0377] When the cartridge is mounted in an image-forming position (see Figure 57), the first positioning projection on the drive side 801a and the second positioning projection on the drive side 801b of cartridge B are positioned on the first positioning part on the drive side 850c and the second positioning part on the drive side 850d of the main assembly of apparatus A, respectively. Similarly, the first positioning projection on the non-drive side 830a and the second positioning projection on the non-drive side 830b of cartridge B are positioned on the first positioning part on the non-drive side 851c and the second positioning part on the non-drive side 851d of the main assembly of apparatus A, respectively.

[0378] Figure 49 is a view around the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of apparatus A to which cartridge B has been mounted.The positioned contact part 801 h of cartridge B makes contact with the positioned contact part 850e of the drive side plate 850, and the positions of the main assembly of device A and cartridge B are determined.

[0379] Figure 50 shows a non-actuated state of the main assembly of apparatus A in which cartridge B has been mounted. As shown in the Figure, the contact part 825a of the second lever element 825 of cartridge B is in contact with the contact part 851 and the plate on the non-actuated side 851. Therefore, Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 92 / 265 79 / 121 first positioning projection on the non-actuated side 830a and the second positioning projection on the non-actuated side 830b of cartridge B are not yet mounted on the first positioning part on the non-actuated side 851c and the second positioning part on the non-actuated side 851d of the main assembly of device A, respectively.

[0380] Figure 51 shows this state as seen from above the main assembly of apparatus A. As shown in the Figure, the drive side of cartridge B almost reaches the inner side of the main assembly of apparatus A. On the other hand, the non-drive side does not reach the inner side of the main assembly of apparatus A. Therefore, the axis of rotation of cylinder 62 of cartridge B is mounted in an inclined state relative to the axis of rotation of cylinder 62 which extends when cartridge B is mounted on the main assembly of apparatus A in the mounting position (see Figure 57) for image formation.

[0381] The state around the drive transmission element 81 at this moment is shown in Figure 52. The dashed line L80 in the Figure indicates the direction of the axis of rotation of cylinder 62 when cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of apparatus A in a position (see Figure 57) for the formation of the image.

[0382] As shown in the Figure, the drive transmission element 81 is inclined and is therefore inclined at Θ81° relative to the dashed line L80 in the Figure, and the free end surface 81k thereof (see also Figure 4) is displaced in the direction of the arrow H89 in the Figure. On the other hand, the cartridge B is inclined at 082° relative to the dashed line L80 in the drawing, and the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part of the coupling element 864 is also displaced in the direction of the arrow H89 in the drawing (see Figure 39).

[0383] Figure 53 shows the behavior in which the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device A is closed in this state. When the opening / closing door 13 is closed in the direction of arrow H86 in the drawing, the pressure element of the cartridge on the actuating side 1 provided in the opening / closing door is arranged in contact with the contact part 812a of the element. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 93 / 265 80 / 121 lever 812. Furthermore, when the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cartridge pressure element 1 on the drive side pushes the lever element 812. At this moment, as described above, the coupling element 864 of cartridge B jumps out towards the drive side.

[0384] Figure 54 shows the state in which the coupling element 864 projects towards the drive side. As described above, both the free end surface 81k of the drive transmission element 81 and the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part of the coupling element 864 are deflected in the direction of arrow H89 in the drawing. Therefore, the positional deviation between the driven transmission part 864a of the coupling element 864 and the drive transmission part 81e of the drive transmission element 81 (see also Figure 4) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder (direction perpendicular to L80) decreases. For this reason, the projected front end surface of the driven transmission part 864c enters the drive transmission part 81e.

[0385] With reference to Figures 55 and 56, a state will be described in which the opening / closing door 13 is still closed in this state. As shown in the Figure, the cartridge pressure element 1 on the drive side pushes the lever element 812 completely. Conversely, the cartridge pressure element 1 on the non-drive side begins to press the pressure part 830d of the cleaning element 830. When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed, the non-drive side of cartridge B is pressed by the cartridge pressure element 1 on the drive side. Figure 56 shows the state of the main assembly of the device A and cartridge B on the non-drive side at this moment.When cartridge B is pressed, a pressure force acts on the second lever element 825 which is in contact with the contacted part 851 and the plate on the non-actuated side 851, so that the second pressure element 831 (see Figure 45) contracts, and the second pressure element 831 enters the cleaning structure 830. Therefore, the non-actuated side of cartridge B is being mounted on the main assembly of the apparatus A. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 94 / 265 81 / 121

[0386] When the opening / closing door 13 is completely closed, the first positioning projection on the non-actuated side 830a and the second positioning projection on the non-actuated side 830b of cartridge B are positioned on the first positioning part on the non-actuated side 851c and on the second positioning part on the non-actuated side 851d of the main assembly of device A, respectively.

[0387] On the other hand, the end of the drive side of cartridge B is affected by the operation of the non-drive side of cartridge B in the process of further closing the opening / closing state of Figure 55, so that it tilts in the direction of arrow H90 in Figure 54. At this moment, since the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part is in a state of entering the drive transmission part 81, the drive transmission element 81 also tilts in the direction of arrow H90 in the Figure along with the free end surface of the drive transmission part 864c.

[0388] When the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed in this manner, cartridge B is positioned relative to the main assembly of apparatus A in an image-forming position (see Figure 57). When the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of apparatus A is rotatably actuated in this state, the drive transmission part 81 and the driven transmission part 864a of the coupling element 864 are engaged with each other to transmit the drive to cartridge B.

[0389] In this embodiment, the cartridge pressure element 1 of the main assembly of apparatus A is structured to press cartridge B against the main assembly of apparatus A, receiving the pressure force from the pressure spring 19 of the main assembly of apparatus A when the opening / closing door 13 is closed. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure.

[0390] At this time, if the drive transmission part 81 and the driven transmission part 864a have the twisted projection-recess configurations Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 95 / 265 82 / 121 mentioned above, the drive transmission part 81 and the driven transmission part 864a attract each other, so that stable drive transmission is achieved.

[0391] When cartridge B is removed from the main assembly of apparatus A, the operation mentioned above is reversed. When the opening / closing door 13 is open, the non-drive side of cartridge B is displaced from the image-forming position by the action of the second lever element 825, and the state becomes as shown in Figure 54. When the opening / closing door 13 is opened further, the lever element 812 returns, and the coupling element 864 is pulled towards the side of cartridge B (state in Figure 52). After the opening / closing door 13 is fully open, cartridge B is removed.

[0392] As shown in Figure 59, if a guide projection 864d having an external shape smaller than the driven transmission part 864a is provided at the free end of the driven transmission part 864a of the coupling element 864, it is easy to enter the drive transmission part 81 and the drive transmission element 81 when the coupling element 864 jumps out. Furthermore, if an inclined part 864e is provided at the free end of the guide projection 864d, it is even easier to enter.

[0393] With reference to Figures 60 to 62, a modified example will be described in which the structure of the lever element is partially altered. As shown in the Figure, the side element 801 is provided with a third lever element 813 and a fourth lever element 814 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow H82 in the drawing and in the opposite direction. The third lever element 813 and the fourth lever element 814 correspond to a structure in which the first lever element 812 (see Figure 41) is divided into two parts.

[0394] The first thrust end 820a of the first thrust element 820 is in contact with the thrust projection 814b of the fourth lever element 814. A second thrust element 815 is provided between the third lever element 813 and the fourth lever element 814, and its opposite ends are in contact with the pressure-receiving part 813a of the third Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 96 / 265 83 / 121 lever element 813 and with the pressure-receiving part 814a of the fourth lever element 814, respectively. Figure 60 shows a free state in which no external force is exerted on the third lever element 813.

[0395] With this structure, when the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device A is closed, the third lever element 813 is pushed by the cartridge pressure element 1 as described above.

[0396] When the third lever element 813 is pushed in the direction of arrow H82 in the Figure, the second thrust element 815 is pushed in the direction of arrow H82 while being compressed. Figure 61 shows a state in which the fourth lever element 814 is fully pushed and the cam element 70 is fully rotated.

[0397] When the opening / closing door 13 is further closed from this state, the second drive element (elastic element, spring) 815 is compressed by an amount corresponding to the amount by which the third lever element 813 is pushed inward, so that the movement of the opening / closing door 13 is not impeded.

[0398] By employing this structure, the latitude in the design of the position of the third lever element 813 and the position of the cartridge pressure element 1 of the main assembly of the apparatus A is increased. The reason is that the second thrust element 815, which is an elastic element, is deformable and therefore, even if the arrangement ratio and dimensions of the third lever element 813 and the main assembly of the apparatus A change, the change can be absorbed by deformation of the second thrust element 815.

[0399] In this way, it is also preferable to provide an elastic element (second thrust element 815) between the coupling element 864 and the operating element (lever element 813) to operate the coupling element (engagement element) 864. The structure in which the elastic element is provided between the operating element and the object operated by the operating element can also be employed in other embodiments that are described previously and will be described below. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 97 / 265 84 / 121

[0400] In the embodiments described above, the plurality of lever elements 812, 825, 813, and 314 are described as first, second, third, and fourth lever elements, respectively. When a plurality of lever elements is referred to separately in this manner, they may be described as first, second, third, fourth lever elements, and so forth, without any particular order for convenience. The same applies to the description of other embodiments.

[0401] In this embodiment, cartridge B can receive the drive force by engaging the coupling element 864, which can advance and retract, with the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of apparatus A. However, as described above, the drive transmission element 81 is provided with the gear part (output gear part) 81f (see Figure 4). Therefore, if cartridge B includes a gear element that can engage with the gear part 81f to receive the drive force, cartridge B can also receive the drive force from the gear part 81f provided on the outer peripheral part of the drive transmission element 81. As an example of the gear included in cartridge B, there is a gear 187 shown in Figure 15, as described above. For example, gear 187 is connected to the developing roller 32 so as to be capable of drive transmission.So, as shown in Figure 22, if the developing roller 32 and the photosensitive cylinder 62 are connected so that the drive force can be transmitted by the power train, both the developing roller 32 and the photosensitive cylinder 62 can be driven by the drive force introduced from the gear part 81 f.

[0402] That is, the coupling element 864 in this embodiment has two functions: (1) reducing the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 and (2) receiving the drive force from the drive transmission element 81 through engagement with the drive transmission element 81. However, the functions of the first and the last do not necessarily have to be performed by a single element. The coupling element 864 may Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 98 / 265 85 / 121 be changed to a structure in which the coupling element 864 is a mere advance / retraction element or a mere engagement element that engages with the drive transmission element 81, but does not receive drive transmission from the drive transmission element 81.

[0403] The structure of this modality is summarized below.

[0404] The main assembly of apparatus A includes a drive transmission element (drive output element) 81 capable of emitting a drive force and capable of tilting.

[0405] The cartridge includes the photosensitive cylinder 62, the coupling element (engaging element) 864 and the second lever element 825.

[0406] The second lever element 825 is a movable element that is movably supported by the body of the cartridge structure (casing), and functions as a positioning element to determine the position of cartridge B within the main assembly of apparatus A, contacting the main assembly of apparatus A. The second lever element 825 is disposed on the front of cartridge B and on the non-actuating side of cartridge B. The second lever 825 projects forward from the cartridge and can be moved to retract towards the rear side of the cartridge. The second lever element is driven towards the projection position (see Figure 39) by the second pressure element 831 (Figure 45), which is an elastic element (spring).

[0407] In Figure 51, the second lever element 825 determines the position of the cartridge in the state in which cartridge B is inclined relative to the main assembly of the apparatus A. On the other hand, in Figure 57, the position of the cartridge is determined in the state in which the angle of inclination of cartridge B is reduced by the retraction of the second lever element 825 towards the rear of the cartridge.

[0408] One of the positions of cartridges B in Figures 51 and 57 can be described as a first cartridge position and the other can be described as a second cartridge position. Similarly, one of the positions of the second lever elements in Figures 51 and 57 can be described as a first position. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 99 / 265 86 / 121 of the positioning element and the other can be described as a second position of the positioning element or similar.

[0409] The cartridge position shown in Figure 57 is a regular mounting position for the image formation operation. Figure 51 shows a position in which cartridge B is tilted relative to the mounting position. That is, as the second lever element 825 moves, cartridge B changes its angle of inclination relative to the main assembly of the apparatus A.

[0410] The coupling element 864 is a coupling element that engages with the drive transmission element 81. The coupling element 864 is a movable element disposed near the end of the photosensitive cylinder, and constitutes a cylinder unit together with the photosensitive cylinder 62.

[0411] When cartridge B is in the attitude shown in Figure 51, by the coupling element 864 advancing in the axial direction towards the drive transmission element 81, the coupling element 864 is disposed in contact with the drive transmission element 81 (see Figure 54). In this state, when the second lever element 825 retracts to the rear of the cartridge, cartridge B moves to the mounting position shown in Figure 57. Along with this, the drive transmission element 81 is moved by the coupling element 864 in order to change its angle of inclination (see Figure 58).

[0412] As a result, the drive transmission element 81 and cartridge B achieve the normal attitude and position for image formation operation, and both are connected in such a way as to be capable of drive transmission.

[0413] The second lever element 825 projects forward from the cartridge and downstream in the cartridge mounting direction (see Figure 39). In addition, the second lever element 825 can be retracted and moved to the rear of the cartridge and upstream in the mounting direction, contacting the main assembly of the apparatus A (see Figure 57).

[0414] In addition, cartridge B has a first lever element 812 as an operating element for advancing and retracting the coupling 864. A part of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 100 / 265 87 / 121 The first lever element 812 projects onto the rear side of the cartridge, similarly to the operating element of another embodiment described previously (see Figure 39). Therefore, when the gate 13 (see Figure 21) of the main assembly of the apparatus is closed, the coupling element 864 can be moved to the forward position by receiving an external force from the gate 13. The lever element 21 shown in Figure 21 corresponds to the first lever element 812 in this embodiment.

[0415] As described above, the second lever element 825 is arranged on the non-actuated side opposite the actuated side on which the coupling element 864 is provided. However, it is also possible to arrange the movable positioning element to determine the position of the cartridge on the actuated side. Such an example will be described below in Embodiment 9.

[0416] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cartridge is provided with the movable positioning element (second lever element 825) to determine the position of the cartridge within the main assembly of the apparatus. However, the positioning element (second lever element 825) can be separated from the cartridge and is structured as an accessory so as to be mounted on the main assembly of apparatus A separately from the cartridge. In such a case, cartridge B is positioned by the positioning element of the accessory mounted on the main assembly of apparatus A. Furthermore, by moving the positioning element to the accessory, the position of the cartridge within the main assembly of apparatus A is changed. <Modalidade 8>

[0417] Modality 8 will be described. Also in the description of this modality, the same points from the modality described above will be omitted. Among the elements described in this modality, those corresponding to the elements described in the modality described above are assigned the same names as the elements of the modality mentioned above, and only the points different from those of the modality mentioned above will be described.

[0418] Figure 63 is a perspective view of process cartridge B of this embodiment. A side element 901 is provided on the drive side of the unit. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 101 / 265 88 / 121 cleaning 60, and the side element 901 is provided with a first positioning projection on the drive side 901a and a second positioning projection on the drive side 901b. In addition, a lever element 812, a third lever element 905, and an advance / retraction element 920 are provided. Although the details are described below, the third lever element 905 is an operating element used to operate the advance / retraction element 920.

[0419] A coupling element 864 is provided at the end of cylinder 62, and a driven transmission part 864a to receive actuation from the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of apparatus A is provided at the end of coupling element 864. The structure of the lever element 812 and the coupling element 864 is the same as in Embodiment 7.

[0420] With reference to Figures 64 and 65, a structure around the extension / retraction element 920 will be described. Figures 64 and 65 are viewed in perspective around the extension / retraction element 920. In the Figures, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0421] As shown in the Figure, a sliding part 915a of a meat element 915 is slidably inserted into a first sliding part 901f of the side element 901. The third lever element 905 is slidably inserted into the second sliding part 901c of the side element 901. The engagement projection 905c of the third lever element 905 is engaged in the engagement hole 915d of the meat element 915.

[0422] The advance / retraction element 920 is slidably inserted into the third sliding part 901 d of the side element 901 from the left side of the side element 901 in Figure 64. Furthermore, the cam pin 921 is press-fitted into the fixing hole 920a of the advance / retraction element 920 through the through hole 901 h of the side element 901 to be fixed. The rear end of the cam pin 921 slidably penetrates the cam groove 915b of the cam element 915 (see Figure 66).

[0423] The third thrust element 906 is arranged in the support part of Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, p. 102 / 265 89 / 121 thrust element 901 and side element 901, and the opposite ends thereof are mounted on the contact wall 901g of side element 901 and on the thrust wall 905b of the third lever element 905, respectively. It is in contact.

[0424] With these structures, the third lever element 905 is driven in the direction of arrow H92 in Figure 65 and is movably supported in the direction of arrow H92 and in the opposite direction. Furthermore, with these structures, the cam element 915 is rotatably supported in the direction of arrow H91 in Figure 65 according to the movement of the third lever element 905 in the direction of arrow H92 and in the opposite direction.

[0425] Figures 66 and 67 illustrate the operation of the advance / retraction element 920 and the third lever element 905. Figures 66 and 67 are perspective views of the advance / retraction element 920 and the third lever element 905. In the Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0426] Figure 66 shows a state of a natural state (free state) in which an external force is not applied to the third lever element 905. The third lever element 905 is moved in the direction of arrow H92 in the Figure by the force of the third thrust element 906. At this moment, the cam element 915 and the advance / retraction element 920 are in the phases shown in the Figure, and the advance / retraction element 920 is in the retracted position.

[0427] Figure 67 shows a state after the third lever element 905 is pushed. As shown in the Figure, when a force is applied to the contact part 905a of the third lever element 905 in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure, the third lever element 905 moves in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure. According to this operation, the lever element 915 rotates in the direction of arrow H94 in the Figure.

[0428] Although the advance / retraction element 920 is engaged in the meat element 915 by means of the meat pin 921, the advance / retraction element 920 cannot move in the direction of arrow H91 in Figure 65, as shown in Figures 64 and 65. Therefore, as shown in Figure 67, as the meat element 915 Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 103 / 265 90 / 121 rotates in the direction of arrow H94 in the Figure, cam pin 921 slides in cam groove 915b, so that the advance / retraction element 920 moves in the direction of arrow H95 in the Figure. Then it moves to the advance position.

[0429] Figure 68 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device A is open and cartridge B is mounted in a position for image formation operation. In the Figure, the reference mark L91 indicates the direction of the axis of rotation of cylinder 62 of cartridge B in the position for image formation operation.

[0430] As shown in the Figure, the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the device A is inclined at 091° with respect to the axis L9.

[0431] Figure 69 shows the behavior in which the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device A is closed in this state. When the opening / closing door 13 is closed in the direction of arrow H96 in the drawing, the cartridge pressure part 13a provided in the opening / closing door 13 contacts the contact part 905a of the third lever element 905. When the opening / closing door 13 is closed further, the cartridge pressure part 13a pushes the third lever element 905. At this moment, as described above, the advance / retraction element 920 of cartridge B moves to the advanced position and jumps to the drive side (see Figure 70).

[0432] Figure 71 shows how the coupling element 864 moves to the drive side. As the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the third lever element 905 is pushed, and the advance / retract element 920 moves in the direction of arrow H97 in the drawing, as shown in the Figure. At this moment, the inclined part 920b of the advance / retract element 920 comes into contact with the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the device A. When the advance / retract element 920 moves further, the inclined part 920b presses the drive transmission element 81, the drive transmission element tilts in the direction of arrow H98 in the Figure, so that the angle 091 decreases. Then, as shown in Figure 72, the axis of rotation of the drive transmission element 81 becomes almost coaxial with L91. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 104 / 265 91 / 121

[0433] Figure 73 shows how the opening / closing door 13 is closed. As shown in the Figure, the cartridge pressure element 1 provided in the opening / closing door 13 begins to press the lever element 812 at the moment when the third lever element 905 is pushed in and the drive transmission element 81 becomes almost coaxial with the rotation axis L91. When the lever element 812 is pushed in further, the coupling element 864 of cartridge B springs out on the drive side, as described in Embodiment 7.

[0434] Figure 74 shows a state around the drive transmission element 81 when the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed.

[0435] As shown in the Figure, the driven transmission part 864a of the coupling element 864 projects towards the drive transmission element 81 substantially coaxial with L91, and the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part (Figure 40) enters the drive transmission part 81e (see Figure 4). Alternatively, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part contacts the free end surface 81k (see Figure 4).

[0436] When the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the device A is rotatably driven with the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part being in the drive transmission part 81 e, the drive transmission part 81 e of the drive transmission element 81 and the transmission part 864a of the coupling element 864 are engaged with each other so that the drive is transmitted to the cartridge B.

[0437] First, in a state where the free-end surface 864c of the driven transmission part is in contact with the free-end surface 81k, the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of apparatus A is rotatably driven. When the drive transmission part 81 and the drive transmission element 81 and the transmission part Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 105 / 265 92 / 121 of the drive 864a of the coupling element 864 are in phase with each other, the free end surface of the driven transmission part 864c enters the drive transmission part 81e. When the drive transmission element 81 is further rotatably driven, the drive transmission part 81e and the drive transmission part 864a are engaged with each other to transmit the drive to cartridge B.

[0438] At this moment, if the drive transmission part 81a and the driven transmission part 864a have the twisted projection-recess shapes mentioned above, the drive transmission part 81a and the driven transmission part 864a are attracted to each other, so that stable drive transmission can be achieved.

[0439] When cartridge B is removed from the main assembly of device A, the operation mentioned above is reversed. When the opening / closing door 13 is opened, the lever element 812 returns and the coupling element 864 is pulled towards the side of cartridge B (state in Figure 72). When the opening / closing door 13 is opened further, the third lever element 905 returns, and the advance / retraction element 920 is pulled towards the side of cartridge B and is disposed in the retracted position (state in Figure 68). After the opening / closing door 13 is fully open, cartridge B is removed.

[0440] In this embodiment, the cartridge pressure element 1 of the main assembly of apparatus A is structured to press cartridge B against the main assembly of apparatus A, receiving the pressure force from the pressure spring 19 of the main assembly of apparatus A when the opening / closing door 13 is closed. However, this structure is not unavoidable for the present invention.

[0441] In Figures 75 to 77, a modified example will be described in which the structure of the third lever element is partially modified. This modification is effective for the structure in which when the movement of the cylindrical cam 83 (see part (b) of Figure 5 and part (b) of Figure 6) in the direction of arrow H2 shown in part (b) of Figure 5 is performed immediately before the completion of the closing of the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the apparatus A. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 106 / 265 93 / 121

[0442] As shown in Figure 75, the side element 901 is provided with the fourth lever element 907 and the fifth lever element 908 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow H93 and in the opposite direction in the Figure. The fourth lever element 907 and the fifth lever element 908 correspond to a structure in which the third lever element 905 is separated into two parts.

[0443] Between the fourth lever element 907 and the fifth lever element 908, a fourth thrust element 909 is provided, opposite ends of which are contacted with a pressure-receiving part 907a of the fourth lever element 907 and a pressure-receiving part 908a of the fifth lever element 908, respectively. Figure 75 shows a free state in which no external force acts on the fourth lever element 907. The third thrust element 906 is in contact with a thrust wall 908b of the fifth lever element 908.

[0444] In this structure, when the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device A is closed, the fourth lever element 907 is pushed inward by the cartridge pressure element 1 as described above.

[0445] When the fourth lever element 907 is pushed in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure, the fifth lever element 908 is pushed in the direction of arrow H93, while the fourth thrust element 909 is compressed.

[0446] Figure 76 shows a state in which the advance / retraction element 920 has moved to the drive side in the process of the fifth lever element 908 being pushed and is in contact with the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the apparatus A (state of Figure 71). The cylindrical cam 83 has not yet moved in the direction of arrow H2 shown in part (b) of Figure 5 and therefore the drive transmission element 81 cannot tilt. For this reason, the advance / retraction element 920 cannot move to the drive side from the position shown in Figure 71. Therefore, the fifth lever element 908 cannot move either.

[0447] When the opening / closing door 13 is closed further from this Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 107 / 265 94 / 121 state, the fourth thrust element 909 is compressed by an amount corresponding to the amount by which the fourth lever element 907 is pushed inward (see Figure 77). Therefore, the opening / closing movement of the door 13 is not impeded.

[0448] When the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed, the cylindrical cam 83 moves in the direction of arrow H2 shown in part (b) of Figure 5, so that the drive transmission element 81 becomes tiltable. At this moment, the cam element 915 rotates by the pressure force of the fourth compressed drive element 909, so that the advance / retraction element 920 moves to the drive side. The drive transmission element 81 is tilted by the advance / retraction element 920 and therefore the axis of rotation of the drive transmission element 81 becomes almost coaxial with L91 (state in Figure 72).

[0449] The advance and retraction of the coupling element 864 will be described. Before the cylindrical cam 83 moves in the direction of arrow H2 shown in part (b) of Figure 5, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part of the coupling element 864 touches the free end surface 81k of the inclined drive transmission element 81, even when the cam element 70 is in the phase shown in Figure 44. For this reason, the coupling element 864 does not jump out.

[0450] When the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed, the axis of rotation of the drive transmission element 81 becomes almost coaxial with L91 due to the action of the advance / retraction element 920 described above. At this moment, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part of the coupling element 864 is inserted into the drive transmission part 81 and by the pressure force of the first compressed thrust element 59 (see Figure 40). Or, the free end surface 864c of the driven transmission part is arranged in contact with the free end surface 81k.

[0451] The operation when the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the device A is rotatably driven is as described above. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 108 / 265 95 / 121

[0452] In this embodiment, a structure in which two cam elements (cam element 70, cam element 915) are actuated by two lever elements (lever element 812, third lever element 905) has been described. The two lever elements and the two cam elements can be collectively described as an operating mechanism. Since the two cams are operationally connected with the coupling element 364 and with the advance / retraction element 920, respectively, the operating mechanism can move the coupling element 864 and the advance / retraction element 920 at the respective appropriate times, operating each lever element.

[0453] The operating mechanism does not always have to have two levers and two cam elements. For example, the operating mechanism may be structured to actuate two cam elements with one lever. In such a case, a lever and two cams may be appropriately connected so that the two cams are operated at appropriate times by the operation of one lever. Alternatively, the operating mechanism may have a structure including a cam element acting on both the coupling element and the advance / retraction element, and a lever acting on a cam element. In this case, the cam element may be structured so that the coupling element and the advance / retraction element are interconnected so as to operate at appropriate times when the cam element is operated.In any case, it will be sufficient if the operating mechanism is structured so that the coupling element 864 and the advance / retraction element 920 can be moved at appropriate times. This example will be described below.

[0454] What follows is a summary of this modality.

[0455] The main assembly of device A includes a drive transmission element (drive output element) 81. On the other hand, cartridge B includes a coupling element (engagement element) 864 and an advance / retraction element 920.

[0456] Both the advance / retraction element 920 and the coupling element 864 are movable elements that can move in the axial direction of the cylinder. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 109 / 265 96 / 121 photosensitive. The coupling element 864 is provided at the end of the photosensitive cylinder 62 and constitutes a cylinder unit together with the photosensitive cylinder 62. On the other hand, the advance / retraction element 920 is movably supported by the side element 901 which is the structure (casing) of the cartridge (see Figure 64). The advance / retraction element 920 is a movable element provided outside the photosensitive cylinder (outside the cylinder unit).

[0457] Both the advance / retraction element 920 and the coupling element 864 are provided on the front of the cartridge on the drive side of the cartridge.

[0458] The forward / retractable element 920 is structured to move towards the drive transmission element 81 and change the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81 when contacting the drive transmission element 81. That is, the forward / retractable element 920 is an element that presses against the drive transmission element 81 so as to decrease its angle of inclination (see Figures 71 and 72). When the coupling element 864 engages with the drive transmission element 81 having a reduced angle of inclination, they can be engaged with each other (see Figure 74).

[0459] In this embodiment, the advance / retract element 920 moves linearly parallel to the axis of the photosensitive cylinder, but the direction of movement is not necessarily limited to this. If the advance / retract element 920 has an axial component in the direction of movement, the advance / retract element 920 can be considered to be moving in the axial direction. A modified example in which the advance / retract element 920 moves in the axial direction with rotational motion will be described below with reference to Embodiment 8-4.

[0460] In this embodiment, the coupling element 864 is used as the drive force receiving element (drive input element) to receive the drive force. However, it is the same as the embodiment described above in that the cartridge gear element capable of engaging with the drive transmission element 81 having an angle of inclination. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 110 / 265 97 / 121 reduced can be supplied. That is, the drive input element is not limited to the coupling, but can be a gear. As the gear element 187 shown in part (a) of Figure 15, the gear element 187 exposed to the cartridge can be supplied, and this can be engaged with the gear part supplied on the outer peripheral surface of the drive transmission element 81.

[0461] In this embodiment, the cartridge has the lever element 812 as an operating element for moving the coupling element 864, and the lever element 905 is provided as an operating element for moving the advance / retraction element 920. One of these operating elements can be described as a first operating element and the other can be described as a second operating element.

[0462] Each operating element is structured to move forward of the cartridge, receiving an external force from outside the cartridge. More specifically, these operating elements operate the coupling element 864 and / or the forward / retracting element 920 being moved by receiving a force from the main assembly of the apparatus when the door 13 of the main assembly of the apparatus A is closed.

[0463] Furthermore, a part of the structure of this embodiment can be separated from the cartridge to form an accessory as in Embodiments 5 and 6. For example, the advance / retraction element 920, the lever element 905 and the cam element 915 for operating the element, and the side element 901 or similar supporting these elements (920, 905, 915) are separated from the cartridge and formed into an accessory that can be mounted on the main assembly of apparatus A.

[0464] The coupling element and the cartridge gear element can be connected with the drive transmission element having a reduced angle of inclination by the 920 advance / retraction element of the accessory, so that the drive transmission can be carried out. <Modalidade 8-2>

[0465] In the 8-2 Modality, the structure is such that the advance / retraction element Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 111 / 265 98 / 121 920 and the coupling element 864 are advanced and retracted by the action of a lever (operating element). Also in this embodiment, the same points as in the embodiments described above will be omitted. Among the elements described in these embodiments, those corresponding to the elements described in the embodiments described above are assigned the same names as the elements of the embodiments described above, and only the points different from those of the embodiments mentioned above will be described.

[0466] Figure 92 is a perspective view of process cartridge B of this embodiment.

[0467] A coupling element 864 is provided at the end of cylinder 62, and a driven transmission part 864a for receiving drive from the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of apparatus A is provided at the end of coupling element 864. A side element 901 is provided on the drive side of the cleaning unit 60. The side element 901 is provided with a third lever element 905 and an advance / retraction element 920. Although the details are described below, the third lever element 905 is an operating element for operating the advance / retraction element 920 and the coupling element 864.

[0468] With reference to Figures 93, 94 and 95, the structures around the extension / retraction element 920 and the coupling element 864 will be described. Figures 93, 94 and 95 are perspective views of the extension / retraction element 920 and the coupling element 864. In the Figures, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0469] As shown in Figures 93 and 94, a 70m engagement projection is provided on the outer periphery of the meat element 70. In addition, the meat element 915 is provided with a meat groove 915b, a second meat groove 915c and an engagement hole 915e. The 70m engagement projection of the meat element 70 is rotatably inserted into the engagement hole 915e of the meat element 915 (see also Figure 95). The assembly of the other elements is as described in Embodiments 8 and 7. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 112 / 265 99 / 121

[0470] With these structures, the third lever element 905 is movably supported in the direction of arrow H92 and in the opposite direction while being driven in the direction of arrow H92 in Figure 95. Furthermore, with these structures, the meat element 915 is supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow H91 in Figure 95 according to the movement of the third lever element 905 in the direction of arrow H92 and in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the meat element 70 is supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow H91 in Figure 95 according to the rotation of the meat element 915 by engagement between the engagement projection 70m and the engagement hole 915e.

[0471] With reference to Figures 96 to 98, the operations of the advance / retraction element 920, the coupling element 864 and the third lever element 905 will be described. Figures 96 to 98 are perspective views of the advance / retraction element 920, the coupling element 864 and the third lever element 905. In the Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0472] Part (a) of Figure 96 and part (b) of Figure 96 show a state of a natural state (free state) in which no external force is applied to the third lever element 905. The third lever element 905 is moved in the direction of arrow H92 in the Figure by the force of the third thrust element 906. At this moment, the cam element 915 and the advance / retraction element 920 are in the retracted positions shown in the Figure. Furthermore, as shown in 95(b), the coupling element 864 is moved to the non-actuated side because the first surface 70e of the cam element 70 is in contact with the projection 901k of the side element 901 (see also Figure 43).

[0473] Part (a) of Figure 97 and part (b) of Figure 97 show a state when the third lever element 905 is pushed. As shown in the Figures, when a force is applied to the contact part 905a of the third lever element 905 in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure, the third lever element 905 moves in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure. According to this operation, the lever element 915 rotates in the direction of arrow H94 in the Figure.

[0474] The advance / retraction element 920 is engaged with the meat groove. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 113 / 265 100 / 121 915b of the cam element 915 by means of the cam pin 921. As the cam element 915 rotates in the direction of arrow H94 in the Figure, the cam pin slides in the cam groove 915b, so that the advance / retraction element 920 moves in the direction of arrow H95 in the drawing. Then, when the cam pin 921 slides to the end in the cam groove 915b, the advance / retraction element 920 moves to the advanced position (position in part (a) of Figure 98).

[0475] The state of the coupling element 864 at this moment will be described. Since the engagement projection 70m of the meat element 70 and the engagement hole 915e of the meat element 915 are engaged with each other, the meat element 70 rotates in the direction of arrow H94 in the Figure as the meat element 915 rotates as described above. At this moment, as shown in part (b) of Figure 97, the first surface 70e of the meat element 70 remains in contact with the projection 901k of the side element 901, it remains in a state of being moved to the side without actuation.

[0476] Part (a) of Figure 98 and part (b) of Figure 98 show the state when the third lever element 905 is pushed further in. As shown in the Figure, when the third lever element 905 is pushed further in, the cam element 915 rotates further in the direction of arrow H94 in the Figure of part (a) of Figure 98. At this moment, the cam pin 921 slides in the second cam groove 915c of the cam element 915. As shown in part (a) of Figure 98, since the second cam groove 915c is not inclined relative to the direction of arrow H95 in the Figure, the advance / retraction element 920 remains in the advanced position, even if the cam element 915 rotates.

[0477] The state of coupling element 864 at this moment will be described. As meat element 915 rotates further, meat element 70 also rotates further in the direction of arrow H94 in the drawing. At this moment, as shown in part (b) of Figure 98, the surface of meat element 70 that abuts projection 901k of side element 901 changes from the first surface 70e to the second surface 70d by means of the inclined surface 70b. In this process, the Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 114 / 265 101 / 121 coupling element 864 changes from the state of being moved to the non-drive side to the state of projecting towards the drive side (see also Figure 44).

[0478] As described above, when the third lever element 905 is pushed inward, the advance / retraction element 920 first moves to the advance position and then the coupling element 864 projects to the drive side.

[0479] Figure 99 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge B of this embodiment is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus. As shown in the Figure, when the process cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus and the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cartridge pressure part 13a provided in the opening / closing door 13 contacts the contact part 905a of the third lever element 905. Furthermore, when the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cartridge pressure part 13a pushes the third lever element 905.

[0480] After this, the advance / retraction element 920 moves to the advanced position, as described above. At this moment, as described in Embodiment 8, the axis of rotation of the drive transmission element 81 and the axis of rotation of the cylinder 62 become almost coaxial with each other (see Figures 71 and 72). When the opening / closing door 13 is closed further, the coupling element 864 projects towards the drive side as described above. At this moment, as described in Embodiment 8 (see Figure 74), the driven transmission part 864a of the coupling element 864 projects towards the drive transmission element 81, and the free end surface 864c (Figure 40) of the driven transmission part enters the drive transmission part 81e (see Figure 4). Or, the free-end surface 864c of the driven transmission part comes into contact with the free-end surface 81k (see Figure 4).The operation when the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the device A is rotatably actuated after the opening / closing door 13 is closed is as described above. In this embodiment, the structure is such. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 115 / 265 102 / 121 that, when the third lever element 905, which is an operating element, receives an external force, the advance / retraction element 920 first moves and then the coupling element 864 begins to move. <Modalidade 8-3>

[0481] In Embodiment 8-3, another structure in which the advance / retraction element 920 and the coupling element 864 are advanced and retracted by the action of a lever will be described. Also in this embodiment, the same points of the embodiment described above will be omitted. Among the elements described in this embodiment, those corresponding to the elements described in the embodiment described above are assigned the same names as the elements of the embodiment mentioned above, and only the points different from those in the embodiment mentioned above will be described.

[0482] Figure 100 is a perspective view of process cartridge B of this embodiment.

[0483] A coupling element 864 is provided at the end of the cylinder 62, and a projection as a driven transmission part 864a for receiving the drive from the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the apparatus A is provided at the end of the coupling element 864. A side element 901 is provided on the drive side of the cleaning unit 60. The side element 901 is provided with a third lever element 905 and an advance / retraction element 920. Although the details are described below, the third lever element is an operating element for operating the advance / retraction element 920 and the coupling element 864.

[0484] With reference to Figures 101 and 102, the structures around the extension / retraction element 920 and the coupling element will be described. Figures 101 and 102 are perspective views of the extension / retraction element 920 and the coupling element 864. In these Figures, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0485] As shown in Figure 101, the lever element 812 is mounted through the slotted part 901 m of the side element 901. Furthermore, the coil part Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 116 / 265 103 / 121 820c of the first thrust element 820 is inserted into the fixing projection 901n of the side element 901, and a first thrust end 820a is in contact with the driven projection 812b of the lever element 812. With this structure, the lever element 812 is provided so as to be sliding in the opposite direction to the direction of arrow H100 in the Figure while being driven in the direction of arrow H100 in the Figure. Furthermore, the engagement part of the lever element 70a of the cam element 70 is engaged with the engagement hole 812c of the lever element 812. With this structure, the cam element 70 can rotate and move according to the movement of the lever element 812 in the direction of arrow H100 in the Figure.

[0486] In cartridge B of this embodiment, the lever element 812 is additionally provided compared to the cartridge described in embodiment 8-2. The third lever element 905 can operate the coupling element by means of the lever element 812. Therefore, unlike Embodiment 8 described above, in this embodiment, the lever element 812 is not exposed to the outside of the cartridge and does not directly receive an external force from the main assembly of apparatus A. Instead, a force is received from the third lever element 905 inside the cartridge.

[0487] After assembling the lever element 812 and the cam element 70, the third lever element 905, the cam element 915 including the cam groove 915b and the second cam groove 915c and the like are assembled, as shown in Figure 102. The structure is the same as that of Embodiment 8. In addition, as shown in Figure 102, the third lever element 905 of this embodiment is provided with a lever contact part 905d.

[0488] With reference to Figures 103 to 105, the operations of the advance / retraction element 920, the coupling element 864 and the third lever element 905 will be described. Figures 103 to 105 are perspective views of the advance / retraction element 920, the coupling element 864 and the third lever element 905. In the Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0489] Part (a) of Figure 103 and part (b) of Figure 103 show a state Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 117 / 265 104 / 121 natural (free state) in which no external force is applied to the third lever element 905. The third lever element 905 is moved in the direction of arrow H92 in the Figure by the force of the third thrust element 906. At this moment, the cam element 915 and the advance / retraction element 920 are in the retracted positions. Furthermore, as shown in Figure (a), the lever element 812 is moved in the direction of arrow H101 in the Figure by the force from the first thrust element 820. At this moment, the coupling element 864 is moved to the non-actuated side because the first surface 70e of the cam element 70 is in contact with the projection 901k of the side element 901 (see also Figure 43).

[0490] Part (a) of Figure 104 and part (b) of Figure 104 show a state when the third lever element 905 is pushed. As shown in the Figure, when a force is applied to the contact part 905a of the third lever element 905 in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure, the third lever element 905 is moved in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure. According to this operation, the meat element 915 rotates in the direction of arrow H94 in the Figure. As described above, the advance / retract element 920 moves in the direction of arrow H95 in part (a) of Figure 104 due to the engagement between the meat pin 921 and the meat groove 915b. Then, when the meat pin 921 slides to the end in the meat groove 915b, the advance / retract element 920 moves to the advanced position (see part (a) of Figure 97).On the other hand, during the movement of the third lever element 905, the lever contact part 905d of the third lever element 905 comes into contact with the driven projection 812b of the lever element 812. Through this contact, the lever element 812 is moved in the direction of arrow H102 in part (a) of Figure 104 and in part (b) of Figure 104. According to this operation, the meat element 70 rotates in the direction of arrow H103 in part (b) of Figure 104. As shown in part (b) of Figure 104, since the first surface 70e of the meat element 70 and the projection 901k of the side element 901 are in contact with each other, the coupling element 864 is still on the non-actuated side. As described above, in the state of part (a) of Figure 104 and of... Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 118 / 265 105 / 121 part (b) of Figure 104, the advance / retraction element 920 is in the extended engaged position, and the coupling element 864 is on the non-driven side.

[0491] Part (a) of Figure 105 and part (b) of Figure 105 show the state when the third lever element 905 is pushed further in. As shown in the Figure, when the third lever element 905 is pushed further in, the meat pin slides in the second cam groove 915c of the meat element 915 as described above and therefore the advance / retraction element 920 remains in the advanced position (see Figure (a)).

[0492] The state of the coupling element 864 at this moment will be described. As the third lever element 905 is pushed further inward, the lever element 812 moves further in the direction of arrow H102 in the Figure. According to this operation, the meat element 70 also rotates in the direction of arrow H103 in part (b) of Figure 105. At this moment, as shown in part (b) of Figure 105, the surface of the meat element 70 that comes into contact with the projection 901 k of the side element 901 changes from the first surface 70e to the second surface 70d by means of the inclined surface 70b. In this process, the coupling element 864 changes from the state of being moved to the non-actuated side to the state of projection to the actuated side (see also Figure 44).As described above, when the third lever element 905 is pushed, the advance / retraction element 920 is first moved to the advance position and subsequently the coupling element 864 projects towards the drive side.

[0493] Figure 106 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which process cartridge B of this embodiment is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus. As shown in the Figure, when process cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus and the opening / closing door 13 is closed, the cartridge pressure part 13a provided in the opening / closing door 13 contacts the contact part 905a of the third lever element 905. When the opening / closing door 13 is closed further, the cartridge pressure part 13a pushes the third lever element 905. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, page 119 / 265 106 / 121

[0494] After this, the advance / retraction element 920 moves to the advanced position, as described above. At this moment, as described in Embodiment 8, the axis of rotation of the drive transmission element 81 and the axis of rotation of the cylinder 62 become almost coaxial (see Figures 71 and 72). When the opening / closing door 13 is closed further, the coupling element 864 projects towards the drive side as described above. At this moment, as described in Embodiment 8 (see Figure 74), the driven transmission part 864a of the coupling element 864 projects towards the drive transmission element 81 and the free end surface 864c (Figure 40) and the driven transmission part enters the drive transmission part 81e (see Figure 4). Or, the free-end surface 864c of the driven transmission part comes into contact with the free-end surface 81k (see Figure 4).The operations when the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the device A is rotatably actuated after the opening / closing door 13 is closed are as described above. <Modalidade 8-4>

[0495] Modality 8-4 will be described. This modality is a modality (example of modification) in which the structure of Modality 8 is partially modified. Also in this modality, the description of the same points of the modality described above will be omitted. Among the elements described in this modality, those corresponding to the elements described in the modality described above are assigned the same names as the elements of the modality mentioned above, and only the point different from those of the modality mentioned above will be described.

[0496] Figure 107 is a perspective view of process cartridge B of this embodiment. A side element 901 is provided on the drive side of the cleaning unit 60, and is provided with a first positioning projection on the drive side 901a and a second positioning projection on the drive side 901b. In addition, it is provided with a lever element 812, a third lever element 905 and a rotary element 930.

[0497] With reference to Figures 108 and 109 and to part (a) of Figure 110 and to part Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 120 / 265 107 / 121 (b) of Figure 110, the structure around the rotating element 930 will be described. Figures 108 and 109 are exploded perspective views around the rotating element 930. Part (a) of Figure 110 and part (b) of Figure 110 are perspective views of the rotating element 930 and the third lever element 905. In the Figures, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0498] As shown in Figures 109 and 107, the rotating element 930 is provided with a support hole 930a, a meat pin 930b and a contact part 930c. As shown in the Figure, a support hole 930a of the rotating element 930 is inserted in a sliding and rotatable manner into the rotating shaft 901 r of the side element 901. After the rotating element 930 is mounted, a retaining element 931 is fixed to the free end of the rotating shaft 901 r by a method such as adhesion to prevent the rotating element 930 from disengaging from the rotating shaft 901 r.

[0499] As shown in part (a) of Figure 110 and in part (b) of Figure 110, a meat groove 905e is provided at the end of the third lever element 905. The cam pin 930b of the rotating element 930 is slidingly engaged with the meat groove 905e.

[0500] Furthermore, the third thrust element 906 is provided in the support part of the thrust element 901 and the side element 901, and the opposite ends thereof are in contact with the contact wall 901 g of the side element 901 and the thrust wall 905b of the third lever element 905, respectively.

[0501] With these structures, the third lever element 905 is supported so that it is movable in the direction of arrow H92 and in the opposite direction to it, while it is driven in the direction of arrow H92 in part (a) of Figure 110.

[0502] With reference to part (a) of Figure 110, part (b) of Figure 110 to part (a) of Figure 112 and part (b) of Figure 112, the operations of the rotating element 930 and the third lever element 905 will be described. Figures 110 to 112 are perspective views of the rotating element 930 and the third lever element 905. In the Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration.

[0503] Part (a) of Figure 110 and part (b) of Figure 110 show a state Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 121 / 265 108 / 121 from a natural state (free state) in which no external force is applied to the third lever element 905. The third lever element 905 is moved in the direction of arrow H92 in the Figure by the force of the third thrust element 906. At this moment, the rotating element 930 is in the retracted position shown in the Figure.

[0504] Part (a) of Figure 111 and part (b) of Figure 111 show a state in which the third lever element 905 begins to be pushed. As shown in the Figure, when a force is applied to the contact part 905a of the third lever element 905 in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure, the third lever element 905 moves in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure.

[0505] In the rotating element 930, the cam pin 930b is engaged with the cam groove 905e of the third lever element 905 and, therefore, the cam pin 930b receives a force in the direction of arrow H105 in the Figure from the cam groove 905e, as the third lever element 905 moves in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure. Through this force, the rotating element 930 is rotated in the direction of arrow H104 in the Figure.

[0506] Part (a) of Figure 112 and part (b) of Figure 112 are illustrations after the third lever element 905 has been pushed further. As shown in the Figure, the third lever element 905 moves in the direction of arrow H93 in the Figure, and the rotary element 930 rotates further. With reference to Figure 113 A and part (b) of Figure 113, the operation of the rotary element 930 in the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the apparatus will be described. Part (a) of Figure 113 and part (b) of Figure 113 are seen in perspective around the rotary element 930 and the drive transmission element 81. In the Figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration.The drive transmission element 81 in part (a) of Figure 113 is in a state in which the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the apparatus A is open and the cartridge B is mounted in an image-forming position (image-forming operation) as described with reference to Figure 68. In part (a) of Figure 113, L91 represents the direction of the axis of rotation of the cylinder 62 (not shown) of cartridge B placed in the image-forming position (image-forming operation). Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 122 / 265 109 / 121 of image). As shown in the Figure, the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of device A is inclined at ~ 91° relative to L91.

[0507] In this state, when the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device A is closed (see Figure 69), the cartridge pressure part 13a supplied in the opening / closing door 13 pushes the contact part 905a of the third lever element 905. At this moment, as described above, the rotating element 930 of cartridge B rotates.

[0508] Part (a) of Figure 113 shows a state in which the inclined surface 930d of the rotating element 930 that rotated in the direction of arrow H107 in the Figure touches the drive transmission element 81 in the process of closing the opening / closing door 13. Furthermore, when the rotating element 930 rotates in the direction of arrow H107 in the Figure, the contact surface 930e of the rotating element 930 presses the drive transmission element 81 and inclines the drive transmission element 81 to move it in the direction of arrow H106 in the Figure (state shown in part (b) of Figure 113). In this way, the angle Θ91 is reduced, and as shown in part (b) of Figure 113, the axis of rotation of the drive transmission element 81 becomes almost coaxial with the direction of the axis of rotation L91 of the cylinder 62 (not shown) of cartridge B.

[0509] Furthermore, in the process of closing the opening / closing door 13, the operation of jumping out of the coupling element 864 of the cartridge B to the drive side, and the engagement operation between the drive transmission element 81 of the main assembly of the device A and the coupling element after closing the opening / closing door 13 are described as previously controlled.

[0510] The rotating element 930 in this embodiment corresponds to the advance / retraction element 920 (see Figure 70) in Embodiment 8. The advance / retraction element 920 in Embodiment 8 is a pressure element that moves linearly in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder. On the other hand, the rotating element 930 is a pressure element that moves in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder with rotation. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 123 / 265 110 / 121

[0511] That is, when the lever element 905 receives an external force, the free end (contact part 930c) of the rotating element 930 moves away from the cartridge in the axial direction. In other words, the contact part 930c of the rotating element 930 moves in the direction that approaches the drive transmission element 81, that is, towards the right side in Figure 113. <Modalidade 9>

[0512] In the above-described Embodiment 3, the structure is such that the coupling element is moved forward and backward in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder 62 by the lever element 12. This embodiment is a further development of Embodiment 3. Elements equivalent to those used with the embodiment described above will be given the same name, and only the points different from those in the embodiment described above will be described. Although the details are described below, cartridge B can be mounted on the rear side of the position at the time of image formation operation substantially in the same direction as the direction N1 in which the drive transmission element 81 is inclined when cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus A. With this, the amounts of advance and retraction of the coupling element can be reduced compared with Embodiment 3.

[0513] Figure 78 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the drive-side structure of the cleaning unit 1060 in this embodiment.

[0514] Figure 79 is an illustration of the attitude of cartridge B according to the present embodiment at the moment of the image formation operation of the main assembly of device A.

[0515] Figure 80 is a side view illustrating the operation of a positioning element in the present embodiment.

[0516] Figure 81 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the order of operations in assembling cartridge B according to this embodiment for the main assembly of apparatus A.

[0517] Figure 83 is a perspective view of cartridge B. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 124 / 265 111 / 121

[0518] As shown in Figure 79, when cartridge B is fully mounted in the main assembly of apparatus A, cartridge positioning elements (hereinafter, positioning elements) 1091 and 1092 provided in a side element 1076 come into contact with positioning parts 1080a and 1080b provided in the main assembly of apparatus A. In this way, positioning elements 1091 and 1092 can determine the position of cartridge B in a state where the photosensitive cylinder 62 is close to the drive transmission element 81.

[0519] The photosensitive cylinder 62 has an exposed part that is not covered by a cleaning structure 1071 or the developing device unit 1020 and is exposed in a position facing the transfer roller 7. The positioning parts on the side of the main assembly 1080a and 1080b are arranged so as to press the exposed part of the photosensitive cylinder 62.

[0520] With reference to Figure 78, the structure of the cleaning unit 1060 used for cartridge B will be described. Part (a) of Figure 78 and part (b) of Figure 78 are exploded perspective views of the cleaning unit 1060 including the advance / retraction mechanism of the coupling element 1064. Part (c) of Figure 78 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structures of the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 and a positioning lever 1093 of the side element 1076.

[0521] Similar to Embodiment 3, as shown in part (a) of Figure 78 and part (b) of Figure 78, the side element 1076 has an inner cylindrical peripheral surface 1076a, an outer cylindrical peripheral surface 1076b, a projection 1076c, and so on. The inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 1076a supports the coupling element 1064. The outer cylindrical peripheral surface 1076b supports the meat element 1070. The projection 1076c projects outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder.

[0522] In addition, the lever element (operating element) 1012 and the cam element 1070 are provided between a flange unit on the drive side 1069 and the side element 1076. In addition, the lever element 1012 is Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 125 / 265 112 / 121 is provided with a drive means 1012d that drives the lever element in the Y2 direction. This allows the coupling element 1064 to be held in the retracted position until the contact part 1012a of the lever element 1012 is placed in contact with the opening / closing door 1013 (not shown) of the main assembly of apparatus A. With this structure, the coupling element 1064 can be advanced and retracted in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder 62 in interrelation with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 1013.

[0523] Furthermore, as shown in part (c) of Figure 78, the side element 1076 is provided with positioning elements 1091 and 1092, the positioning element lever (hereinafter, lever element) 1093 and a retaining element 1076d to restrain the lever element 1093. The positioning element 1091 has an actuating part 1091a that contacts the positioning element on the main assembly side 1080a, a center of rotation 1091b around which the actuating part 1091a rotates, and a connecting shoulder 1091c that controls an angle of rotation being connected to the lever element 1093. Similarly, the positioning element 1092 also has an actuating part 1092a, a center of rotation 1091b and a connecting shoulder 1092c. The connecting protrusions 1091c and 1092c are positioned closer to the actuating parts 1091a and 1092a than to the rotation centers 1091b and 1092b.

[0524] The lever element 1093 is provided with a pressure part 1093a to be pushed by the opening / closing door 1013, connection holes 1093b and 1093e and pressure parts 1093a to mount the connection protrusions 1091 and 1092c, and a connection part 1093c connecting the connection holes 1093b and 1093e. It also has a drive means 1093d that drives the pressure part 1093a in a direction away from the photosensitive cylinder 62.

[0525] As shown in Figure 80, the connecting holes 1093b and 1093e have a hole shape corresponding to a movement location of the connecting shoulders 1091c and 1092c, to allow the actuating parts 1091a and 1092a to move between the first position (first position of the positioning element) and the Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 126 / 265 113 / 121 second position (second position of positioning element). Furthermore, the lever element 1093 is provided with the pressure part 1093a pressed by the opening / closing door 1013, and the lever element 1093 moves in the direction of arrow Y101. When released by pressing the opening / closing door 1013, it moves in the direction of arrow Y102 by the thrust force of the thrust means 1093d. With this structure, in interrelation with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 1013, the movement operation of Y101 and Y102 causes the actuating part 1091a to rotate as indicated by R101 and R102, and causes the actuating part 1092a to rotate as indicated by R103 and R104. Therefore, positioning elements 1091 and 1092 can move between the first position (first position of the positioning element) and the second position (second position of the positioning element).

[0526] The angles of movement of the first position of the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 relative to the second position need not be the same. It is desirable to determine the rotation amounts of the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 so that cartridge B can be mounted in the direction N1 in which the drive transmission element 81 is inclined relative to the second position. (Cartridge B assembly operation in the main assembly of device A)

[0527] With reference to Figure 81, the assembly of cartridge B in the main assembly of device A will be described.

[0528] As shown in part (a) of Figure 81, cartridge B is inserted substantially perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive cylinder 62 in the main assembly of the apparatus A until the positioning part on the non-drive side 1094 of the photosensitive cylinder 62 touches the positioning part on the side of the main assembly of the apparatus 1080c. This insertion operation is performed by the user. At this moment, the drive transmission element 81 is inclined in the N2 direction relative to the image formation position. Furthermore, at this moment, the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are in the first positions (first Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 127 / 265 114 / 121 positioning element positions). Since positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are in the first positions, there are gaps between the positioning parts on the main assembly side 1080a and 1080b and positioning elements 1091 and 1092 in the image warping position, respectively.

[0529] Next, as shown in part (b) of Figure 81, cartridge B is inserted until positioning elements 1091 and 1092 come into contact with the positioning elements on the main assembly side 1080a and 1080b, in the state in which they are in the first position (first positioning element). As described above, the rotation amounts of positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are determined so that cartridge B can be mounted in the N1 direction in which the drive transmission element 81 is inclined. With this, the user inserts cartridge B so that its drive side is towards the N1 side of the image formation position on the main assembly of the device A. At this moment, the photosensitive cylinder 62 goes further towards the transfer roller 7 beyond the position for image formation, but the transfer roller 7 has sufficient elasticity and therefore cartridge B can be mounted without any problem.In this state, cartridge B is in a position (first cartridge position) that is further inside the main assembly of device A towards the downstream side in the mounting direction than the regular mounting position.

[0530] After that, the cylindrical cam 83 (shown in Figure 5) moves in interrelation with the closing operation of the opening / closing door 1012, and the drive transmission element 81 changes its tilt direction in the N1 direction.

[0531] When the opening / closing door 1013 is closed further, the contact part 1012a of the lever element 1012 comes into contact with the opening / closing door 1013 in interrelation with the closing operation of the opening / closing door 1013 of the main assembly of the apparatus A, as shown in part (c) of Figure 81, so that the coupling element 1064 projects outwards (side Z1) in the direction of the axis of the photosensitive cylinder 62. At this moment, Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 128 / 265 115 / 121 as in Modality 3, the surface 1064g1 of the coupling element 1064 enters the slotted part 81g of the drive transmission element 81. The coupling element 1064 and the drive transmission element 81 are arranged in contact with each other and are engaged with each other.

[0532] When the opening / closing door 1013 is closed further, the pressure part 1013a of the lever element 1093 is pushed by the opening / closing door 1013, so that the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are rotated to the second positions (second positioning elements) in interrelation with the lever element. Through this rotation operation, as shown in part (d) of Figure 81, cartridge B moves to the regular mounting position (image formation position, second cartridge position) in the main assembly of the apparatus A. During this mounting operation of cartridge B, the coupling element 1064 is in contact and engaged with the drive transmission element 81 and, therefore, the drive transmission element 81 reduces its angle of inclination according to the movement of cartridge B.As a result, the axis of the drive transmission element 81 and the axis of the photosensitive cylinder 62 are substantially aligned with each other, and the drive transmission element is connected to cartridge B so that the drive can be transmitted. With this, cartridge B is enabled to form an image. (Modified examples of this embodiment).

[0533] In this embodiment, the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are structured to assume the first and second positions by rotation, but the structure is not limited to such an example. For example, as shown in Figure 82, a structure using a linear motion cam can be used that linearly moves the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 which take the first and second positions by the operation of the lever element 1093.

[0534] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lever element 1012 and the lever element 1093 are used as separate elements. However, if the coupling element 1064 and the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 can perform the operations shown in part (a) of Figure 81 to part (d) of Figure 81, only Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 129 / 265 116 / 121 an operating element can be used to operate them.

[0535] For example, lever element 1012 and lever element 1093 can be connected to each other inside the cartridge, and one of them can be linked to the operation of the other. By one lever element receiving an external force from outside the cartridge, the other lever element can also be moved. Then, the operating elements operated from outside the cartridge can be integrated into one. An example of such a structure was described earlier using lever element 812 and lever element 905 in Embodiment 8-3 (see Figure 103 and similar).

[0536] The structure of this modality is summarized below.

[0537] The main assembly A of the apparatus includes a drive transmission element (drive output element) 81 capable of emitting a drive force and capable of tilting. In addition, cartridge B includes a photosensitive cylinder 62, a coupling element 1064, positioning elements 1091, 1092 and so on.

[0538] The coupling element 1064 is a coupling element for engaging with the drive transmission element 81, and is a movable element supplied adjacent to the end of the photosensitive cylinder 62. The coupling element 1064 is movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder.

[0539] Positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are movable elements for determining the position of cartridge B within the main assembly of apparatus A. The coupling element 1064 described above is mounted on the photosensitive cylinder, while positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are disposed outside the photosensitive cylinder (outside the cylinder unit).

[0540] More specifically, positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are arranged on the front of the cartridge and on the drive side. The right side in Figure 79 corresponds to the front side of the cartridge, and the front side of the drawing sheet surface corresponds to the drive side. That is, positioning elements 1091 and 1092 and coupling element 1064 are arranged on the same side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 130 / 265 117 / 121

[0541] In this embodiment, the positioning element is provided only on the actuating side of the cartridge, but it is also possible to provide the positioning element on the non-actuating side. An example of the positioning element on the non-actuating side is the lever element 825 (see Figure 50) described in Embodiment 7.

[0542] When viewed along the axis of the photosensitive cylinder, the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are arranged in the vicinity of the exposed part of the photosensitive cylinder.

[0543] The cartridge of this embodiment is supplied with two positioning elements 1091 and 1092, one of which can be described as a first positioning element and the other positioning element can be described as a second positioning element. In this embodiment, both positioning elements are movable, but only one of them can be movable. Positioning elements 1091 and 1092 can be moved so as to change the distance from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder (see Figure 80).

[0544] In Figure 80, the dashed line indicates a state in which positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are close to the axis of the photosensitive cylinder and are in the first positioning element position. The solid line represents the positions of positioning elements 1091 and 1092 arranged in the positions of the second positioning elements that are far from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder. The position of the first positioning element (dashed line in Figure 80) is the position taken before cartridge B is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, that is, the positions of positioning elements 1091 and 1092 in a state where no external force is applied to cartridge B. The position of the second positioning element (solid line in Figure 80) is the position of the positioning element when cartridge B is mounted inside the main assembly of the apparatus A and an external force is applied to cartridge B from the main assembly of the apparatus A.

[0545] By moving the two positioning elements 1091 and 1092 to the position of the second positioning element, the distance between the actuation parts Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 131 / 265 The distances provided at the free ends of the two positioning elements, 118 / 121, increases. That is, the longest distance (maximum distance) between positioning elements 1091 and 1092 becomes large.

[0546] By moving the positioning elements 1091 and 1092, the position of cartridge B relative to the main assembly of device A can be changed. This will be described with reference to Figure 81.

[0547] When positioning elements 1091 and 1092 are in the first positioning element position (Figure 79), cartridge B is in the first cartridge position shown in part (b) of Figure 81. When positioning elements 1091 and 1092 move to the second positioning element position (Figure 82), cartridge B moves to the second cartridge position shown in part (d) of Figure 81. This is the appropriate mounting position of the cartridge for image formation.

[0548] The drive side of cartridge B moves upstream in the cartridge insertion direction from the first cartridge position (part (b) of Figure 81) towards the second cartridge position (part (d) of Figure 81). Here, the cartridge insertion direction is the direction in which cartridge B is inserted into the main assembly of device A. In Figure 81, cartridge B is moved and inserted upwards relative to the main assembly of device A. That is, upstream in the insertion direction means the downward direction in Figure 81.

[0549] In the process of changing part (b) of Figure 81 to part (d) of Figure 81, the left side (i.e., the drive side) of the cartridge and the coupling element 1064 are moving downwards within the main assembly of apparatus A.

[0550] In this embodiment, the angle of inclination of cartridge B relative to the main assembly of apparatus A is changed by moving the positioning elements 1091 and 1092. That is, when cartridge B is in the first cartridge position (part (b) of Figure 81), it is inclined relative to the attitude when it is in the second cartridge position (81(d)).

[0551] The assembly process for cartridge B is as follows. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 132 / 265 119 / 121

[0552] In a state where cartridge B is disposed in the position (first cartridge position) shown in part (b) of Figure 81, the coupling element 1064 advances in the axial direction towards the drive transmission element 81, so that the coupling element 1064 is disposed in contact with the drive transmission element 81 (see part (d) of Figure 81). In this state, the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 move away from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder. That is, the positioning elements 1091 and 1092 move downstream in the direction of insertion of cartridge B and towards the front side of the cartridge. With this operation, cartridge B moves within the main assembly of the apparatus A to the position (mounting position, second cartridge position) shown in part (d) of Figure 81.Furthermore, the drive transmission element 81 is designed to change its tilt angle via the coupling element in accordance with the movement of cartridge B.

[0553] As a result, the drive transmission element 81 and cartridge B reach the normal attitude and position for image formation, and both are in a connected state with which drive transmission is possible.

[0554] The assembly process for cartridge B in this embodiment is similar to the assembly process for cartridge B in Embodiment 7 mentioned above (see Figures 51 and 57).

[0555] In this embodiment, unlike Embodiment 7, cartridge B is provided with a lever element as an operating element used to operate positioning elements 1091 and 1092. Lever element 1093 has the same structure as the operating element (lever element) in the embodiment described above. That is, lever element 1093 also receives the external force from the main assembly of the device A in response to the closing operation of door 13 (see Figure 21). When lever element 1093 receives the external force, it moves forward in the cartridge to operate positioning elements 1091 and 1092. That is, lever element 1093 moves positioning elements 1091 and 1092 towards the front of the cartridge so as to move them away. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 133 / 265 120 / 121 of the photosensitive cylinder axis, and moves them to the second positioning element positions (see the solid line in Figure 80).

[0556] In this embodiment, the coupling element 1064 is used as an engagement element to engage with the drive transmission element 81 to change the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81. However, the engagement element does not necessarily have to be a coupling element to transmit a drive force to the photosensitive cylinder 62. If the engagement element is structured so as not to transmit the drive force to the photosensitive cylinder 62, the cartridge B may additionally be provided with a gear element capable of receiving the drive force by engaging with the gear part of the drive transmission element 81. Here, the gear element 187 shown in part (a) of Figure 15 is described. <Resumo de todas as modalidades>

[0557] In Embodiments 1 to 9, various structures are employed in order to engage the drive transmission element 81 with the cartridge for drive transmission purposes. That is, the cartridges or accessories described in these embodiments have various structures in order to reduce the angle of inclination of the drive transmission element 81. For example, the structure has been described in which the inclination of the drive transmission element is reduced by bringing the inclined part of the cartridge or accessory into contact with the drive transmission element. As another means, the structure has been described in which the drive transmission element is pressed by a pressure element provided in the cartridge or accessory. As a further means, the structure of the pressure element on the side of the cartridge or on the side of the accessory pressing the pressure element on the side of the main assembly of the apparatus that inclines the drive transmission element has been described.

[0558] In addition, the cartridges or accessories of the embodiments have various structures in order to reduce the distance between the drive transmission element 81 and the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder. Petition 870210108825, dated 11 / 24 / 2021, pp. 134 / 265 121 / 121

[0559] For example, a structure has been described in which the drive transmission element is attracted to the cartridge by a gear element provided in the cartridge or accessory. In addition, as another method, a structure in which the coupling element provided in the cartridge is advanced towards the drive transmission element has also been described.

[0560] The cartridge or accessory may have different combinations of the structures of these embodiments. In addition, cartridge B may have any of the structures, including a structure in which the drive force is received from a gear part provided in the drive transmission element, a structure in which the drive force is received from a coupling part provided in the drive transmission element, or a structure in which the drive force is received both from the gear part provided in the drive transmission element and from the coupling. A part of the structure provided in the cartridge may be provided in the accessory, or a part of the structure provided in the accessory may be provided in the cartridge. Industrial Applicability

[0561] According to the present invention, the mountable and demountable cartridge from the main assembly of an imaging apparatus, such as an electrophotographic imaging apparatus, the accessory for the same and the mounting kit are provided.

[0562] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to disclose the scope of the present invention.

[0563] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-109672 filed on June 12, 2019 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-180284 filed on September 30, 2019, and the entire content is incorporated herein.

Claims

1. A cartridge that can be mounted in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that the main assembly includes a drive output element configured to emit a drive force, a push element on the side of the main assembly configured to tilt the drive output element when pushing the drive output element, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; and a push element on the side of the cartridge that is movable relative to the photosensitive cylinder and configured to change an angle of inclination of the drive output element when pushing the push element on the side of the main assembly.

2. Cartridge, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an operating element configured to cause the pushing element on the cartridge side to push the pushing element on the main assembly side when receiving an external force from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

3. Cartridge, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises an engagement element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the engagement element being engageable with the drive output element, wherein when the push element on the cartridge side pushes the push element on the main assembly side, the engagement element is engageable with the drive output element moving towards the drive output element.

4. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the engagement element is a coupling element capable of transmitting the drive force to the photosensitive cylinder.

5. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pusher element is configured to perform at least (a) a first operation of moving the photosensitive cylinder in an axial direction towards the outside of the cartridge and (b) a second operation of moving it in a direction other than the axial direction.

6. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a gear element capable of meshing with the drive output element.

7. Cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder provided in a front part of the cartridge; and a movable push element provided on a side of the cartridge in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, in a front part of the cartridge, wherein the push element is configured to perform at least (a) a first operation of moving in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder towards the outside of the cartridge and (b) a second operation of moving in a direction other than the axial direction.

8. Cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises an operating element configured to operate the pushing element upon receiving an external force from an exterior of the cartridge.

9. Cartridge, according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it further comprises an engagement element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, wherein the pushing element and the engagement element are arranged on the same side in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder.

10. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises an operating element configured to move the engagement element to the outside of the cartridge when receiving an external force from the outside of the cartridge.

11. Cartridge, according to claim 10, characterized in that the operating element is configured to cause the pushing element to perform the first operation and the second operation. Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, page 18 / 48 3 / 16 12. Cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that the operating element is a first operating element, and the cartridge further comprises a second operating element configured to cause the pushing element to perform both the first and second operations.

13. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the engagement element is a coupling element capable of transmitting a drive force to the photosensitive cylinder.

14. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises a gear element having at least one part exposed to the outside of the cartridge and capable of transmitting the drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder.

15. Cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder provided in a front part of the cartridge; a first movable element provided adjacent to an end part of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; a second movable element provided on the same side as the side provided with the first movable element in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the second movable element being configured to perform at least (a) a first operation of moving in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder towards the outside of the cartridge and (b) a second operation of moving in a direction other than the axial direction.

16. An accessory mountable to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that the main assembly includes a drive output element configured to emit a drive force, a push element on the side of the main assembly configured to tilt the drive output element by propelling it, wherein a cartridge is mountable in a detachable manner to the main assembly, the accessory comprising: a contact part configured to change an angle of inclination of the drive output element by moving, to connect the drive output element with the cartridge, the push element on the side of the main assembly in contact with the push element on the side of the main assembly.

17. Mounting kit for a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a cartridge including a photosensitive cylinder and a drive input element; and an accessory as defined in claim 16, wherein the drive input element can be connected to the drive output element, having an angle of inclination altered by the accessory, of the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

18. A cartridge that can be mounted in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that the main assembly includes a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; an engagement element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the engagement element being engageable with the drive output element;and a movable positioning element configured to determine a cartridge position within the main assembly, wherein the engagement element is configured to be disposed in contact with the drive output element as it moves towards the drive output element, and wherein the cartridge is configured so that, through the movement of the positioning element in a state in which the engagement element is in contact with the drive output element, (a) an angle of inclination of the drive output element is changed, and (b) the cartridge is moved to a mounted position that is within the main assembly.

19. Cartridge, according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that the engagement element is a coupling element capable of transmitting a drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder.

20. Cartridge, according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that it further comprises an operating element configured to move the engagement element towards the drive output element upon receiving an external force from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

21. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the positioning element is configured to change an angle of inclination of the cartridge relative to the main assembly of the imaging apparatus by moving the cartridge.

22. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the cartridge is capable of being inserted into the main assembly of the imaging apparatus, and the positioning element is configured to move the cartridge to the mounted position while moving the upstream engagement element in a cartridge insertion direction, by moving the cartridge itself.

23. Cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder provided in a front part of the cartridge; an engagement element provided adjacent to an end part of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; an operating element configured to move the engagement element in the axial direction towards the outside of the cartridge when receiving an external force from an outside of the cartridge; and a positioning element provided in a position that is in a front part of the cartridge and that is on an opposite side to the engagement element in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the positioning element projecting towards a front side of the cartridge and movable towards a rear part thereof.

24. Cartridge, according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that the engagement element is a coupling element capable of transmitting a drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder.

25. Cartridge, according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that it further comprises a gear element having at least one part exposed to the outside of the cartridge and capable of transmitting the drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder.

26. Cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder provided in a front part of the cartridge; an engagement element provided adjacent to an end part of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; a movable positioning element provided in a position that is in a front part of the cartridge and that is on the same side as the side provided with the engagement element in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; and an operating element configured to move the positioning element away from an axis of the photosensitive cylinder when receiving an external force from an exterior of the cartridge.

27. Cartridge, according to claim 26, characterized in that the positioning element is configured to move towards a forward side by the operating element that receives the external force.

28. Cartridge, according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the positioning element includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element, and the first positioning element and the second positioning element are configured to increase a maximum distance between them by the operating element that receives the external force.

29. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the operating element is configured to cause the engagement element to move in the axial direction towards the outside of the cartridge. Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, page 22 / 48 7 / 16 30. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the operating element is a first operating element, and the cartridge further comprises a second operating element configured to move the engagement element towards an exterior of the photosensitive cylinder by external force received from the exterior of the cartridge.

31. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the engagement element is a coupling element capable of transmitting a drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder.

32. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that it further comprises a gear element having at least one part exposed to the outside of the cartridge and capable of transmitting the drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder.

33. Cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder provided in a front part of the cartridge; a first movable element provided adjacent to an end part of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; a second movable element provided outside the photosensitive cylinder in a position that is in the front part of the cartridge and that is on the same side as the side provided with the first movable element; and an operating element configured to move the second movable element towards the front side when receiving an external force from an outside of the cartridge.

34. An accessory mountable to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that the main assembly includes a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, wherein a cartridge is mountable in a detachable manner to the main assembly, the accessory comprising: a movable positioning element configured to determine the position of the cartridge within the main assembly of the imaging apparatus, Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, page 23 / 48 8 / 16 wherein the positioning element is configured such that by moving the positioning element in a state in which an engagement element provided in the cartridge is in contact with the drive output element, (a) a tilt angle of the drive output element is changed, and (b) the cartridge is moved to a mounted position that is within the main assembly.

35. Mounting kit for a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a cartridge including (i) a photosensitive cylinder, (ii) a coupling element provided adjacent to one end of the photosensitive cylinder and movable in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the coupling element being engageable with the drive output element; and an accessory as defined in claim 34.

36. A cartridge mountable in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that the main assembly includes a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; a push element provided outside the photosensitive cylinder and movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the push element being configured to change an angle of inclination of the drive output element by pushing the drive output element; and an engagement element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the engagement element being configured to be enabled to engage with the drive output element when moving towards the drive output element pushed by the push element.

37. Cartridge, according to claim 36, characterized in that the pushing element pushes the drive output element upon receiving an external force from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

38. Cartridge, according to claim 37, characterized by the fact that Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, page 24 / 48 9 / 16, the operating element is configured to cause the engagement element to move towards the drive output element upon receiving external force.

39. Cartridge, according to claim 36, characterized in that it further comprises a first operating element configured to cause the pushing element to push the drive output element upon receiving external force from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus, and a second operating element configured to move the engagement element towards the drive output element upon receiving external force from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

40. Cartridge, according to claim 36, characterized in that the engagement element is a coupling element capable of transmitting a drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder.

41. Cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder provided in a front part of the cartridge; an engagement element provided adjacent to an end part of the photosensitive cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder; a push element provided outside the photosensitive cylinder in a position that is in the front part of the cartridge and that is on the same side as the side provided with the engagement element; and an operating element configured to cause the engagement element to move in the axial direction towards the outside of the cartridge when receiving an external force from an outside of the cartridge.

42. Cartridge, according to claim 41, characterized in that the operating element is configured to move the pushing element in the axial direction towards the outside of the cartridge when receiving external force.

43. Cartridge, according to claim 41, characterized in that the operating element is a first operating element, the cartridge further comprises a second operating element configured to move the pushing element in the axial direction towards the outside of the cartridge when receiving external force from an outside of the cartridge.

44. An accessory mountable to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that the main assembly includes a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, wherein a cartridge is mountable in a detachable manner to the main assembly, the accessory comprising: a movable push element configured to push the drive output element to change the tilt angle of the drive output element so that the drive output element is connected to the cartridge.

45. Cartridge, according to claim 44, characterized in that the pushing element includes a gear element configured to move the drive output element towards the cartridge by rotating the cartridge in a state of being engaged with a gear portion provided in the drive output element.

46. ​​Mounting kit for a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a cartridge including a photosensitive cylinder and a drive input element; and an accessory as defined in claim 44 or 45, wherein the drive input element is configured to be connected to a drive output element, having an angle of inclination altered by the accessory, of the main assembly of the imaging apparatus to receive a drive force from it.

47. A cartridge mountable in a detachable manner to a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that the main assembly includes a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, page 26 / 48 11 / 16 a gear element configured to cause the drive output element to approach the cartridge by rotating the cartridge in a state of being engaged with a gear part provided on the drive output element; and a contact part provided outside the photosensitive cylinder and configured to change an angle of inclination of the drive output element when contacting the drive output element approaching the cartridge by the gear element.

48. Cartridge according to claim 47, characterized in that the gear element includes a helical gear.

49. Cartridge, according to claim 47 or 48, characterized in that the gear is movable so that a distance from an axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the axis of the gear is changed.

50. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that it further comprises a coupling element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder and capable of transmitting a drive force to the photosensitive cylinder.

51. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 47 to 50, characterized in that the cartridge has a first side provided with the gear element and the contact part and a second side opposite to the first side in an axial direction from the photosensitive cylinder, wherein the contact part is an inclined part, and a distance between the axis of the photosensitive cylinder and the inclined part in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as the distance from the second side of the cartridge measured in the axial direction increases.

52. Cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder; a developing roller; a gear element provided on the first side of the cartridge in an axial direction from the photosensitive cylinder; and an inclined part provided on the first side of the cartridge outside the cylinder. Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, page 1.27 / 48 12 / 16 photosensitive, wherein, when a second side of the cartridge is an opposite side to the first side in the axial direction, at least a part of the teeth of the gear element is farther from the second side than the inclined part in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, a distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the inclined part in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as the distance from the second side of the cartridge in the axial direction increases, and wherein, as seen in a direction from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder, a center of the gear element is within the range of more than 60° and less than 120°, as measured from a line extending from a center of the photosensitive cylinder through the center of the developing roller, upstream in a direction of rotation of the photosensitive cylinder.

53. Cartridge according to claim 52, characterized in that the gear element includes a helical gear.

54. Cartridge, according to claim 52 or 53, characterized in that the gear element is connected to the photosensitive cylinder so as to be able to transmit a drive force.

55. Cartridge, according to claim 52 or 53, characterized in that it further comprises a coupling element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder and capable of transmitting the drive force to the photosensitive cylinder.

56. Accessory for a main assembly of the imaging apparatus in which a cartridge can be mounted in a detachable manner, characterized in that the main assembly includes a drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the accessory comprising: a gear element configured to cause the drive output element to approach the cartridge to connect the drive output element with the cartridge by rotating the same in a state of engagement with a gear part of the drive output element.

57. Mounting kit for a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a cartridge including a photosensitive cylinder and a drive input element; and an accessory as defined in claim 56, wherein the drive input element is configured to be connected with the drive output element, approaching the cartridge by the accessory, to receive a drive force.

58. Cartridge, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder; a gear element provided on a first side of the cartridge in an axial direction from the photosensitive cylinder; and an inclined part provided on the first side of the cartridge, wherein, when a second side of the cartridge is opposite to the first side in the axial direction, at least a part of the teeth of the gear element is farther from the second side than the inclined part in the axial direction from the photosensitive cylinder, a distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the inclined part in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as the distance from the second side of the cartridge in the axial direction increases, and wherein the gear element is movable so that a distance from an axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the axis of the gear element is changed.

59. Cartridge according to claim 58, characterized in that the gear element includes a helical gear.

60. Cartridge, according to claim 58 or 59, characterized in that the gear element is configured to transmit the drive force to the photosensitive cylinder. Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, pp. 29 / 48 14 / 16 61. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 58 to 60, characterized in that it further comprises a coupling element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder and capable of transmitting a drive force to the photosensitive cylinder.

62. A detachable mountable cartridge in a main assembly of an imaging apparatus, characterized in that the main assembly includes a tiltable drive output element capable of emitting a drive force, the cartridge comprising: a photosensitive cylinder; and a coupling element provided adjacent to an end portion of the photosensitive cylinder, capable of transmitting the drive force towards the photosensitive cylinder and movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the coupling element including (a) a drive force receiving portion capable of receiving the drive force from the drive output element and (b) a tilted portion movable together with the drive force receiving portion in the axial direction and rotatable together with the drive force receiving portion,wherein the inclined part is further from an axis of the photosensitive cylinder than the drive force receiving part, and the inclined part is configured to contact the drive output element to reduce an angle of inclination of the drive output element to allow engagement between the drive output element and the drive force receiving part when the coupling element moves towards the drive output element.

63. Cartridge according to claim 62, characterized in that the coupling element includes a cylindrical part provided around the drive force receiving part, and the inclined part is disposed adjacent to a free end of the cylindrical part.

64. Cartridge, according to claim 62, characterized in that the coupling element is maintained in a predetermined phase so that Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, page 30 / 48 15 / 16 the inclined part is in a predetermined position.

65. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 62 to 64, characterized in that it further comprises an operating element configured to cause the coupling element to move towards the drive output element upon receiving an external force from the main assembly of the imaging apparatus.

66. A detachable, mountable cartridge in a main assembly of the imaging apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a photosensitive cylinder having a first end part and a second end part opposite to the first end part;and a coupling element provided adjacent to a first end portion of the photosensitive cylinder, capable of transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive cylinder and movable in an axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder, the coupling element including a projecting driving force receiving portion and an inclined portion capable of advancing and retracting together with the driving force receiving portion, wherein the inclined portion is farther from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder than the driving force receiving portion, and wherein a distance measured from the axis of the photosensitive cylinder to the inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis increases as a distance from the second end portion of the photosensitive cylinder in the axial direction increases.

67. Cartridge, according to claim 66, characterized in that the coupling element includes a cylindrical part provided around the drive force receiving part, and the inclined part is disposed adjacent to a free end of the cylindrical part.

68. Cartridge according to claim 66, characterized in that the coupling element is maintained at a predetermined phase so that the inclined part is in a predetermined position.

69. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 66 to 68, Petition 870240075488, dated 03 / 09 / 2024, page 31 / 48 16 / 16 characterized in that at least part of the inclined part is farther from the second end part of the photosensitive cylinder than the drive force receiving part in the axial direction of the photosensitive cylinder.

70. Cartridge, according to any one of claims 66 to 69, characterized in that it further comprises an operating element configured to move the coupling element towards an exterior of the cartridge in the axial direction when receiving an external force from an exterior of the cartridge.

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