Drum units, cartridges and couplings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drum unit, a cartridge and a coupling. The object of the present invention is to improve a conventional coupling for transmitting a driving force. According to the present invention, the coupling has a supporting portion that movably supports a driving force receiving portion for receiving the driving force.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of invention patent application No. 201680018880.2, entitled “Drum unit, box and connecting member”, filed on February 26, 2016. [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates to a process cartridge and the like usable with an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic process. [Background Technology]

[0003] In electrophotographic imaging devices, there is a known structure in which components such as a photosensitive drum and a developing roller (rotatable parts related to imaging) are integrated into a cartridge, which is removably mounted relative to an imaging device main assembly (hereinafter referred to as the device main assembly). In many such devices, a structure for receiving a driving force from the device main assembly to rotate the photosensitive drum in the cartridge is employed. In this regard, a structure is known in which the driving force is transmitted through engagement between a cartridge-side coupling and a device main assembly-side driving force transmission portion (such as a drive pin).

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-233867 discloses a cartridge having a coupling provided at an end portion of a photosensitive drum, the coupling being tiltable with respect to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0005] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to develop the above-mentioned conventional technology.

[0007] [Problem Solution]

[0008] The typical structure is as follows.

[0009] A drum unit is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a drive shaft provided with a recessed portion, the drum unit comprising:

[0010] (I) a photosensitive drum; and

[0011] (II) a coupling member, which is provided on the photosensitive drum, and the coupling member comprises:

[0012] (II-I) a driving force receiving portion configured to be able to enter the recess and receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum, and

[0013] (II-II) a supporting portion that movably supports the driving force receiving portion,

[0014] Herein, at least a portion of the supporting portion and / or at least a portion of the driving force receiving portion is disposed inside the photosensitive drum.

[0015] [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The above-mentioned conventional technology has been further developed. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus 100 .

[0018] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the process cartridge 7 .

[0019] Figure 3 It is a sectional view of the process cartridge 7 taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1 .

[0020] Figure 4 It is a sectional view of the process cartridge taken along a plane including the rotation axis center (rotation axis) of the photosensitive drum 1 .

[0021] Figure 5 This is an external view of the main assembly drive shaft.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a sectional view taken along a plane including the center of the rotation axis (rotation axis) of the main assembly drive shaft 101 mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0023] Figure 7 1 is a sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0024] Figure 8 1 is a sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0025] Figure 9 1 is a sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0026] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the coupling 28 .

[0027] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 28 taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coupling 28 and passing through the base 74 .

[0028] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the coupling 28 .

[0029] Figure 13 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 28 taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0030] Figure 14is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis and passing through the base 74.

[0031] Figure 15 1 is a sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0032] Figure 16 10A is a perspective view showing the mounting of the cartridge 7 to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0033] Figure 17 10A is a sectional view showing the mounting operation of the cartridge 7 to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0034] Figure 18 10 is a sectional view showing the operation of mounting the coupling 28 on the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0035] Figure 19 The operation of installing the coupling 28 to the main component drive shaft 101 is shown when the main component drive shaft 101 rotates from a state in which the phases of the main component drive transmission groove 101a and the engaging portion 73a are misaligned with each other to a state in which the phases are aligned with each other.

[0036] Figure 20 10 is a sectional view showing the operation of removing the coupling 28 from the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0037] Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another form of a coupling member 28 according to Example 1. FIG.

[0038] Figure 22 2 is a sectional perspective view of the coupling 228 according to Example 2.

[0039] Figure 23 2 is a perspective view of the coupling 228 according to Example 2.

[0040] Figure 24 This is a view of the coupling 228 according to Embodiment 2 viewed from the inside in the Z direction.

[0041] Figure 25 2 is a sectional view showing the operation of mounting the coupling 228 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 in Embodiment 2.

[0042] Figure 26 1 is a diagram of the coupling 228 according to Embodiment 2 viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0043] Figure 27 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the coupling 228 according to Example 2 is molded in a metal mold.

[0044] Figure 28 is a sectional view of the coupling 328 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along a plane including the rotation axis.

[0045] Figure 29 1 is a cross-sectional view showing deformation of the base portion and the engaging portion in the case where the coupling according to Example 4 is not used, taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis) of the coupling.

[0046] Figure 30 This is a view of the coupling 428 according to Embodiment 4 as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0047] Figure 31 This is a view of the flange member 470 according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0048] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 428 according to Embodiment 4, taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0049] Figure 33 This is a view of the flange member 470 according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from the inner side in the Z direction.

[0050] Figure 34 This is a diagram of the support member 434 according to the fourth embodiment viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0051] Figure 35 is a sectional view of the coupling 428 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 4, taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0052] Figure 36 1 is a perspective view showing how the alignment member 434 is assembled to the flange member 470 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0053] Figure 37 473a is a sectional view of the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the coupling 428 according to Embodiment 4, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis and passing through the drive force receiving surface 473a.

[0054] Figure 38 is a sectional view of a coupling 428 and a main assembly drive shaft 101 according to another example of Embodiment 4, taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0055] Figure 39 It is a sectional perspective view of the connecting member 528 according to Example 5.

[0056] Figure 40 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis at a position passing through the drive transmission portion 573 .

[0057] Figure 41 It is a sectional view of the coupling 528 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 5, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and including a position passing through the drive transmission portion 573.

[0058] Figure 42 The structure of a mold for forming a flange member 570 according to Embodiment 5 is shown.

[0059] Figure 43 It is a perspective view of the alignment component 533 according to Example 5.

[0060] Figure 44 This is a view of the alignment member 533 according to Embodiment 5 as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0061] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 528 according to Example 5.

[0062] Figure 46 This is a view of the flange member 570 according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0063] Figure 47 is a diagram of an assembled connector 528 according to Example 5.

[0064] Figure 48 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the alignment member 533 according to the fifth embodiment viewed from the inner side in the Z direction.

[0065] Figure 49 3 and 4. It is a view showing the operation of mounting the coupling 528 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 5.

[0066] Figure 50 5 is a sectional view showing an operation of mounting the coupling 528 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 5.

[0067] Figure 51 is a sectional view showing drive transmission from the main assembly drive shaft 101 to the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5.

[0068] Figure 52 This is a view of the flange member 570 according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from the inner side in the Z direction.

[0069] Figure 53 is a sectional view showing drive transmission from the main assembly drive shaft 101 to the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5.

[0070] Figure 54It is a sectional view showing a state in which the positions of the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the coupling 528 are deviated from each other due to component tolerance in Embodiment 5.

[0071] Figure 55 5 is a sectional view showing an operation of removing the coupling 528 from the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 5.

[0072] Figure 56 : is a sectional view showing drive transmission when the coiled portion 574b of the base portion 574 of the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5 is larger in diameter than the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0073] Figure 57 : is a sectional view showing drive transmission when the winding portion 574b of the base portion 574 of the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5 is smaller in diameter than the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0074] Figure 58 It is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member 628 in Example 6.

[0075] Figure 59 This is a cross-sectional view of the flange component 670 in Example 6.

[0076] Figure 60 This is a view of the flange member 670 according to the sixth embodiment as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0077] Figure 61 : is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship of each part of the cleaning unit according to Embodiment 6 in the Z direction.

[0078] Figure 62 : is a cross-sectional view showing a mold structure of a flange member 670 according to Example 6.

[0079] Figure 63 is a perspective view of the alignment component 633 according to Example 6.

[0080] Figure 64 1 is a sectional view showing an operation of mounting the coupling 628 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 6.

[0081] Figure 65 1 is a sectional view showing an operation of mounting the coupling 628 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 6.

[0082] Figure 66 This is a view of the flange member 670 according to the sixth embodiment as viewed from the inner side in the Z direction.

[0083] Figure 67is a sectional view showing drive transmission from a main assembly drive shaft to a coupling according to Embodiment 6.

[0084] Figure 68 2 is a sectional view showing an operation of removing the coupling 628 from the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 6.

[0085] Figure 69 It is a cross-sectional view showing that when a flange component is manufactured using a large creep deformation material, the drive transmission from the main component drive shaft 101 to the connecting member 3628 is in an unstable state after being stored for a long time in a phase-misaligned state between the joint and the main component drive transmission groove.

[0086] Figure 70 : is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a metal mold for embedding the metal plate 635 into the flange member 670 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0087] Figure 71 FIG. 6 is a diagram of the flange member 670 according to the sixth embodiment viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0088] Figure 72 is a cross-sectional view of a flange member 670 according to Embodiment 6.

[0089] Figure 73 It is a sectional perspective view of the flange component 670 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0090] Figure 74 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flange member 670 cut by the straight portion cutout portion 674g according to the sixth embodiment.

[0091] Figure 75 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flange member 670 according to the sixth embodiment, taken along the winding portion cutout portion 674h.

[0092] Figure 76 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling 728 according to Example 7.

[0093] Figure 77A is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 828 according to Example 8.

[0094] Figure 77B is a sectional view of the coupling 828 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 8, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and including the drive force receiving surface 873a.

[0095] Figure 78 : is a cross-sectional view showing deformation of the base portion and the engaging portion of the coupling without the coupling according to Example 8, taken along a plane including the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0096] Figure 79 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 828 according to Example 8.

[0097] Figure 80 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling 928 according to Example 9.

[0098] Figure 81 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the coupling 928 according to Embodiment 9.

[0099] Figure 82 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the coupling 928 according to Embodiment 9.

[0100] Figure 83 10 is a diagram of the coupling 1028 according to Embodiment 10 as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0101] Figure 84 It is a sectional view of the coupling 1028 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 10, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis and including a position passing through the drive force receiving surface 1073a.

[0102] Figure 85 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 1028 according to Example 10.

[0103] Figure 86 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the coupling 1028 according to the tenth embodiment.

[0104] Figure 87A 11 is a diagram of the coupling 1128 according to Example 11 as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0105] Figure 87B It is a sectional perspective view of the connecting piece 1128 according to Example 11.

[0106] Figure 88 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 1128 according to Example 11.

[0107] Figure 89 It is a sectional perspective view of the connecting piece 1128 according to Example 11.

[0108] Figure 90 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the coupling 1128 according to Example 11.

[0109] Figure 91 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the flange member 1270 according to the twelfth embodiment as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0110] Figure 92 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 1228 according to Example 12.

[0111] Figure 93is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the flange member 1270 according to the twelfth embodiment.

[0112] Figure 94 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the flange member 1370 according to the thirteenth embodiment, viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0113] Figure 95 It is a sectional view of the coupling 1328 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 13, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and including a position passing through the drive force receiving surface 1373a.

[0114] Figure 96 is a perspective view of the alignment component 1333 according to Example 13.

[0115] Figure 97 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling 1328 according to Example 13.

[0116] Figure 98 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the flange member 1370 according to the thirteenth embodiment.

[0117] Figure 99 is a perspective view of the alignment component 1633 according to Example 14.

[0118] Figure 100 This is a view of the alignment member 1633 according to Embodiment 14 as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0119] Figure 101 This is a three-dimensional view of the flange component 1670 of Example 14.

[0120] Figure 102 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the flange member 1670 according to the fourteenth embodiment, viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0121] Figure 103 is a cross-sectional view of a flange component 1670 according to Example 14.

[0122] Figure 104 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the flange member 1670 according to the fourteenth embodiment, viewed from the rear side in the Z direction.

[0123] Figure 105 16 is a diagram illustrating the assembly process of the coupling 1628 according to Example 14.

[0124] Figure 106 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 1628 according to Example 14.

[0125] Figure 107 This is a diagram showing the stress applied to the base when the base of Example 15 is not used.

[0126] Figure 108 17 is a diagram of the base 1774 of the flange component according to Example 15.

[0127] Figure 109 FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of the base 1774 of the flange member according to the fifteenth embodiment.

[0128] Figure 110 is an illustration of the base 1874 of the flange component according to Example 16.

[0129] Figure 111 19 is a diagram illustrating a base 1974 of a flange component according to Example 17.

[0130] Figure 112 It is a sectional perspective view of the flange component 2170 and the coupling component 2173 according to the nineteenth embodiment.

[0131] Figure 113 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2128 according to Example 19.

[0132] Figure 114 An illustration of the coupling 2128 and the main assembly drive shaft 2101 according to Example 19 as viewed from the back side in the Z direction is shown.

[0133] Figure 115 21 is a sectional view showing the operation of mounting the coupling 2128 to the main assembly drive shaft 2110 according to Embodiment 19.

[0134] Figure 116 An illustration of the coupling 2228 and the main component drive shaft 2101 according to Embodiment 20 as viewed from the back side in the Z direction is shown.

[0135] Figure 117 It is an illustration of the drive transmission from the main component drive shaft to the coupling without using the coupling structure according to Example 21.

[0136] Figure 118 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2328 according to Example 21.

[0137] Figure 119 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2328 and the main component drive shaft 2410 according to Example 21.

[0138] Figure 120 It is a stereoscopic view of the main component drive shaft 2210 according to Example 19 to Example 21.

[0139] Figure 121 It is a stereoscopic view of the box 7 according to Example 19 to Example 21.

[0140] Figure 122 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2438 according to Example 22.

[0141] Figure 123 It is a sectional perspective view of the connecting member 2428 according to Example 22.

[0142] Figure 124 It is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2428 according to Example 22, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the coupling 2428 and including the position of the straight portion 2474 p ​​of the base 2474 .

[0143] Figure 125 It is a sectional view of the coupling 2428 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 22, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and including the drive force receiving surface 2473a.

[0144] Figure 126 is a perspective view of the alignment component 2433 according to Example 22.

[0145] Figure 127 It is an explanatory sectional view of the operation of mounting the coupling 2428 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Example 22.

[0146] Figure 128 It is an explanatory sectional view of the operation of mounting the coupling 2428 according to Embodiment 22 on the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0147] Figure 129 FIG. 2 is a diagram of the flange member 2470 according to the twenty-second embodiment as viewed from the inner side in the Z direction.

[0148] Figure 130 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2438 according to Example 22.

[0149] Figure 131 24 is a perspective view showing how the alignment member 2433 is assembled to the flange member 2470 according to the twenty-second embodiment.

[0150] Figure 132 It is a sectional stereoscopic view of the connecting member 2528 according to Example 23.

[0151] Figure 133 It is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2528 according to Example 23, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the coupling 2528 and including the position of the straight portion 2574 p of the base 2574 .

[0152] Figure 134 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2538 according to Example 23.

[0153] Figure 135 is a perspective view of a cylindrical inner component 2640 according to Example 24.

[0154] Figure 136 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical inner component 2640 according to Example 24.

[0155] Figure 137 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2628 according to Example 24, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the coupling 2628 and including the straight portion 2674 p of the base 2674 .

[0156] Figure 138 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the cylindrical inner component 2640 to the flange component 2670 according to Example 24.

[0157] Figure 139 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 2628 according to Example 24.

[0158] Figure 140 It is a sectional perspective view of the connecting piece 2628 according to Example 24.

[0159] Figure 141 26 is a cross-sectional view showing movement of the cylindrical inner member 2640 relative to the flange member 2670 according to Example 24.

[0160] Figure 142 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging apparatus 4100A according to Embodiment 25.

[0161] Figure 143 It is an external stereoscopic view of the drum box 4013 according to Example 25.

[0162] Figure 144 It is a sectional view of the drum cartridge 4013 according to Example 25.

[0163] Figure 145 It is an external stereoscopic view of the developing box 4004 according to Example 25.

[0164] Figure 146 It is a sectional view of the developing box 4004 according to Example 25.

[0165] Figure 147 1 is an external view of the main component drive shaft 4101 according to Example 25.

[0166] Figure 148 1 is a sectional view taken along the rotational axis (rotational axis) of the main assembly drive shaft 4101 mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 25.

[0167] Figure 149 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 4028 according to Example 25, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the coupling 4028 at a position passing through the base 4074 .

[0168] Figure 150 This is a diagram of the cylindrical member 4070 according to Example 25 as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0169] Figure 151 It is a stereoscopic view of the alignment component 4033 according to Example 25.

[0170] Figure 152 It is a diagram for explaining the assembly of the connecting member 4028 according to Example 25.

[0171] Figure 153 It is a sectional view of the developing box 4004 according to Example 25.

[0172] Figure 154 14 is a perspective view showing the mounting of the developing cartridge 4004 to the main assembly 4100A of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 25.

[0173] Figure 155 410A is a sectional view showing an operation of mounting the developing cartridge 4004 to the main assembly 4100A of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 25.

[0174] Figure 156 4101 according to Embodiment 25. [Specific implementation method]

[0175] The imaging device and process cartridge of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The imaging device forms an image on a recording material using, for example, an electrophotographic imaging process. Examples of imaging devices include electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (e.g., LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), and electrophotographic fax machines. Furthermore, a cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the main assembly of the imaging device. Among these cartridges, a cartridge that integrates a photoreceptor and a processing device acting on the photoreceptor is particularly referred to as a process cartridge.

[0176] In addition, one unit including the photosensitive drum and the coupling is referred to as a drum unit.

[0177] In the following embodiments, in Example 4, a full-color imaging device is used as an example, and four process cartridges can be installed and removed relative to the device. However, the number of process cartridges that can be installed in the imaging device is not limited to this. Similarly, the components disclosed in each embodiment are not intended to limit the materials, arrangement, dimensions, other values, etc., unless otherwise specified. "Above" refers to the upward direction in the direction of gravity when the imaging device is installed, unless otherwise specified.

[0178] <Example 1>

[0179] [Overview of Electrophotographic Imaging Apparatus]

[0180] First, combine Figure 1 The overall structure of an embodiment of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to the present embodiment is described.

[0181] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0182] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 100 includes a first imaging section SY, a second imaging section SM, a third imaging section SC, and a fourth imaging section SK as a plurality of imaging sections for forming images of respective colors, namely yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In this embodiment, the first to fourth imaging sections SY, SM, SC, and SK are arranged in a straight line along a substantially horizontal direction.

[0183] In this embodiment, except for the color of the image formed, the structure and operation of the process cartridges 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K) are basically the same. Therefore, Y, M, C and K will be omitted below, and the description will be universal unless otherwise specified.

[0184] In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of cylinders 1 each having a photosensitive layer (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drums) arranged side by side in a direction slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction as image bearing members. A scanning unit (exposure device) 3 is provided below a process cartridge 7. Furthermore, a charging roller 2 and the like are arranged around the photosensitive drums 1 as processing devices (processing means, processing members) that act on the photosensitive layers.

[0185] The charging roller 2 is a charging device (charging means, charging member) for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The scanning unit (exposure device) 3 is an exposing device (exposure means, exposing member) that forms an electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) on the photosensitive drum 1 by exposing the photosensitive drum 1 with laser light based on image information. A developing device (hereinafter referred to as a developing unit) 4 and a cleaning blade 6 as a cleaning device (cleaning means, cleaning member) are provided around the photosensitive drum 1.

[0186] Furthermore, an intermediate transfer belt 5 is provided to face the four photosensitive drums 1 to serve as an intermediate transfer member for transferring the toner image from the photosensitive drums 1 to a recording material (sheet, recording medium) 12 .

[0187] The developing unit 4 of this embodiment uses a non-magnetic one-component developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) as a developer and adopts a contact developing system in which a developing roller 17 as a developer carrying member is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 .

[0188] Using the above-described structure, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to a sheet (paper) 12, and the toner image transferred to the sheet is fixed. As processing devices acting on the photosensitive drum 1, the process cartridge includes a charging roller 2 for charging the photosensitive drum 1 and a cleaning blade 6 for cleaning any untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1. Untransferred residual toner that has not been transferred to the sheet 12 but remains on the photosensitive drum 1 is collected by the cleaning blade 6. Furthermore, the residual toner collected by the cleaning blade 6 is received through an opening 14b into a waste toner storage section 14a for removing the developer. The waste toner storage section 14a and the cleaning blade 6 are integrated to form a cleaning unit (photoreceptor unit, image bearing member unit) 13.

[0189] Furthermore, the developing unit 4 and the cleaning unit 13 are integrated (boxed) to form a process cartridge 7. Guides (positioning means) such as a mounting guide and a positioning member (not shown) are provided on the main assembly frame of the image forming apparatus 100. The process cartridge 7 is guided by the above-mentioned guides and is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main assembly (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly) 100A.

[0190] Toners of respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are accommodated in the process cartridges 7 for the respective colors.

[0191] The intermediate transfer belt 5 contacts the photosensitive drum 1 of each process cartridge and moves along the Figure 1 The intermediate transfer belt 5 rotates (moves) in the direction indicated by arrow B. The intermediate transfer belt 5 is wound around multiple supporting members (a drive roller 51, a secondary transfer counter roller 52, and a driven roller 53). On the inner circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 5, four primary transfer rollers 8, serving as primary transfer elements, are juxtaposed to face each photosensitive drum 1. On the outer circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 5, a secondary transfer roller 9, serving as a secondary transfer element, is positioned facing the secondary transfer counter roller 52.

[0192] During image formation, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is first uniformly charged by the charging roller 2. The charged surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is then scanned and exposed to light by a laser beam corresponding to the image information emitted from the scanning unit 3. This forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the photosensitive drum 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed into a toner image by the developing unit 4.

[0193] The photosensitive drum is a rotatable member (image bearing member) that rotates while bearing an image (developer image, toner image) formed of a developer (toner) on its surface.

[0194] The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 by the operation of the primary transfer roller 8 .

[0195] For example, when forming a full-color image, the above-described process is sequentially performed in the four process cartridges 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K). The color toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 1 of the process cartridges 7 are sequentially primary transferred to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. Subsequently, the recording material 12 is fed to the secondary transfer section in synchronization with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 5. The four-color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are collectively transferred to the recording material 12, which is then conveyed to the secondary transfer section, which is comprised of the intermediate transfer belt 5 and the secondary transfer roller 9.

[0196] Recording material 12, onto which the toner image has been transferred, is conveyed to fixing device 10, which serves as a fixing device. By applying heat and pressure to recording material 12 in fixing device 10, the toner image is fixed to recording material 12. Furthermore, primary transfer residual toner remaining on photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer process is removed by cleaning blade 6 and collected as waste toner. Furthermore, secondary transfer residual toner remaining on intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer process is removed by intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 11.

[0197] The image forming apparatus 100 may also form a monochrome or multi-color image using a desired single or some (not all) imaging portions.

[0198] [Overview of Process Cartridge]

[0199] refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the process cartridge 7 (cartridge 7) mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A of this embodiment will be described.

[0200] The cartridge 7a for accommodating yellow toner, the cartridge 7b for accommodating magenta toner, the cartridge 7c for accommodating cyan toner, and the cartridge 7d for accommodating black toner have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, each cartridge 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d will be referred to simply as cartridge 7. Each cartridge member will also be described in the same manner.

[0201] Figure 2 7 is an external perspective view of the processing box 7. Here, Figure 2 As shown, the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1 is defined as the Z direction (arrow Z1, arrow Z2). Figure 1 The horizontal direction is the X direction (arrow X1, arrow X2), and the vertical direction is the Y direction (arrow Y1, arrow Y2).

[0202] Figure 3 1 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 7 , which is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 , as viewed in the Z direction in a state (posture) in which the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 17 are in contact with each other.

[0203] The process cartridge 7 includes two units, namely, a cleaning unit 13 including the photosensitive drum 1 , the charging roller 2 , and the cleaning blade 6 as a unit, and a developing unit 4 including a developing member such as a developing roller 17 .

[0204] The developing unit 4 includes a developing frame 18 that supports the various components of the developing unit 4. The developing unit 4 includes a developing roller 17 as a developer-carrying member. This roller contacts the photosensitive drum 1 and is rotatable in the direction of arrow D (counterclockwise). The developing roller 17 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 18 via developing bearings 19 (19R, 19L) at both ends in the longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction). The developing bearings 19 (19R, 19L) are attached to either side of the developing frame 18.

[0205] Furthermore, the developing unit 4 is provided with a developer accommodating chamber (hereinafter referred to as a toner accommodating chamber) 18 a and a developing chamber 18 b in which a developing roller 17 is provided.

[0206] In the developing chamber 18b, there are provided a toner supply roller 20 as a developer supply member that contacts the developing roller 17 and rotates in the direction of arrow E, and a developing blade 21 as a developer regulating member for regulating the toner layer on the developing roller 17. The developing blade 21 is fixed and integrated to a fixing member 22 by welding or the like.

[0207] A stirring member 23 for stirring the accommodated toner and conveying the toner to the toner supply roller 20 is provided in the toner accommodating chamber 18 a of the developing frame 18 .

[0208] The developing unit 4 is rotatably coupled to the cleaning unit 13 around a mounting shaft 24 (24R, 24L) that is fitted into holes 19Ra and 19La provided in the bearing members 19R and 19L. Furthermore, in the developing unit 4, the developing roller 17 is urged toward contact with the photosensitive drum 1 by a pressure spring 25 (25R, 25L). Therefore, when image formation is performed using the process cartridge 7, the developing unit 4 rotates (rotates) around the mounting shaft 24 in the direction of arrow F, causing the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 17 to contact each other.

[0209] The cleaning unit 13 has a cleaning frame 14 as a frame for supporting the respective elements in the cleaning unit 13 .

[0210] Figure 4 2 is a sectional view taken along a virtual plane including the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 1 of the process cartridge 7. The side (relative to the Z1 direction) on which the coupling 28 receives the driving force from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is referred to as the driving side (back side) of the process cartridge 7. The side opposite to the driving side (relative to the Z2 direction) is referred to as the non-driving side (front side) of the process cartridge 7.

[0211] An electrode (electrode portion) in contact with the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is provided on the end opposite to the coupling 28 (non-driving side end of the process cartridge), and serves as an electrical ground by being in contact with the main assembly.

[0212] A coupling 28 is mounted to one end portion of the photosensitive drum 1, and a non-drive side flange member 29 is mounted to the other end portion of the photosensitive drum 1, to constitute a photosensitive drum unit 30. The photosensitive drum unit 30 receives a driving force from a main assembly drive shaft 101 provided in the main assembly 100A of the image forming apparatus via the coupling 28 (the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly drive shaft 101).

[0213] The coupling 28 is configured to be connectable to and detachable from the main assembly drive shaft 101 .

[0214] The coupling 28 is also a flange member (driving-side flange member) mounted to the driving-side end portion of the photosensitive drum 1 .

[0215] like Figure 4 As shown, the Z1 side of the coupling 28 has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical portion 71). The cylindrical portion 71 protrudes beyond the end of the photosensitive drum 1 toward the Z1 side (axially outward). The outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 71 is the outer peripheral surface 71a. A cutout portion 71d is provided on the outer peripheral surface 71a to form a base 74, which will be described below. In the cylindrical portion 71, the portion on the Z1 side of the cutout portion 71d is a supported portion 71c. The supported portion 71c is rotatably supported by a supporting portion provided in the drum unit bearing component 39R. In other words, the supported portion 71c is supported by the supporting portion of the drum unit bearing component 39R so that the photosensitive drum unit 30 can rotate.

[0216] Similarly, the non-drive side flange member 29 provided on the non-drive side of the photosensitive drum unit 30 is rotatably supported by the drum unit bearing member 39L. The non-drive side flange member 29 has a cylindrical portion (cylindrical portion) protruding from the end of the photosensitive drum 1, and the outer peripheral surface 29a of the cylindrical portion is rotatably supported by the drum unit bearing member 39L.

[0217] The drum unit bearing member 39R is provided on the driving side of the process cartridge 7 , and the drum unit bearing member 39L is provided on the non-driving side of the process cartridge 7 .

[0218] like Figure 4 As shown, when the process cartridge 7 is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the drum unit bearing member 39R abuts against a rear cartridge positioning portion 108 provided in the imaging apparatus main assembly 100A. Furthermore, the drum unit bearing member 39L abuts against a front cartridge positioning portion 110 of the imaging apparatus main assembly 100A. Thus, the cartridge 7 is positioned in the imaging apparatus 100A.

[0219] In the Z direction of the present embodiment, the position where the drum unit bearing member 39R supports the supported portion 71c is close to the position where the drum unit bearing member 39R is positioned at the rear cartridge positioning portion 108. By doing so, the inclination of the coupling 28 can be suppressed when the process cartridge 7 is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0220] The supported portion 71c is arranged so that the position where the bearing member 39R supports the supported portion 71c and the position where the bearing member 39R is positioned at the rear side box positioning portion 108 can be close to each other. In other words, the supported portion 71c is provided on the free end side (Z1 direction side) of the outer peripheral surface 71a of the cylindrical portion 71 in the coupling 28.

[0221] Similarly, in the Z direction, the position where the drum unit bearing member 39L rotatably supports the non-driving side flange member 29 is arranged near the position where the drum unit bearing member 39L is positioned at the front cartridge positioning portion 110. Thus, tilting of the non-driving side flange member 29 can be suppressed.

[0222] Drum unit bearing members 39R and 39L are attached to both sides of the cleaning frame 14, respectively, and support the photosensitive drum unit 30. Thus, the photosensitive drum unit 30 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the cleaning frame 14.

[0223] Furthermore, the charging roller 2 and the cleaning blade 6 are mounted to the cleaning frame 14, and they are arranged to be in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Furthermore, charging roller bearings 15 (15R, 15L) are mounted on the cleaning frame 14. The charging roller bearings 15 are bearings for supporting the shaft of the charging roller 2.

[0224] Here, the charging roller bearings 15 (15R, 15L) are installed so as to be Figure 3 The charging roller 2 moves in the direction of arrow C. The rotating shaft 2a of the charging roller 2 is rotatably mounted on the charging roller bearings 15 (15R, 15L). The charging roller bearings 15 are urged toward the photosensitive drum 1 by a pressure spring 16, which acts as an urging member. As a result, the charging roller 2 abuts against the photosensitive drum 1 and is rotated by the photosensitive drum 1.

[0225] The cleaning frame 14 is provided with a cleaning blade 6, which serves as a cleaning device for removing residual toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The cleaning blade 6 is formed by integrating a blade-like rubber (elastic member) 6a that abuts against the photosensitive drum 1 to remove toner from the photosensitive drum 1 and a supporting metal plate 6b that supports the blade-like rubber (elastic member) 6a. In this embodiment, the supporting metal plate 6b is fixed to the cleaning frame 14 with screws.

[0226] As described above, the cleaning frame 14 has the opening 14b for collecting the transfer residual toner collected by the cleaning blade 6. The opening 14b is provided with the spray-off plate 26, which contacts the photosensitive drum 1 and seals between the photosensitive drum 1 and the opening 14b so as to suppress the toner from leaking in the upward direction of the opening 14b.

[0227] In this way, by adopting a structure in which imaging-related components are integrated into a cartridge that can be removably mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, ease of maintenance is improved. In other words, the user can easily perform maintenance on the apparatus by replacing the process cartridge. Consequently, a device can be provided that can be maintained not only by maintenance personnel but also by the user.

[0228] [Structure of the main assembly drive shaft]

[0229] refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the structure of the main assembly drive shaft 101 will be described.

[0230] Figure 5 This is an external view of the main assembly drive shaft.

[0231] Figure 6 1 is a sectional view taken along the rotational axis (rotational axis) of the main assembly drive shaft 101 mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0232] Figure 7 1 is a sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along the rotation axis (rotation axis).

[0233] Figure 8 1 is a sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0234] Figure 9 is a sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along the axis of rotation.

[0235] like Figure 5 As shown, the main assembly drive shaft 101 is provided with a gear portion 101e, a shaft portion 101f, a rough guide portion 101g, and a supported portion 101d.

[0236] A motor (not shown) serving as a drive source is provided in the main assembly 100A of the imaging device. A gear portion 101e receives a rotational driving force from the motor, causing the main assembly drive shaft 101 to rotate. In addition, the main assembly drive shaft 101 includes a rotatable protruding shaft portion 101f that protrudes from the gear portion 101e toward the cartridge side along the axis of rotation. The rotational driving force received from the motor is transmitted to the cartridge 7 side via a groove-shaped drive transmission groove 101a (recess, drive transition portion) provided in the shaft portion 101f. In addition, the free end portion of the shaft portion 101f is hemispherical 101c.

[0237] The main assembly drive transmission groove 101a is formed so that a part of the engaging portion 73 described below can enter. Specifically, it is provided with a main assembly drive transmission surface 101b as a surface that contacts the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 73a of the coupling 28 to transmit the driving force.

[0238] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the main assembly drive transmission surface 101b is not a flat surface, but rather has a twisted shape about the rotational axis of the main assembly drive shaft 101. The twisting direction is such that the downstream side of the main assembly drive shaft 101 in the Z1 direction is upstream of the downstream side in the Z2 direction, relative to the rotational direction of the main assembly drive shaft 101. In this embodiment, the amount of twisting along the rotational axis of the cylinder of the engaging portion 73 is set to approximately 1 degree / 1 mm. The reason for the twisting of the main assembly drive transmission surface 101b will be described below.

[0239] Furthermore, a main assembly side disassembly taper 101i is provided on the surface of the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a on the Z2 direction side. The main assembly side disassembly taper 101i is a taper (inclined surface, inclined portion) for assisting the engagement portion 73 in disengaging from the drive transmission groove 101a when the process cartridge 7 is disassembled from the main assembly 100A of the apparatus. Details thereof will be described below.

[0240] Here, when the driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission groove 101a to the engaging portion 73, it is desirable that the main assembly drive transmission surface 101b and the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion 73a) reliably contact each other. Therefore, in order to prevent surfaces other than the main assembly drive transmission surface 101b from contacting the engaging portion 73, the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a is provided with a plurality of grooves 101b extending in the rotation axis direction, the circumferential direction, and the radial direction ( Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) has a gap (G) relative to the joint 73.

[0241] Furthermore, a main assembly side disassembly taper portion 101i is provided as an inclined surface (inclined portion) on the axial free end side of the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a. Furthermore, in the axial direction of the main assembly drive shaft 101, the center 101h of the hemispherical shape 101c is provided within the range of the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a ( Figure 7 In other words, when the center 101h and the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a are projected on the axis of the main assembly drive shaft 101, the projection area of ​​the center 101h on the axis is within the projection area of ​​the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a. A rough guide portion 101g is provided between the shaft portion 101f and the gear portion 101e in the axial direction ( Figure 6 ).like Figure 7 As shown, the rough guide portion 101g has a tapered shape at the free end portion on the shaft portion 101f side, and as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the outer diameter D6 of the rough guide portion 101g is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the inner surface 71b of the cylindrical portion 71 of the coupling 28. Figure 5 As shown, the outer diameter D6 of the rough guide portion 101g is greater than the outer diameter D5 of the shaft portion 101f. Therefore, when the cartridge 7 is inserted into the main assembly 100A of the imaging device, the main assembly drive shaft 101 is guided along the coupling 28 so as to reduce axial misalignment between the rotation center of the cylindrical portion 71 and the rotation center of the shaft portion 101f. Therefore, the rough guide portion 101g can be referred to as an insertion guide portion.

[0242] After the completion of mounting of the cartridge 7 to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A, the dimensional relationship of the rough guiding portion 101g is set so that it does not abut against the inner peripheral surface 71b.

[0243] like Figure 6 As shown, the supported portion 101d is provided across the gear portion 101e on the opposite side of the rough guide portion 101g. The supported portion 101d is rotatably supported by a bearing member 102 provided in the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0244] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the main assembly drive shaft 101 is urged toward the cartridge 7 side by the spring member 103 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A. However, the movable amount (play) of the main assembly drive shaft 101 in the Z direction is approximately 1 mm, which is sufficiently smaller than the width of a driving force receiving surface 73a to be described later, measured in the Z direction.

[0245] As described above, the main assembly drive shaft 101 is provided with the main assembly drive transmitting groove 101 a and the coupling 28 is provided with the engaging portion 73 to transmit the drive from the main assembly 100A to the cartridge 7 (drum unit 30 ).

[0246] As will be described in detail below, the engaging portion 73 is provided at the free end of the elastically deformable base portion 74. Therefore, when the cartridge 7 is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the engaging portion 73 is configured to be movable at least radially outward. Therefore, as the cartridge 7 is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 100A, the engaging portion 73 enters the drive transmission groove 101a, and the engaging portion 73 and the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a can engage with each other.

[0247] [Structure of the connecting member]

[0248] refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the coupling 28 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0249] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the coupling 28 .

[0250] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 28 taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the coupling 28 and including the base 74 .

[0251] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the coupling 28 .

[0252] Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling 28 taken along the axis of rotation.

[0253] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and including the base 74 .

[0254] Figure 15 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 taken along the axis of rotation.

[0255] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the coupling 28 includes a mounting portion 72, a cylindrical portion 71, a flange portion 75, an engaging portion 73, a base portion 74, and an alignment portion 76. The mounting portion 72 is a portion to be mounted on the photosensitive drum 1. The cylindrical portion 71 has a generally cylindrical configuration. The cylindrical portion 71 has the supported portion 71 c as described above, which is rotatably supported by a support portion provided in the drum unit bearing member 39R.

[0256] The engaging portion 73 projects radially inwardly at least from the coupling 28 so as to engage with the main assembly drive shaft 101. The engaging portion 73 has a driving force receiving surface 73a. The driving force receiving surface 73a is a driving force receiving portion for receiving driving force from the main assembly drive shaft 101 by contacting with the driving groove.

[0257] The base portion (deformation portion, extension portion) 74 is formed by a cutout portion 71d provided in the cylindrical portion 71 of the coupling 28. The cutout portion 71d is angularly U-shaped. The base portion 74 is deformable with the root portion 74a of the base portion 74 as a fulcrum, and movably supports the coupling portion 73. The coupling portion 73 is movable at least in the radial direction of the coupling.

[0258] That is, the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 73a is supported by the base (supporting portion base) 74 and the engaging portion (protruding portion) 73. The base 74 and the engaging portion 73 are supporting portions for supporting the driving force receiving surface 73a. In this embodiment, the supporting portion extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the coupling 28.

[0259] like Figure 10 As shown, the mounting portion 72 includes a press-fit portion 72d press-fitted into the cylindrical inner diameter of the photosensitive drum 1, a clamping groove 72e, and a press-fit guide portion 72f provided on the rear side (with respect to the Z2 direction side) of the press-fit portion 72d.

[0260] The press-fit portion 72d, serving as a coupling portion, is a portion that secures the coupling 28 to the photosensitive drum 1 by being pressed into the photosensitive drum 1. Specifically, the dimensions of the cylindrical inner diameter of the photosensitive drum 1 and the outer diameter of the press-fit portion 72d are formed to establish a press-fit relationship. This structure is not limited to the above-described structure in which the cylindrical inner diameter and the press-fit portion 72d are secured by clamping to increase the fastening force or by bonding.

[0261] like Figure 10 As shown, the clamping groove 72e has a groove shape (recessed portion) provided on the photosensitive drum 1 side of the press-fit portion 72d with respect to the Z-axis direction. The clamping groove 72e is provided at two positions equidistant around the rotation axis of the coupling 28. In the rotation axis direction of the drum unit 30 (the rotation axis direction of the coupling 28), the clamping groove 72e and the flange portion 75 are provided so as to overlap each other.

[0262] The axis (rotational axis, rotational centerline) Ax of the drum unit 30 is a virtual straight line extending through the rotational center of the drum unit 30. The axis of the photosensitive drum 1 and the axis of the coupling 28 are arranged so as to substantially overlap with each other, and these axes are substantially aligned with the axis Ax of the drum unit 30. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, each axis is used interchangeably in the following description.

[0263] Furthermore, the axial direction (rotational axis direction) is the direction in which the axis extends. The axial direction of the drum unit 30 and the axial direction of the coupling 28 have the same meaning as the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the drum unit 30 .

[0264] Furthermore, “X and Y overlap in direction A” means that when X and Y are projected on a straight line extending parallel to direction A, at least a portion of the projection area of ​​X overlaps with at least a portion of the projection area of ​​Y.

[0265] That is, when the clamping groove 72e and the flange portion 75 are projected onto the rotation axis Ax of the drum unit 30 (coupling 28), the projected area of ​​the clamping groove 72e and the projected area of ​​the flange portion 75 at least partially overlap each other.

[0266] When projecting something onto a straight line, the projection direction is perpendicular to the straight line unless otherwise specified. For example, "projecting A onto the axis" means "projecting A in a direction perpendicular to the axis relative to the axis." By clamping a portion of the end of the photosensitive member 1 on the coupling 28 side, the photosensitive drum 1 is plastically deformed. As a result, a portion of the photosensitive member enters the interior of the clamping groove 72e, firmly securing the photosensitive drum 1 and the coupling 28 to each other. Clamping refers to the operation of joining components through plastic deformation.

[0267] In this embodiment, the coupling 28 is connected by plastically deforming a portion of the cylindrical (aluminum) portion of the photosensitive drum 1. In this embodiment, the clamping groove 72e is used as an example of a means for reliably fixing the coupling 28 to the photosensitive drum 1. However, the coupling 28 may be fixed by bonding between the cylindrical inner diameter portion and the press-fit portion 72d, or other fixing methods may be used. Therefore, the clamping groove 72e is not an essential structure.

[0268] The press-fit guide portion 72f has a shape that facilitates installation of the coupling 28 onto the photosensitive drum 1 and stably press-fits the press-fit portion 72d into the photosensitive drum 1 when the coupling 28 is assembled onto the photosensitive drum 1. Specifically, the outer diameter of the press-fit guide portion 72f is smaller than the outer diameter of the press-fit portion 72d and the cylindrical inner diameter of the photosensitive drum 1, and the press-fit guide portion 72f has a guide taper 72g on its free end side in the installation direction onto the photosensitive drum 1. The guide taper 72g is an inclined portion provided on the coupling 28 to facilitate insertion of the coupling 28 into the interior of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0269] As described above, the cylindrical portion 71 has the supported portion 71c (eg, Figure 4 、 Figure 10(as shown). Furthermore, a cutout portion 71d is provided on the press-fit portion 72e side of the supported portion 71c of the cylindrical portion 71. The cutout portion 71d forms a base portion 74 that elastically deformably supports the engaging portion 73 (details of the engaging portion 73 will be described below). That is, in the Z direction, the cutout portion 71d, the engaging portion 73, and the base portion 74 are provided between the supported portion 71c and the press-fit portion 72e.

[0270] In other words, the coupling 28 includes the cutout portion 71d, the engaging portion 73, and the supported portion 71c having a cylindrical outer shape on the Z1 direction side (axially outward) from the base 74. By using such a shape, the engaging portion 73 and the base 74 are not exposed on the outer surface of the cartridge 7. Therefore, the engaging portion 73 and the base 74 can be protected by the drum unit bearing member 39R and the supported portion 71c.

[0271] This can prevent the user from accidentally touching the engaging portion 73 and the base 74 , and suppress foreign matter from directly contacting the engaging portion 73 and the base 74 when the cartridge 7 is dropped.

[0272] In addition, if Figure 12 As shown, the inner peripheral surface 71b of the cylindrical portion 71 has a taper at the front free end (Z1 direction). The taper is an inclined portion (inclined surface) for guiding the main assembly drive shaft 101 to be inserted into the cylindrical portion 71.

[0273] When the main assembly drive shaft 101 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 71, the inner peripheral surface 71b of the cylindrical portion 71 guides the main assembly drive shaft 101. The inner peripheral surface 71b of the cylindrical portion 71 is a cartridge side guide for guiding the main assembly drive shaft 101 and has a circumferential shape.

[0274] When the cartridge 7 is inserted into the main assembly 100A of the imaging apparatus, the main assembly drive shaft 101 is guided along the coupling 28 so as to reduce the axial deviation between the rotation center of the cylindrical portion 71 and the rotation center of the shaft portion 101f. Figure 7 As shown, the inner diameter D2 of the inner peripheral surface 71b is larger than the outer diameter D6 of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101. Therefore, after the cartridge 7 is installed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A, the inner peripheral surface 71b does not contact the rough guide portion 101g.

[0275] like Figure 13 As shown, the flange portion 75 has a shape that protrudes outward from the press-fit portion 72d in the radial direction. When the coupling 28 is assembled to the photosensitive drum 1, the end face of the photosensitive drum 1 abuts the end face 75b of the flange portion 75, thereby determining the positions of the photosensitive drum 1 and the coupling 28 in the Z direction.

[0276] like Figure 11As shown, the engagement portions 73 are arranged at three locations (120-degree intervals, substantially at equal intervals) circumferentially of the coupling 28. Similarly, the base 74 and the cutout portions 71d are also arranged at three locations circumferentially of the cylindrical portion 71 at equal intervals. The base 74 is formed by the cutout portion 71d. The base 74 has a fixed end in the cylindrical portion 71 and is elastically deformable with the fixed end as a fulcrum.

[0277] The base portion 74 is a portion (an extension portion, an extended portion) extending in the axial direction of the coupling 28 (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum unit 30 ). That is, the base portion 74 extends outward at least in the axial direction.

[0278] The engaging portion 73 is provided at the top end (free end) of the base portion 74. The engaging portion 73 is a protrusion (protrusion, convex portion) that protrudes inward in the radial direction of the coupling 28 (radially inward of the photosensitive drum unit 30). In other words, the engaging portion 73 is a protrusion (protrusion, convex portion) that protrudes in a direction intersecting the direction in which the base portion 74 extends.

[0279] The cross-sectional shape of the engaging portion 73 is not circular (non-circular), and more preferably has an angular portion. This is because the engaging portion 73 can reliably engage with the drive transmission groove 101a formed in the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0280] That is, when the support portion (engagement portion 73 ) is cut perpendicularly to the coupling axis Ax at a position where the drive receiving portion 73 a is provided, the cross-sectional shape is non-circular.

[0281] The engaging portion 73 is supported by an elastically deformable base portion 74 and can move in the radial direction of the coupling 28 by deformation of the base portion 74. In other words, the base portion 74 is also a deforming portion (elastic deforming portion, flexible portion) that deforms when subjected to an external force and provides a restoring force in the direction of returning to the free state position.

[0282] Specifically, when the engaging portion 73 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the main assembly drive shaft 101, the engaging portion 73 is elastically deformed, causing the engaging portion 73 to move radially outward along the outer peripheral surface of the main assembly drive shaft 101. Thereafter, when the engaging portion 73 is at the same position (in phase) as the main assembly-side drive transmission groove 101a provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main assembly drive shaft 101, the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 73 is eliminated. Then, the engaging portion 73 moves radially inward, allowing a portion of the engaging portion 73 to enter the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a.

[0283] From the viewpoint of driving stability, it is preferable to provide a plurality of engaging portions 73 in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

[0284] The driving force receiving surface 73a of the coupling 28 has a shape twisted around the axis of the coupling 28, and in this embodiment, the twist amount is set to be the same as the twist amount of the main assembly drive transmitting surface 101b.

[0285] It suffices that the two contact points of the driving force receiving surface 73a in the rotational direction have different phases with the driving shaft 101. That is, the driving force receiving surface 73a does not need to have a twisted shape as long as it has the same function as a twisted surface.

[0286] For example, the shape of the driving force receiving surface 73a is sufficient so that the outer side (downstream side in the Z1 direction) of the driving force receiving surface 73a is upstream in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 1 relative to the inner side (downstream side in the Z2 direction). In other words, the line connecting the inner end and the outer end of the cylinder along the cylinder axis of the coupling portion 73 intersects the cylinder rotation axis. The driving force receiving surface 73a is an inclined portion that is inclined relative to the axis of the coupling member 28.

[0287] By adopting one of the twisted shape or the inclined shape of the driving force receiving surface 73a in this manner, the photosensitive drum unit 30 will receive a force in a direction pulling toward the supported portion 101d of the main assembly drive shaft 101 when the driving force receiving surface 73a receives driving force.

[0288] Here, in Figure 8 In the embodiment, the engaging portion 73 can be retracted and moved outward in the radial direction of the coupling 28 (radial direction of the photosensitive drum unit 30). The driving force receiving surface 73a provided in the engaging portion 73 is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the engaging portion 73. Figure 8 In the cross-sectional view shown, straight line B1 is a straight line along the direction of retraction movement of the coupling portion 73 (the direction in which the coupling portion moves in the radial direction). Straight line B2 is a straight line along the drive force receiving surface 73a. It should be understood that straight line B1 and straight line B2 intersect with each other. Thus, in a state where the drive force receiving surface 73a is in contact with the drive transmission groove 101a, the drive force receiving surface 73a bites into the drive transmission groove 101a, making it difficult for the coupling portion 73 to withdraw from the drive transmission groove 101a. In other words, the engagement state between the coupling portion 73 and the drive transmission groove 101a is stabilized.

[0289] Specifically, the driving force receiving surface 73a is inclined relative to the direction of movement of the engaging portion 73 (line B1) so that the inner diameter side (free end side) is upstream of the outer diameter side (root side) relative to the rotational direction of the coupling 28. Therefore, when the coupling 28 (photosensitive drum unit 30) rotates, the force received from the driving force receiving surface 73 is in a direction that causes the engaging portion 73 to engage with the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a. The engagement state between the engaging portion 73 and the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a is stabilized, and disengagement between the engaging portion 73 and the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a is suppressed.

[0290] like Figure 13 As shown, the engaging portion 73 has an insertion tapered surface 73d on the outer side (Z1 direction side) of the photosensitive drum unit 30 in the Z direction. The insertion tapered surface 73d is an inclined portion facing outward in the axial direction. When the coupling 28 is coupled to the main assembly drive shaft 101, the insertion tapered surface 73d rides on the main assembly drive shaft 101, causing the engaging portion 73 to retract radially outward. The insertion tapered surface 73d is a force receiving portion during installation, which is used to receive a force for retracting in the radial direction when the cartridge is installed.

[0291] In addition, the engaging portion 73 has a disassembly tapered surface 73e as a force receiving portion when disassembling, which is located on the inner side (Z2 direction side) of the photosensitive drum unit 30 in the Z direction. The disassembly tapered surface 73e is an inclined portion facing inward in the axial direction. When the cartridge is disassembled, that is, when the coupling 28 is disengaged from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the disassembly tapered surface 73e rides on the main assembly drive shaft 101. When the disassembly tapered surface 73e receives a force from the main assembly drive shaft, the engaging portion 73 moves radially inward to disengage from the main assembly drive shaft.

[0292] With these structures, it is possible to improve the performance of mounting and dismounting the coupling 28 to and from the main assembly drive shaft 101. Both tapered surfaces are inclined portions that are inclined with respect to the axial direction.

[0293] When the cartridge is mounted, the insertion tapered surface 73d and the hemispherical shape 101c abut against each other, causing the engaging portion 73 to move radially outwardly of the drive shaft. Furthermore, when the cartridge is dismounted, the dismounting tapered surface 73e and the main assembly side dismounting tapered portion 101i come into contact with each other, causing the engaging portion 73 (driving force receiving surface 73a) to move radially outwardly of the main assembly drive shaft 101. When the driving force receiving portion 73a of the coupling 28 is connected to or disconnected from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the driving force receiving portion 73a receives a force from the main assembly drive shaft 101, causing the driving force receiving portion 73a of the coupling 28 to move radially outwardly.

[0294] Furthermore, the engaging portion 73 is provided so that a length L2 of the driving force receiving surface 73 in the Z direction satisfies L1 > L2 with respect to a distance L1 from the front end surface of the cylindrical portion 71 to the front end surface of the engaging portion 73 .

[0295] The alignment portion 76 has a radial positioning portion 76a. The radial positioning portion 76a is a portion for determining the radial position of the main assembly drive shaft 101. In other words, the radial positioning portion 76a is a portion for determining the radial position of the coupling 28 relative to the main assembly drive shaft 101. In other words, the radial positioning portion 76a is a positioning portion for determining the relative positional relationship between the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the coupling.

[0296] The radial positioning portion 76a has an arcuate curved surface, and this curved surface contacts the outer peripheral surface of the main assembly drive shaft 101 to limit the movement of the main assembly drive shaft 101 in the radial direction. That is, the radial positioning portion 76a has a curved surface that faces the axis side of the coupling 28 along the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the coupling 28. The radial positioning portion 76a is provided on the axial inner side ( Figure 12 ), the inner diameter of the radial positioning portion 76a is smaller than that of the inner peripheral surface 71b. The inner peripheral surface 71b is a first inner diameter portion with a larger diameter, and the radial positioning portion 76a is a second inner diameter portion with a smaller diameter.

[0297] like Figure 14 As shown, the radial positioning portion 76a is provided at a position away from the engaging portion 73 when viewed along the axial direction of the coupling 28. In addition, in the radial direction of the coupling 28, the radial positioning portion 76a is provided on the outside of the free end of the engaging portion 73 (the free end of the driving force receiving surface 73a) and on the inside of the fixed end (root) of the base 74.

[0298] On the other hand, in the Z direction, the radial positioning portion 76a is provided at a position overlapping with the engaging portion 73 ( Figure 15 ). That is, when the radial positioning portion 76a and the engaging portion 73 are projected perpendicularly to the axis of the coupling 28, at least a portion of their projected areas overlap each other on the axis.

[0299] With this arrangement, even if the main component drive shaft 101 tilts with the radial positioning portion 76a as the fulcrum, the relative position between the main component drive shaft 101 and the coupling portion 73 is not easily changed, so the coupling between the main component drive shaft 101 and the coupling portion 73 is not affected.

[0300] The inner diameter D7 of the radial positioning portion 76a is substantially the same as the outer diameter D5 of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101. As described above, the engaging portions 73 are arranged at three positions (120-degree intervals, substantially at equal intervals) in the circumferential direction of the coupling 28. Accordingly, the three radial positioning portions 76a are similarly arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the coupling 28. As a result, the radial positioning portions 76a can position the coupling 28 at three positions in the radial direction relative to the shaft portion 101f.

[0301] In addition, the alignment portion 76 has an abutment portion 76b. Figure 15 As shown, when the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly drive shaft 101 to the coupling 28, the abutment portion 76b comes into contact with the hemispherical portion 101c. The hemispherical portion 101c is a substantially hemispherical portion provided at the top end of the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0302] In addition, in the Z direction, the abutment 76b is arranged in the connecting member 28 so that when the abutment 76b and the hemispherical shape 101c are in contact, the center 101h of the hemispherical shape 101c of the main component drive shaft 101 is within the range of the driving force receiving surface 73a.

[0303] In this embodiment, the coupling 28 is a single piece. However, for example, the coupling 28 may be comprised of two parts by making the alignment portion 76 non-integral with the other parts. The coupling 28 may be comprised of three or more separate parts by making the other parts from multiple parts.

[0304] [Installing the cartridge to the imaging device main assembly]

[0305] refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 , the installation and removal of the process cartridge 7 relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus will be described.

[0306] Figure 16 10A is a perspective view showing the mounting of the cartridge 7 to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0307] Figure 17 10A is a sectional view showing the mounting operation of the cartridge 7 to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0308] The imaging device main assembly 100A of this embodiment adopts a structure in which cartridges can be installed in a substantially horizontal direction. Specifically, the imaging device main assembly 100A has an internal space in which cartridges can be installed. The imaging device main assembly has a cartridge door 104 (front door) on the front side of the main assembly 100A (the side closest to a standing user during use) for inserting cartridges into the space.

[0309] like Figure 16 As shown, the cartridge door 104 of the imaging device main assembly 100A is configured to be openable and closable. When the cartridge door 104 is opened, a lower cartridge guide 105 for guiding the cartridge 7 is provided on the bottom surface defining the space, and an upper cartridge guide 106 is provided on the upper surface. The cartridge 7 is guided to the installation position by the upper guide 105 and the lower guide 106 provided above and below the space. The cartridge 7 is inserted into the installation position substantially along the axis of the photosensitive drum unit 30.

[0310] The following will refer to Figure 17 The operations of mounting and demounting the cartridge to and from the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A will be described.

[0311] like Figure 17 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, the drum unit bearing member 39R or the photosensitive drum 1 does not contact the intermediate transfer belt 5 at the start of insertion of the cartridge 7. In other words, the dimensional relationship is set so that the photosensitive drum 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 5 do not contact each other in a state where the rear side end portion with respect to the cartridge 7 insertion direction is supported by the lower cartridge guide 105.

[0312] like Figure 17 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the imaging apparatus main assembly 100A includes a rear lower cartridge guide 107 that projects upward from the lower cartridge guide 105 relative to the direction of gravity on the rear side of the insertion direction of the lower cartridge guide 105. The rear lower cartridge guide 107 is provided with a tapered surface 107a on the front side relative to the insertion direction of the cartridge 7. As the cartridge 7 is inserted, it rides on the tapered surface 107a and is guided to the mounting position.

[0313] The position and shape of the rear lower box guide 107 may be arbitrary as long as the part of the box does not rub against the imaging area 5A of the intermediate transfer belt 5 when the box is inserted into the main assembly 100A of the device. Here, the imaging area 5A is the area on the intermediate transfer belt 5 that carries the colorant image to be transferred to the recording material 12. In addition, in this embodiment, among the parts of the box in the installed posture, the drum unit bearing component 39R arranged on the rear side of the insertion direction of the box 7 protrudes the most upward with respect to the direction of gravity. Therefore, it is sufficient to appropriately select the arrangement and shape of each element so that the end trajectory of the drum unit bearing component 39R farthest in the insertion direction when the box is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion trajectory) does not interfere with the imaging area 5A.

[0314] Afterwards, if Figure 17 As shown in part (c) of the figure, the cartridge 7 is further inserted into the rear side of the imaging apparatus main assembly 100A from the state where the cartridge is on the rear lower cartridge guide 107. Then, the drum unit bearing member 39R abuts against the rear cartridge positioning portion 108 provided in the imaging apparatus main assembly 100A. At this time, the cartridge 7 (photosensitive drum unit 30) is completely installed in the imaging apparatus main assembly 100A relative to the state ( Figure 17 That is, in the insertion direction of the cartridge 7, the downstream side of the cartridge 7 (photosensitive drum unit 30) is higher than the upstream side.

[0315] Figure 17 Part (d) is a diagram showing the state of the apparatus main assembly and the cartridge when the cartridge door 104 is closed. The imaging apparatus 100A has a near-side cartridge lower guide 109 on the front side of the lower cartridge guide 105 relative to the insertion direction. The front-side cartridge lower guide 109 is configured to move up and down as the cartridge door (front door) 104 is opened and closed.

[0316] When the user closes the cartridge door 104, the front cartridge lower guide 109 rises. Then, the drum unit bearing member 39L and the near-side cartridge positioning portion 110 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A contact each other, so that the cartridge 7 is positioned relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0317] With the above-described operations, the mounting of the cartridge 7 to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A is completed.

[0318] Furthermore, the demounting of the cartridge 7 from the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A is performed in the reverse order of the above-described inserting operation.

[0319] Since the inclined mounting structure is adopted as described above, the friction between the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer belt can be suppressed when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly 100A. For this reason, minute scratches (scratches) can be suppressed from occurring on the surface of the photosensitive drum or the surface of the intermediate transfer belt.

[0320] Furthermore, the structure of this embodiment can simplify the structure of the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A, as compared with a structure in which the entire cartridge is lifted after the cartridge is horizontally moved and mounted to the apparatus main assembly.

[0321] [Joining process of the coupling and the main assembly drive shaft]

[0322] refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , the engagement process of the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 will be described in detail.

[0323] Figure 18 101 is a sectional view showing the operation of mounting the coupling 28 to the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0324] Figure 19 It is a sectional view showing the operation of installing the coupling 28 to the main component drive shaft 101 when the main component drive shaft 101 rotates from a phase-misaligned state of the main component drive transmission groove 101a and the coupling portion 73 (drive force receiving surface 73a) to a phase-aligned state.

[0325] Figure 18 Part (a) is an illustration of a state in which the coupling 28 has begun to engage with the main assembly drive shaft 101. Figure 18 Part (e) shows a state in which the cartridge 7 is mounted to the main assembly 100A of the imaging apparatus. In particular, Figure 18 Part (e) shows a state in which the front cartridge lower guide 109 is lifted as the cartridge door 104 is closed and the cartridge 7 is positioned relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0326] exist Figure 18 Part (a) and Figure 18 Between the parts (e) Figure 18 Part (b) to Figure 18 (d) is a diagrammatic illustration of the process of connecting the coupling 28 to the main assembly drive shaft 101. The main assembly drive shaft 101 hangs downward in the direction of gravity at a very small angle due to its own weight.

[0327] Figure 19 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the phases of the main assembly drive transmitting groove 101 a and the engaging portion 73 (driving force receiving surface 73 a ) are misaligned.

[0328] If referenced Figure 17 As described in part (b), the cartridge 7 rides on the rear lower cartridge guide 107. That is, the cartridge 7 gradually increases in inclination until it reaches Figure 17 Part (a) to Figure 17 In the case of the state of part (b), the box 7 is in a state of being inclined by about 0.5 to 2 degrees. Then, the box 7 rides on the rear lower box guide 107.

[0329] Similarly, if Figure 18 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the state in which the cartridge 7 is positioned relative to the imaging device main body 100A (as shown in FIG. 1 ) is shown in part (a) of FIG. Figure 18 As shown in part (e) of the drawing, the coupling 28 is inserted onto the main component drive shaft 101 in a tilted state of approximately 0.5 to 2 degrees.

[0330] like Figure 6 As shown, the main assembly driving shaft 101 is overhung at the supported portion 101d. Furthermore, the gear portion 101e is engaged with a gear (not shown) for transmitting drive to the gear portion 101e. Figure 18 Part (a) is a diagram of a state in which the main assembly drive shaft 101 is not in contact with the coupling 28. In this state, the state in which the cartridge 7 is positioned relative to the main assembly 100A of the imaging device is shown. Figure 18 As compared with the portion (e) shown in FIG. 1 , the box 7 is tilted by θ1 degrees in the direction determined by its own weight and in the engagement direction around the supported portion 101d.

[0331] like Figure 18 As shown in part (b) of , the top end of the inner peripheral surface 71b of the cylindrical portion 71 of the coupling 28 first abuts against the rough guide portion 101g of the main component drive shaft 101. As shown in the figure, the main component drive shaft 101 is configured to overhang at the supported portion 101d. Therefore, the rough guide portion 101g of the main component drive shaft 101 is inserted into a state where it is engaged with the inner peripheral surface 71b of the coupling 28. As described above, in the Z direction, the coupling portion 73 is arranged so that the length L1 from the front end face of the cylindrical portion 71 to the front end face of the coupling portion 73 and the length L2 of the driving force receiving surface 73 satisfy L1>L2 (as Figure 13). Therefore, before the hemispherical portion 101c at the free end of the main assembly drive shaft 101 collides with the engaging portion 73, the rough guide portion 101g of the main assembly drive shaft 101 runs along the inner peripheral surface 71b of the coupling 28. As a result, the main assembly drive shaft 101 is guided by the coupling 28, thereby preventing the hemispherical portion 101c at the free end of the main assembly drive shaft 101 from colliding with an unexpected portion of the engaging portion 73 or the base 74. This is effective in protecting the engaging portion 73 and the base 74.

[0332] like Figure 18 As shown in part (c) of the drawing, when the coupling 28 is further inserted toward the rear side of the main assembly drive shaft 101, the insertion tapered surfaces 73d of the engaging portions 73 and the hemispherical shapes 101c of the main assembly drive shaft 101 abut against each other. Due to the inclined surfaces of the insertion tapered surfaces 73d and the spherical shapes of the hemispherical shapes 101c, the main assembly drive shaft 101 is substantially guided to the center of the three engaging portions 73.

[0333] When the coupling 28 is further inserted onto the main assembly drive shaft 101, the base 74 elastically deforms radially outward so that the engaging portion 73 follows the hemispherical shape 101c. Figure 19 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the engaging portion 73 moves (retracts) toward the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101. By this movement, as shown in FIG. Figure 18 As shown in part (d) of , the coupling 28 is mounted to the main component drive shaft 101 until the disassembly tapered surface 73e of the engaging portion 73 is deeper in the Z direction than the main component side disassembly tapered portion 101i of the main component drive shaft 101.

[0334] Thereafter, as described above, the cartridge 7 is lifted so that the drum unit bearing member 39L of the cartridge 7 hits the front cartridge positioning portion 110. By thus lifting the cartridge 7, the cartridge 7 is positioned relative to the main assembly 100A of the imaging device (as shown in FIG. Figure 17 By this operation of the box 7, the inclination of the coupling 28 is eliminated, as shown in FIG. Figure 18 As shown in part (e).

[0335] like Figure 19 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, when the main assembly drive shaft 101 rotates, the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a and the engaging portion 73 become in the same phase. As a result, the elastic deformation of the base 74 is eliminated, a portion of the engaging portion 73 enters the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a, and the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 engage with each other.

[0336] When the phases of the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a and the engaging portion 73 are aligned, the elastic deformation of the base portion 74 is Figure 17 The state is released at the stage of part (d) and becomes as in Figure 19As shown in part (b), the main component drive shaft 101 can transmit the driving force to the box 7 via the connecting member 28.

[0337] As described above, with the cartridge 7 installed in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a and the engaging portion 73 can engage with each other. Therefore, there is no need to move the main assembly drive shaft 101 to engage with the coupling 28. That is, there is no need to provide a mechanism for moving the main assembly drive shaft 101 so as to engage with the coupling 28 in the apparatus main assembly 100A of the imaging apparatus. In the conventional structure, a mechanism for moving the main assembly drive shaft 101 so as to engage with the coupling 28 after the cartridge 7 is installed in the imaging apparatus main assembly 100A is provided. However, in the present embodiment, this mechanism can be omitted from the apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0338] When the cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly 100A, the engaging portion 73 of the coupling 28 contacts the main assembly drive shaft 101 to withdraw radially outward. The engaging portion 73 is configured to engage with the groove (main assembly drive transmission groove 101a) of the main assembly drive shaft 101 by moving radially inward.

[0339] Here, it is also possible to provide a groove for receiving the drive on the coupling, and to provide a movable portion that engages with the groove by moving in the radial direction on the main assembly drive shaft 101 side. However, the imaging device main assembly 100A is required to have higher durability than the cartridge 7. From the viewpoint of the durability of the imaging device main assembly 100A, as shown in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide a movable portion (engaging portion 73) that moves in the radial direction on the coupling 28 side of the cartridge 7.

[0340] [Removing the coupling from the main assembly drive shaft]

[0341] refer to Figure 20 , the operation of removing the coupling 28 from the main assembly drive shaft 101 will be described.

[0342] Figure 20 10 is a sectional view showing the operation of removing the coupling 28 from the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0343] like Figure 20 As shown in part (a), when the rotational drive of the main assembly drive shaft 101 stops, the driving force receiving surface 73a and the main assembly drive transmission surface 101b contact each other. In this state, a part of the engaging portion 73 enters the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a.

[0344] When the cartridge door 104 is opened, the lower front side cartridge guide 109 descends, and the drum unit bearing member 39L is separated from the front side cartridge positioning portion 110 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A. Figure 20As shown in part (b), the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 are tilted about 1 / 4" relative to the state in which the assembly is completed (Z direction). Angle of degrees.

[0345] When the cartridge 7 starts to be removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A, as shown in FIG. Figure 20 As shown in part (c) of the drawing, the disassembly tapered surface 73e of the engaging portion 73 abuts the main assembly side disassembly tapered portion 101i. When the disassembly tapered surface 73e abuts the main assembly side disassembly tapered portion 101i, the base 74 begins to elastically deform and causes the engaging portion 73 to move radially outward along the main assembly side disassembly tapered portion 101i.

[0346] Furthermore, when the coupling 28 is further removed from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the state becomes the same as Figure 19 The same as shown in part (a), and the base 74 is further elastically deformed, the engagement portion 73 moves toward the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main component drive shaft 101. By moving the engagement portion 73 to the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 101f, the coupling 28 can be removed from the main component drive shaft 101, as shown in FIG. Figure 20 as shown in part (d).

[0347] Furthermore, when the coupling 28 is further removed from the main assembly drive shaft 101, as shown Figure 20 As shown in part (e), the elastic deformation of the base portion 74 is released, and the position of the engaging portion 73 returns to the position before the elastic deformation.

[0348] Through the above-described operations, the coupling 28 can be removed from the main assembly drive shaft 101 .

[0349] In this embodiment, if Figure 12 As shown, the base portion 74 and the U-shaped cutout portion 71d are arranged on the downstream side of the joint portion 73 in the Z1 direction, but as shown in FIG. Figure 21 As shown, the engaging portion 73 may be arranged on the Z1 direction downstream side of the base portion 74 and the U-shaped cutout portion 71d. This may be appropriately selected depending on the arrangement of the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the coupling 28 in the main assembly 100A of the image forming apparatus.

[0350] By using the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 of this embodiment, it is possible to omit a mechanism for moving the main assembly drive shaft 101. In other words, in this embodiment, when the cartridge 7 is mounted to the image forming apparatus main assembly 101A, the coupling 28 is provided at a position where the coupling 28 can engage with the main assembly drive shaft 101. Therefore, without moving the main assembly drive shaft 101 relative to the coupling 28, the coupling 28 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 can engage with each other.

[0351] Furthermore, by using the coupling 28 of the present embodiment, the engaging portion 73 and the base 74 are not exposed on the outer surface of the case 7. Thus, the engaging portion 73 and the base 74 can be protected.

[0352] In this embodiment, the driving force receiving portion 73a and its supporting portion (engaging portion 73 and base portion 74) are all arranged axially inside the support portion of the drum unit bearing member 39R. However, as long as at least a portion of the driving force receiving portion 73a and its supporting portion (engaging portion 73 and base portion 74) is arranged axially inside the support portion of the bearing member 39R, the engaging portion 73 and base portion 74 can be protected. In addition, even if the supporting portion is arranged so as to overlap with the driving force receiving portion 73a and its supporting portion (engaging portion 73 and base portion 74) in the axial direction, the driving force receiving portion 73a and its supporting portion are protected.

[0353] That is, when the support portion, the engaging portion 73 and the base 74 are projected onto the axis of the coupling, the projected areas of the engaging portion 73 , the driving force receiving portion 73 a and the base 74 may overlap with the projected area of ​​the support portion.

[0354] <Example 2>

[0355] Will refer to Figure 22 、 Figure 23 、 Figure 24 、 Figure 25 、 Figure 26 and Figure 27 Example 2 is described.

[0356] Figure 22 2 is a sectional perspective view of the coupling 228 according to Example 2.

[0357] Figure 23 2 is a perspective view of the coupling 228 according to Example 2.

[0358] Figure 24 This is a view of the coupling 228 according to Embodiment 2 viewed from the inside in the Z direction.

[0359] Figure 25 2 is a sectional view showing an operation of mounting the coupling 228 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 2.

[0360] Figure 26 1 is a diagram of the coupling 228 according to Embodiment 2 viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0361] The same names are assigned to the elements corresponding to those in Embodiment 1. For them, detailed descriptions related to the configurations and operations, etc., which are different from those of the above-described elements will be given in detail, and descriptions of the same points may be omitted in some cases.

[0362] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the support portion (engaging portion 273 and base portion 274) that movably supports the driving force receiving portion 273a is provided inside the photosensitive drum 1. In particular, the fixed end of the support portion (i.e., the root portion 274a of the base portion 74) is provided inside the photosensitive drum 1 ( Figure 25 ). The details will be described below.

[0363] In this embodiment, the coupling 228 is a flange member mounted to the drive side end of the cylinder (photosensitive drum 1). The coupling 228 has an engaging portion 273 configured to engage with the main assembly drive shaft 101 and a base 274 for supporting the engaging portion 273.

[0364] The engaging portion 273 is provided with a driving force receiving surface 273a. The driving force receiving surface 273a is a driving force receiving portion (driving force receiving portion) which can receive a driving force (rotational force) for rotating the photosensitive drum 1 from outside the cartridge (outside the drum unit), that is, from the apparatus main assembly.

[0365] The engaging portion 273 and the base portion 274 are supporting portions for supporting the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 273 a.

[0366] In Embodiment 1, the cylindrical portion 71 is provided with the cutout portion 71d, and the base portion 74 extends from the cylindrical portion 71. The base portion 74 has a shape arranged between the supported portion 71c and the mounting portion 72 in the Z direction.

[0367] The following case will be considered, in which: in a state where the phases of the drive transmission groove 101a of the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the engaging portion 73 of the coupling 28 do not match (eg Figure 19 (a) shows), the imaging device with the cartridge mounted thereon remains unoperated for a long time. In this case, not only the base 74 but also the vicinity of the root 74a of the base 74 of the cylindrical portion 71 will creep and deform.

[0368] Here, the alignment accuracy between the supported portion 71c and the press-fit portion 72d is high, resulting in the coaxial alignment of the supported portion 71c and the press-fit portion 72d of the mounting portion 72. However, even in this case, the amount of creep deformation near the root portion 74a of the cylindrical portion 71 is not necessarily uniform. Therefore, if creep deformation also occurs near the root portion 74a of the base portion 74, the coaxial accuracy required to maintain alignment between the central axes of the supported portion 71c and the press-fit portion 72d will tend to deteriorate.

[0369] If the coaxial accuracy between the axis of the supported portion 71c and the axis of the press-fit portion 72d is reduced, the coaxial accuracy between the axis of the supported portion 71c and the axis of the photosensitive drum 1 may also be degraded. As a result, the rotation accuracy of the photosensitive drum 1 is also degraded, and as a result, image quality may be adversely affected.

[0370] In this case, in this embodiment, the base portion 274 has a shape extending outward from the inner peripheral cylinder 272h of the mounting portion 272 toward the engaging portion 273 in the axial direction of the coupling 228. In other words, the base portion 274 is an extension (expansion, extension) extending at least in the axial direction. The engaging portion 273 is a protrusion (protrusion, convex portion) supported by the base portion 274.

[0371] The mounting portion 272 is a cylindrical portion having a plurality of ribs around the periphery, but is substantially cylindrical and is a portion (inner periphery contact portion, fixed portion) fixed to contact the inner periphery of the photosensitive drum 1. In addition, the cylindrical portion 271 is provided outside the mounting portion 272 in the axial direction.

[0372] The protruding direction of the engaging portion 273 intersects with the extending direction of the base portion 274. In addition, the engaging portion 273 protrudes at least toward the radial inner side of the coupling.

[0373] Similar to Example 1, the coupling portion 273 is provided with a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the outside of the drum unit 30 (i.e., the drive shaft 101). The coupling portion 273 and the base 274 are supporting portions for supporting the driving force receiving portion 273a so that it can move at least in the radial direction of the coupling. More specifically, the base 274 is deformed with its fixed end as a fulcrum, so that the driving force receiving portion 273a can move at least in the radial direction of the coupling.

[0374] The inner peripheral cylinder 272h is an inner diameter portion of the mounting portion 272 and has a cylindrical shape.

[0375] By positioning the root (rear end) 274a of the base 274 within the inner circumferential cylinder 272h, even if creep deformation occurs near the root 274a of the base 274, the effect of creep deformation on the supported portion 271c of the cylindrical portion 271 can be suppressed. In other words, the outer periphery (press-fit portion 272d) of the mounting portion 272 is covered by the photosensitive drum 1, so the mounting portion 272 hardly deforms. Therefore, even if the root 274a of the base 274 temporarily deforms, deformation of the mounting portion 272 itself, which is connected to the base 274, can be suppressed. As a result, deformation of the entire coupling 228 is suppressed, thereby also suppressing deformation of the supported portion 271c disposed on the free end side of the coupling 228.

[0376] Furthermore, by attaching the base portion 274 to the mounting portion 272, which is less likely to deform, deformation and tilting of the base portion 274 can be suppressed. Specifically, by positioning the root portion 274a of the base portion 274 on the inner peripheral cylinder 272h of the mounting portion 272, tilting of the root portion 274a can be suppressed. For this reason, when the coupling 228 receives driving force from the main assembly drive shaft 101, stable rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 can be facilitated.

[0377] If the difference between the outer diameter of the press-fit guide 272f and the inner diameter of the inner circumferential cylinder 272h is not large enough, in some cases, the press-fit guide 272f and the inner circumferential cylinder 272h may not be circular. In this case, the press-fit guide 272f may be shaped as a plurality of radially arranged ribs, as in the present embodiment. Even with this shape, the press-fit portion 272d can be stably press-fitted into the photosensitive drum 1.

[0378] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 23 As shown, a plurality of ribs are radially arranged on the outer periphery of the mounting portion 272, and these ribs are press-fit guide portions 272f. Figure 24 As shown, the root portion 274a of the base portion 274 is arranged at a position corresponding to the plurality of ribs forming the press-fit guide 272f. Therefore, when a driving force is received from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the driving force is transmitted from the root portion 274a to the press-fit portion 272d via the ribs, so that deformation of the inner peripheral cylinder 272h caused by the driving force can be further suppressed.

[0379] like Figure 25 As shown, when the root portion 274a of the base 274 is set in the mounting portion 272, the root portion 274a is located inside the photosensitive drum (drum) 1. In other words, the base 274 and the photosensitive drum 1 are projected onto the axis Ax (=the axis of the coupling 228) of the photosensitive drum 1. Then, a portion of the projection area A274 of the base 274 (the projection area on the root portion 274a side) overlaps with a portion of the projection area A1 of the photosensitive drum 1 on the axis.

[0380] In the case of “A is inside the photosensitive drum 1 ”, A is the inside of the photosensitive drum when the photosensitive drum is viewed along the axis Ax and when the photosensitive drum is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis Ax.

[0381] In this embodiment, the base 274 is provided so that a part of the area on the root portion 274a side overlaps with the area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1, but the base 274 may be provided so that the entire base 274 overlaps with the photosensitive drum 1. In other words, the entire base 274 may be provided inside the photosensitive drum 1. Figure 28 ) describes this structure.

[0382] The joining portion 273 will be described. Figure 22 and Figure 25As shown, a tapered portion 273f is provided on the outer diameter side of the engaging portion 273. As in Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, when the phases of the drive transmission groove 101a of the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the engaging portion 273 are misaligned, the base 274 deforms and the engaging portion 273 moves radially outward. Since the engaging portion 273 avoids striking the main assembly drive shaft 101 through this retraction operation, the coupling 228 can be mounted to the main assembly drive shaft 101. When the coupling 228 is mounted to the main assembly drive shaft 101, the disassembly tapered surface 273e of the engaging portion 273 moves toward the rear side in the Z direction from the main assembly side disassembly tapered portion 101i of the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0383] In the process of mounting the coupling 228 to the main assembly drive shaft 101, the radial outward movement amount of the engaging portion 273 increases as the distance from the root 274a of the base 274 increases. In the absence of the tapered portion 273f, when the retraction amount of the engaging portion 273 is large, the engaging portion 273 interferes with the inner peripheral surface 271b of the cylindrical portion 271, as shown in FIG. Figure 25 Thus, by providing the tapered portion 273f, even if the engaging portion 273 moves significantly in the radial direction, it is possible to prevent the engaging portion 273 from interfering with the inner circumferential surface 271b of the cylindrical portion 271. As a result, the outer diameter D5 of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101 can be maximized.

[0384] In a state where elastic deformation is eliminated (natural state), the distance between the base portion 274 and the inner surface (inner peripheral surface 271 b ) of the coupling 228 increases from the rear end toward the free end.

[0385] Afterwards, similar to Example 1, Figure 25 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, when the phases of the drive transmission groove 101a and the engaging portion 273 are aligned by the rotation of the main assembly drive shaft 101, the elastic deformation of the base 274 is released. Then, the engaging portion 273 moves radially inward to enter the drive transmission groove 101a. The drive can be transmitted from the main assembly drive shaft 101 to the coupling 228 through the engaging portion 273.

[0386] Similar to Example 1, Figure 22 and Figure 26 As shown, the alignment portion 276 has a radial positioning portion 276a. The radial positioning portion 276a is provided at a position overlapping with the engaging portion 273 in the Z direction (axial direction). That is, when the radial positioning portion 276a and the engaging portion 273 are projected onto the axis of the coupling 228 (the axis of the photosensitive drum 1), the projected area of ​​the radial positioning portion 276a and the projected area of ​​the engaging portion 273 at least partially overlap each other.

[0387] On the other hand, the radial positioning portion 276 a is provided at a position outside the engaging portion 273 when viewed in the axial direction of the coupling 228 . Figure 24 2 is a diagram of the coupling 228 viewed along the axial direction. As can be seen from this figure, the radial positioning portion 276a does not overlap with the engagement portion 273, and there is a certain amount of clearance between them. This arrangement is primarily due to the manufacturing process of the coupling 228. The details will be described below.

[0388] In addition, if Figure 22 and Figure 25 As shown in (b), the alignment portion 276 has an abutment portion 276b. When the drive of the main assembly drive shaft 101 is transmitted to the coupling 228, the abutment portion 276b abuts the hemispherical portion 101c at the free end of the main assembly drive shaft 101. Thus, the position of the coupling 228 in the axial direction relative to the main assembly drive shaft 101 is determined.

[0389] <Example 3>

[0390] refer to Figure 28 , Example 3 will be described.

[0391] Figure 28 3 is a sectional view of the coupling (flange member) 328 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 3, taken along the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0392] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 2) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Descriptions will be mainly made of differences from the above-described elements.

[0393] In this embodiment, the driving force receiving portion 373 a and the supporting portion (the engaging portion 373 and the base portion 374 ) that movably supports the driving force receiving portion 373 a are all provided inside the photosensitive drum 1 .

[0394] The coupling 328 of this embodiment has an engaging portion 373 for engaging with the main assembly driving groove 101a and a base 374 for supporting the engaging portion. The root 374a is connected to the inner peripheral cylinder 372h of the flange member so that the base 374 is supported by the coupling 328.

[0395] The engaging portion 373 is provided with a driving force receiving portion that contacts the main component driving groove 101a and receives the driving force from the main component driving groove 101a. The shapes of the engaging portion 373 and its driving force receiving portion are the same as those of the engaging portion 273 and the driving force receiving portion 273a of Example 2, and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0396] The engaging portion 373 is a protruding portion (projection) supported by the base portion 374. The engaging portion 373 protrudes inward at least in the radial direction of the coupling. The base portion 374 is an extension (expansion, extension) extending in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the engaging portion 373. The base portion 374 is also a deformable portion (elastically deformable portion, flexible portion) configured to be elastically deformable.

[0397] The engaging portion 373 is provided with a driving force receiving portion, and the engaging portion 373 and the base portion 374 are supporting portions that movably support the driving force receiving portion.

[0398] In Example 2, Figure 22 and Figure 25 As shown, the engaging portion 273 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 272 in the Z direction.

[0399] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the engaging portion 373 is formed inside the mounting portion 372 in the Z direction. Here, the mounting portion 372 is a portion that is pressed into the inner periphery of the photosensitive drum 1 and mounted on the photosensitive drum 1. Therefore, the engaging portion 373 and the driving force receiving portion are located inside the photosensitive drum 1. More specifically, when the photosensitive drum 1 and the engaging portion 373 are projected onto the axis of the photosensitive drum 1, the area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1 and the area of ​​the engaging portion 373 (the area of ​​the engaging portion 373 having the driving force receiving portion) overlap with each other. More specifically, all areas of the engaging portion 373 (driving force receiving portion) are included in the area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1.

[0400] By adopting this shape, the photosensitive drum 1 can be arranged closer to the main assembly drive shaft 101 side (Z1 direction side) in the Z direction than in Example 2. Therefore, the cartridge 7 and the imaging apparatus 100 can be miniaturized in the Z direction. Alternatively, the engaging portion 373 and the base portion 374 can be arranged on the back side of the photosensitive drum 1, which is difficult for the user to access, so that these components can be protected.

[0401] Preferably, the entire engaging portion 373 is disposed inside the photosensitive drum 1. However, the above-described effects can be achieved as long as at least a portion of the engaging portion 373 (driving force receiving portion) is located inside the photosensitive drum 1. In other words, it is sufficient that, when the photosensitive drum 1 and the engaging portion 373 are projected onto the axis of the photosensitive drum 1, the region of the photosensitive drum 1 and the region of the engaging portion 373 (driving force receiving portion) at least partially overlap with each other on the axis.

[0402] The base 374 is also located inside the photosensitive drum 1. That is, when the photosensitive drum 1 and the base 374 are projected onto the axis of the photosensitive drum 1, the projected area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1 and the projected area of ​​the base 374 overlap each other.

[0403] <Example 4>

[0404] A fourth example (Embodiment 4) will be described. This embodiment is a modified example of the structure of Embodiment 2. Therefore, before the description of this embodiment, the features of the coupling 228 shown in Embodiment 2 will be described again.

[0405] In Embodiment 2, the coupling 228 has a shape such that the base 274 extends from the inner peripheral cylinder 272h of the mounting portion 272 toward the engaging portion 273 in the axial direction of the coupling 228 ( Figure 25 ).

[0406] Furthermore, when the coupling 228 is projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to the axis of the coupling 228, the alignment portion 276 and the like are arranged to satisfy the following relationship. That is, in the projection plane, the alignment portion 276 does not overlap with the engaging portion 273, the base portion 274, or a 1 mm area around the engaging portion 273 and the base portion 274. In other words, when the coupling 228 is viewed along the axis, there is a gap (relief) of approximately 1 mm between the alignment portion 276 and the engaging portion 273, and there is also a gap (relief) of approximately 1 mm between the alignment portion 276 and the root portion 274a.

[0407] The reason why the coupling 228 has the above-described structure is that the coupling 228 is manufactured by the following manufacturing method.

[0408] (Manufacturing method description)

[0409] The coupling 228 of Example 2 is manufactured by injection molding (insert molding) using a mold.

[0410] refer to Figure 27 , the structure of the metal mold for molding the coupling 228 will be described.

[0411] The coupling 228 has a shape in which the flange portion 275 protrudes radially outward. When forming such a shape, preferably, a metal mold such as Figure 27 shown.

[0412] Specifically, as shown in the figure, the metal mold has a two-piece structure, including a left mold (cylindrical side mold 60) and a right mold (mounting part side mold 61). By aligning the left and right molds, a space portion (mold cavity, hollow portion) having the same shape as the molded product is formed. The material is injected into the space portion and solidified in the mold, thereby providing a coupling 228. The mold has a structure in which a mold parting surface 62 (a plane along which the mold is separated and where the two half molds contact) is provided near the space forming the flange portion 275, and the mold parting surface is a portion for the right mold and the left mold to cooperate. The shape of the cylindrical side mold 60 includes a space for molding the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 271. Similarly, the shape of the mounting part side mold 61 has a space for molding the mounting portion 272.

[0413] When using such a metal mold to mold the coupling 228, thermoplastic resins are preferably used from the perspective of mass production. More specifically, materials such as POM and PPS are preferred. However, other materials may be appropriately selected to meet requirements such as strength. Specifically, thermosetting resins or metal materials may be used.

[0414] As described above, the joint 273 has an insertion taper 273d at one end in the Z direction and a removal taper 273e at the other end. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a mold parting surface 62 at either end of the joint 273 in the Z direction. This is because, when using a two-part mold, if the mold parting surface 62 is located on one of the two end surfaces of the joint 273, it becomes difficult to remove the molded coupling 228 from the mold. In other words, when the two molds are separated from the joint 273 after molding, at least one mold becomes stuck in the joint 273 and cannot be moved.

[0415] Therefore, when molding the coupling 228 of this embodiment, the mold parting surface 62 is determined as follows. That is, in the Z direction, the region extending from the driving force receiving surface 273a to the radially inner side of the base 274 is formed by the mounting portion mold 61. Furthermore, the region extending from the insertion tapered portion 273d to the radially outer side of the base 274 is formed by the cylindrical portion mold 60. For this reason, the alignment portion 276 must be formed so as not to interfere with the cylindrical portion mold 60 and the mounting portion mold 61.

[0416] Specifically, when the coupling 228 is viewed along the Z direction, the alignment portion 276 does not overlap (does not overlap) with the driving moving portion 273 and the base portion 274 within a range of about 1 mm around the alignment portion 276 (eg, Figure 26 shown).

[0417] As a result, a gap exists between the engaging portion 273 and the aligning portion 276, and a gap also exists between the base 274 and the aligning portion 276. Due to these gaps, the base 274 and the engaging portion 273 can move to a certain extent in the circumferential direction of the coupling 228. In this structure, it is desirable to increase the rigidity of the base 274. This is because if a material that does not provide the base with sufficiently high rigidity is used and the rigidity of the base 274 is low, the following tendencies may occur.

[0418] exist Figure 29 , as a reference example, a structure is shown in which the material of the coupling 228 is changed to a material with low rigidity.

[0419] Figure 29 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing deformation of the base portion and the engaging portion by cutting along the rotation center line (rotation axis) in the case where the coupling of Example 4 is not used.

[0420] In this embodiment, when the driving force receiving surface 3273a abuts the main assembly driving force transmitting surface 101b, the cleaning blade 26, the charging roller 22, etc. apply a load to the photosensitive drum unit 3230. Due to this load, as Figure 29 As indicated by the middle arrow, when the drive transmission force is received from the main assembly drive shaft 101 via the engaging portion 3273, the base portion 3274 tends to tilt downstream in the rotational direction with the root portion 3274a serving as a fulcrum due to the driving force. The engaging portion 3273 is provided on the free end side of the base portion 3274; therefore, when the base portion 3274 tilts, the engaging portion 3273 also tilts by an amount corresponding to the tilting amount of the base portion 3274. As a result, the driving force receiving surface 3273a and the main assembly driving force receiving surface 101a may not contact each other, and the photosensitive drum unit 3230 may not be retracted toward the supported portion 101d side of the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0421] Furthermore, when the load applied by the cleaning blade 26, charging roller 22, etc. described above varies, the rotation amount of the photosensitive drum 1 varies due to the variation in the tilting amount of the base 3274, and image quality may be adversely affected.

[0422] Therefore, in Embodiment 2, a highly rigid material is selected as the material of the coupling 228 so that the possibility described with reference to the reference example can be avoided and the rigidity of the base 274 can be maintained.

[0423] On the other hand, in this embodiment (Example 4), as Figure 30 As shown, the difference from Example 2 is that the support portion 434a of the support member 434 is inserted into the gap upstream of the engagement portion 473 in the rotational direction in the gap between the engagement portion 473 and the alignment portion 476. This allows the base 474 to have a small tilting amount even if its rigidity is low.

[0424] In the following, reference Figures 30 to 38 , the structural details of this embodiment are described.

[0425] Figure 30 4 is a diagram of the coupling 428 according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0426] Figure 31 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the flange member 470 according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0427] Figure 32 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling 428 according to Embodiment 4, taken along the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0428] Figure 33 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the flange member 470 according to the fourth embodiment viewed from the inner side in the Z direction.

[0429] Figure 34 This is a diagram of the support member 434 according to the fourth embodiment viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0430] Figure 35 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling 428 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 4, taken along the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0431] Figure 36 1 is a perspective view showing how the support member 434 is assembled to the flange member 470 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0432] Figure 37 It is a sectional view of the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the coupling 428 according to Embodiment 4, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and at a position passing through the drive force receiving surface (drive force receiving portion) 473a.

[0433] Figure 38 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a coupling 428 and a main assembly drive shaft 101 according to another example of Embodiment 4, taken along the rotation center line (rotation axis).

[0434] The coupling 428 is formed by combining two parts, namely the flange member 470 and the support member 434.

[0435] The flange member 470 is provided with a cylindrical portion 471, a mounting portion 472, a base portion 474, an engaging portion 473, a radial positioning portion 476a of an alignment portion 476, a receiving surface 476c, and a hook portion 472b on the mounting portion 472. The receiving surface 476c and the engaging portion 473 are surfaces for clamping the support portion 434a, as described later. The hook portion 472b has a shape for fixing the support member 434 to the flange member 470.

[0436] The engaging portion 473 is provided with a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the main assembly drive shaft 101 of the image forming apparatus main assembly. The engaging portion 473 and the base portion 474 are supporting portions for movably supporting the driving force receiving portion.

[0437] The flange member 470 is a driving force receiving member for receiving driving force from the main assembly drive shaft 101 through a driving force receiving portion provided in the engaging portion 473 .

[0438] The support member 434 is provided with a support portion 434a, an abutment portion 434b, and a press-fit portion 434c. The support portion 434a is assembled into the gap between the engaging portion 473 and the alignment portion 476 on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the engaging portion 473, and has a shape that effectively suppresses tilting of the engaging portion 473 and the base portion 274. The abutment portion 434b has a shape that abuts the hemispherical shape 101c at the free end of the main assembly drive shaft 101 when the drive of the main assembly drive shaft 101 is transmitted to the coupling 428.

[0439] The press-fit portion 434 c is shaped so as to be press-fitted into the mounting portion 472 of the flange member 470 , thereby fixing the support member 434 to the flange member 470 .

[0440] (Description of flange components).

[0441] Will refer to Figure 31 、 Figure 32 and Figure 33 The flange component 470 is described.

[0442] like Figure 32 As shown, the mounting portion 472 of the flange member 470 has a hook portion 472b having a shape for mounting the support member 434 to the flange member 470. The hook portion 472b has a shape protruding from the inner peripheral surface 472h of the mounting portion 472, and as shown in FIG. Figure 31 As shown, multiple hook portions 472b are arranged at different phases from the base 474 and the coupling portion 473 in the circumferential direction of the flange part 470; in this embodiment, they are arranged at three positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the flange part 470 (120 degree intervals, basically equal intervals).

[0443] like Figure 32 As shown, the hook portion 472 b has a surface substantially perpendicular to the Z axis on the downstream side with respect to the Z1 direction, and has a tapered shape to be used when assembling the support member 434 on the downstream side with respect to the Z2 direction.

[0444] Furthermore, when the alignment portion 476 is viewed along the Z direction, the mounting portion 472 has a hole 476d ( Figure 31 , Figure 32 ).

[0445] By providing the hole 476 d and providing a gap of approximately 1 mm around the mounting portion 472 , the flange member 470 can be manufactured using a simple metal mold.

[0446] like Figure 31 and Figure 33As shown, the alignment portion 476 has a receiving surface 476c. The support portion 434a of the support member 434 is clamped by the clamping surface 473g and the receiving surface 476c, which are portions of the engagement portion 473 radially outward of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101. The clamping surface 473g and the receiving surface 476c are substantially parallel surfaces.

[0447] In addition, if Figure 33 As shown, the alignment portion 476 has a rib 476e that is substantially perpendicular to the receiving surface 476c, and an extension line thereof passes through the end portion of the clamping surface 473g on the shaft portion 101f side.

[0448] (Description of Supporting Components)

[0449] refer to Figure 30 、 Figure 34 、 Figure 35 and Figure 36 , the support member 434 will be described.

[0450] The support member 434 has a support portion 434a, a contact portion 434b, and a press-fit portion 434c.

[0451] like Figure 30 As shown, the support portion 434a is arranged to be assembled in the gap between each clamping surface 473g and the receiving surface 476c of the joint 473. The thickness is set to be substantially the same as the gap between the clamping surface 473g and the receiving surface 476c. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 34 As shown, the circle connecting the ridges of the support portion 434a on the clamping surface 473g side is set so that its center is the same as the press-fit portion 434c, and its diameter D8 is approximately the same as the outer diameter D7 of the radial positioning portion 476a.

[0452] In the same manner as the abutment portion 76b of Embodiment 1, in a state in which the abutment portion 434b abuts against the hemispherical shape 101c, the center 101h of the hemispherical shape 101c of the main assembly drive shaft 101 falls within the range of the driving force receiving surface 473a ( Figure 35 ).

[0453] The press-fit portion 434c is press-fitted into the inner circumferential cylinder 472h of the mounting portion 472 of the flange member 470. Figure 35 As shown, the thickness of the press-fit portion 434 c in the Z direction is set to be substantially the same as the gap between the vertical surface on the Z1 direction side of the hook portion 472 b and the alignment portion 476 .

[0454] The support member 434 having the above-mentioned shape is assembled to the flange member 470 from the Z2 direction toward the Z1 direction, thereby forming the coupling member 428 (eg Figure 36 shown).

[0455] [Drive the coupling via the main assembly drive shaft]

[0456] refer to Figure 37 , the transmission of rotational drive from the main assembly drive shaft 101 to the coupling 428 will be described.

[0457] When the driving force receiving surface 473a of the coupling 428 abuts the main assembly drive transmission surface 101b, the cleaning blade 26, the charging roller 22, etc. apply a load to the photosensitive drum unit 430. That is, the driving force receiving surface 473a rotates integrally with the drive transmission surface 101b while receiving the load (driving force) F1.

[0458] When the driving force receiving surface 473a receives the driving force F1, the driving force F1 is transmitted to the clamping surface 473g opposite to the driving force receiving surface 473a of the engaging portion 473, as shown in FIG. Figure 37 As shown. The engaging portion 473 is supported by the mounting portion 472 via the support portion 434a, the receiving surface 476c, and the rib 476e. Therefore, the engaging portion 473 does not substantially deform toward the downstream side in the rotational direction. As a result, the driving force receiving surface 473a can stably contact the main assembly driving force receiving surface 101a, and the photosensitive drum unit 430 can be pulled toward the supported portion 101d of the main assembly drive shaft 101. Even if the load F fluctuates, the engaging portion 473 remains supported as described above because the engaging portion 473 does not substantially deform; therefore, the amount of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 does not substantially change, and image quality can be maintained.

[0459] That is, the support portion 434b is a member for restricting the driving force receiving portion provided in the engaging portion 474 from moving in the drum unit rotation direction (coupling circumferential direction).

[0460] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 473 (and the driving force receiving portion provided in the engaging portion 473) is provided inside the cylindrical portion 471 in the Z direction ( Figure 35 ). That is, the joint portion 473 is located outside the photosensitive drum 1 in the Z direction. Figure 38 As shown, even if the driving force receiving surface 473a (engaging portion 473) is provided inside the mounting portion 72 in the Z direction, similar to Embodiment 3, it is very suitable. In this case, similar to Embodiment 3, the photosensitive drum 1 can be arranged close to the main assembly drive shaft 101 side. Therefore, it can contribute to the size reduction of the cartridge 7 and the imaging apparatus 100 in the Z direction. Alternatively, the base and the engaging portion 473 can be protected by providing a portion of the base and the engaging portion 473 on the rear side of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0461] <Example 5>

[0462] refer to Figures 39 to 57 , Example 5 will be described.

[0463] In this embodiment, the supporting portion (engaging portion 573 , base portion 574 ) that movably supports the driving force receiving portion 573 a extends at least in the circumferential direction of the coupling 528 .

[0464] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 2) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Descriptions will be mainly made of differences from the above-described elements.

[0465] Figure 39 It is a sectional perspective view of the connecting member 528 according to Example 5.

[0466] Figure 40 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and at a position passing through the drive transmission portion 573 .

[0467] Figure 41 It is a sectional view of the coupling 528 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 5, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and at a position passing through the joint 573 .

[0468] Figure 42 The structure of a mold for forming a flange member 570 according to Embodiment 5 is shown.

[0469] Figure 43 It is a perspective view of the alignment component 533 according to Example 5.

[0470] Figure 44 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the alignment member 533 according to Embodiment 5 viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0471] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 528 according to Example 5.

[0472] Figure 46 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the flange member 570 according to the fifth embodiment viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0473] Figure 47 1 is a diagram illustrating the assembly of the coupling 528 according to Example 5.

[0474] Figure 48 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the alignment member 533 according to the fifth embodiment viewed from the inner side in the Z direction.

[0475] Figure 49 5 is a sectional view showing an operation of mounting the coupling 528 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 5.

[0476] Figure 505 is a sectional view showing an operation of mounting the coupling 528 to the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 5.

[0477] Figure 51 is a sectional view showing drive transmission from the main assembly drive shaft 101 to the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5.

[0478] Figure 52 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the flange member 570 according to the fifth embodiment viewed from the inner side in the Z direction.

[0479] Figure 53 is a sectional view showing drive transmission from the main assembly drive shaft 101 to the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5.

[0480] Figure 54 It is a sectional view showing that the positions of the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the coupling 528 in Embodiment 5 deviate from the component tolerance.

[0481] Figure 55 5 is a sectional view showing an operation of removing the coupling 528 from the main assembly drive shaft 101 according to Embodiment 5.

[0482] Figure 56 : is a sectional view showing drive transmission in a case where the winding portion 574b of the base portion 574 of the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5 is larger in diameter than the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0483] Figure 57 : is a sectional view showing drive transmission in a case where the winding portion 574b of the base portion 574 of the coupling 528 according to Embodiment 5 is smaller in diameter than the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0484] like Figure 39 As shown, the coupling 528 includes a flange member (driving force receiving member) 570 and an alignment member (positioning member) 533 having an inverted tapered shape 533a, which will be described in detail below. The base 574 is arranged to overlap with the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 573a in the Z direction. In other words, when the base 574 and the driving force receiving surface 573a are projected onto the axis of the drum unit, at least a portion of their respective projected areas overlap.

[0485] Furthermore, a driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 573a and a root 574a of the base 574 are provided on the inner peripheral surface 571b of the cylindrical portion 571. That is, the root 574a is outside the photosensitive drum 1 in the Z direction.

[0486] In addition, if Figure 45As shown, the root portion 574a of the base portion 574 is arranged so as to overlap with the entire area of ​​the driving force receiving surface 573a in the Z direction.

[0487] The root portion 574a is the rear end (radially outer end) of the base portion 574, and the base portion 574 is connected to the flange member 570 (inner circumferential surface 571b). The root portion 574a is a supporting portion of the base portion 574. The base portion 574 is supported by the flange member 570 on the root portion 574a.

[0488] (Description of flange components)

[0489] like Figure 46 As shown, a plurality of engagement portions 573 and a plurality of base portions 574 are symmetrically arranged on the flange member 570. That is, the engagement portions 573 are arranged at three locations (120-degree intervals, substantially at equal intervals) in the circumferential direction of the flange member 570. Similarly, the base portions 574 are also arranged at three locations in the circumferential direction of the flange member 570 at equal intervals.

[0490] The engaging portion 573 is a protrusion (projection, convex portion) that protrudes inward at least in the radial direction of the coupling 528 (radial direction of the drum unit). The engaging portion 573 is provided at a free end of the base 574 and supported by the base 574 .

[0491] The base portion 574 is an extension portion (an extension portion) extending in the circumferential direction of the coupling 528. The direction in which the base portion 574 extends intersects with the protruding direction of the engagement portion 573. More specifically, the base portion 574 extends at least in the circumferential direction of the coupling 528 (flange member 570). In other words, the base portion 574 extends at least in the rotational direction of the drum unit.

[0492] The base 574 and the joint 573 are supporting parts for movably supporting the driving force receiving part 573a. The base 574 has a deforming part (deformation part, flexible part) that elastically deforms to move the driving force receiving part 573a. The base 574 is configured to deform with its fixed end as a fulcrum.

[0493] The engaging portion 573 is configured to engage with the main assembly drive shaft 101. The engaging portion 573 is provided with a driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 573a capable of receiving a driving force (rotational force) for rotating the photosensitive drum 1.

[0494] The protrusion of the engaging portion 573 measured in the radial direction (the distance it protrudes from the surface of the base portion 574) is 1.2 mm. In order to engage with the drive transmission groove of the main assembly drive shaft 101, the protrusion of the engaging portion 573 measured in the radial direction is preferably 0.6 mm or more, more preferably 1.0 mm or more. More preferably, as in the present embodiment, the protrusion measured in the radial direction is preferably 1.2 mm or more.

[0495] For the structure in which the entire protrusion of the engaging portion 573 engages with the main drive transmission groove, the retraction amount of the base driving force receiving portion 573a needs to exceed the protrusion amount of the engaging portion 573. Therefore, in this embodiment, the driving force receiving portion 573a can move at least 1.2 mm in the radial direction.

[0496] Furthermore, the preferred movement amount of the driving force receiving portion 573a corresponds to the preferred protrusion amount of the engaging portion 573. That is, the movement amount of the driving force receiving portion 573a measured in the radial direction is preferably 0.6 mm or more, more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and further preferably 1.2 mm or more.

[0497] The engaging portion 573 and the base portion 574 are supporting portions that movably support the driving force receiving surface 573a. The base portion 574 is an elastic deformation portion (elastic deformation portion, flexible portion), and the base portion 574 deforms to move the driving force receiving surface 573a.

[0498] The driving force receiving surface 573a is an external portion of the drum unit (external portion of the process cartridge), that is, a drive transmitting portion (driving force transmitting portion) to which the driving force (rotational force) is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly.

[0499] The base 574 extends in a direction different from the protruding direction of the joint 573 (a direction intersecting the protruding direction). That is, the base 574 extends at least in the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the flange component 570. More specifically, the base 574 extends from the flange component 570 toward the downstream side in the rotational direction. The free end of the base 574 is the end on the downstream side in the rotational direction. The rear end (root 574a) of the base 574 is the upstream end in the rotational direction. In addition, the free end of the base 574 is arranged on the radial inner side of the rear end. That is, the free end of the base 574 is the radial inner end, and the rear end (root 574a) of the base is the radial outer end.

[0500] The joint portion 573 is provided on the downstream side (free end side) of the base portion 574. The upstream end (rear end) of the base portion 574 is a connection portion connected to the flange member 570. The rear end of the base portion 574 is a supported portion supported by the flange member 570 and is a root portion 574a of the base portion 574.

[0501] The base portion 574 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the flange member 570 (drum unit). In other words, a line connecting the front and rear ends of the base portion 574 forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the rotational axis. In other words, the front and rear ends of the base portion 574 are located on the same cross-section parallel to the rotational axis of the flange member 570.

[0502] like Figure 50As shown, three base portions 574, each extending from the free end to the rear end, are arranged on the same cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the flange member 570. The three engaging portions 573 and the three root portions 574a are all arranged on the same cross-section. In other words, the multiple engaging portions 573 and the multiple base portions 574 are located at substantially the same position relative to the Z direction.

[0503] like Figure 40 As shown in part (a), the base 574 has a root 574a, a winding portion 574b and a straight portion 574c, which connects the root 574a and the winding portion 574b in a straight line. The root 574a is the portion (connecting portion) where the inner diameter portion (inner surface, inner periphery) of the flange component 570 and the base 574 are connected. The straight portion 574c is a portion that is basically straight in shape (basically flat in shape). The winding portion 574b is the portion to be wound around the main component drive shaft 101. That is, when the flange component 570 receives a driving force (rotational force) from the main component drive shaft 101 through the coupling portion 573, the winding portion 574b is wound around the main component drive shaft 101 and contacts the main component drive shaft 101. The winding portion 574b has a curved surface (arc-shaped surface). The winding portion 574b is bent to conform to the main component drive shaft 101. In other words, the winding portion 574b is curved in the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the coupling 528. In other words, the winding portion 574b has a curved surface that is radially inward (on the axis side of the coupling) and is a curved surface that is concave radially outward.

[0504] Furthermore, the winding portion 574b is provided on the side where the driving force receiving surface 573a is provided. The driving force receiving surface 573a and the winding portion 574b form an acute angle.

[0505] As described above, the engaging portion 573 is provided at the free end of the base 574. That is, the base 574 is a portion that supports the engaging portion 573. Similar to the above embodiment, the base 574 is deformed so that the engaging portion 573 can move in the radial direction of the flange member 570.

[0506] The resin material forming the base 574 and the engaging portion 573 is integrally molded with the resin forming the flange member 570. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the engaging portion 573 may be made of a component different from that of the base 574 and may be adhered to the free end of the base 574. Similarly, the base 574 may be formed of a different material than the rest of the flange member 570, or the base 574 may be detachable from the flange member 570.

[0507] In order to increase the strength of the base 574, metal may be provided inside the resin material forming the base 574. Figure 50 In the example above, a plate-shaped metal is provided in the resin. This structure will be described below with respect to another embodiment ( Figure 65wait).

[0508] The width of the base portion 574 measured along the Z direction is equal to or greater than the width of the driving force receiving surface 573 a measured along the Z direction.

[0509] The length of a vertical line drawn from the center of rotation (rotational axis) of the flange member 570 to the surface of the winding portion 574b is substantially equal to or greater than the radius of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101, and the effect will be described later. In other words, when the flange member 570 is projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the flange member 570, the radius R1 of the arc forming the inner diameter of the winding portion 574b on this plane (projection plane) is substantially equal to or greater than the radius R2 of the shaft portion 101f.

[0510] like Figure 40 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, the straight portion 574c has a shape extending in a tangential direction of the inner diameter of the coiled portion 574b. In other words, the straight portion 574c is a flat plate integral with the arc end of the coiled portion 574b and is connected to the inner diameter portion of the flange member 570 at the root 574a. The tangent line at the end of the coiled portion 574b is substantially parallel to the straight portion 574c.

[0511] Here, as Figure 40 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 5 , in the radial direction of the flange member 570 , a distance from the inner diameter end 573 b of the driving force receiving surface 573 a to the inner diameter of the winding portion 574 b is H1.

[0512] In the radial direction of flange member 570, the distance from the outer shape of joint portion 573 to the inner diameter of cylindrical portion 571 is H2. In this case, joint portion 573 and base portion 574 are arranged to satisfy the relationship H1≦H2. By adopting this structure (shape), the following effects can be achieved.

[0513] Even when the engaging portion 573 causes the inner diameter end 573b of the driving force receiving surface 573a to move outward in the radial direction H1, interference between the driving force receiving surface 573 and the inner peripheral surface 571b of the cylindrical portion 571 can be suppressed. During the process of mounting the coupling 528 to the main assembly drive shaft, when the engaging portion 573 comes into contact with the main assembly drive shaft 101, the engaging portion 573 can be reliably retracted outward in the radial direction.

[0514] As described above, the length of a vertical line drawn from the rotation center of the flange member 570 to the surface of the winding portion 574b is substantially equal to the radius of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101. Therefore, the inner diameter end 573b of the drive force receiving surface 573a can move toward the radially outer side of the shaft portion 101f without causing interference between the outer shape of the engaging portion 573 and the mounting portion 572.

[0515] like Figure 41 As shown, the thickness of the coiled portion 574b measured in the radial direction on the driving force receiving surface 573a side is defined as the free end side thickness (thickness on the driving force receiving surface side) 574k, and the thickness of the straight portion 574c is defined as the straight portion thickness 574l (rear side thickness). By forming the shapes of the respective portions so as to satisfy the relationship of the free end side thickness 574k ≧ the straight portion thickness 574l, the following effects can be provided.

[0516] like Figure 41 As shown, when the driving force receiving surface 573a receives the rotational force F1 from the main component driving force transmission surface 101b, the joint 573 receives a torque M that tends to deform radially outward with the connection between the joint 573 and the base 574 as a fulcrum. By increasing the thickness 574k of the free end side of the outer end 573c, which serves as the deformation fulcrum, to resist deformation, the deformation of the joint 573 caused by this torque M can be reduced. On the other hand, if the thickness 574l is increased in the vertical portion, the load required to install the connector 528 to the main component drive shaft 101 increases. In other words, the load required to retract the base 574 radially outward increases, making it difficult for the user to install the box.

[0517] Therefore, by selecting a relationship where the thickness of the front end 574k is ≥ the thickness of the straight section 574l, it is preferable to reduce the deformation of the joint 573 and facilitate the installation of the box.

[0518] In addition, Figure 41 In the embodiment, the engaging portion 573 can be retracted outward in the radial direction of the coupling 528 (the radial direction of the photosensitive drum unit 30). The driving force receiving surface 573a provided in the engaging portion 573 is inclined relative to the moving direction of the engaging portion 573. Figure 41 In the cross-sectional view, line B3 extends along the retraction direction of the joint 573. Line B4 is a line along the driving force receiving surface 573a. It should be understood that lines B3 and B4 intersect each other. Therefore, when the driving force receiving surface 573a is in contact with the driving transmission groove 101a, the driving force receiving surface 573a engages with the driving transmission groove 101a, making it difficult for the joint 573 to disengage from the driving transmission groove 101a. In other words, the engagement between the joint 573 and the driving transmission groove 101a is stabilized.

[0519] Specifically, the driving force receiving surface 573a is inclined relative to the moving direction (line B3) of the joint 573, such that the rotation direction of the inner diameter side (free end side) relative to the connecting member 528 is upstream of the outer diameter side (root side). Therefore, when the connecting member 528 (photosensitive drum unit 30) rotates, the force received from the driving force receiving surface 573 is in the direction that engages the joint 573 with the main component drive transmission groove 101a. The engagement state between the joint 573 and the main component drive transmission groove 101a is stabilized, thereby suppressing disengagement between the joint 573 and the main component drive transmission groove 101a.

[0520] Figure 40 Part (a) is a diagram of the flange member 570 viewed from the Z direction. Figure 40 As shown in part (a), when viewed along the Z direction, the root 574a is arranged upstream (along the rotation direction) of the flange part 570 relative to a straight line drawn from the inner diameter end 573b of the driving force receiving surface 573a in a direction perpendicular to the driving force receiving surface.

[0521] Furthermore, as viewed in the Z direction, of the ridge lines formed by the straight portion 574c and the inner peripheral surface 571b of the cylindrical portion 571, the ridge line on the driving force receiving surface 573a side is referred to as an inner ridge line 574d, and the ridge line on the opposite side of the driving force receiving surface 573a is referred to as an outer ridge line 574e. Figure 40 As shown in part (b), the inner ridge line 574d is connected to the inner circumferential surface 571b of the cylindrical portion 571 with an arc larger than the outer ridge line 574e.

[0522] This is because: preferably, the connection surface at the junction of the inner circumferential surfaces 571b of the base 574 and the cylindrical portion 571 should be as large as possible. This is because: when the driving force receiving surface 573a receives the driving force, the force applied to the inner circumferential surface 571b of the cylindrical portion 571 (to which the root 574a is connected) can be distributed, thus suppressing deformation of the cylindrical portion 571. As a result, even if the load received by the photosensitive drum unit 30 changes, the amount of deformation of the cylindrical portion 571 is small, thereby minimizing the effect of deformation on the rotation of the photosensitive drum unit 30. It is desirable to make the connection surface between the base 574 and the cylindrical portion 571 as large as possible.

[0523] like Figure 40 As shown in part (b), as viewed in the Z direction, among the angles formed by the line passing through the root 574a and the straight portion 574a among the tangents at the inner diameter of the mounting portion 572, the angle I formed on the outer ridge line 574e side is an acute angle.

[0524] The fulcrum 574f of the elastic deformation of the base 574 is located near the part where the influence of the arc of the ridge line formed by the straight portion 574c and the cylindrical portion 571 disappears. That is, when the inner ridge line 574d and the outer ridge line 574e are arcs of the same size, the angle I is an acute angle. Therefore, it is near the intersection of the center line of the straight portion 574c and the straight line drawn perpendicular to the center line of the straight portion 574c from the end of the inner diameter side of the outer ridge line 574e.

[0525] If the ridge line on the side of the outer ridge line 574e is gentle, the position of the elastic deformation fulcrum 574f will shift to point 574f' when the arc expands, because angle I is an acute angle on the side of the outer ridge line 574e. As a result, the elastic deformation length of the base 574 is shortened, and the installability of the connector 528 to the main component drive shaft 101 is deteriorated.

[0526] The intersection of a line perpendicular to straight portion 574c from fulcrum 574f and the inner side of straight portion 574c is referred to as intersection 574m. Even if the arc of inner ridge line 574d is large enough to pass through intersection 574m, the range of influence of the arc of the ridge line formed by straight portion 574c and mounting portion 572 remains unchanged. In other words, even if the arc of inner ridge line 574d increases but does not pass through intersection 574m, a large connection surface can be ensured where base portion 574 and cylindrical portion 571 are connected to each other, without deteriorating the attachability of coupling 528 to main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0527] (Manufacturing method description)

[0528] refer to Figure 42 The structure of the mold used to form flange component 570 will be described.

[0529] Figure 42 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the flange member 570 is molded in a metal mold.

[0530] The flange member 570 has a shape such that the flange portion 575 protrudes radially outward. In the case of forming such a shape, it is preferable to use Figure 42 The metal mold shown.

[0531] Specifically, as shown in the figure, the metal mold has a two-piece structure, including a left mold (cylindrical side mold 560) and a right mold (mounting part side mold 561). By aligning the left and right molds, a space (mold cavity, hollow part) with the same shape as the molded product is formed. A flange part 570 is formed by injecting material into the space and solidifying it in the mold. The mold has a structure in which a mold parting surface 562 (a plane along which the mold splits, where the two half molds contact) is provided near the space forming the flange part 575, and this mold parting surface is the part for the right mold and the left mold to mate. The cylindrical side mold 560 has a shape that includes space for forming the outer periphery of the cylindrical part 571. Similarly, the mounting part side mold 561 has a shape that includes space for forming the mounting part 572.

[0532] When using this metal mold to form the connector 570, from the viewpoint of mass production, thermoplastic resin is preferred. More specifically, materials such as POM and PPS are preferred. However, to meet requirements such as strength, other materials can be appropriately selected. Specifically, thermosetting resins or metal materials can be used.

[0533] Similar to Embodiment 1, the joint 573 has a mounting cone 573d at one end in the Z direction and a disassembly cone 573e at the other end. Therefore, it is difficult to position the mold parting surface 562 on either end face of the joint 573 relative to the Z direction.

[0534] This is because when using a two-part mold, if the mold parting surface 562 of the mold is on the end face of the joint 573, it is difficult to remove the formed flange component 570 from the mold. In other words, neither of the two molds can move relative to the flange component 570.

[0535] Similarly, the driving force receiving surface 573a has a shape in which the outer side (downstream side in the Z1 direction) of the photosensitive drum unit 30 is twisted relative to the inner side (downstream side in the Z2 direction) towards the upstream side in the rotational direction. Therefore, the shape portion for forming the driving force receiving surface 573a is provided on the mounting part side mold 561 side. This is because if the driving force receiving surface 573a is formed from the left side (cylindrical side mold 560), the cylindrical side metal mold 560 cannot be removed from the driving force receiving surface 573a.

[0536] If the mold parting surface 562 is as straight as possible, it is easier to manufacture the mold because this allows for high-precision manufacturing of the mold parting surface 562. Therefore, if the mold parting surface 562 is formed as straight as possible, the possibility of resin leakage and other issues can be reduced.

[0537] To ensure that the mold parting surface 562 of the joint 573 is straight, the driving force receiving surface 573a needs to be arranged at least beyond the insertion cone 573d on the rear side of the photosensitive drum unit 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, the end of the insertion cone 573d and the end of the driving force receiving surface 573a are arranged at the same position in the Z direction.

[0538] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the portion where the root 574a of the flange component 570 is located is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the other portions. Specifically, the inner diameter of the portion where the root 574a is located is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 571b of the cylindrical portion. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the mounting portion 572 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the portion where the root 574a is located.

[0539] Furthermore, when viewing the flange component 570 along the Z direction, if another shape (protrusion, etc.) is provided on the portion overlapping with the base 574, then when the flange component 570 is formed using a metal mold, this other shape and the base 574 are connected to each other. When this other shape is connected to the base 574, the elastic deformation of the base 574 is hindered.

[0540] Therefore, in the flange component of this embodiment, when the flange component 570 is projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to the rotation axis (Z direction), the flange component 570 does not have a portion that overlaps with the base 574. Similarly, it does not overlap with the driving force receiving portion 573.

[0541] (Instructions for aligning components)

[0542] refer to Figures 43 to 44 The structure of the alignment component (positioning component) 533 will be described.

[0543] In Embodiment 1, alignment between the main component drive shaft 101 and the connecting member 28 is achieved by the radial positioning part 76a, and positioning in the Z direction is achieved by the abutment part 76b (e.g., Figure 14 and Figure 15 (As shown). The radial positioning part 76a is provided at a position that overlaps with the joint part 73 in the Z direction. That is, when the radial positioning part 76a and the joint part 573 are projected onto the rotation axis of the connector 28, they are arranged such that at least a portion of their projection areas overlap each other on the rotation axis.

[0544] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the base 574 is arranged to overlap with the driving force receiving surface 573a in the Z direction. That is, the base 574 and the joint 573 are arranged such that they overlap when projected onto the rotation axis of the connector 528. When the base 574 and the joint 573 are arranged in this way, it is difficult to arrange the radial positioning portion to overlap with the joint 573 in the Z-axis direction as in Embodiment 1.

[0545] Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of the radial positioning portion 76a disclosed in Embodiment 1, the alignment member (positioning member) 533 having the inverted conical shape 533a described above is used. The alignment member 533 is used to position the connecting member 528 relative to the main assembly drive shaft 101. The inverted conical shape 533a is provided by a generally conical recess. The detailed shape of the alignment member 533 will be described below.

[0546] like Figure 43 and Figure 44 As shown, the alignment component 533 includes an inverted conical portion 533a, a mounting portion 533b, a locking portion 533c, and a protrusion 533d for matching the phase of the flange component 570. The mounting portion 533b is mounted into the flange component 570. The locking portion 533c has the function of preventing the alignment component 533 from disengaging from the flange component 570.

[0547] like Figure 45 As shown, the inverted conical portion 533a is disposed inside the photosensitive drum unit 30 (Z2 direction side) beyond the joint portion 573. Viewing the flange component 570 and the alignment component 533 along the Z direction, the flange component 570 and the alignment component 533 are assembled such that the center of the inverted conical portion 533a is aligned with the center of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0548] The inverted cone 533a has an abutment portion 533e, which abuts against the hemispherical shape 101c at the free end of the main component drive shaft 101 when the photosensitive drum 1 rotates. Figure 45 As shown, the alignment member 533 is mounted on the flange member 570 such that when the abutment portion 533e and the hemispherical portion 101c are in contact with each other in the Z direction, the center 101h of the hemispherical portion 101c of the main component drive shaft 101 is within the range of the drive force receiving surface 573a.

[0549] like Figure 45 As shown, the assembly part 533b is disposed on the inner side (Z2 direction side) of the photosensitive drum unit 30 relative to the abutment part 533e.

[0550] Furthermore, the flange component 570 has an assembly portion 572a at a position corresponding to the assembly portion 533b. As described above, the center of the inverted conical shape 533a and the center of the photosensitive drum 1 can be aligned with high precision.

[0551] like Figure 43 As shown, the locking part 533c has a snap-fit ​​form and a shape for preventing the alignment member 533 from disengaging from the flange member 570. That is, the locking part 533c is a connecting part that connects the alignment member 533 to the flange member 570.

[0552] like Figure 45As shown, when the alignment member 533 is installed onto the flange member 570, the locking portion 533c is located inside the photosensitive drum unit 30 (Z2 direction side) relative to the engaging portion 573 (driving force receiving portion 573a). Therefore, even if the base 574 of the flange member 570 deforms radially outward, the locking portion 533c can still prevent the base 574 from deforming (moving) radially. That is, when moving radially, the engaging portion 573 does not contact the locking portion 533c.

[0553] In addition, if Figure 45 and Figure 46 As shown, flange component 570 has a hook portion 572b corresponding to locking portion 533c. As... Figure 46 As shown, the hook portion 572b is positioned such that it does not overlap with the base portion 574 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0554] Hook portions 572b are disposed approximately in the middle of two circumferentially adjacent root portions 574. This ensures a circumferential gap between the base portion 574 and the hook portions 572b. In this embodiment, three hook portions 572b that engage with the locking portion 533c are disposed in the middle of the root portion 574a.

[0555] like Figure 43 and Figure 47 As shown, the protrusion 533d, which serves as an assembly guide, has a shape that protrudes radially outward from the assembly portion 533b. Therefore, when the alignment member 533 is installed onto the flange member 570, the phases of the locking portion 533c and the hook portion 572b can be easily matched. The recess 533d is a phase determining portion used to determine the phase (attitude in the rotational direction, position in the rotational direction) of the alignment member 533 relative to the flange member 570.

[0556] like Figure 47 As shown, the cut-off portion 572c is positioned 90 degrees circumferentially away from the clamping groove 572e. Similar to Embodiment 1, the two clamping grooves 572e are equidistantly arranged around the axis of rotation of the connecting member 528. That is, the cut-off portion 572c is located at the furthest point between the two clamping grooves 572e, and the clamping grooves are positioned 180 degrees circumferentially apart from the flange member 570. This suppresses the influence of the clamping grooves 572e and the cut-off portion 572c on the rigidity of the flange member 570.

[0557] In addition, if Figure 48 As shown, the alignment member 533 has an outer cylindrical rib 533f forming the assembly portion 533b and an inner cylindrical rib 533g on the rear side of the outer end of the inverted conical rib 533a. Furthermore, the alignment member 533 includes a plurality of radial ribs 533i to connect the outer cylindrical rib 533f and the inner cylindrical rib 533g. No ribs are provided inside the inner cylindrical rib 533g.

[0558] By connecting the outer cylindrical rib 533f and the inner cylindrical rib 533g with radial ribs 533i, deformation of the alignment member 533 can be suppressed when it is press-fitted into the flange member 570. Furthermore, by providing ribs on the inner side of the inner cylindrical portion 533g, the increase in the thickness of the center portion of the inverted conical shape 533a can be suppressed. This improves the dimensional accuracy of the inverted conical shape 533a, which affects the alignment function.

[0559] [The engagement process between the connector and the main component drive shaft]

[0560] The process of engaging the coupling 528 with the main assembly drive shaft 101 will be described in detail.

[0561] Figure 49 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the operation of mounting the coupling to the main assembly drive shaft. Figure 49 Part (a) is an illustration of a state in which the coupling 28 has begun to engage with the main assembly drive shaft 101. Figure 49 Part (e) shows a state in which the cassette 7 has been installed into the main imaging device assembly 100A, the cassette door 104 has been closed, the lower front cassette guide 109 has been raised, and the cassette 7 has been positioned relative to the main imaging device assembly 100A. Figure 49 Part (a) and Figure 49 Between parts (e) Figure 49 Part (b) to Figure 49 Part (d) of FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the process of connecting the coupling 528 to the main assembly drive shaft 101. As in Embodiment 1, the main assembly drive shaft 101 hangs downward in the direction of gravity at a small angle due to its own weight.

[0562] also, Figure 50 101a and the engaging portion 573 (driving force receiving surface 573a) are not aligned with each other. Figure 50 , the engaging portion 573 (driving force receiving surface 573a) does not enter the main assembly drive transmitting groove 101a, and Figure 50 This shows the state in which they are not connected to each other.

[0563] Similar to Example 1, Figure 49 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , with respect to the state when the cartridge 7 is positioned relative to the main assembly 100A of the imaging apparatus (as shown in FIG. Figure 49 Part (e) is shown), the connector 528 is approximately The main assembly drive shaft 101 is inserted in a state in which the main assembly is tilted by a certain degree.

[0564] First, if Figure 49As shown in (b), the free end of the inner circumferential surface 571b of the cylindrical portion 571 of the flange component 570 abuts against the coarse guide portion 101g of the main component drive shaft 101. As shown, the main component drive shaft 101 is configured to be cantilevered and supported by the support portion 101d. Therefore, with the coarse guide portion 101g of the main component drive shaft 101 engaging with the inner circumferential surface 571b of the connector 570, the connector 7 is inserted onto the main component drive shaft 101. Similar to Embodiment 1, in the Z direction, the driving force receiving surface 573 of the joint 573 has a length L2, which satisfies L1>L2, where L1 is the distance from the front end face of the cylindrical portion 571 to the front end face of the joint 573 (e.g., ...). Figure 45 ). Therefore, before the hemispherical shape 101c at the free end of the main assembly drive shaft 101 hits the engaging portion 573, the rough guide portion 101g of the main assembly drive shaft 101 runs along the inner peripheral surface 571b of the coupling 570.

[0565] Thus, the main component drive shaft 101 is guided by the coupling 528. Therefore, the hemispherical portion 101c at the free end of the main component drive shaft 101 is prevented from colliding with unintended portions of the joint 573 or base 574, thus avoiding impact on the joint 573 and / or base 574. In other words, the joint 573 and base 574 are protected.

[0566] like Figure 49 As shown in part (c), when the connector 528 is further inserted toward the rear side of the main component drive shaft 101, the insertion tapered surface 573d of the joint 573 and the hemisphere 101c at the free end of the main component drive shaft 101 abut against each other. Due to the inclined surface of the insertion tapered surface 573d and the spherical shape of the hemisphere 101c, the main component drive shaft 101 is essentially guided to the center of the three joints 573.

[0567] As the connector 528 is further inserted into the main component drive shaft 101, the base 574 elastically deforms radially outward, causing the joint 573 to travel along the hemispherical shape 101c. As a result, as Figure 50 As shown, the joint 573 moves (retracts) to the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101. Through this movement, as... Figure 49 As shown in part (d) of , the coupling 528 is mounted to the main component drive shaft 101 until the disassembly tapered surface 573e of the engaging portion 573 is deeper in the Z direction than the main component side disassembly tapered portion 101i of the main component drive shaft 101.

[0568] Then, similar to Embodiment 1, the housing 7 is lifted so that the drum unit bearing component 39L of the housing 7 abuts against the front housing positioning part 110. By lifting the housing 7 in this way, the housing 7 is positioned relative to the imaging device main assembly 100A (e.g., Figure 21By this operation of the box 7, the inclination of the coupling 528 is eliminated, as shown in the part (d) of FIG. Figure 49 That is, the coupling 528 and the drum unit are in an attitude capable of image formation.

[0569] like Figure 50 As shown in part (b), when the main component drive shaft 101 rotates, the main component drive transmission groove 101a and the engagement portion 573 become in the same phase. As a result, the elastic deformation of the base 574 is eliminated, a portion of the engagement portion 573 enters the main component drive transmission groove 101a, and the coupling 528 and the main component drive shaft 101 engage with each other.

[0570] When the phases of the main component drive transmission groove 101a and the joint 573 are aligned with each other, at least a portion of the base 574 elastically deforms in... Figure 49 The phase of part (d) is eliminated and becomes Figure 50 The state of part (b). That is, when from Figure 50 The state shown in part (a) is moved to Figure 50 In the state shown in part (b), the base 574 is deformed so that the joint 573 moves radially inward. Strictly speaking, the state of the base 574, which had been deformed radially outward, is at least partially restored, thereby causing the joint 573 to move at least radially inward.

[0571] In this manner, the base portion 574 causes the engaging portion 573 to enter the main assembly drive transmission groove 101 a and causes the engaging portion 573 to engage with the main assembly drive transmission groove 101 a of the main assembly drive shaft 101 .

[0572] [Drive the connector via the main component drive shaft]

[0573] refer to Figures 51 to 57 , the transmission of rotational drive from the main assembly drive shaft 101 to the coupling 528 will be described.

[0574] As described above, after the door 104 of the imaging device main assembly 100A, in which the cartridge 7 is mounted, is closed, the main assembly drive shaft 101 rotates. As a result, the phase of the engagement portion 573 and the phase of the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a match each other, resulting in… Figure 50 The state shown in part (b) is as follows. The main component drive shaft 101 is configured to rotate in the direction of rotation used for imaging operations and also in the opposite direction.

[0575] like Figure 50 As shown in part (b), when the main component drive shaft 101 rotates further in a counterclockwise direction, as Figure 51As shown, the main component drive transmission surface 101b abuts against the drive force receiving surface 573a. As a result, the rotational drive force of the main component drive shaft 101 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 1 through the coupling 528.

[0576] As in Embodiment 1, the driving force receiving surface 573a is twisted around the center of the rotation axis of the flange member 570. The twisting direction is such that the driving force receiving surface 573a on the outside (Z1 direction side) of the photosensitive drum unit 30 is located upstream (as shown in FIG. 1 ) in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1 relative to the inside (downstream side in the Z2 direction). Figure 52 (As shown).

[0577] Any structure is acceptable as long as the two points of contact with the drive shaft are out of phase with each other in the rotational direction, and any structure can provide the same function as a torsion surface. For example, any structure can be configured such that the outer side (downstream side in the Z1 direction) of the drive force receiving surface 573a is upstream in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 1 relative to the inner side (downstream side in the Z2 direction). In other words, a line connecting the inner and outer ends of the cylinder along the cylindrical axis of the joint 573 intersects the rotational axis of the cylinder.

[0578] By adopting this shape, when the driving force receiving surface 573a is driven, a force is generated in the direction that pulls the photosensitive drum unit 30 toward the support portion 101d of the main component drive shaft 101.

[0579] Due to this force (force in the Z1 direction), the inverted cone 533a of the alignment member 533 is in a state of reliable abutment with the hemispherical shape 101c at the free end of the main component drive shaft 101. When the inverted cone 533a contacts the hemispherical shape 101c, the radial position of the coupling relative to the main component drive shaft 101 is determined. In addition, the position of the coupling 528 relative to the main component drive shaft 101 in the longitudinal direction is also determined. That is, the inverted cone 533a is a radial positioning portion (alignment portion) for determining the radial position of the coupling 528 (drum unit) relative to the main component drive shaft 101. In addition, the inverted cone 533a is also a longitudinal positioning portion (axial positioning portion) for determining the position of the coupling 528 (drum unit) in the longitudinal direction relative to the main component drive shaft 101.

[0580] The radial and longitudinal positioning portions are not necessarily conical recesses such as the inverted conical recess 533a. The shapes of the radial and longitudinal positioning portions are not limited, as long as the position of the photosensitive drum unit 30 relative to the main component drive shaft 101 can be determined when it contacts the free end (hemispherical 101c) of the main component drive shaft 101. For example, preferably, they are recessed towards the bottom. As this shape, non-conical shapes such as pyramidal shapes (square pyramids, etc.) can be used. However, if the recess is a conical shape symmetrical with respect to the axis of the connector 528, as in the case of the inverted conical 533a in this embodiment, the position of the connector 528 can be maintained with particularly high precision.

[0581] Since the inverted cone 533a only needs to have an area that contacts the main component drive shaft 101, the non-contact area can have any shape. For example, the inverted cone 533a that does not contact the main component drive shaft 101 can be a recess with an open bottom.

[0582] When the flange component 570 is viewed along the Z direction, the root 574a is positioned upstream of a straight line drawn from the inner diameter end 573b of the driving force receiving surface 573a along a direction perpendicular to the driving force receiving surface 573a, relative to the rotation direction of the flange component 570. Figure 40 Part (a)). This can provide the following effect.

[0583] like Figure 51 As shown, the driving force F1 is decomposed into a component force Fh in the direction parallel to the line connecting the inner diameter end 573b of the driving force receiving surface and the root portion 574a of the base 574, and a component force Fv in the vertical direction. The component force Fv in the vertical direction is the force that pulls the joint 573 and the base 574 towards the shaft portion 101f. That is, due to the component force Fv, a torque is generated at the base 574 for rotating the base 574 counterclockwise with the root portion 574a as the fulcrum. As a result, the joint 573 and the base 574 are pulled into the shaft portion 101f.

[0584] exist Figure 51 In this configuration, when the normal perpendicular to the driving force receiving surface 573a extends from the free end of the driving force receiving surface 573a, the base 574 extends to intersect the normal. That is, the fixed end of the base 574 is positioned upstream of the normal along the rotation direction of the connector. With this configuration, a torque is preferably generated that causes the base 574 to wind around the shaft portion 101f of the main component drive shaft 101.

[0585] Because the main component drive shaft 101 rotates, when the base 574 is under tension, the winding portion 574b winds around the shaft portion 101f. As a result, the contact area between the base 574 and the shaft portion 101f is larger than the contact area when the base 574 is not wound (e.g., ...). Figure 50(as shown in part (b)) is large.

[0586] As a result of winding the winding portion 574b around the shaft portion 101f, as shown Figure 53 As shown, the base 574 receives the rotational force Fc generated by the driving force F1 at the straight portion 574c. Since the rotational force Fc is a component force in the direction perpendicular to the straight portion 574c, it is a component force in the direction of strong rigidity of the straight portion 574c. As a result, the amount of deformation of the base 574 can be suppressed to a small extent. By doing so, even if the load on the photosensitive drum unit 30 changes, the amount of deformation of the base 574 is small, thereby minimizing the effect of deformation on the rotation of the photosensitive drum unit 30.

[0587] By making the radius R1 of the arc forming the inner diameter of the winding portion 574b substantially equal to or greater than the radius R2 of the shaft portion 101f, the following effect can be obtained.

[0588] As described above, when the driving force receiving surface 573a is driven by the main component driving transmission surface 101b, the base 574 is pulled into the shaft portion 101f of the main component driving shaft 101. As a result, the winding portion 574b is wound around the shaft portion 101f. Through the winding of the winding portion 574b, the rotational force of the main component driving shaft 101 is received by the straight portion 574c.

[0589] First, if Figure 56 As shown in part (a), consider the case where the radius R1 of the winding portion 574b is greater than the radius R2 of the shaft portion 101f. In this case, when the engagement portion 573 is phase-aligned with the main component drive transmission groove 101a and enters the main component drive transmission groove 101a, a gap is generated between the winding portion 573b and the shaft portion 101f.

[0590] Thereafter, when the driving force receiving surface 573a comes into contact with the main assembly drive transmitting surface 101b and receives the rotational force, as shown in FIG. Figure 56 As shown in part (b), a pulling force is provided with the root 574a of the base 574 as a fulcrum, causing the winding portion 574b to wind around the shaft portion 101f. Through this winding, the straight portion 74c can receive rotational force in approximately the same manner as when the radius of the winding portion 574b is the same as the radius of the shaft portion 101f.

[0591] On the other hand, reference Figure 57 This will describe the case where the radius R1 of the winding portion 574b is smaller than the radius R2 of the shaft portion 101f. For example... Figure 57As shown in part (a), when the engagement portion 573 is aligned with the main component drive transmission groove 101a, the base 574 deflects to the position where the straight portion 574c abuts the shaft portion 101f at the contact point 574n. In this case, there is a gap, which becomes larger toward the engagement portion 573 side between the winding portion 574b and the shaft portion 101f. Afterwards, when the driving force receiving surface 573a abuts the main component drive transmission surface 101b and receives the rotational force, the winding portion 574b is pulled with the contact point 574n as the fulcrum. However, the distance from the contact point 574n to the driving force receiving surface 573a is closer than the distance from the root 574a to the driving force receiving surface 573a. Therefore, compared with the case where the radius of the winding portion 574b is greater than the radius of the shaft portion 101f, the driving force F1 required to wind the winding portion 574b around the shaft portion 101f increases.

[0592] For this reason, the radius R1 of the winding portion 574b is preferably substantially equal to or greater than the radius R2 of the shaft portion 101f. More preferably, this allows the winding portion 574b to be wound around the shaft portion 101f with a smaller driving force F1.

[0593] As described above, the inverted conical shape 533a of the alignment member 533 is configured such that the center 101h of the hemisphere 101c is within the range of the driving force receiving surface 573a of the flange member 570 in the Z direction. Figure 45 ). When the joint 573 and the center 101h are projected onto the axis of the drum unit, the center 101h is located inside the projection area of ​​the joint 573. Figure 45 In FIG, the projection area of ​​the joint 573 is represented by L2, and it can be understood that the center 101h is located in the area represented by L2. By establishing such a configuration relationship, the following effects can be provided.

[0594] The drum unit bearing member 39R and the drum unit bearing member 39L abut against the rear cartridge positioning portion 108 and the front cartridge positioning portion 110, respectively. Thus, the position of the cartridge 7 relative to the main assembly 100A of the imaging apparatus is determined. The relative position between the main assembly drive shaft 101 and the coupling 28 is affected by component tolerances. Specifically, positional deviations occur due to component tolerances between the drum unit bearing member 39R and the coupling 28, and between the rear cartridge positioning portion 108 and the main assembly drive shaft 101.

[0595] like Figure 54As shown, the hemisphere 101c abuts against the inverted cone 533a, thus establishing support at both the support portion 101d and the hemisphere 101c. In other words, viewed from the connector 528, the main component drive shaft 101 tilts around the center 101h of the hemisphere 101c. The position corresponding to the center 101h in the Z-axis direction is the position least affected by this tilt. The drive force receiving surface 573a is positioned at the same location as the center 101h in the Z-axis direction, thereby minimizing the effect of positional offset. That is, it is the position where the photosensitive drum 1 can be stably driven.

[0596] [Remove the connector from the main component drive axis]

[0597] refer to Figure 55 The operation of disassembling the connector 528 from the main component drive shaft 101 will be described.

[0598] like Figure 55 As shown in part (a), when the rotational drive of the main component drive shaft 101 stops, the drive force receiving surface 573a and the main component drive transmission surface 101b come into contact with each other. In this state, a portion of the engagement portion 573 is in the main component drive transmission groove 101a.

[0599] When the box door 104 is opened, the lower front box guide 109 descends, and the drum unit bearing component 39L separates from the front box positioning part 110 of the imaging device main assembly 100A. At this time, as Figure 55 As shown in part (b), the coupling 528 and the main component drive shaft 101 are tilted at an angle (Z direction) relative to their assembled state. Spend.

[0600] like Figure 55 As shown in part (c), when the cartridge 7 begins to be removed from the main assembly 100A of the imaging device, the disassembly conical surface 573e of the joint 573 abuts against the main assembly-side disassembly conical portion 101i. When the disassembly conical surface 573e abuts against the main assembly-side disassembly conical portion 101i, the base 574 begins to elastically deform and causes the joint 573 to move radially outward along the main assembly-side disassembly conical portion 101i.

[0601] Furthermore, when the coupling 528 is pulled out from the main component drive shaft 101, the state becomes similar to... Figure 50 The same as part (a), wherein the base 574 is further elastically deformed, and the engagement 573 moves toward the outer diameter surface of the shaft 101f. By moving the engagement 573 to the outer diameter surface of the shaft 101f, the coupling 528 can be removed from the main assembly drive shaft 101, as... Figure 55 Part (d) is shown.

[0602] In addition, if Figure 55As shown in part (e), when the connector 528 is removed from the main component drive shaft 101, the elastic deformation of the base 574 is released, and the position of the joint 573 returns to the position before the elastic deformation.

[0603] Through the above operations, the connector 528 can be removed from the main component drive shaft 101.

[0604] By using the coupling 528 of this embodiment as described above, deformation of the drive transmission portion 573 and the base 574 can be reduced when receiving the driving force F1. As a result, even if the load received by the photosensitive drum unit 30 changes, the influence on the rotation of the photosensitive drum unit 30 can be suppressed to a small extent.

[0605] In this embodiment, the coupling member 528, the flange member 570 and the alignment member 533 are combined. However, depending on the selection of materials and molding methods, it is not necessary to have two parts, and it can also be a single piece or be composed of three or more parts.

[0606] <Example 6>

[0607] refer to Figures 58 to 75 , Example 6 will be described.

[0608] In Embodiment 6, the driving force receiving portion 673a and its supporting portion (base 674 and engaging portion 673) are provided inside the photosensitive drum. In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 5, the supporting portion extends at least in the circumferential direction of the coupling 628.

[0609] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 5) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Descriptions will be mainly made of differences from the above-described elements.

[0610] Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling 628 according to Example 6.

[0611] Figure 59 This is a cross-sectional view of the flange component 670 in Embodiment 6.

[0612] Figure 60 This is a view of the flange component 670 according to Embodiment 6, viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0613] Figure 61 : is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship of each part of the cleaning unit according to Embodiment 6 in the Z direction.

[0614] Figure 62 This is a cross-sectional view showing the mold structure of the flange component 670 according to Embodiment 6.

[0615] Figure 63This is a perspective view of the alignment component 633 according to Embodiment 6.

[0616] Figure 64 This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of mounting the coupling 628 to the main component drive shaft 101 according to embodiment 6.

[0617] Figure 65 This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of mounting the coupling 628 to the main component drive shaft 101 according to embodiment 6.

[0618] Figure 66 This is a view of the flange component 670 according to Embodiment 6, viewed from the inside in the Z direction.

[0619] Figure 67 This is a cross-sectional view showing the drive transmission from the main component drive shaft to the coupling according to Embodiment 6.

[0620] Figure 68 This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of removing the coupling 628 from the main component drive shaft 101 according to embodiment 6.

[0621] Figure 69 This is a cross-sectional view showing an unstable drive transmission from the main component drive shaft 101 to the connector 3628 after long-term storage with the phase misalignment of the joint and the main component drive transmission groove when the flange component is manufactured using a material with high creep deformation.

[0622] Figure 70 This is a cross-sectional view showing a metal mold structure for embedding a metal plate 635 into a flange component 670 according to embodiment 6.

[0623] Figure 71 This is a view of the flange component 670 according to Embodiment 6, viewed from the outside in the Z direction.

[0624] Figure 72 This is a cross-sectional view of the flange component 670 in Embodiment 6.

[0625] Figure 73 This is a sectional perspective view of the flange component 670 according to Embodiment 6.

[0626] Figure 74 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the flange component 670 cut from the straight portion 674g according to Embodiment 6.

[0627] Figure 75 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the flange component 670 according to Embodiment 6, taken along the winding portion cut-off portion 674h.

[0628] In Embodiment 5, the driving force receiving surface 573a and the root 574a of the base 574 are provided on the inner peripheral surface 571b of the cylindrical portion 571 in the Z direction. Figure 59 As shown, the driving force receiving surface 673a and the root portion 674a are arranged in the Z direction on the inner circumference 672h of the mounting portion 672 (inside the photosensitive drum 1). That is, when the connector 628 is assembled to the photosensitive drum 1, the driving force receiving surface 673a and the root portion 674a are arranged on the back side (Z2 direction side) of the end face 675b of the flange portion 675 that abuts against the photosensitive drum 1.

[0629] [Structure of the connecting component]

[0630] Similar to Embodiment 5, by combining flange component 670 and alignment component 633 ( Figure 58 As shown, the connector 628 consists of two parts. However, depending on the choice of materials and molding methods, it is not necessary to have two parts; it can also be a single piece or composed of three or more parts.

[0631] Similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the coupling 628 in this embodiment includes a drive force receiving surface (drive force receiving portion) 673a for receiving drive force from the outside (main component drive shaft 101). The drive force receiving portion is disposed on the protrusion (joint portion 673), and the joint portion 673 is supported by the base 674.

[0632] The joint 673 and the base 674 are support portions for supporting the driving force receiving surface 673a. The base 674 is an extension (protrusion, extension portion) extending circumferentially from the connector 628. The joint 673 is provided at the free end of the base 674.

[0633] In this embodiment, when the support portion (base 674 and joint portion 673) and the photosensitive drum 1 are projected onto the axis of the connector 628, the entire projection area of ​​the support portion is located within the projection area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1. This will be described in detail.

[0634] (Description of flange components)

[0635] As in Embodiment 5, the joint 673 is arranged at three equally spaced locations (120-degree intervals, substantially equal intervals) on the circumference of the flange member 670. Similarly, the base 674 is also arranged at three equally spaced locations on the circumference of the flange member (e.g. Figure 60 (As shown).

[0636] Similar to Embodiment 5, the base 674 includes a root portion 674a, a winding portion 674b, and a straight portion 674c, which connects the root portion 674a and the winding portion 674b in a straight line.

[0637] As described above, when the connector 628 is assembled to the photosensitive drum 1, the driving force receiving surface 673a and the root 674a are arranged on the back side (Z2 direction side) of the end face 675b of the flange portion 675 that abuts against the photosensitive drum 1 (e.g. Figure 59 (As shown). However, a portion of the joint 673, including the insertion conical surface 673d, can protrude forward (in the Z1 direction) from the end face 675b of the flange 75 abutted by the photosensitive drum 1.

[0638] refer to Figure 61 The arrangement of other components of the cleaning unit 613 and the driving force receiving surface 673a will be described. Figure 61 This is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of each component of the cleaning unit 613 in the Z direction. As described above, the opening 614b of the cleaning frame 614 suppresses toner leakage in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 1 through the scraper-shaped rubber 66a of the cleaning scraper 66 and the blow-out plate 626. Furthermore, end sealing members 627 are provided at each end of the opening 614b in the Z direction, and a portion of the opening 614b contacts the scraper-shaped rubber (elastic member) 66a in the Z direction to ensure close contact with the photosensitive drum 1, thereby suppressing toner leakage. In the Z direction, a driving force receiving surface 673a is provided in front of the scraper-shaped rubber 66a of the cleaning scraper 66 (in the Z1 direction), and at least a portion of the driving force receiving surface 673a overlaps at least with the end sealing member 627. In other words, when the driving force receiving surface 673a and the end sealing member 627 are projected onto the axis of the drum unit, at least a portion of the projected area of ​​the driving force receiving surface 673a and at least a portion of the projected area of ​​the end sealing member 627 overlap with each other.

[0639] Similar to Embodiment 5, the driving force receiving surface 673a is twisted around the rotation axis center of the flange component 670. The twisting direction is such that the outer side of the driving force receiving surface 673a (relative to the Z1 direction) is upstream of the inner side of the driving force receiving surface 673a (relative to the Z2 direction) with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1, and the amount of twist is set to approximately 1 degree / 1 mm.

[0640] Similar to Embodiment 5, the length L2 of the driving force receiving surface 73 and the distance L1 in the Z direction from the front end face of the cylindrical portion 71 to the front end face of the joint portion 673 satisfy L1>L2.

[0641] (Manufacturing method description)

[0642] As in Example 5, when manufacturing using injection molding, it is preferable to use a two-piece mold consisting of a cylindrical side mold 660 and a mounting side mold 661. Figure 62 (As shown).

[0643] Similar to Embodiment 5, the end of the insertion tapered portion 673 and the end of the driving force receiving surface 673 a are arranged at the same position in the Z direction, and the mold parting surface 662 at the joint 673 is straight.

[0644] As in the fifth embodiment, the inner diameter of the portion where the root portion 674a of the flange member 670 is provided is set to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the other portions.

[0645] Similar to the fifth embodiment, on the projection plane of the flange member 670 projected perpendicularly to the rotation axis (Z direction), the joint portion 673 and the support member 674 do not overlap with other parts (eg Figure 60 (As shown).

[0646] (Instructions for aligning components)

[0647] As in the fifth embodiment, the alignment member 633 is provided with an inverted taper 633a, a press-fit portion 633b, a locking portion 633c and a protrusion 633d ( Figure 63 ). The protrusion 633d is a portion for matching the phase of the alignment member 633 and the phase of the flange member 670 with each other.

[0648] As in Embodiment 5, in the Z direction, in a state where the hemispherical shape 101c of the main assembly drive shaft 101 is in contact with the contact portion 633e, the center 101h of the hemispherical shape 101c of the main assembly drive shaft 101 is within the range of the driving force receiving surface 673a. The alignment member 633 is mounted to the flange member 670 ( Figure 58 (as shown), to satisfy this condition.

[0649] In addition, if Figure 58 As shown, the flange component 670 has a press-fit portion 672a at a position corresponding to the press-fit portion 633b. The press-fit portion 672a is located inside the photosensitive drum unit 30 (Z2 direction side) in the Z direction relative to the press-fit portion 672d. Therefore, the influence of deformation caused by the press-fit of the press-fit portion 672d on the press-fit portion 672a can be suppressed. As a result, the center of the inverted conical shape 33a and the center of the photosensitive drum 1 can be aligned with high precision.

[0650] [Joining process of coupling to main assembly drive shaft]

[0651] The engagement process of the coupling 628 with the main assembly drive shaft 101 will be described in detail.

[0652] like Figure 64 As shown in part (a), similar to Embodiment 1, with respect to the angle ( Figure 64As shown in part (e), the connector 628 is inserted into the main component drive shaft 101 at an angle of about 0.5 to 2 degrees.

[0653] First, if Figure 64 As shown in part (b) of , the free end of the inner circumferential surface 671b of the cylindrical portion 671 of the flange part 670 abuts the rough guide portion 101g of the main component drive shaft 101. The main component drive shaft 101 is configured to support the supporting portion 101d in a cantilever manner. Therefore, similar to Example 5, the coupling 7 is inserted onto the main component drive shaft 101 in a state where the rough guide portion 101g of the main component drive shaft 101 is matched with the inner circumferential surface 671b of the coupling 670. Similar to Example 1, in the Z direction, the driving force receiving surface 673 of the coupling 673 has a length L2, which satisfies L1>L2, and L1 is the distance from the front end face of the cylindrical portion 671 to the front end face of the coupling 673 (as Figure 58 (As shown). Therefore, similar to Embodiment 5, it is possible to suppress the unintended portion of the hemispherical portion 101c at the free end of the main component drive shaft 101 from colliding with the joint 673 or the base 674. Thus, the joint 673 and the base 674 can be protected.

[0654] When connector 628 from Figure 64 When the state shown in part (b) is further inserted toward the rear side of the main component drive shaft 101, the mounting tapered surface 573d of the joint 673 and the hemispherical portion 101c of the free end of the main component drive shaft 101 come into contact with each other. Due to the inclined surface of the insertion tapered surface 573d and the spherical shape of the hemisphere 101c, the main component drive shaft 101 is substantially guided to the center of the three joints 673.

[0655] Similar to Embodiment 5, when the connector 628 is further inserted onto the main component drive shaft 101, the base 674 elastically deforms radially outward, causing the joint 673 to conform to the hemispherical shape 101c. As a result, as... Figure 65 As shown in part (a), the joint 673 moves (retracts) toward the outer diameter of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101. Through this movement, as... Figure 64 As shown in part (d), the connector 628 is installed to the main component drive shaft 101 until the disassembly tapered surface 673e of the joint 673 is deeper in the Z direction than the main component side disassembly tapered portion 101i of the main component drive shaft 101.

[0656] Then, similar to Embodiment 1, the housing 7 is lifted so that the drum unit bearing component 39L of the housing 7 abuts against the front housing positioning part 110. By lifting the housing 7 in this way, the housing 7 is positioned relative to the imaging device main assembly 100A (e.g., Figure 21 (as shown in part (d)). Through the operation of this box 7, the tilt of the connector 628 is eliminated, as shown in part (d). Figure 64As shown in part (e).

[0657] As in Embodiment 5, when the main component drive shaft 101 rotates, the main component drive transmission groove 101a and the engagement portion 673 are phase-aligned. As a result, at least a portion of the elastic deformation of the base 674 is eliminated, and a portion of the free end of the engagement portion 673 enters the main component drive transmission groove 101a. Thus, the coupling 628 and the main component drive shaft 101 engage (as in...). Figure 65 (as shown in part (b)).

[0658] When the phases of the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a and the engaging portion 673 are aligned with each other, at least the elastic deformation of the base portion 674 is Figure 64 The phase (d) of the part is released and the Figure 65 The status of part (b).

[0659] [Drive the coupling through the main assembly drive shaft]

[0660] Similar to Embodiment 1, the driving force receiving surface 673a has a torsional shape and is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the flange component 670. This is so that when driving force is received from the main component drive shaft 101 at the driving force receiving surface 673a, a force is generated to reliably contact the inverted conical 633a of the alignment component 633 with the hemispherical 101c of the free end of the main component drive shaft 101. The torsional direction is such that the outer side (Z1 direction side) of the driving force receiving surface 673a is positioned upstream of the inner side (Z2 direction side) relative to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1 (e.g., Figure 66 (As shown).

[0661] Similar to Embodiment 5, when the flange component 670 is viewed along the Z direction, a straight line is drawn from the inner diameter end 673b of the driving force receiving surface 673a in a direction perpendicular to the driving force receiving surface 673a. Relative to this straight line, the root 674a is located upstream of the rotation direction of the flange component 670. Figure 67 In doing so, when a driving force F1 is provided from the main component drive shaft 101, the winding portion 574b winds around the shaft portion 101f. Therefore, similar to Embodiment 5, even if the load received by the photosensitive drum unit 30 changes, the amount of deformation of the base 574 is small, and thus the effect of deformation on the rotation of the photosensitive drum unit 30 can be suppressed to a small extent.

[0662] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the Z direction, the root 674a of the base 674 is located at the same position as the press-fit portion 672d. Figure 59(As shown). That is, in the Z direction, the root 674a is disposed inside the photosensitive drum 1. That is, when the photosensitive drum (cylinder) 1 and the base 674 are projected onto the axis of the photosensitive drum 1, the projection area of ​​the base 674a overlaps with the projection area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1 on the axis. In particular, in this embodiment, the entire projection area of ​​the base 674 overlaps with the projection area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1. That is, the entire projection area of ​​the base 674 is inside the projection area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1.

[0663] Similarly, in the Z direction, the joint 673 is disposed inside the photosensitive drum 1. That is, when the photosensitive drum 1 and the joint 673 are projected onto the axis of the photosensitive drum 1, the projection area of ​​the joint 673 overlaps with the projection area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1 on the axis.

[0664] In the fifth embodiment, the root portion 574a extends beyond the mounting portion 572 ( Figure 59 ). However, with this structure, when the driving force receiving surface 573a receives the driving force F1 from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the cylindrical portion 571 between the root portion 574a and the press-fit portion 572d may be torsionally deformed.

[0665] On the other hand, in this embodiment, where at least a portion of the root 674a is arranged in the Z direction at the same position as the press-fit portion 672d, the amount of torsional deformation is reduced. This is because the press-fit portion 672d is covered by the photosensitive drum 1, so that even if a force is applied from the outside via the base 674a, the press-fit portion 672d hardly deforms. In other words, if the root 674a is mounted to the press-fit portion 672, then even if the driving force receiving surface 573a receives driving force from the main component of the device, the press-fit portion 672 is not easily torsional deformed, and the cylindrical portion 671 is not easily torsional deformed either. That is, the amount of deformation of the flange component 670 can be suppressed to a very small extent.

[0666] As a result, even if the load received by the photosensitive drum unit 30 changes, the deformation of the flange component 670 is small, thus suppressing the effect of deformation on the rotation of the photosensitive drum unit 30. Consequently, the photosensitive drum 1 can be driven more stably.

[0667] Furthermore, the joint 673 (driving force receiving surface 673a) is disposed inside the photosensitive drum 1 in the Z direction. By adopting this configuration, the following effects can be provided.

[0668] When the positions of the main component drive shaft 101 and the connector 628 deviate due to component tolerances, if the driving force receiving surface 673a is located away from the support portion 101d of the main component drive shaft 101, the tilt angle of the main component drive shaft 101 can be minimized. Compared to placing the driving force receiving surface 673a inside the cylindrical portion, by placing the driving force receiving surface 673a inside the press-fit portion 672d as in this embodiment, the driving force receiving surface 673a can be positioned further inside the photosensitive drum 1 (Z direction). With this arrangement, when the position of the connector 628 deviates from the position of the main component drive shaft 101, the tilt of the main component drive shaft 101 can be suppressed. As a result, the photosensitive drum 1 can be driven stably.

[0669] [Remove the connector from the main component drive axis]

[0670] refer to Figure 69 , the removal operation of the coupling will be described. As in Example 5, when the rotational drive of the main assembly drive shaft 101 is stopped, the driving force receiving surface 673a and the main assembly drive transmission surface 101b contact each other. In this state, a part of the engaging portion 673 is in the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a ( Figure 68 (as shown in part (a)).

[0671] When the box door 104 is opened, the lower front box guide 109 descends, and the drum unit bearing component 39L separates from the front box positioning part 110 of the imaging device main assembly 100A. At this time, as in Embodiment 5 ( Figure 68 Part (b)) of the connector 628 and the main component drive shaft 101 are tilted by approximately 0.5 to 2 degrees relative to the installed state (Z direction).

[0672] As in Example 5, when the cartridge 7 starts to be removed from the main assembly 100A of the image forming apparatus, the disassembly tapered surface 673e of the engaging portion 673 abuts against the main assembly side disassembly tapered portion 101i. When the disassembly tapered surface 673e abuts against the main assembly side disassembly tapered portion 101i, the base 674 starts to elastically deform and moves the engaging portion 673 radially outward along the main assembly side disassembly tapered portion 101i ( Figure 68 Part (c)).

[0673] Furthermore, as in Example 5, the state and Figure 65 , when the coupling 628 is disengaged from the main drive shaft 101, the base 674 is further elastically deformed, and the engaging portion 673 moves toward the outer diameter of the shaft portion 101f of the shaft 101. As the engaging portion 673 moves toward the outer diameter of the shaft portion 101f, the engagement between the engaging portion 673 and the main assembly drive transmission groove 101a is released (eliminated). In this case, as Figure 68As shown in part (d), the connector 628 can be removed from the main component drive shaft 101.

[0674] In addition, if Figure 68 As shown in part (e) of , when the coupling 628 is removed from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the elastic deformation of the base 674 is released and the position of the engaging portion 673 returns to the position before the elastic deformation.

[0675] Through the above operations, the connector 628 can be removed from the main component drive shaft 101.

[0676] [Embedding of flange components]

[0677] Provided that the installation and drive transmission are stable, the material, shape, and manufacturing method of the connector 628 can be appropriately selected. In particular, when considering mass production, resin materials are preferred.

[0678] Specifically, by using resin materials (POM, PPS, PS, and nylon, etc.) as exemplified below to form the connector 628, satisfactory results can be provided in terms of drive transmission performance and installability relative to the main equipment components.

[0679] Under these circumstances, the results of investigations to further improve the performance of the coupling will be described below.

[0680] Under high-temperature conditions, with the joint 673 of the flange component 670 and the main component drive transmission groove 101a of the main component drive shaft 101 in a state of non-phase relationship, that is, with the base 674 remaining in a state of elastic deformation, the equipment is placed and not in operation. If this state continues, creep deformation will occur in the base 674. The amount of creep deformation depends on the stress applied to the base and the ambient temperature, and therefore varies depending on the thickness 674l of the straight portion of the base and the resin material. In this particular case, the results of further in-depth research to improve reliability will be described below.

[0681] Figure 69 This diagram illustrates the situation when the creep deformation of the base 3674 is significant. Specifically, the diagram shows the state where the radial outward deformation of the inner diameter end 3673b of the driving force receiving surface 3673a reaches the position where it contacts the release part 101j. For example, when using a resin material with high creep deformation properties, the creep deformation of the base 3674 may even develop to the point that, in some cases, the engagement part 3673 cannot be pulled radially inward when the main component drive shaft 101 rotates. In other words, it is possible that the photosensitive drum 1 cannot rotate stably, or that the photosensitive drum 1 cannot be driven.

[0682] Therefore, to suppress creep deformation, metal sheets (sheet metal, plate-shaped metal) are embedded as auxiliary components within the resin material. As a result, creep deformation can be suppressed compared to structures formed solely with resin. Furthermore, as long as the resin material (such as POM and PPS) possesses excellent creep resistance, sufficiently reliable results can be achieved without placing auxiliary components within the resin.

[0683] Condition 1: POM (LC750 obtained from Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation of Japan): It has a stainless steel sheet with a thickness of 0.2mm inside.

[0684] Condition 2: PPS (Torelina A900 obtained from Toray Industries, Japan).

[0685] Condition 3: POM (LC750 obtained from Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation, Japan).

[0686] Condition 4: PS (VS142 obtained from PS in Japan): It has a stainless steel metal plate with a thickness of 0.2mm inside.

[0687] Condition 5: PS (VS142 obtained from PS, Japan).

[0688] When the joint 673 of the flange component 670 and the main component drive transmission groove 101a of the main component drive transmission shaft 101 are not phase-aligned with each other and are stored in a high-temperature environment (50°C, three days), the result is that under the above conditions... No significant creep deformation occurred. Specifically, no creep deformation with a significant impact on drive transmission was observed. However, when using resin materials with low creep resistance, such as PS, creep deformation affected drive force transmission (condition 5). However, even though the PS material has a low load deformation temperature, creep deformation can be suppressed by reinforcing it with a metal plate made of stainless steel as a reinforcing member (auxiliary member) (condition 4).

[0689] In other words, even if the base 674 is made of only resin material, as long as the material has sufficient creep resistance, it is sufficient to resist creep deformation without the embedding of reinforcing members. To ensure high reliability even under long-term receiving conditions at high temperatures, it is preferable to embed auxiliary members. In other words, from the viewpoint of suppressing creep deformation, it can be said that it is preferable to reinforce the resin material with excellent creep resistance, such as POM, with a stainless steel metal plate as described in condition 1. That is, it is possible to prevent the engagement between the driving force receiving surface 673a and the main component driving transmission surface 101b from becoming shallow, thereby reliably engaging with the main component drive shaft 101.

[0690] The structure for embedding the shaped metal plate component 635 in the flange component 670 will be described in detail below.

[0691] In this embodiment, three metal plate members 635 (metal plates made of stainless steel) serving as reinforcement members are arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction of the flange member. The metal plate members 635 are formed by machining a metal plate (sheet metal) and are stainless steel plates, i.e., alloy plates primarily composed of iron. The metal plate members 635 are not necessarily made of stainless steel or iron, but may be made of other materials.

[0692] like Figure 70 As shown, the metal plate component 635 has a base inner portion 635a, a joint inner portion 635c, a flange inner portion 635b, and a connecting portion 635d.

[0693] At the parting surface 662, the flange inner portion 635b is clamped between the cylindrical mold 660 and the mounting portion mold 661. This is done to stably attach the metal plate member 635 to the flange member 670 in the Z direction of the flange member 670. Furthermore, the portion (pressure-receiving portion 635h) clamped between the two metal molds is configured to be exposed from the resin. In other words, the metal plate member 635 has a portion exposed from the resin.

[0694] In addition, if Figure 71 As shown, viewed from the clamping groove 672e, one of the pressure-bearing portions 635h is positioned at a 90-degree phase offset. Therefore, the clamping groove 672e and the pressure-bearing portion 635h can be arranged so that they do not overlap in the circumferential direction. Figure 29 As shown, the flange portion inner portion 635b is arranged perpendicular to the base portion inner portion 635a provided in the base portion 674. The flange member 670 has three cutouts 675a ​​in the flange portion 675. The pressure receiving portion 635h is then arranged within the range provided by the cutouts. The cutouts 675a ​​are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction, and one of the cutouts 675a ​​is located at a position perpendicular to the clamping groove 72e.

[0695] The base interior portion 635a includes the straight portion interior portion 635e (within the straight portion 674c of the base 674) and the winding portion interior portion 635f (within the winding portion 674b) (e.g. Figure 72 (As shown).

[0696] The inner portion 635f of the winding section may not have the R-shape corresponding to the winding section 674b, but may instead have a shape such as Figure 72 The straight shape shown.

[0697] In addition, if Figure 72As shown, the connecting hole (through hole) 635g formed in the inner portion 635a of the base can be connected to the resin on both sides of the metal plate to increase the adhesion between the resin and the metal. In other words, the connecting hole 63g is a hole in which resin is provided.

[0698] To prevent the inner portion 635a of the base from deforming due to resin pressure during injection molding, and to hold the inner portion 635a of the base through the cylindrical side mold 660 and the mounting side mold 661, the inner portion 635a of the base is exposed at a portion of the base 674. This increases the molding accuracy of the base 674.

[0699] Specifically, such as Figure 72 and Figure 73 As shown, a straight portion cutting portion 674g and a winding portion cutting portion 674h are respectively provided at the resin molding portions of the straight portion inner portion 635e and the winding portion inner portion 635f. The base inner portion 635a includes a straight portion exposure portion 635i and a winding portion exposure portion 635j that are exposed to the outside of the resin portion.

[0700] The straight portion exposed 635i and the wound portion exposed 635j are clamped between the cylindrical portion side mold 660 and the mounting portion side mold 661. This suppresses deformation of the base interior 635a caused by resin pressure during injection molding.

[0701] In addition, if Figure 74 and Figure 75 As shown, the straight portion cutout 674g and the winding portion cutout 674h have straight portion cutout tapered surfaces 674i and winding portion cutout tapered surfaces 674j, respectively. The cylindrical portion side mold 660 and the mounting portion side mold 661 have tapered shapes corresponding to the shapes of the straight portion cutout tapered surfaces 674i and winding portion cutout tapered surfaces 674j, respectively. Therefore, even if the metal plate member 635 is misaligned to a certain extent relative to the corresponding groove shape of the metal mold due to dimensional tolerances, the tapered shapes of the cylindrical portion side mold 660 and the mounting portion side mold 661 can guide it to the predetermined position of the mold (the corresponding groove shape of the mold). As a result, when the resin portion is molded, the joint inner portion 635a is positioned inside the joint 673.

[0702] like Figure 73 As shown, the connecting part 635d has a shape for connecting the inner part of the base 635a and the inner part of the flange 635b.

[0703] The above is a description of the structure for embedding the metal plate 635 into the flange component 670.

[0704] Moreover, as in this embodiment, good creep performance can be obtained by using the embedding molding of the above embodiments and the embodiments described below.

[0705] <Example 7>

[0706] refer to Figure 76 Example 7 will be described below.

[0707] In this embodiment, a portion of the driving force receiving portion and a portion of the support portion (joint portion 673 and base portion 674) for supporting the driving force receiving portion are disposed inside the photosensitive drum 1.

[0708] Elements corresponding to those in the above embodiments (especially embodiment 6) are represented by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above elements may be omitted. The main focus will be on the differences from the above elements.

[0709] In embodiment 6, in the Z direction, the root 674a of the base 674 is located at the same position as the press-fit portion 672d. Figure 59 (As shown).

[0710] On the other hand, in this embodiment, in the Z direction, a portion of the base 774a is mounted on the press-fit portion 772d. That is, when the base 674 and the photosensitive drum 1 are projected onto the axis of the photosensitive drum 1, a portion of the projection area of ​​the base 774a overlaps with a portion of the projection area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1. On the other hand, a portion of the projection area of ​​the base 774a is located outside the projection area of ​​the photosensitive drum 1.

[0711] With this structure, although not as great as in Example 6, the torsional deformation of the cylindrical portion 771 when the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 773a receives the driving force F1 can be suppressed, and the deformation of the flange member 70 can be kept small. As a result, even if the load on the photosensitive drum unit 30 changes, the effect of the deformation on the rotation of the photosensitive drum unit 30 can be suppressed to a minimum. As a result, the photosensitive drum 1 can be driven stably.

[0712] <Example 8>

[0713] refer to Figure 77A 、 Figure 77B 、 Figure 88 and Figure 79 , Example 8 will be described.

[0714] In this embodiment, the support portion (joint portion 873 and base portion 874) for supporting the driving force receiving portion 873a extends in the circumferential direction of the connector, while the support portion also extends in the axial direction of the connector.

[0715] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 5) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Descriptions will be mainly made of differences from the above-described elements.

[0716] In Embodiment 5, the driving force receiving surface 573a and the root 574a of the base 574 are provided on the inner peripheral surface 571b of the cylindrical portion 571 in the Z direction (as shown in FIG. Figure 39 (As shown). Additionally, as... Figure 45 As shown, the root portion 574a of the base portion 574 is arranged to overlap the entire area of ​​the driving force receiving surface 573a in the Z direction. In other words, the straight line connecting the rear end (root portion 574a) and the front end (driving force receiving surface 573a) of the base portion 574 is approximately perpendicular to the axis (Z direction) of the flange member. In other words, the base portion 574 is inclined approximately 90 degrees relative to the Z direction (axis).

[0717] In contrast, in this embodiment, the direction in which base portion 874 extends is inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction. In other words, base portion 874 extends at least in the circumferential direction of the coupling, but its extension direction is not parallel to the circumferential direction. Base portion 874 extends in the circumferential direction of the coupling, but also in the axial direction of the coupling. As a result, base portion 874 is inclined relative to the circumferential direction of the coupling.

[0718] Furthermore, in the Z direction, the root 874a of the base 874 is arranged such that a portion of it overlaps with the winding portion 874b.

[0719] In the Z direction, the driving force receiving surface 873a and the root 874a are arranged inside the cylindrical portion 871 in the same manner as in Embodiment 5.

[0720] As in Example 5, when the driving force receiving surface 873a receives the driving force F1, the winding portion 874b is wound around the shaft portion 101f of the main component driving shaft 101, and the winding portion 874b rotates integrally with the shaft portion 101f to receive the rotational force Fc generated by the driving force F1 through the straight portion 874c.

[0721] Unlike this embodiment, Figure 78 The diagram shows a case where the root portion 3874a of the base 3874 does not completely overlap with the winding portion 3874b. When the straight portion 3874c receives a rotational force Fc, the root portion 3874a receives a reaction force -Fc. The straight portion 3874c is pulled by the rotational force Fc and the reaction force -Fc, causing the tilt of the straight portion 3874c to become gentler in the direction perpendicular to the Z direction. After the tilt of the straight portion 3874c becomes gentler, the rotational force Fc is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 1 via the cylindrical portion 3871 and the mounting portion 872.

[0722] As a result, when the load received by the photosensitive drum unit 30 changes and thus the rotational force Fc changes, the amount of deformation of the base 3874 changes, making the effect on the rotation of the photosensitive drum unit 30 greater than in this embodiment.

[0723] On the other hand, according to the structure of this embodiment, the root portion 874a has a portion that overlaps with the winding portion 874b in the Z direction. That is, when the winding portion 874b and the root portion 874a are projected onto the axis of the drum unit 30, at least a portion of the projection area of ​​the winding portion 874b and at least a portion of the projection area of ​​the root portion 874b overlap each other.

[0724] In this way, such as Figure 79 As shown, when the rotational force Fc is received, it is received at the root portion 874a that overlaps with the receiving portion. Therefore, the rotational force Fc can be transmitted to the cylindrical portion 871 with substantially no deformation in the direction in which the inclination of the straight portion 874c becomes gentler relative to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction. As a result, even if the load received by the photosensitive drum unit 30 changes, the influence on the rotation of the photosensitive drum unit 30 can be reduced.

[0725] In order to wind the base 874 onto the main component drive shaft 101 as in this embodiment, the base 874 is preferably tilted 30 to 90 degrees (not less than 30 degrees and not more than 90 degrees) relative to the Z-axis direction (the axis Ax of the connector). A more preferred range is between 50 and 90 degrees.

[0726] The inclination of the base portion 874 (the support portion of the driving force receiving portion) relative to the coupling axis Ax is determined as follows.

[0727] Along the fixed end (root 874a) including the base 874 and passing through the coupling axis Ax ( Figure 79 ) plane intercepts the cross section of the coupling. In this cross section, the angle between the base 874 and the axis Ax can be seen. Figure 79 In this context, the angle formed between a straight line extending from the fixed end (root 874a) to the free end (joint 873) of the base 874 along the left side of the base 874 and a straight line extending from the fixed end (874a) parallel to the axis Ax is the angle to be determined. Figure 79 In the middle, this angle is measured to be approximately 36 degrees.

[0728] In the present embodiment, the base portion 874 is offset so that its free end is disposed axially outside the fixed end (arrow Z1 side).

[0729] However, the base 874 may be tilted so that its free end is located axially further inward (on the side indicated by arrow Z2) than the fixed end. In this case, the tilt of the base 874 (the support portion of the driving force receiving portion) relative to the axis Ax can be defined as follows. The angle to be determined is the angle formed between a straight line extending from the fixed end to the free end of the base 874 along the right side surface of the base 874 and a straight line extending parallel to the axis Ax from the fixed end.

[0730] That is, the angle is measured so that the base 874 is always less than 90 degrees relative to the axis Ax.

[0731] <Example 9>

[0732] refer to Figures 80 to 82 Example 9 will be described below.

[0733] In this embodiment, the fixed end (root 974 a ) of the base 974 is provided inside the photosensitive drum 1 , while the driving force receiving surface 673 a and at least a portion of the engaging portion 673 are provided outside the photosensitive drum 1 .

[0734] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 6) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Differences from the above-described elements will be mainly described.

[0735] In embodiment 6, the driving force receiving surface 673a and the root 674a of the base 674 are disposed on the inner peripheral surface 672h of the mounting portion 672 in the Z direction (e.g., Figure 59 ). In addition, the root 674a of the base 674 is configured to overlap the entire area of ​​the driving force receiving surface 673a in the Z direction. In other words, the driving force receiving surface 673a and the entire support portion for supporting the driving force receiving surface 673a are all provided inside the photosensitive drum 1.

[0736] On the other hand, in this embodiment, Figure 80 As shown, the base portion 974 is inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and the root portion 974a of the base portion 974 is formed so that a portion thereof overlaps with the winding portion 974b in the Z direction. In the Z direction, as in Example 6, the root portion 974a is provided on the inner peripheral surface 972h of the mounting portion 972.

[0737] Arranging the root portion 974a so that a portion of the root portion 974a overlaps the winding portion 974b in the Z direction can achieve an effect similar to that of Example 8. In addition, compared with Example 5, the effect of arranging the root portion 974a on the inner peripheral surface 972h of the mounting portion 972 in the Z direction is the same as that of Example 6, and this embodiment has the same effect as that of Example 8.

[0738] like Figure 81 As shown, even if the driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving part) 973a is arranged in the Z direction on the inner peripheral surface 972h of the mounting part 972, the same effect can be obtained.

[0739] like Figure 82 As shown, in the structure in which a portion of the root portion 974a overlaps with the inner peripheral surface 972h of the mounting portion 972 in the Z direction, similar effects to those of Embodiment 7 can be obtained in this embodiment compared to Embodiment 5.

[0740] <Example 10>

[0741] refer to Figures 83 to 86 Embodiment 10 will be described. Elements corresponding to those in the above embodiments (particularly Embodiment 6) are represented by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above elements may be omitted. The differences from the above elements will be described primarily. In Embodiment 6, as... Figure 60 As shown, the engaging portions 673 and the base portions 674 are evenly arranged at three locations in the circumferential direction of the flange member 670 .

[0742] In this embodiment, Figure 83 As shown, the joint 1073 and the base 1074 are disposed at one location. The joint 1073 is provided with a driving force receiving surface (driving force receiving part) 1073a. The joint 1073 and the base 1074 are support parts for supporting the driving force receiving part.

[0743] A force receiving portion 1077 is provided to suppress excessive tilting of the main component drive shaft 101 caused by the elastic deformation force of the base 1074 when the connecting member 1028 is installed onto the main component drive shaft 101.

[0744] More specifically, during the process of engaging the coupling 1028 to the main drive shaft 101, the base 1074 elastically deforms, and the engagement portion 1073 moves radially outward. At this time, the elastic deformation force of the base 1074 pushes the shaft portion 101f of the main drive shaft 101 to the opposite side. At this time, as... Figure 84 As shown, the force receiving portion 1077 contacts the shaft portion 101f to suppress excessive tilting of the main assembly drive shaft 101. As a result, the force receiving portion 1077 maintains satisfactory mountability of the cartridge 7 to the image forming apparatus main assembly 100A.

[0745] In the state before elastic deformation of the base 1074, at least a portion of the insertion tapered surface 1073d and at least a portion of the flange member 1070 are opposed to each other with the axis of the flange member 1070 being therebetween ( Figure 83Similarly, when the base 1074 is elastically deformed, at least a portion of the driving force receiving surface and at least a portion of the force receiving portion 1077 are opposite to each other, with the axis between them (e.g.) Figure 84 ).

[0746] like Figure 85 As shown in Embodiment 6, the alignment of the connecting member 1028 and the main component drive shaft 101 is performed by the alignment member 1033 having the inverted conical portion 1033a. At this time, the radius R3 of the force receiving portion 1077 is larger than the radius R2 of the shaft portion 101f, and the force receiving portion 1077 does not abut against the shaft portion 101f.

[0747] like Figure 84 As shown, the position of the force receiving part 1077 in the Z direction is the same as the position of the connecting part 1073.

[0748] In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 6, the root portion 1074a of the joint portion 1073 and the base portion 1074 is disposed inside the mounting portion 1072 in the Z direction. However, as in Embodiment 5, it can also be disposed in the cylindrical portion 1071. Figure 86 Part (a)), or as in Embodiment 7, a portion of the root 1074a can be installed within the area of ​​the press-fit portion 1072d ( Figure 86 Part (b)). As shown in Embodiments 8 and 9, the base may be inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and the root 1074a of the base 1074 in the Z direction may partially overlap with the winding portion 1074b. Figure 86 Parts (c), (d), (e), and (f)).

[0749] <Example 11>

[0750] refer to Figure 87A 、 Figure 87B 、 Figure 88 and Figure 89 Example 11 will be described below.

[0751] Elements corresponding to those in the above embodiments (particularly Embodiment 6) are represented by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above elements may be omitted. The differences from the above elements will be described primarily. In Embodiment 6, as... Figure 60 As shown, the joint 673 and the base 674 are evenly arranged at three positions in the circumferential direction of the flange member 670, and as... Figure 58 As shown, the connector 628 includes a flange component 670 and an alignment component 633.

[0752] On the other hand, in this embodiment, Figure 87A and Figure 87BAs shown, the connector 1128 includes a joint 1173 and a base 1174. The joint 1173 is provided with a driving force receiving portion. The joint 1173 and the base 1174 are supports that movably support the driving force receiving portion.

[0753] like Figure 87A 、 Figure 87B 、 Figure 88 and Figure 89 As shown, the connector 1128 is provided with a radial positioning portion 1076a, the diameter of which is substantially the same as the diameter of the shaft portion 101f of the main component drive shaft 101, and its position in the circumferential direction is different from that of the joining portion 1173 and the base portion 1174. Furthermore, it is provided with an abutment portion 1076b, which contacts the hemispherical shape 101c of the free end of the main component drive shaft 101 when the drive of the main component drive shaft 101 is transmitted to the connector 228.

[0754] Thus, the two components, namely the flange component 670 and the alignment component 633 in embodiment 6, are here constituted by one component.

[0755] like Figure 87A As shown, three radial positioning portions 1176a are arranged circumferentially. The angle formed by the line connecting the outer end of the radial positioning portion 1176a and the center of the flange axis is greater than 180 degrees, and is set at a position other than 120° and 240° with the joint 1173. As described in Example 1, the main component drive transmission grooves 101a are evenly arranged at three positions on the circumference of the shaft portion 101f of the main component drive shaft 101 (at intervals of 120°, basically equally spaced). As in Example 1, after one of the main component drive transmission grooves 101a of the main component drive shaft 101 and the joint 1173 are aligned with each other, the main component drive transmission surface 101b contacts the driving force receiving surface 1173a, thereby transmitting the driving force from the main component drive shaft 101 to the coupling 1128.

[0756] At this time, the radial positioning part 1076a is positioned differently from the three main component drive transmission grooves 101a that are equally arranged on the shaft portion 101f of the main component drive shaft 101. The radial positioning part 1076a does not enter the drive transmission groove 101a. Therefore, the radial positioning part 1176a is located radially on the shaft portion 101f and is not affected by the two main component drive transmission grooves 101a that are not engaged with the drive force receiving surface 1173.

[0757] In addition, if Figure 88 As shown, the radial positioning part 1176a is provided in the Z direction at the same position as the driving force receiving surface 1173a.

[0758] In Embodiment 6, the flange member 670 and the alignment member 633 are composed of two parts, but in this embodiment, they can be composed of one part in the above-mentioned manner.

[0759] like Figure 87A As shown, viewed from the Z direction, the abutment portion 1176b does not have a portion that overlaps with the projection plane of the joining portion 1173, the base portion 1174, and the radial positioning portion 1176a, or with a portion approximately 1 mm around the projection plane. Therefore, similar to the flange component 670 of Embodiment 6, the connecting member 1128 can be injection molded from a two-piece mold including a cylindrical side mold and a mounting side mold.

[0760] In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 6, the root portion 1174a of the joint portion 1173 and the base portion 1174 is disposed inside the mounting portion 1172 in the Z direction. However, as in Embodiment 5, it can also be disposed in the cylindrical portion 1171. Figure 90 As shown in part (a), or as in embodiment 7, a portion of the root 1174a is in the press-fit portion 1172d. Figure 90 (as shown in part (b)). Furthermore, as in Embodiments 8 and 9, the base may be inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and the root 1174a of the base 1174 in the Z direction may partially overlap with the winding portion 1174b. Figure 90 Parts (c), (d), (e), and (f)).

[0761] <Example 12>

[0762] refer to Figures 91 to 93 Embodiment 12 will be described. Elements corresponding to those in the above embodiments (particularly Embodiment 6) are represented by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above elements may be omitted. The differences from the above elements will be described primarily. In Embodiment 6, as... Figure 60 As shown, the joint 673 and the base 674 are equally disposed at three locations in the circumferential direction of the flange member 670. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as... Figure 91 As shown, the joint 1273 and the base 1274 are provided at two positions (120 degrees apart). The joint 1273 is provided with a driving force receiving part 1273a. The joint 1273 and the base 1274 are support parts that movably support the driving force receiving part 1273a.

[0763] Furthermore, a force receiving portion 1277 is provided to suppress excessive tilting of the main assembly drive shaft 101 due to the elastic deformation force of the base 1274 when the coupling 1128 is mounted to the main assembly drive shaft 101 .

[0764] More specifically, during the process of coupling 1228 engaging the main drive shaft 101, base 1274 of force receiving portion 1277 elastically deforms, and engaging portion 1273 moves radially outward. At this time, the elastic deformation force of the base pushes shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101 in the circumferential direction opposite to the engaging portion. At this time, force receiving portion 1277 contacts shaft portion 101f, and excessive tilting of the main assembly drive shaft 101 is suppressed. As a result, satisfactory installation performance of the cartridge 7 in the main assembly 100A of the imaging device can be maintained.

[0765] Its position relative to the circumferential arrangement includes the extension of the line connecting the midpoint of the line connecting the inner diameter ends of the base 1274 before elastic deformation and the conical surface 1273d, and the axis of the flange component 1270. Figure 91 In this embodiment, the joints 1273 are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees, so they may be arranged so as to include a range of 120 degrees from the inner diameter end of the insertion tapered portion 1273d.

[0766] like Figure 92 As shown in Embodiment 6, the alignment of the connecting member 1228 and the main component drive shaft 101 is performed by the alignment member 1233 having the inverted conical portion 1233a. At this time, the radius R3 of the force receiving portion 1277 is larger than the radius R2 of the shaft portion 101f, and the force receiving portion 1277 does not abut against the shaft portion 101f.

[0767] like Figure 92 As shown, the position of the force receiving portion 1277 in the Z direction is the same as that of the engaging portion 1273 .

[0768] In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 6, the root 1274a of the joint 1273 and the base 1274 is disposed inside the mounting portion 1272 in the Z direction. However, as in Embodiment 5, it can also be disposed in the cylindrical portion 1271. Figure 93 Alternatively, as in Example 7, a portion of the root portion 1274a may be installed within the range of the press-fit portion 1272d ( Figure 93 Part (b)). As shown in Embodiments 8 and 9, the base may be inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and the root 1274a of the base 1274 in the Z direction may partially overlap with the winding portion 1274b. Figure 93 Parts (c), (d), (e), and (f)).

[0769] <Example 13>

[0770] refer to Figures 94 to 98 Example 13 will be described below.

[0771] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 6) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Differences from the above-described elements will be mainly described.

[0772] In Example 6, as Figure 60 As shown, the joint 673 and the base 674 are equally disposed at three positions in the circumferential direction of the flange member 670. Similarly, in the main component drive shaft 101, three main component drive transmission grooves 101a are equally arranged in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 101f of the main component drive shaft 101.

[0773] In this embodiment, Figure 94 and Figure 95 As shown, the joint 1373 and the base 1374 are equally disposed at two positions in the circumferential direction of the flange member 1370. The joint 1373 is provided with a driving force receiving portion 1373a. The joint and the base are support portions that movably support the driving force receiving portion. The joint is a protrusion, and the base is an extension.

[0774] Moreover, if Figure 95 As shown, the main component drive shaft 13101 also has two main component drive transmission grooves 13101a that are equally arranged in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 13101f of the main component drive shaft 13101.

[0775] The four hooking portions 1372b are evenly arranged at four positions on the circumference of the flange member; Figure 96 As shown, the locking part 1333c of the alignment component 1333 is also arranged at four corresponding positions.

[0776] As in Embodiment 6, the root portion 1374a of the joint portion 1373 and the base portion 1374 is disposed inside the mounting portion 1372 in the Z direction (e.g., Figure 97 However, as in Example 5, the joint 1373 and the root 1374a of the base 1374 may be provided in the cylindrical portion 1371 (as shown in FIG. Figure 98 As shown in part (a) of Embodiment 7, a portion of the root portion 1374a can be mounted to the press-fit portion 1372d. Figure 98 Part (b)). As shown in Embodiments 8 and 9, the base may be inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and the root 1374a of the base 1374 in the Z direction may partially overlap with the winding portion 1374b. Figure 98 Parts (c), (d), (e), and (f)).

[0777] <Example 14>

[0778] refer to Figures 99 to 106, Example 14 will be described.

[0779] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 6) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Differences from the above-described elements will be mainly described.

[0780] In Example 6, a locking portion 633c having a snap-fit ​​shape is used as a shape for suppressing the alignment member 633 from being detached from the flange member 670 ( Figure 63 ).

[0781] On the contrary, in this embodiment, Figure 99 As shown, as a method of fixing the alignment member 1633 to the flange member 1670, a recess 1633k and a rotation stopper 1633l are provided.

[0782] The structure of aligning the hemispherical portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101 relative to the coupling 1628 using the inverted taper 1633a is the same as that of Example 6.

[0783] The specific structure will be described below.

[0784] like Figure 99 As shown, a recess 1633k having a groove shape 1633n is provided, which is open toward the upstream side with respect to the rotation direction of the coupling 1628 and is arranged on the downstream side of the engaging portion 1633b with respect to the Z1 direction.

[0785] like Figure 99 As shown, the rotation stop 1633l is disposed on the downstream side of the joint 1633b relative to the Z2 direction and extends circumferentially in the assembly 1633b. In addition, it has a free end on the upstream side relative to the rotation direction of the connecting member 1628.

[0786] The snap-fit-shaped free end 1633m of the rotation stopper 16331 has a shape extending to the radial inside of the alignment member 1633. Figure 100 As shown, the rotation stop 1633l has a root 1633r on the fixed end side of the snap-fit ​​shape as a fulcrum for elastic deformation, and the free end 1633m is provided with a locking surface 1633q. Relative to the rotation direction, the root 1633r is located downstream of a straight line perpendicular to the locking surface 1633q and passing through the front end of the locking surface 1633q. Furthermore, the free end 1633m has a tapered shape 1633n upstream of the rotation direction of the connecting member 1628.

[0787] like Figure 101As shown, the flange component 1670 has a hook portion 1672b at a position corresponding to the recess 1633k in the Z direction, and a connecting portion 1672i at a position corresponding to the rotation stop portion 1633l.

[0788] like Figure 102 As shown, similar to the hook portion 672b in Embodiment 6, three hook portions 1672b are substantially disposed in the middle of each root portion 1674a in the circumferential direction of the flange member 1670. Furthermore, as... Figure 99 As shown, the groove-shaped portion 1633n of the recess 1633k is also disposed at three positions corresponding to the hook portion 1672b.

[0789] like Figure 101 As shown, the engaging portion 1672i is provided on the back side (Z2 direction side) relative to the guide cone 1672g and has a shape protruding from the end surface 1672l of the mounting portion 1672 toward the back side (Z2 side) of the flange member 1670.

[0790] like Figure 101 and Figure 103 As shown, the joint portion 1672i is arranged radially outward from the inner periphery 1672h and is provided radially inside the press-fit portion 1672d.

[0791] The mating surface 1672j on the upstream side of the rotation direction has a shape corresponding to the free end 1633m of the rotation stop.

[0792] like Figure 99 As shown, the alignment member 1633 has an abutment surface 1633p, which contacts the end face 1672l of the mounting portion 1672 of the flange member 1670 in the Z direction. Figure 106 As shown, the width of the groove shape 1633n of the recess 1633k in the Z direction is greater than the width of the hook portion 1672b. When the end face 1672l of the flange component 1670 abuts against the abutment surface 1633p, the hook portion 1672b enters the range of the groove shape portion 1633n in the Z direction.

[0793] The groove-shaped portion 1633n has clearance relative to the hook portion 1672b. Through this clearance, the alignment member 1633 can move in the Z direction relative to the flange member 1670. Even though the alignment member 1633 can move in the Z direction through the clearance, the inverted cone shape 1633a can be configured such that the center 101h of the hemisphere 101c of the main assembly drive shaft 101 overlaps with the drive force receiving surface (drive force receiving portion) 1673a in the Z direction.

[0794] Figure 105 The method of assembling alignment component 1633 to flange component 1670 is shown. First, as... Figure 105Part (a) shows the completed installation state corresponding to the alignment component 1633. Figure 105 Part (c) is aligned with the downstream side of the rotation direction and assembled from the rear side (Z2 side) to the front side (Z1 side) of the flange component 1670.

[0795] like Figure 105 As shown in part (b), the alignment component 1633 is assembled onto the flange component 1670 until the abutment surface 1633n abuts against the end face 1672l of the flange component 1670. By doing so, the groove-shaped portion 1633n of the recess 1633k reaches the position corresponding to the hook portion 1672b in the Z direction.

[0796] Then, after the alignment member 1633 is aligned to the mounting completion position in the Z direction relative to the flange member 1670, the alignment member is rotated toward the upstream side along the rotation direction of the coupling 1628. Figure 105 As shown in part (c), the tapered shape 1633i provided on the rotation stop portion 1633l of the alignment member 1633 contacts the tapered shape 1672k of the flange member 1670.

[0797] As described above, the rotation stop 1633l has a snap-fit ​​shape, so that the rotation stop 1633l rides on the joint 1672i while elastically deforming.

[0798] After that, as Figure 105 As shown in part (d), the alignment member 1633 is assembled to the flange member 1670 by rotating the alignment member 1633 relative to the flange member 1670 until the rotation stop member 16331 elastically deforms beyond the joint 1672i.

[0799] Consider a scenario where the alignment member 633 described in Embodiment 6 is mounted on a housing 7 including the connector 628, and the housing 7 is forcefully installed onto the main assembly 100A of the imaging device. In this case, the inverted conical shape 633a of the alignment member 633 forcefully abuts against the hemispherical shape 101c of the main assembly drive shaft 101. For example... Figure 63 As shown, the locking part 633c of Embodiment 6 has a snap-fit ​​shape that extends axially along the connecting member 628.

[0800] In the case where the material used for the locking portion 633c enables the snap-fit ​​shape to bend with a small force, when the alignment member 633 receives a strong force from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the locking portion 633c is disengaged from the hooking portion 672b.

[0801] Conversely, in this embodiment, the recess 1633k of the alignment member 1633 is fixed to the hook portion 1672b by a groove-shaped portion 1633n, which opens upstream relative to the rotation direction of the connecting member 1628 and is disposed downstream of the joint portion 1633b relative to the Z1 direction. Even if the alignment member 1633 receives the aforementioned force from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the possibility of the alignment member 1633 disengaging from the flange member 1670 is very small. This is because, unlike the stop portion 633c of Embodiment 6, the recess 1633k does not have a snap-fit ​​shape.

[0802] As described above, the base 1633r of the rotation stop 1633l is positioned downstream in the rotational direction relative to a straight line perpendicular to and passing through the front end of the locking surface 1633q. This shape makes it difficult for the flange member 1670 to detach from the alignment member 1633. If the alignment member 1633 is rotated relative to the flange member 1670 by receiving a rotational driving force from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the locking surface 1633q comes into contact with the mating surface 1672j of the flange member. In this case, a pulling force is applied to the rotation stop 1633l toward the rotation center of the flange member 1670, thus preventing the alignment member 1633 from detaching from the flange member 1670.

[0803] As described above, by using the connector 1628 according to this embodiment, when the housing 7 is forcefully installed onto the main assembly 100A of the imaging device, the possibility of the alignment component 1633 detaching from the flange component 1670 can be reduced.

[0804] In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​shape is provided on the alignment member 1633 side, but it can also be provided on the flange member side.

[0805] <Example 15>

[0806] refer to Figure 107 and Figure 108 Embodiment 15 will be described. Components corresponding to those in the above embodiments (especially Embodiment 6) are designated by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above components may be omitted. The differences from the above components will be described primarily.

[0807] In embodiment 6, the metal plate component 635 is embedded into the flange component 670. More specifically, as Figure 73As shown, a winding portion cut-off portion 674h is provided in the winding portion 674b of the base 674, and the winding portion exposed portion 635j, which is part of the metal plate component 635, is not covered by the resin portion 634 of the flange component 670. Furthermore, a connecting hole 635g is provided on the inner portion 635a of the base of the metal plate component 635, and the resin on both sides of the metal plate is connected to improve the adhesive strength between the resin portion 634 and the metal plate 635. In Embodiment 6, the driving force receiving surface 673a side of the winding portion cut-off portion 674h on the radially inner side of the winding portion 674b is formed in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the flange component 670. Furthermore, the connecting hole 635a is provided inside the winding portion 674b at a position in the Z direction that does not overlap with the tapered surface 674j of the winding portion cut-off portion.

[0808] Utilizing the shape of Embodiment 6, when the driving force receiving surface 673a receives driving force from the main component drive shaft 101, the directions of the driving force receiving surface 673a and the radially inner winding portion cut-off portion 674h are close to each other. For this reason, stress is concentrated on the side corner 674k of the driving force receiving surface of the radially inner winding portion cut-off portion 674h (e.g., ...). Figure 107 (as shown in part (a)). Then, the stress is transferred from the driving force receiving surface side corner 674k, which serves as the fulcrum, to the driving force receiving surface side ridge 674l (as shown in part (a)). Figure 107 Part (b)).

[0809] Therefore, in Embodiment 6, the strength of the driving force receiving surface side ridge 674l is strengthened to be sufficient to resist the driving force applied to the driving force receiving surface 673a and the load applied to the base 674. The driving force receiving surface side ridge 674l is the ridge of the tapered surface 674j of the winding portion cut-out portion.

[0810] In this embodiment, the base has higher strength. That is, in this embodiment, the connecting holes 1735a are arranged in two positions parallel to the Z-direction inside the winding portion 1774b. Furthermore, a portion of each connecting hole 1735a is arranged to overlap with the driving force receiving surface side ridge 1774l of the tapered surface 1774j of the winding portion cut-off portion in both the Z-direction and the circumferential direction of the winding portion 1774b. Figure 108 (As shown).

[0811] As described above, the part that most securely fixes the resin part 1739 and the metal plate part 1735 is the connecting hole 1735a.

[0812] The connecting hole 1735a is configured such that a portion of it overlaps with the driving force receiving surface side ridge 1774l in the Z direction and circumferential direction of the winding portion 1774b. Even if stress is concentrated on the driving force receiving surface side corner 674k, stress propagation to the driving force receiving surface side ridge 1744l can be prevented. Therefore, the receiving surface side ridge 1744l can be protected more reliably.

[0813] As a result, stronger driving force and load can be applied to the driving force receiving surface and the resin part. Furthermore, the rotation and stopping of the main component drive shaft 101 can be repeated more times.

[0814] In this embodiment, two connecting holes 1735a are arranged in the Z direction. However, the connecting holes 1735a can also be arranged such that they overlap with the ridge line 1774l on the driving force receiving surface side at both ends in the Z direction and in the circumferential direction of the winding portion 1774b. Therefore, as Figure 109 As shown, a connection hole 1735a can be used.

[0815] <Example 16>

[0816] refer to Figure 110 Example 16 will be described below.

[0817] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 6) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Differences from the above-described elements will be mainly described.

[0818] In embodiment 6, the metal plate component 635 is embedded into the flange component 670. More specifically, as Figure 73 As shown, a winding portion cut-off portion 674h is provided in the winding portion 674b of the base 674, and the winding portion exposed portion 635j, which is part of the metal plate component 635, is not covered by the resin portion 634 of the flange component 670. Furthermore, a connecting hole 635g is provided on the inner portion 635a of the base of the metal plate component 635, and the resin on both sides of the metal plate is connected to improve the adhesive strength between the resin portion 634 and the metal plate 635. In Embodiment 6, the driving force receiving surface 673a side of the winding portion cut-off portion 674h on the radially inner side of the winding portion 674b is formed in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the flange component 670. Furthermore, the connecting hole 635a is provided inside the winding portion 674b at a position in the Z direction that does not overlap with the tapered surface 674j of the winding portion cut-off portion.

[0819] Utilizing the shape of Embodiment 6, when the driving force receiving surface 673a receives driving force from the main component drive shaft 101, the directions of the driving force receiving surface 673a and the radially inner winding portion cut-off portion 674h are close to each other. For this reason, stress is concentrated on the side corner 674k of the driving force receiving surface of the radially inner winding portion cut-off portion 674h (e.g., ...). Figure 107 (as shown in part (a)).

[0820] Conversely, in this embodiment, the angle A formed by the driving force receiving surface side corner 1874k of the winding portion cut-off portion on the inner circumferential side of the flange member 1870 is an obtuse angle. Therefore, the ridge line 1874m of the driving force receiving surface side of the winding portion cut-off portion is inclined relative to the axis of the flange member 1870. Figure 110 (As shown).

[0821] In addition, if Figure 110 As shown, an arc shape is provided on the corner 1874k of the driving force receiving surface. By adopting this structure, compared with Embodiment 6, the stress concentrated on the corner 1874k of the driving force receiving surface of the winding section cutting section can be dispersed. As a result, a greater driving force or load can be applied to the driving force receiving section (driving force receiving part) and the resin part 1839, and the rotation and stopping of the main component drive shaft 101 can be repeated more times.

[0822] <Example 17>

[0823] refer to Figure 111 , Example 17 will be described.

[0824] Elements corresponding to those of the above-described embodiments (particularly Embodiment 6) are denoted by the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described elements may be omitted. Differences from the above-described elements will be mainly described.

[0825] In embodiment 6, the metal plate component 635 is embedded into the flange component 670. More specifically, as Figure 73 As shown, a winding portion cutout 674h is provided in the winding portion 674b of the base 674, and the exposed winding portion 635j, which is part of the metal plate member 635, is not covered by the resin portion 634 of the flange member 670. Furthermore, a connecting hole 635g is provided in the base inner portion 635a of the metal plate member 635, and the resin on the front and back surfaces of the metal plate are connected to improve the bonding strength between the resin portion 634 and the metal plate 635. In Example 6, the driving force receiving surface 673a side of the winding portion cutout 674h on the radially inner side of the winding portion 674b is formed in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the flange member 670. Furthermore, the connecting hole 635a is provided at a position within the winding portion 674b that does not overlap with the tapered surface 674j of the winding portion cutout in the Z direction.

[0826] On the contrary, in this embodiment, Figure 111 As shown, the connecting holes 1935a are arranged at two positions within the winding portion 1974b, parallel to the Z direction. Furthermore, a portion of each connecting hole 1935a is arranged to overlap with the driving force receiving surface side ridge 1974l of the tapered surface 1974j of the winding portion cut-off portion in the Z direction and the circumferential direction of the winding portion 1774b.

[0827] An obtuse angle A is formed at the corner 1974k of the driving force receiving surface of the winding portion cut-off portion on the inner circumferential side of the flange component 1870, and the ridge line 1974m of the driving force receiving surface of the winding portion cut-off portion is set to be inclined relative to the axis of the flange component 1970 (e.g., Figure 111 (As shown). Furthermore, as... Figure 111 As shown, an arc shape is provided on the side corner 1974k of the driving force receiving surface.

[0828] By using the structure of this embodiment, the effects of embodiments 15 and 16 can be combined. A greater driving force can be applied to the joint (driving force receiving part) and the resin part 1839, and the main component drive shaft 101 can be rotated and stopped more times.

[0829] <Example 18>

[0830] Embodiment 18 will be described. Elements having the same or corresponding structures and functions as those in Embodiment 6 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0831] In Example 6, reference Figure 68 The operation of disassembling the connector 628 from the main component drive shaft 101 is described.

[0832] As described above, in Embodiment 6, the coupling 628 is removed from the main component drive shaft 101 by the following operation.

[0833] When the rotational drive of the main component drive shaft 101 stops, the drive force receiving surface 673a and the main component drive transmission surface 101b come into contact with each other. In this state, a portion of the engagement 673 is in the main component drive transmission groove 101a. Figure 68 (as shown in part (a)).

[0834] When the housing door 104 is opened, the lower front housing guide 109 descends, and the drum unit bearing assembly 39L separates from the front housing positioning part 110 of the imaging device main assembly 100A. At this time, the connecting member 628 and the main assembly drive shaft 101 are tilted approximately 0.5 to 2 degrees relative to the installed state (Z direction). Figure 68 (as shown in part (b)).

[0835] When the cartridge 7 begins to be removed from the main assembly 100A of the imaging device, the disassembly conical surface 673e of the joint 673 abuts against the main assembly-side disassembly conical part 101i. When the disassembly conical surface 673e abuts against the main assembly-side disassembly conical part 101i, the base 674 begins to elastically deform, causing the joint 673 to move radially outward along the main assembly-side disassembly conical part 101i. Figure 68 Part (c)).

[0836] Furthermore, when the coupling 628 is pulled out from the main component drive shaft 101, the state becomes similar to... Figure 65 Similar to part (a), the base 674 undergoes further elastic deformation, and the joint 673 moves toward the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 101f of the main assembly drive shaft 101. By moving the joint 673 toward the outer diameter surface of the shaft portion 101f, the coupling 628 can be removed from the main assembly drive shaft 101, as... Figure 68 Part (d) is shown.

[0837] In addition, if Figure 68 As shown in part (e) of , when the coupling 628 is removed from the main assembly drive shaft 101, the elastic deformation of the base 674 is released and the position of the engaging portion 673 returns to the position before the elastic deformation.

[0838] Through the above operations, in Embodiment 6, the connector 628 is removed from the main component drive shaft 101.

[0839] Furthermore, in embodiment 6, as described above, when viewed from the Z direction, relative to the rotation direction of the flange component 670, the root 674a is located upstream of a straight line drawn from the inner diameter end 673b of the driving force receiving surface 673a in a direction perpendicular to the driving force receiving surface 673a. Figure 67 Thus, when the main component drive force receiving surface 101b of the main component drive shaft 101 and the drive force receiving surface 673a of the joint 673 come into contact with each other to rotate, the base 674 retracts, and the winding portion 674b is wound around the shaft portion 101f.

[0840] Even when the rotation of the main component drive shaft 101 stops in this wound state, the contact between the drive force receiving surface 101b and the drive force receiving surface 673a is maintained, so that the wound portion 674b remains wound on the shaft portion 101f.

[0841] Furthermore, as described above, in Embodiment 6, the driving force receiving surface 673a is twisted around the center of the rotation axis of the flange member 670. The twisting direction is such that, relative to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1, the driving force surface 673a is upstream of the inner side (downstream side in the Z1 direction) of the photosensitive drum unit 30.

[0842] The driving force receiving surface 673a is arranged in a direction that hinders the disassembly operation because, in the above state, when attempting to disassemble the coupling 628 from the main component drive shaft 101, the outer side (Z1 direction side) of the driving force receiving surface 673a is arranged upstream of the inner side (downstream of the Z2 direction side) relative to the rotation direction.

[0843] Therefore, if the coupling 628 is pulled out from the main drive shaft 101 in the disassembly operation of Embodiment 6, the disassembly load is greater than the insertion load.

[0844] On the other hand, in this embodiment, after the rotation of the main component drive shaft 101 stops and before the cartridge 7 begins to be removed from the imaging device main component 100A, the main drive shaft 101 rotates in the opposite direction. By doing so, the winding portion 674b is released from its winding state on the shaft portion 101f, thus reducing the disassembly load when the cartridge 7 is removed from the imaging device main component 100A.

[0845] As a method of reverse rotation, as the door 104 is opened, the main component drive shaft 101 can be rotated in the reverse direction by means of a linkage mechanism or the motor of the drive source of the main component drive shaft 101 can be rotated in the reverse direction.

[0846] By employing a structure that reverses the rotation of the main component drive shaft 101 during disassembly, this is achieved not only in Embodiment 6 but also in Embodiment 1. The same effect can also be obtained in Example 19.

[0847] <Example 19>

[0848] refer to Figures 112 to 115 、 Figure 120 and Figure 121 Another embodiment will be described next. First, a mounting structure for mounting the cartridge 7 to the main assembly 100A of the imaging device will be described. Components corresponding to those in the above embodiments are designated with the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above components may be omitted in some cases. The differences from the above components will be described primarily.

[0849] Figure 112 It is a sectional perspective view of the flange component 2170 and the joint component 2173.

[0850] Figure 113 It is a cross-sectional view of the connecting piece 2128.

[0851] Figure 114 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector 2128 when the drive receiving unit 2173a is driven by the main component drive shaft 2210.

[0852] Figure 115It is a sectional view showing the operation of mounting the coupling 2128 to the main assembly drive shaft 2210 when the phases of the driving force receiving portion (driving force receiving surface) 2173a and the drive transmitting groove 2210a are not aligned with each other.

[0853] Figure 120 22 is a perspective view showing the shape of the main assembly drive shaft 2210.

[0854] Figure 121 This is a three-dimensional view showing the shape of box 7.

[0855] [Structure of the connector and main component drive shaft]

[0856] refer to Figure 112 、 Figure 113 、 Figure 114 and Figure 120 , the structure of the connecting parts and the main component drive shaft will be described.

[0857] The coupling 2128 is mounted to the free end side of the photosensitive drum 1 with respect to the insertion direction of the cartridge 7 , and the main assembly drive shaft 2210 is located at a position corresponding to the coupling 2128 of the image forming apparatus body 100A.

[0858] like Figure 113 As shown, the coupling 2128 includes a flange component 2170 mounted on the photosensitive drum 1 and an engagement component (driving force receiving component) 2173 driven by the main assembly drive shaft 2210. Furthermore, the coupling 2128 has a locking component 2177 for restricting the axial movement of the engagement component 2173 on the photosensitive drum 1.

[0859] like Figure 112 As shown, the flange component 2170 includes a mounting portion 2172 mounted on the inner periphery of the photosensitive drum 1, a cylindrical portion 2171 protruding from the mounting portion 2172, and a recessed joint component mounting portion 2172a for mounting the joint component 2173.

[0860] The engaging member 2173 is a driving force receiving member having a driving force receiving portion provided on its surface. As will be described in detail below, it is also a support portion that supports the driving force receiving portion 2173a so that it can move at least in the radial direction of the connecting member.

[0861] Flange component 2170 is a drive force receiving component that receives drive force from engagement component 2173. In this embodiment, flange component 2170 is fixed to the inner periphery of photosensitive drum 1, and drive force is transmitted from flange component 2170 to photosensitive drum 1.

[0862] There is a gap between the coupling part 2173 and the flange part 2170 , and the coupling part 2173 is configured to be movable in the radial direction and the circumferential direction within a certain range relative to the flange part 2170 .

[0863] The outer peripheral surface 2171a of the cylindrical portion 2171 serves as a sliding surface, which is rotatably supported by the support portion 29a of the bearing component 29 mounted on the cleaning frame 14 of the cleaning unit 13. The inner peripheral surface 2171b of the cylindrical portion 2171 serves as a support portion for supporting the main component drive shaft 2210.

[0864] For the joining part 2173, a metal plate part (plate-shaped metal) with resilience (elasticity) is used. That is, the joining part 2173 is a metal plate part, in other words, a leaf spring.

[0865] like Figure 114 As shown, the engaging member 2173 has a driving force receiving portion 2173a, which contacts and receives driving force (rotational force) through a groove-shaped drive transmission groove 2210a provided on the main assembly drive shaft 2210. The engaging member 2173 is mounted to the flange member 2170 such that the driving force receiving portion 2173a is movable in the radial and rotational directions of the photosensitive drum. In this embodiment, as... Figure 114 As shown, the root 2173b of the engaging member 2173 is assembled to the engaging member mounting portion 2172a using spring properties. This mounting portion is a recessed portion of the flange member 2170. As a result, the engaging member 2173 is mounted to the flange member 2170, allowing the driving force receiving portion 2173a to move in both the radial and rotational directions of the photosensitive drum 1. In other words, the root 2173b is a supported portion (mounted portion) supported by the mounting portion 2172a of the flange member 2170.

[0866] The engaging member 2173 has a bent portion 2173k that bends at approximately 90 degrees. A driving force receiving portion 2173a is provided at the free end side (first portion) of the engaging member 2173 relative to the bent portion 2173k. On the other hand, a root portion 2173b is provided at the rear end side (second portion) of the engaging member 2173 relative to the bent portion 2173k. The length of the second portion is longer than the length of the first portion.

[0867] The first and second portions of the engaging member 2173 extend in different directions. That is, the directions in which the first and second portions extend intersect each other. The first portion of the engaging member 2173 extends from the bend 2173k at least radially inward. In other words, the first portion of the engaging member 2173 is a protrusion that projects at least radially inward.

[0868] On the other hand, the second portion of the engaging member 2173 extends from the bent portion 2173k at least circumferentially (more specifically, upstream in the rotational direction) of the connector. The second portion of the engaging member 2173 is an extension extending in a direction different from the protruding direction of the first portion of the engaging member 2173, and also supports the first portion of the engaging member 2173. As will be described in detail below, the second portion of the engaging member 2173 is an elastically deformable portion, allowing the first portion of the engaging member 2173 to move at least radially along the connector through deformation of the second portion.

[0869] like Figure 113 As shown, locking member 2177 is fixed to flange member 2170 to clamp engagement member 2173 between flange member 2170 and locking member 2177 to restrict engagement member 2173 from moving in the axial direction of photosensitive drum 1.

[0870] In this embodiment, thermal clamping is used as the fixing method for securing the locking member 2177 to the flange member 2170. More specifically, the clamping protrusion 2170f of the flange member 2170 passes through the clamping hole 2177f of the anti-disengagement member 2177, and the free end of the clamping protrusion 2170f is thermally clamped to secure the flange member 2170 and the stop member 2177. However, other methods such as welding, press fitting, and snap-fit ​​can be used as fixing methods.

[0871] like Figure 114 As shown, the engaging member 2173 is provided with a first abutting portion 2173c and a second abutting portion 2173d. The first abutting portion 2173c is disposed upstream of the driving force receiving portion 2173a with respect to the rotation direction, and is disposed radially outward. The second abutting portion 2173d is formed on a surface different from the surface on which the first abutting portion 2173c and the driving force receiving portion 2173a are disposed (dissimilar surface). The second abutting surface 2173d is disposed radially outward more than the first abutting portion 2173c.

[0872] In addition, the flange component 2170 is provided with a first wall surface portion 2170g and a second wall surface portion 2170h, which contact the first abutting portion 2173c and the second abutting portion 2173d respectively when the driving force receiving portion 2173a is driven.

[0873] The first wall surface portion 2170g is a receiving portion (receiving surface) to which the driving force is transmitted from the engaging member 2173. The first wall surface portion 2170g is provided on the radially outer side of the driving force receiving portion 2173a.

[0874] like Figure 120As shown, the main assembly drive shaft 2210 has a drive transmission groove 2210a and a supported portion 2210d. The drive transmission groove 2210a has a groove-shaped (concave) portion corresponding to the drive force receiving portion 2173a, and the groove-shaped portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main assembly drive shaft 2210. The supported portion 2210d is a portion supported by the inner peripheral surface 2171b of the flange member 2170.

[0875] [Install the coupling to the main assembly drive shaft]

[0876] refer to Figure 114 and Figure 115 The installation of the connector 2128 to the main component drive shaft 2210 will be described.

[0877] First, the cartridge 7 is inserted in the direction of the arrow until the mounting tapered surface (chamfered shape) 2173e provided on the upstream side of the driving force receiving portion 2173a in the insertion direction and the spherical shape (hemispherical shape 2201d) at the free end of the main assembly driving shaft 2210 come into contact with each other ( Figure 115 Part (a)).

[0878] When the cartridge 7 is inserted in the direction of the arrow, the coupling member 2173 deforms so that the mounting tapered surface 2173e follows the hemispherical shape 2201c at the free end with the root 2173b as a fulcrum by means of spring properties. The coupling member 2173 deforms so that the driving force receiving portion 2173a moves outward in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0879] like Figure 115 As shown in part (b), by supporting the supported portion 2201d using the supporting portion (inner circumferential portion 2171b) of the flange portion (cylindrical portion 2171), the connecting member 2128 can be inserted into the installation completion position relative to the main component drive shaft 2210.

[0880] After that, as Figure 115 As shown in part (c), as the main component drive shaft 2210 rotates, the drive transmission groove 2210a and the drive force receiving part 2173a become synchronized. At this time, Figure 115 In part (b), the state of deformation of the connecting member 2173 toward the radial outside of the flange member 2170 is released, and the driving force receiving part 2173a enters the driving transmission groove 2210a.

[0881] After that, as Figure 114As shown, the drive transmission groove 2210a contacts the driving force receiving portion 2173a. As a result, the rotational drive is transmitted from the main component drive shaft 2210 to the coupling 2128, and the photosensitive drum 1 can rotate. At this time, first, the coupling member 2173 is moved by the driving force of the main component drive shaft 2210 until the first abutting portion 2173c contacts the first wall surface portion 2170g. When the first abutting portion 2173c abuts the first wall surface portion 2170g, the coupling member 2173 generates a rotational torque with the first abutting portion 2173c as a fulcrum due to the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion 2173a. However, as the second abutting portion 2173d and the second wall surface portion 2170h abut each other, deformation of the coupling member 2173 is suppressed. As a result, the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion 2173a can be stably transmitted to the photosensitive drum 1.

[0882] Next, the installation when the drive force receiving part 2173a and the drive transmission groove 2210a are aligned with each other will be described. First, the box 7 is installed in the direction of the arrow, similar to... Figure 115 In part (a), the mounting tapered surface 2173e, which is located upstream of the driving force receiving part 2173a in the insertion direction, and the hemispherical shape 2201c at the front end of the main component drive shaft 2210, come into contact with each other.

[0883] After that, when the cartridge 7 is further inserted in the direction of the arrow, the coupling member 2173 is deformed so that the driving force receiving portion 2173a moves radially outward of the flange member 2170 by its rebound. Then, the coupling 2128 is inserted into the installation completion position of the main assembly drive shaft 2210. At this time, since the phases of the driving force receiving portion 2173a and the drive transmission groove 2210a match each other, the deformation of the coupling member 2173 is released, the main assembly drive shaft 2210 does not rotate, and the main assembly drive shaft 2210 is established. Figure 115 The state of part (c). Upon reaching... Figure 115 After the state shown in part (c), the state becomes the same as when the phases of the driving force receiving part 2173a and the driving transmission groove 2210a are not aligned with each other.

[0884] The operation of the connector 2128 during installation onto the main component drive shaft 2210 has been described above.

[0885] [Release the coupling from the main component drive shaft]

[0886] like Figure 115As shown in part (d), the disassembly conical surface (chamfered shape) 2173f is disposed downstream of the drive force receiving portion 2173a in the insertion direction, and the main component side disassembly conical portion (chamfered shape) 2210i is disposed at the free end of the drive transmission groove 2210a of the main drive shaft 2210. Thus, as the housing 7 is pulled out in the direction of the arrow, the disassembly conical surface 2173f and the main component side disassembly conical portion 2210i come into contact with each other. When the housing 7 is further pulled in the direction of the arrow, the engaging member 2173 deforms, causing the mounting conical surface 2173e to conform to the main component side disassembly conical portion 2210i using its springback and its root 2173b as a fulcrum. The engaging member 2173 deforms, causing the drive force receiving portion 2173a to move radially outward along the photosensitive drum 1. When the box 7 is pulled out further in the direction of the arrow, the main component drive shaft 2210 and the engaging member 2173 become disengaged from each other, and the deformation state of the engaging member 2173 is released, so that the driving force receiving part 2173a returns to its initial position.

[0887] As described above, by moving the drive force receiving part 2173a radially outward, installation, disassembly, and drive transmission can be performed without using a mechanism for retracting the main component drive shaft 2210 axially.

[0888] Regarding the thickness of the engaging member 2173, the following conditions are preferably met. In order for the engaging member 2173 to stably receive the driving force, it is desirable that the engaging member 2173 has a portion with a thickness of 0.1 mm or more, more preferably a portion with a thickness of 0.2 mm or more. In particular, it is desirable that the area near the portion where the driving force receiving portion 2173a is provided (the first portion of the engaging member 2173) has the above-mentioned thickness.

[0889] In order to allow the engaging member 2173 to deform smoothly when the coupling member 2128 is engaged with and disengaged from the main component drive shaft 2210, preferably, the engaging member 2173 has a portion with a diameter of 0.7 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less. In particular, it is preferred that the thickness near the root 2173b (the second portion of the engaging member 2173) at the deformation point of the engaging member 2173 is within the above-mentioned range.

[0890] The thickness of the joining part 2173 does not have to be constant, and the thickness can vary between the driving force receiving part and the deformable part.

[0891] In the case where the bonding member 2173 is formed to have a constant thickness, it is desirable that both the upper limit and the lower limit of the above-described preferred thickness are satisfied.

[0892] <Example 20>

[0893] refer to Figure 116This document describes a box and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus according to this embodiment. Components corresponding to those in the above embodiments are designated with the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above components may be omitted in some cases. The differences from the above components will be described primarily.

[0894] In embodiment 19, the driving force receiving unit 2173a is arranged as follows. That is, as... Figure 114 As shown, when a straight line is drawn along the surface of the driving force receiving part 2173a in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 1 ( Figure 114 When the dotted line is in the middle, this line passes through the axis (center) of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0895] In other words, the first portion of the flange member provided with the driving force receiving portion 2173a extends substantially radially. Alternatively, the first portion of the metal plate member 213 provided with the driving force receiving portion 2173a extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the circumference.

[0896] On the other hand, in this embodiment, Figure 116 As shown, the radially outer side of the driving force receiving portion 2273a is disposed on the downstream side of the rotation direction relative to the radially inner side. That is, in the engaging member 2273 of this embodiment, the extending direction of the driving force receiving portion 2273a is inclined relative to the radial direction.

[0897] Furthermore, the drive transmission groove 2310a of the main component drive transmission shaft 2310 has a shape corresponding to the drive force receiving portion 2273a. The drive transmission groove 2310a is inclined radially.

[0898] Therefore, when the driving force F221 is applied from the main component drive shaft 2310 to the driving force receiving unit 2173a, the driving force receiving unit 2273a generates a reaction force F222. The reaction force F222 includes a component force F22v in the direction perpendicular to the component force F22h, and another component force F22h in the direction parallel to the driving force receiving unit 2273a. Of these components, the component force F22h will pull the driving force receiving unit 2273a inward.

[0899] As a result, the second abutting portion 2273d of the engaging member 2273 can stably abut against the second wall surface portion 2270h of the flange member 2270. As a result, the photosensitive drum 1 can be stably driven.

[0900] <Example 21>

[0901] refer to Figure 118 、 Figure 119 and Figure 120The description will cover the box and the electrophotographic imaging device. Components corresponding to those in Embodiment 19 are designated with the same names, and descriptions of similarities with the above-described components may be omitted in some cases. The main focus will be on the differences from the above-described components.

[0902] In embodiment 19, the inner peripheral surface 2171b is used to support the main component drive shaft 2210. Utilizing this structure, Figure 117 The diagram shows a cross-section when the axes of the main component drive shaf...

Claims

1. A drum unit that can be detachably mounted in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging device, the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device comprising a drive shaft, a recess being provided on an outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft, the drum unit comprising: Photosensitive drum; as well as A connecting member is arranged on the photosensitive drum, and the connecting member comprises: an engaging portion configured to enter the recess and receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum, and a drive shaft support portion configured to suppress tilting of the drive shaft by contacting an outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft; wherein the distance between the engaging portion and the drive shaft supporting portion is variable; At least a portion of the engaging portion is located inside the photosensitive drum.

2. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein An open space is formed between the engaging portion and the coupling axis and between the drive shaft supporting portion and the coupling axis.

3. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein The coupling includes a cylindrical portion, and the engaging portion and the drive shaft supporting portion are located inside the cylindrical portion.

4. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein The coupling member includes an axial positioning portion configured to position the coupling member relative to the drive shaft in the axial direction of the coupling member by contacting a top end of the drive shaft.

5. The drum unit according to claim 3, wherein A portion of the cylindrical portion is located inside the photosensitive drum.

6. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein The coupling comprises two engaging parts.

7. A cartridge detachably mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging device, the cartridge comprising: frame; as well as A drum unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the drum unit is rotatably supported by the frame.

8. A drum unit that can be detachably mounted in a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging device, the main assembly of the electrophotographic imaging device comprising a drive shaft, a recess being provided on an outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft, the drum unit comprising: Photosensitive drum; as well as A connecting member is arranged on the photosensitive drum, and the connecting member comprises: an engaging portion configured to enter the recess and receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum, and A radial positioning portion configured to position the coupling relative to the drive shaft in a radial direction of the coupling by contacting an outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft; wherein the distance between the engagement portion and the radial positioning portion is variable; At least a portion of the engaging portion is located inside the photosensitive drum.

9. The drum unit according to claim 8, wherein An open space is formed between the engaging portion and the coupling axis and between the radial positioning portion and the coupling axis.

10. The drum unit according to claim 8, wherein The coupling member comprises a cylindrical portion, and the engaging portion and the radial positioning portion are located inside the cylindrical portion.

11. The drum unit according to claim 8, wherein The coupling member includes an axial positioning portion configured to position the coupling member relative to the drive shaft in the axial direction of the coupling member by contacting a top end of the drive shaft.

12. The drum unit according to claim 8, wherein The joint is located inside the photosensitive drum.

13. The drum unit according to claim 8, wherein The coupling comprises two engaging parts.

14. A cartridge detachably mountable in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: frame; as well as A drum unit according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the drum unit is rotatably supported by the frame.

Images