Processing box and electronic photographic imaging device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process box and an electrophotographic imaging device, so as to provide a structure for a process box, which is used to receive an input of a driving force from the outside of the process box. The main component of the electrophotographic imaging device includes a drive output component provided with an output gear portion and an output coupling portion. The process box that can be mounted to the main component of the electrophotographic imaging device and can be disassembled from the main component includes: a photosensitive component; an input coupling portion provided at the end of the photosensitive component and capable of being coupled to the output coupling portion; and an input gear portion that can mesh with the output gear portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with the invention name of “Processing box and electronic photographic imaging device”, the international application date of June 14, 2017, the international application number of PCT / JP2017 / 022763, and the national application number of 201780036685.7. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a process box and an electronic photographic image forming apparatus using the process box.

[0003] Here, the process cartridge is a cartridge which is integrally formed with a photosensitive member and a process device capable of acting on the photosensitive member so as to be detachably mountable to the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0004] For example, the photosensitive member is integrally formed with at least one of a developing device, a charging device, and a cleaning device as a process device as a cartridge. Also, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic image forming process.

[0005] Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like. Background Art

[0006] In an electrophotographic imaging device (hereinafter also referred to as "imaging device"), a drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive member, i.e., a photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive drum), which is an image bearing member, is uniformly charged. Subsequently, the charged photosensitive drum is selectively exposed to form an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) on the photosensitive drum. Next, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed into a toner image using a toner as a developer. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto a recording material (e.g., a recording sheet, a plastic sheet, etc.), and the toner image transferred onto the recording material is heated and pressurized to fix the toner image onto the recording material, thereby performing image recording.

[0007] Such an imaging device usually requires toner replenishment and maintenance of various processing components. In order to facilitate the replenishment and maintenance of toner, a processing box that can be detachably mounted to the main component of the imaging device by integrating a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, etc. in a frame has become practical.

[0008] With this processing cartridge system, a part of the maintenance operation of the device can be performed by the user himself, without having to rely on the service personnel responsible for after-sales service. Therefore, the availability of the device can be significantly improved, and an imaging device with excellent availability can be provided. Therefore, this processing cartridge system is widely used in imaging devices.

[0009] As mentioned in JP H08-328449 (page 20, Fig.16 ) as described in, a known imaging device of the above type includes a drive transmission component having a connecting member at its free end for transmitting drive from a main component of the imaging device biased by a spring toward the processing box to the processing box.

[0010] When the opening and closing door of the main component of the imaging device is closed, the drive transmission component of the imaging device is pressurized by the spring and moves toward the processing box. By doing so, the drive transmission component is engaged (coupled) with the coupling member of the processing box and the drive transmission to the processing box can be realized. Moreover, when the opening and closing door of the main component of the imaging device is opened, the drive transmission component moves in a direction away from the processing box by the cam resisting the spring. As a result, the drive transmission component is released from the engagement (coupling) with the coupling member of the processing box, so that the processing box can be removed from the main component of the imaging device. Summary of the invention

[0011] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0012] The object of the present invention is to further develop the above-mentioned prior art.

[0013] [Methods of solving the problem]

[0014] A typical structure of the invention in this application is:

[0015] A processing box that can be detachably installed to the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, the processing box comprising: a photosensitive component; a connecting portion, the connecting portion is arranged at the end of the photosensitive component and includes a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for rotating the photosensitive component from the outside of the processing box; and a gear portion including gear teeth, the gear teeth are used to receive a driving force from the outside of the processing box independently of the connecting portion, wherein the gear teeth include an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the processing box, wherein at least a portion of the exposed portion (a) faces the axis of the photosensitive component, (b) is arranged on the outside of the driving force receiving portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive component, and (c) is located near the peripheral surface of the photosensitive component.

[0016] Another structure is:

[0017] A processing box, which can be detachably installed to the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, the main component includes a drive output component, the drive output component has an output gear part and an output connecting part that are coaxial with each other, the processing box includes: a photosensitive component; an input connecting part, the input connecting part is arranged at the end of the photosensitive component and can be connected to the output connecting part; and an input gear part that can mesh with the output gear part; wherein the input gear part is constructed so that the input gear part and the output gear part attract each other through their rotation when the input gear part and the output gear part are meshed with each other.

[0018] The further structure is:

[0019] A processing box, which can be detachably installed to the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, and the processing box includes: a photosensitive component; a connecting part, which is arranged at the end of the photosensitive component and includes a driving force receiving part for receiving a driving force for rotating the photosensitive component from the outside of the processing box; and a gear part including gear teeth, and the gear teeth are used to receive a driving force from the outside of the processing box independently of the connecting part; wherein the gear teeth are helical gear teeth and include an exposed part exposed to the outside of the processing box, wherein at least a part of the exposed part is arranged on the outside of the driving force receiving part in the axial direction of the photosensitive component and faces the axis of the photosensitive component.

[0020] The further structure is:

[0021] A processing box, which can be detachably installed to the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, and the processing box includes: a photosensitive component; a connecting part, which is arranged at the end of the photosensitive component and includes a driving force receiving part configured to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive component from the outside of the processing box; a gear part including gear teeth, and the gear teeth are used to receive a driving force from the outside of the processing box independently of the connecting part; and a developer carrying component, which is configured to carry a developer to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive component, and the developer carrying component can rotate in a clockwise direction when viewed in a direction in which the gear part rotates clockwise; wherein the gear teeth include an exposed part exposed to the outside of the processing box, wherein at least a part of the exposed part faces the axis of the photosensitive component and is arranged on the outside of the driving force receiving part in the axial direction of the photosensitive component.

[0022] The further structure is:

[0023] A processing box that can be detachably installed to the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, the processing box comprising: a photosensitive component; an alignment portion coaxially arranged with the photosensitive component; and a gear portion including gear teeth, the gear teeth being used to receive a driving force from the outside of the processing box; wherein the gear teeth include an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the processing box, wherein at least a portion of the exposed portion (a) faces the axis of the photosensitive component, (b) is arranged on the outside of the alignment portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive component, and (c) is arranged adjacent to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive component in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive component.

[0024] The further structure is:

[0025] A processing box, which can be detachably installed to the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, the main component includes a drive output component, the drive output component has an output gear part and a main component side alignment part that are coaxial with each other, the processing box includes: a photosensitive component; a box side alignment part, the box side alignment part can be engaged with the main component side alignment part to achieve alignment between the photosensitive component and the drive output component; and an input gear part that can mesh with the output gear part; wherein the input gear part is constructed so that the input gear part and the output gear part attract each other through their rotation when the input gear part and the output gear part are meshed with each other.

[0026] The further structure is:

[0027] A processing box that can be detachably installed to the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, the processing box comprising: a photosensitive component; an alignment portion coaxially arranged with the photosensitive component; and a gear portion including gear teeth, the gear teeth being used to receive a driving force from the outside of the processing box, wherein the gear teeth are helical gear teeth and include an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the processing box, wherein at least a portion of the exposed portion is arranged outside the alignment portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive component and faces the axis of the photosensitive component.

[0028] The further structure is:

[0029] A processing box, which can be detachably installed to the main component of an electronic photographic imaging device, and the processing box includes: a photosensitive component; an alignment portion coaxially arranged with the photosensitive component; a gear portion including gear teeth, the gear teeth being configured to receive a driving force from the outside of the processing box; and a developer carrying component, the developer carrying component being configured to carry a developer to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive component, and the developer carrying component can rotate in a clockwise direction when viewed in a direction in which the gear portion rotates clockwise, wherein the gear teeth include an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the processing box, and wherein at least a portion of the exposed portion faces the axis of the photosensitive component and is arranged on the outside of the alignment portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive component.

[0030] [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] The prior art described above can be further developed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram of a drive transmitting portion of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 2 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus main assembly and a process cartridge of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a sectional view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 4 1 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 in a state in which the opening and closing door of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is opened.

[0036] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge and a driving side positioning portion of the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 6 2 is a diagram of a link portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 7 2 is a diagram of a link portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a guide portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a diagram of a drive train of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0041] Fig.10 is a diagram of a positioning portion for positioning in the longitudinal direction in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0042] Fig.11 is a diagram of a positioning portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0043] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmission portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0044] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a drive transmission portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0045] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a developing roller gear of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0046] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a drive transmission portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0047] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmission portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0048] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view around a drum of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0049] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmission portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0050] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a drive transmitting portion of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0051] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmission portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0052] Fig.21 is a perspective view of a developing roller gear of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0053] Fig. 22 is a diagram of a drive train of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0054] Fig.23 is a diagram of a drive transmission portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0055] Fig.24 1 is a diagram of a control portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0056] Fig.25 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmitting portion of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0057] Fig.26 is a perspective view of a regulating portion of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0058] Fig. 27 1 is a diagram of a control portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0059] Fig.28 is a diagram of a drive transmission portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0060] Fig.29 is a perspective view of a control portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

[0061] Fig.30 2 is a diagram of a control portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

[0062] Fig.31 2 is a diagram of a control portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

[0063] Fig.32 2 is a diagram of a control portion of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

[0064] Fig.33 is a diagram of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0065] Fig.34 is a diagram of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0066] Fig.35 This is a diagram of a modification of the first embodiment.

[0067] Fig.36 This is a diagram of a modification of the first embodiment.

[0068] Fig.37 is a perspective view showing a gear portion and a coupling portion in Embodiment 1.

[0069] Fig.38 3 is a perspective view showing a modification of Embodiment 1.

[0070] Fig.39 is a diagram of an apparatus according to Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] <Example 1>

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] The rotation axis direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is defined as a longitudinal direction.

[0074] In the longitudinal direction, a side of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum receiving a driving force from a main assembly of the image forming apparatus is a driving side, and an opposite side thereof is a non-driving side.

[0075] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the overall structure and imaging processing will be described.

[0076] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main assembly (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly, image forming apparatus main assembly) A and a process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as cartridge B) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of box B.

[0078] Here, the apparatus main assembly A is the portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus excluding the cartridge B.

[0079] <Overall Structure of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus>

[0080] Figure 2 The illustrated electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process, in which a cartridge B is detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly A. An exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) is provided for forming a latent image on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 as an image bearing member of the cartridge B when the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A. Moreover, below the cartridge B, a sheet tray 4 containing a recording material to be imaged (hereinafter referred to as a sheet PA) is provided. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 is a photosensitive member (electrophotographic photosensitive member) for forming an electrophotographic image.

[0081] Furthermore, in the apparatus main assembly A, a pickup roller 5a, a pair of feed rollers 5b, a pair of feed rollers 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a feed guide 8, a fixing device 9, a pair of discharge rollers 10, a discharge tray 11, etc. are sequentially arranged. In addition, the fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

[0082] <Imaging Processing>

[0083] Next, the image forming process will be briefly described. Based on a print start signal, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum 62 or simply drum 62) is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed).

[0084] A charging roller (charging member) 66 to which a bias voltage is applied is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 to uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 .

[0085] The exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam L according to image information. The laser beam L passes through a laser opening 71h provided in a cleaning frame 71 of the cartridge B and scans and is incident on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62. Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

[0086] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown, in the developing unit 20 as the developing device, the toner T in the toner chamber 29 is stirred and fed to the toner supply chamber 28 by the rotation of the feeding member (stirring member) 43 .

[0087] The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 is a developer carrying member that carries the developer (toner T) on its surface so as to develop the latent image formed on the drum 62 .

[0088] When the toner T is frictionally charged by the developing blade 42 , the layer thickness on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 32 as the developer carrying member is regulated.

[0089] The toner T is supplied to the drum 62 according to the electrostatic latent image to develop the latent image. Thus, the latent image is visualized as a toner image. The drum 62 is an image bearing member for bearing the latent image and the image (toner image, developer image) formed on its surface with the toner. Figure 2 As shown, the sheet PA stored in the lower portion of the apparatus main assembly A is sent out from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a, the feed roller pair 5b, and the feed roller pair 5c in a timed relationship with the output of the laser beam L. Then, the sheet PA is fed along the transfer guide 6 to a transfer position between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7. At the transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum 62 to the sheet PA.

[0090] The sheet PA to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the drum 62 and fed to the fixing device 9 along the conveying guide 8. And, the sheet PA passes through the nip between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b constituting the fixing device 9. A pressurizing and heating fixing process is performed in the nip so that the toner image is fixed on the sheet PA. The sheet PA subjected to the fixing process of the toner image is fed to the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged to the discharge tray 11.

[0091] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown, after the image transfer, the residual toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 after the transfer is removed by the cleaning blade 77 and reused for the image forming process. The toner removed from the drum 62 is stored in the waste toner chamber 71b of the cleaning unit 60. The cleaning unit 60 is a unit including the photosensitive drum 62.

[0092] In the above description, the charging roller 66 , the developing roller 32 , the transfer roller 7 , and the cleaning blade 77 serve as process means acting on the drum 62 .

[0093] <Overall box structure>

[0094] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 , 4 and 5 describe the overall structure of box B. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of box B, and Figure 4 and Figure 5 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the cartridge B. In the description of this embodiment, screws for coupling the components are omitted.

[0095] The cartridge B includes a cleaning unit (photosensitive member holding unit, drum holding unit, image bearing member holding unit, first unit) 60 and a developing unit (developer bearing member holding unit, second unit) 20 .

[0096] Generally, a process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a process device acting thereon are integrally formed as a cartridge, and the process cartridge is mountable to and detachable from a main assembly (device main assembly) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the process device include a charging device, a developing device, and a cleaning device.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning unit 60 includes a drum 62, a charging roller 66, a cleaning member 77 and a cleaning frame 71 for supporting them. On the driving side of the drum 62, a driving side drum flange 63 provided on the driving side is rotatably supported by a hole 73a of a drum bearing 73. In a broad sense, the drum bearing 73 plus the cleaning frame 71 can be referred to as a cleaning frame.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, on the non-driving side, a hole portion (not shown) of the non-driving side drum flange is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 78 press-fitted in a hole portion 71 c provided in the cleaning frame 71 and is configured to be supported.

[0099] Each drum flange is a supported portion rotatably supported by a bearing portion.

[0100] In the cleaning unit 60 , the charging roller 66 and the cleaning member 77 are arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 .

[0101] The cleaning member 77 includes a rubber blade 77a (a blade-shaped elastic member formed of rubber as an elastic material) and a supporting member 77b that supports the rubber blade. The rubber blade 77a contacts the drum 62 in the reverse direction relative to the rotation direction of the drum 62. In other words, the rubber blade 77a contacts the drum 62 so that its tip portion faces the upstream side of the drum 62 in the rotation direction.

[0102] like Figure 3 As shown, the waste toner removed from the surface of the drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 is stored in a waste toner chamber 71 b formed by the cleaning frame 71 and the cleaning member 77 .

[0103] Moreover, if Figure 3 As shown, a scooping sheet 65 for preventing waste toner from leaking from the cleaning frame 71 is provided at an edge of the cleaning frame 71 so as to be in contact with the drum 62 .

[0104] The charging roller 66 is rotatably mounted in the cleaning unit 60 via charging roller bearings (not shown) at opposite ends of the cleaning frame 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0105] In addition, the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71 (the longitudinal direction of the box B) is generally parallel to the direction (axial direction) in which the rotation axis of the drum 62 extends. Therefore, when the longitudinal direction is simply mentioned or only the axial direction is mentioned without special explanation, the axial direction of the drum 62 is meant.

[0106] The charging roller bearing 67 is pressed toward the drum 62 by the biasing member 68, so that the charging roller 66 is pressed against the drum 62. The charging roller 66 is rotationally driven by the drum 62.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing unit 20 includes a developing roller 32, a developing container 23 supporting the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, etc. The developing roller 32 is supported by a bearing member 27 ( Figure 5 ) and 37( Figure 4 ) is rotatably mounted in the developing container 23.

[0108] Furthermore, inside the developing roller 32, a magnetic roller 34 is provided. In the developing unit 20, a developing blade 42 for controlling the toner layer on the developing roller 32 is provided. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the gap retaining member 38 is mounted to the developing roller 32 at the opposite ends of the developing roller 32, and the gap retaining member 38 and the drum 62 are in contact with each other so that the developing roller 32 is maintained with a small gap between them. Figure 3As shown, a blowing prevention sheet 33 for preventing toner from leaking from the developing unit 20 is provided at the edge of the bottom member 22 so as to contact the developing roller 32. In addition, in the toner chamber 29 formed by the developing container 23 and the bottom member 22, a feeding member 43 is provided. The feeding member 43 stirs the toner contained in the toner chamber 29 and conveys the toner to the toner supply chamber 28.

[0109] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cartridge B is formed by combining the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 .

[0110] In the first step of coupling the developing unit and the cleaning unit to each other, the center of the developing first supporting lug 26a of the developing container 23 is aligned with the first suspension hole 71i on the driving side of the cleaning frame 71 and the center of the developing second supporting lug 23b is aligned with the second suspension hole 71j on the non-driving side. More specifically, by moving the developing unit 20 in the direction of the arrow G, the developing first supporting lug 26a and the developing second supporting lug 23b are assembled in the first suspension hole 71i and the second suspension hole 71j. Thus, the developing unit 20 is movably connected to the cleaning unit 60. More specifically, the developing unit 20 is rotatably (rotatably) connected to the cleaning unit 60. Thereafter, the box B is constructed by assembling the drum bearing 73 to the cleaning unit 60.

[0111] Furthermore, a first end portion 46La of the driving-side biasing member 46L is fixed to the surface 23 c of the developing container 23 , and a second end portion 46Lb abuts against a surface 71 k which is a part of the cleaning unit.

[0112] Furthermore, a first end portion 46Ra of the non-driving side biasing member 46R is fixed to the surface 23 k of the developing container 23 , and a second end portion 46Rb is in contact with a surface 71 l which is a part of the cleaning unit.

[0113] In this embodiment, the driving side pressing member 46L ( Figure 5 ) and the non-driving side pressing member 46R ( Figure 4 ) include compression springs, respectively. The urging force of these springs presses the developing unit 20 against the cleaning unit 60 to reliably urge the developing roller 32 toward the drum 62 through the driving side urging member 46L and the non-driving side urging member 46R. Then, the developing roller 32 is maintained at a predetermined distance from the drum 62 by the gap retaining member 38 mounted to the opposite end of the developing roller 32.

[0114] <Installation of the box>

[0115] Next, refer to Figure 1 Part (a) and Figure 1 Part (b), Figure 6 Part (a), Figure 6 Part (b), Figure 6 Part (c), Figure 7 Part (a), Figure 7 Part (b), Figure 8 Part (a), Figure 8 Part (b), Fig. 9 , Fig.10 Part (a) and Fig.10 Part (b), Fig.11 Part (a) and Fig.11 Part (b), Fig.12 Part (a) and part (b), Fig.13 Part (a), Fig.13 Part (b), Fig.14 , Fig.15 , Fig.16 and Fig.17 , the installation of the box will be described in detail. Figure 1 Part (a) and part (b) are perspective views of the box, used to illustrate the shape around the drive transmission component. Figure 6 Part (a) is a perspective view of a cylindrical cam. Figure 6 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drive side plate as seen from the outside of the apparatus main assembly A, and Figure 6 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the drive side plate with the cylindrical cam installed ( Figure 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow in part (b). Figure 7 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of a connecting rod portion of an imaging device, for illustrating a connecting rod structure; and Figure 7 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device driving unit, used to illustrate the movement of the drive transmission component. Figure 8 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of a driving side guide portion of the imaging device for illustrating the installation of the cartridge; and Figure 8 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the non-driving side guide portion of the imaging device, which is used to illustrate the installation of the box. Fig. 9 It is a diagram of the driving chain portion of the imaging device, used to explain the positional relationship of the driving chain before the opening and closing door is closed. Fig.10 Part (a) is an illustration just before the imaging device positioning portion is engaged, and is used to illustrate the positioning of the processing box B in the longitudinal direction. Fig.10 Part (b) is a diagram after the imaging device positioning part is engaged, which is used to illustrate the positioning of the processing box B in the longitudinal direction. Fig.11 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the driving side of the imaging device, which is used to illustrate the positioning of the box. Fig.11Part (b) is a non-driving side cross-sectional view of the imaging device, used to illustrate the positioning of the box. Fig.12 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of a connecting rod portion of an imaging device, for illustrating a connecting rod structure; and Fig.12 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device, used to illustrate the movement of the drive transmitting component. Fig.13 Part (a) is a perspective view of the drive transmission component, used to illustrate the shape of the drive transmission component. Fig.13 Part (b) is a diagram of the drive transmission portion of the main component A, used to illustrate the drive transmission portion. Fig.15 is a perspective view of a driving unit of an imaging device, illustrating a joint space of a drive transmission portion. Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmission component, used to illustrate the engagement space of the drive transmission component. Fig.17 1 is a sectional view around the drum 62 of the apparatus main assembly A, for explaining the arrangement of the developing roller gear. Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a drive transmission component for explaining the engagement of the drive transmission component.

[0116] First, the state in which the opening and closing door of the apparatus main assembly A is opened will be described. Figure 7 As shown in part (a) of the apparatus main assembly A, an opening and closing door 13, a cylindrical cam link 85, a cylindrical cam 86, a cartridge pressing member 1, 2, a cartridge pressing spring 19, 21, and a front plate 18 are provided. Figure 7 As shown in part (b) of the apparatus, in the main assembly A of the apparatus, a drive transmission component bearing 83, a drive transmission component 81, a drive transmission component biasing spring 84, a drive side plate 15, and a non-drive side plate 16 ( Fig.10 part (a)).

[0117] The opening and closing door 13 is rotatably mounted on the driving side plate 15 and the non-driving side plate 16. Figure 6 Part (a), Figure 6 Part (b) and Figure 6 As shown in part (c) of the drawing, the cylindrical cam 86 is rotatable on the driving side plate 15 and is movable in the longitudinal direction AM, and it has two inclined surface portions 86a, 86b, and further, it has an end portion 86c that is continuous with the inclined surface on the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction. The driving side plate 15 has two inclined surface portions 15d and 15e opposite to the two inclined surface portions 86a and 86b, and an end surface 15f opposite to one end portion 86c of the cylindrical cam 86. Figure 7As shown in part (a), the cylindrical cam link 85 is provided with lugs 85a, 85b at opposite ends. The lugs 85a, 85b are rotatably mounted to the mounting hole 13a provided in the opening and closing door 13 and the mounting hole 86e provided in the cylindrical cam 86, respectively. When the opening and closing door 13 rotates and opens, the rotating cam link 85 moves in association with the opening and closing door 13. The cylindrical cam 86 rotates by the movement of the rotating cam link 85, and the inclined surfaces 86a, 86b first contact the inclined surface portions 15d, 15e provided on the driving side plate 15. When the cylindrical cam 86 rotates further, the inclined surface portions 86a, 86b slide along the inclined surface portions 15d, 15e, whereby the cylindrical cam 86 moves toward the driving side in the longitudinal direction. Finally, the cylindrical cam 86 moves until one end 86c of the cylindrical cam 86 abuts against the end surface 15f of the driving side plate 15.

[0118] Here, if Figure 7 As shown in part (b), the drive transfer component 81 is assembled to the drive transfer component bearing 83 at one end (fixed end 81c) located on the drive side along the axial direction, and is supported so as to be able to rotate and move in the axial direction. Moreover, in the drive transfer component 81, the central portion 81d in the longitudinal direction has a gap M relative to the drive side plate 15. Moreover, the drive transfer component 81 has an abutment surface 81e, and the cylindrical cam 86 has the other end 86d opposite to the abutment surface 81e. The drive transfer component spring 84 is a compression spring, one end 84a of which is in contact with a spring seat 83a provided on the drive transfer component bearing 83, and the other end 84b is in contact with a spring seat 81f provided on the drive transfer component 81. As a result, the drive transfer component 81 is moved toward the non-drive side ( Figure 7 By this pushing, the abutment surface 81e of the drive transmission member 81 and the other end portion 86d of the cylindrical cam 86 come into contact with each other.

[0119] When the cylindrical cam 86 is oriented toward the driving side ( Figure 7 When the drive transmission member 81 moves to the right side of the portion (b) of the cartridge B, the drive transmission member 81 is pushed by the cylindrical cam 86 and moves toward the driving side, as described above. This puts the drive transmission member 81 in the retracted position. In other words, the drive transmission member 81 is retracted from the moving path of the cartridge B, thereby ensuring a space for installing the cartridge B in the main component A of the imaging device.

[0120] Next, the installation of the box B will be described. Figure 8 Part (a) and Figure 8As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the driving side plate 15 has an upper guide rail 15g and a guide rail 15h as guiding means, and the non-driving side plate 16 has a guide rail 16d and a guide rail 16e. Moreover, the drum bearing 73 provided on the driving side of the box B has a guided portion 73g and a rotation-stopped portion 73c. ​​Along the installation direction of the box B (arrow C), the guided portion 73g and the rotation-stopped portion 73c are arranged on the upstream side of the axis of the coupling protrusion 63b (see Figure 1 Part (a), details of which will be described later) ( Fig.16 Arrow AO side in the figure).

[0121] The direction of mounting cartridge B is substantially perpendicular to the axis of drum 62. Where upstream or downstream in the mounting direction is mentioned, it is defined along the moving direction of cartridge B just before the mounting of cartridge B to the apparatus main assembly A is completed.

[0122] In addition, the cleaning frame 71 is provided with a positioned portion (to be positioned portion) 71d and a rotation-stopped portion 71g on the non-driving side along the longitudinal direction. When the box B is installed through the box insertion port 17 of the main assembly A of the device, the guided portion 73g and the rotation-stopped portion 73c of the driven side of the box B are guided by the guide rails 15g and 15h of the main assembly A. On the non-driving side of the box B, the positioned portion 71d and the rotation-stopped portion 71g are guided by the guide rails 16d and 16e of the main assembly A of the device. Thus, the box B is installed in the main assembly A of the device.

[0123] Here, the developing roller gear (developing gear) 30 is provided at the end of the developing roller 32 ( Fig. 9 and Fig.13 That is, the developing roller gear 30 is mounted on the shaft portion (shaft) of the developing roller 32.

[0124] The developing roller 32 and the developing roller gear 30 are coaxial with each other and surround the Fig. 9 The developing roller 32 is arranged so that its axis Ax2 is substantially parallel to the axis Ax1 of the drum 62. Therefore, the axial direction of the developing roller 32 (developing roller gear 30) is substantially the same as the axial direction of the drum 62.

[0125] The developing roller gear 30 is a drive input gear (cartridge side gear, drive input member) to which driving force is input from the outside of the cartridge B (ie, the apparatus main assembly A). The developing roller 32 is rotated by the driving force received by the developing roller gear 30 .

[0126] like Figure 1 As shown in part (a) and part (b), an open space 87 is provided on the drum 62 side of the developing roller gear 30 and on the side of the driving side of the box B, so that the developing roller gear 30 and the connecting protrusion 63b are exposed to the outside.

[0127] The coupling protrusion 63b is formed on the driving side drum flange 63 mounted on the end of the drum ( Fig. 9 ). The coupling protrusion 63b is a coupling portion (drum side coupling portion, cartridge side coupling portion, photosensitive member side coupling portion, input coupling portion, drive input portion) ( Fig. 9 ), a driving force is input to the coupling portion from the outside of the cartridge B (ie, the apparatus main assembly A). The coupling projection 63b is arranged coaxially with the drum 62. In other words, the coupling projection 63b rotates around the axis Ax1.

[0128] The driving side drum flange 63 including the coupling projection 63 b may be referred to as a coupling member (a drum side coupling member, a cartridge side coupling member, a photosensitive member side coupling member, a drive input coupling member, an input coupling member).

[0129] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B, the side on which the coupling projection 63b is provided is the driving side, and the opposite side corresponds to the non-driving side.

[0130] Moreover, if Fig. 9 As shown, the developing roller gear 30 has a gear portion (input gear portion, cartridge side gear portion, developing side gear portion) 30a and an end surface 30a1 ( Figure 1 Part (a), part (b) and Fig. 9 ). The teeth (gear teeth) formed on the outer periphery of the gear portion 30a are helical teeth inclined relative to the axis of the developing roller gear 30. In other words, the developing roller gear 30 is a helical gear ( Figure 1 Part (a) in the figure.

[0131] Here, the helical teeth also include a shape in which a plurality of protrusions 232a are arranged along a line inclined with respect to the axis of the gear to substantially form a helical tooth portion 232b ( Fig.14 ).exist Fig.14 In the structure shown, the gear 232 has a large number of protrusions 232b on its circumferential surface. And a group of five protrusions 232b can be regarded as forming a row inclined relative to the axis of the gear. Each row composed of five such protrusions 232b corresponds to the teeth of the aforementioned gear part 30a.

[0132] The drive transmission member (drive output member, main assembly side drive member) 81 has a gear portion (main assembly side gear portion, output gear portion) 81a for driving the developing roller gear 30. The gear portion 81a has an end surface 81a1 ( Fig.13 Part (a), part (b)).

[0133] The teeth (gear teeth) formed on the gear portion 81a are also helical teeth inclined with respect to the axis of the drive transmission member 81. In other words, the drive transmission member 81 is also provided with a helical gear portion.

[0134] In addition, the drive transmission member 81 is provided with a coupling recess 81b. The coupling recess 81b is a coupling portion (main component side coupling portion, output coupling portion) provided on the main component side of the device. The coupling recess 81b is formed by forming a recess that can be coupled with the coupling protrusion 63b provided on the drum side in a convex portion (cylindrical portion) provided at the free end of the drive transmission member 81.

[0135] The space (space) 87 ( Figure 1 ) allows the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 to be arranged when the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A. Therefore, the space 87 is larger than the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 ( Fig.15 ).

[0136] More specifically, in the cross section of the box B passing through the gear portion 30a and perpendicular to the axis of the drum 62 (the axis of the coupling protrusion 63b), an imaginary circle having the same radius as the gear portion 81a is drawn around the axis of the drum 62 (the axis of the coupling protrusion 63b). Accordingly, the inside of the imaginary circle is a space where the constituent elements of the box B do not exist. The space defined by the imaginary circle is included in the above-mentioned space 87. That is, the space 87 is larger than the space defined by the imaginary circle.

[0137] The following is another explanation of this. In the above cross section, an imaginary circle is drawn which is concentric with the drum 62 (coaxially) and whose radius is the distance from the axis of the drum 62 to the tooth tip of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller 30. Accordingly, the inside of this imaginary circle is a space (space) where the constituent elements of the cartridge B do not exist.

[0138] Because of the space 87, the drive transmission member 81 does not interfere with the cartridge B when the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A. Fig.15 As shown, the space 87 allows the cartridge B to be mounted to the apparatus main assembly A by accommodating the drive transmitting member 81 therein.

[0139] Moreover, when the cartridge B is viewed along the axis of the drum 62 (the axis of the coupling projection 63 b ), the gear teeth formed in the gear portion 30 a are arranged at a position close to the peripheral surface of the drum 62 .

[0140] like Fig.16As shown, the distance AV (the distance in the direction perpendicular to the axis) from the axis of the drum 62 to the free end portion (tooth tip) of the gear teeth of the gear portion 30 a is 90% or more and 110% or less of the radius of the drum 62 .

[0141] Specifically, in this embodiment, the radius of the drum 62 is 12 mm, and the distance from the axis of the drum 62 to the free end (tooth tip) of the gear teeth of the gear portion 30a is 11.165 mm or more and 12.74 mm or less. In other words, the distance from the axis of the drum 62 to the free end (tooth tip) of the gear teeth of the gear portion 30a is within a range of 93% to 107% of the radius of the drum.

[0142] In the longitudinal direction, the end surface 30a1 of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 is arranged to be positioned closer to the driving side (outside of the cartridge B) than the front end portion 63b1 of the coupling protrusion 63b of the driving side drum flange 63 ( Fig. 9 , Fig.33 ).

[0143] Thus, in the axial direction of the developing roller gear 30, the gear teeth of the gear portion 30a have an exposed portion ( Figure 1 ). In particular, in this embodiment, Fig.16 As shown, the gear portion 30a is exposed over a range of 64 degrees or more. In other words, when the box B is viewed from the drive side, with the line connecting the center of the drum 62 and the center of the developing roller gear 30 as the reference line, both sides of the developing roller gear 30 relative to the reference line are exposed over a range of at least 32 degrees or more. Fig.16 In FIG. 1 , the angle AW indicates the angle from the reference line to the position where the gear portion 30 a starts to be covered by the driving-side developing-side member 26 with the center (axis) of the developing roller gear 30 as the origin, and AW≧32° is satisfied.

[0144] The total exposure angle of the gear portion 30a can be expressed as 2AW, and as described above, satisfies the relationship of 2AW ≥ 64°.

[0145] If the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 is exposed from the driving-side developing-side member 26 in a manner satisfying the above relationship, the gear portion 81a meshes with the gear portion 30a without interfering with the driving-side developing-side member 26, and thus drive transmission is possible.

[0146] Furthermore, at least a portion of the exposed portion of the gear portion 30a is arranged on the outer side (driving side) of the cartridge B and faces the axis line ( Figure 1 , Fig. 9 , Fig.33 ).exist Fig. 9 and33 In FIG. 6 , the gear teeth arranged on the exposed portion 30a3 of the gear portion 30a face the rotation axis Ax1 of the drum 62 (the rotation axis Ax1 of the coupling portion 63b). Fig.33 , the axis Ax1 of the drum 62 is located above the exposed portion 30a3 of the gear portion 30a.

[0147] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, at least a portion of the gear portion 30a protrudes toward the driving side in the axial direction beyond the coupling protrusion 63b, so that the gear portion 30a overlaps with the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 in the axial direction. Also, a portion of the gear portion 30a is exposed in a manner facing the axis Ax1 of the drum 62, and therefore, the gear portion 30a and the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 can contact each other during the process of inserting the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A.

[0148] Fig.33 There is shown a state in which the outer side end portion 30a1 of the gear portion 30a is arranged on the arrow D1 side of the free end portion 63b1 of the coupling protrusion 63b. The arrow D1 extends toward the outer side in the axial direction.

[0149] Due to the above-mentioned arrangement relationship, during the process of mounting the above-mentioned box B to the main assembly A of the apparatus, the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 and the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged with each other.

[0150] Furthermore, in the mounting direction C of the cartridge B, the center (axis) of the gear portion 30a is arranged on the upstream side (ie, the center (axis)) of the drum 62. Fig.16 on the side of arrow AO in the figure).

[0151] The arrangement of the developing roller gear 30 will be described in more detail. Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , which is a cross-sectional view viewed from the non-driving side, a line connecting the center of the drum 62 and the center of the charging roller 66 is defined as a reference line (starting line) providing an angle reference (0°). At this time, the center (axis) of the developing roller gear 30 is directed from the reference line to the rotation direction ( Fig.17 The downstream side (in the clockwise direction) is in the angle range of 64° to 190°.

[0152] Strictly speaking, the half straight line extending from the center of the drum 62 to the center of the charging roller 66 with the center of the drum 62 as the origin is used as the starting line, and the rotation direction of the drum is used as the positive direction of the angle. Accordingly, the angle on the polar coordinates formed about the center of the developing roller satisfies the following relationship.

[0153] 64°≤The angle on the polar coordinates formed about the center of the developing roller≤190°.

[0154] There is a certain degree of freedom in the arrangement of the charging roller 66 and the arrangement of the developing roller gear 30. The angle when the charging roller 66 and the developing roller gear 30 are closest to each other is indicated by the arrow BM, and as described above, it is 64° in this embodiment. On the other hand, the angle when the two are farthest from each other is indicated by the arrow BN, which is 190° in this embodiment.

[0155] In addition, as described above, the unit (developing unit 20) provided with the developing roller gear 30 can be moved relative to the unit (cleaning unit 60) provided with the drum 62 and the coupling protrusion 63b. That is, the developing unit 20 can move relative to the cleaning unit 60 around the developing first supporting lug 26a and the developing second supporting lug 23b ( Figure 4 , 5 ) rotates. Therefore, the distance between the centers of the developing roller gear 30 and the drum 62 (the distance between the axes) is variable, and the developing roller gear 30 can move within a certain range relative to the axis of the drum 62 (the axis of the coupling protrusion 63b).

[0156] like Fig. 9 As shown, when the gear portion 30a and the gear portion 81a contact each other during the process of inserting the cartridge B, the gear portion 30a is pushed away from the axis of the drum 62 (the axis of the coupling protrusion 63b) by the gear portion 81a. This reduces the impact of the contact between the gear portion 30a and the gear portion 81a.

[0157] like Fig.10 Part (a) and Fig.10 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 7 , the drum bearing 73 is provided with a to-be-engaged portion 73h (engaged portion) as a to-be-positioned portion (axial alignment portion) in the longitudinal direction (axial direction).

[0158] The drive side plate 15 of the apparatus main assembly A has an engaging portion 15j capable of engaging with the engaged portion 73h. In the above-mentioned mounting process, the engaged portion 73h of the cartridge B is engaged with the engaging portion 15j of the apparatus main assembly A, thereby determining the position of the cartridge B in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) ( Fig.10 In addition, in this embodiment, the engaged portion 73h is in the form of a slit (groove) ( Figure 1 The slit is connected to the space 87. That is, the slit (joined portion 73h) forms a space that is open to the space 87.

[0159] refer to Fig.33 , the position of the engaged portion 73h will be described in detail. Fig.33 73h is a diagram (schematic diagram) showing the arrangement of the engaged portion 73h relative to the gear portion 30a or the coupling protrusion 63b. Fig.33 As shown, the slit (engaged portion 73h) is a space formed between two portions (outer portion 73h1 and inner portion 73h2 of the engaged portion 73h) arranged in the axial direction. In the axial direction, the inner end portion (inner portion 73h2) of the engaged portion 73h is arranged on the inner side (arrow D2 side) of the outer end portion 30a1 of the gear portion 30a. In the axial direction, the outer end portion (outer portion 73h1) of the engaged portion 73h is arranged on the side (arrow D1 side) further outward than the free end portion 63b of the coupling protrusion 63b.

[0160] Next, the state of closing the door 13 will be described. Figure 8 Part (a), Figure 8 Part (b), Fig.11 Part (a), Fig.11 As shown in part (b), the driving side plate 15 has an upper positioning portion 15a, a lower positioning portion 15b and a stop portion 15c. As a positioning portion, the non-driving side plate 16 has a positioning portion 16a and a stop portion 16c. The drum bearing 73 includes an upper portion (positioned portion) to be positioned (a first portion (positioned portion) to be positioned, a first protrusion, a first protruding portion) 73d and a lower portion (positioned portion) to be positioned (a second portion (positioned portion) to be positioned, a second protrusion, a second protruding portion) 73f.

[0161] Moreover, the cartridge pressing members 1 and 2 are rotatably mounted to the opposite axial ends of the opening and closing door 13. The cartridge pressing springs 19, 21 are respectively mounted to the opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the front plate provided in the image forming apparatus A. The drum bearing 73 is provided with a to-be-pressed portion 73e (pressed portion) as an urging force receiving portion, and the cleaning frame 71 has a to-be-pressed portion 71o (pressed portion) on the non-driving side ( Figure 3 ). By closing the door 13, the pressed portions 73e, 71o of the cartridge B are pressed by the cartridge pressing members 1, 2 urged by the cartridge pressing springs 19, 21 of the apparatus main assembly A.

[0162] Thus, on the driving side, the upper positioned member 73d, the lower positioned member 73f and the anti-rotation member 73c of the box B contact the upper positioning portion 15a, the lower positioning portion 15b and the anti-rotation portion 15c, respectively. Thus, the box B and the drum 62 are positioned relative to each other on the driving side. Moreover, on the non-driving side, the to-be-positioned portion 71d and the anti-rotation portion 71g of the box B contact the positioning portion 16a and the anti-rotation portion 16c of the main assembly A of the device, respectively. Thus, the box B and the drum 62 are positioned relative to each other on the non-driving side.

[0163] like Figure 1As shown in part (a) and part (b), the upper positioned component 73d and the lower positioned component 73f are arranged near the drum. Moreover, the upper positioned component 73d and the lower positioned component 73f are aligned along the rotation direction of the drum 62.

[0164] Furthermore, in the drum bearing 73, a space for the transfer roller 7 ( Fig.11 ) is disposed in a space (arc-shaped recess) 731 between the upper positioned portion 73d and the lower positioned portion 73f. Therefore, the upper positioned portion 73d and the lower positioned portion 73f are disposed to be separated from each other.

[0165] Moreover, the upper positioned portion 73d and the lower positioned portion 73f are protrusions protruding inwardly in the axial direction from the drum bearing 73. As described above, it is necessary to ensure the space 87 around the coupling protrusion 63b. Therefore, the upper positioned portion 73d and the lower positioned portion 73f do not protrude outwardly in the axial direction, but they protrude inwardly to ensure the space 87.

[0166] The upper positioned portion 73d and the lower positioned portion 73f are protrusions arranged to partially cover the photosensitive drum 62. In other words, the positioned portions 73d, 73f are protruding portions that protrude inwardly along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 62. When the upper positioned portion 73d and the photosensitive drum 62 are projected onto the axis of the drum 62, at least parts of the projected areas of the upper positioned portion 73d and the photosensitive drum 62 overlap each other. In this respect, the lower positioned portion 73f is the same as the upper positioned portion 73d.

[0167] Moreover, the upper positioned portion 73d and the lower positioned portion 73f are arranged to partially cover the drive side drum flange 63 provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 62. When the upper positioned portion 73d and the drive side drum flange 63 are projected onto the axis of the drum 62, at least part of the projected areas of the upper positioned portion 73d and the drive side drum flange 63 overlap each other. In this respect, the lower positioned portion 73f is the same as the upper positioned portion 73d.

[0168] The pressed portions 73e and 71o are respectively protruding portions of the frame of the cleaning unit arranged at one end side (driving side) and the other end side (non-driving side) of the box B with respect to the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the pressed portion 73e is provided on the drum bearing 73. The pressed portions 73e and 71o protrude in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the drum 62 and separating from the drum 62.

[0169] On the other hand, Fig.12 Part (a) and Fig.12As shown in the part (b), the driving side drum flange 63 has a coupling protrusion 63b on the driving side, and the coupling protrusion 63b has a free end 63b1 at its free end. The driving transmission component 81 has a coupling recess 81b and a free end 81b1 of the coupling recess 81b on the non-driving side. By closing the shutter 13, the inclined surface portion 86a, 86b of the cylindrical cam 86 rotates along the inclined surface portion 15d, 15e (towards a side close to box B) of the driving side plate 15 by rotating the cam connecting rod 85. Thus, the driving transmission component 81 in the retracted position moves to the non-driving side (a side close to box B) along the longitudinal direction by the driving transmission component spring 84. Because the gear teeth of the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a are inclined relative to the moving direction of the driving transmission component 81, the gear teeth of the gear portion 81a abut the gear teeth of the guide gear portion 30a by the moving of the driving transmission component 81. At this time, the driving transmission component 81 stops moving to the non-driving side.

[0170] Even after the drive transmission member 81 stops, the cylindrical cam 86 further moves to the non-driving side, and the drive transmission member 81 and the cylindrical cam 86 are separated.

[0171] Next, if Figure 1 Part (a) and Fig.13 , Fig.18 As shown, the drum bearing 73 has a concave bottom surface 73i. The drive transmission component 81 has a bottom 81b2 for positioning on the bottom of the coupling recess 81b. The coupling recess 81b of the drive transmission component 81 is a hole with a roughly triangular cross section. From the non-driven side (box side, the opening side of the recess 81b), the coupling recess 81b is twisted in the counterclockwise direction N as it approaches the driven side (the rear side of the recess 81b). The gear portion 81a of the drive transmission component 81 is a helical gear, which includes gear teeth that are twisted in the counterclockwise direction N as it approaches the driven side from the non-driven side (box side). In other words, the coupling recess 81b and the gear portion 81a are tilted (twisted) toward the rear end (fixed end 81c) of the drive transmission component 81 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction CW of the drive transmission component 81.

[0172] The gear portion 81a and the coupling recess 81b are arranged on the axis of the drive transmission member 81 so that the axis of the gear portion 81a and the axis of the coupling recess 81b overlap each other. In other words, the gear portion 81a and the coupling recess 81b are coaxially (concentrically) arranged.

[0173] The coupling protrusion 63b of the driving side drum flange 63 has a substantially triangular cross section and has a protruding shape (protrusion, convex portion). The coupling protrusion 63b is twisted in the counterclockwise direction O from the driving side (the tip side of the coupling protrusion 63b) toward the non-driving side (the bottom side of the coupling protrusion 63b) ( Fig.37 ). In other words, the coupling projection 63b is inclined (twisted) in the counterclockwise direction (the rotational direction of the drum) as it moves away from the outside toward the inside of the cartridge in the axial direction.

[0174] In addition, in the coupling protrusion 63b, the part (ridge line) forming the corner of the triangular prism (the vertex of the triangle) is the driving force receiving part that actually receives the driving force from the coupling recess 81b. The driving force receiving part is inclined in the rotation direction of the drum from the outside of the box to the inside along the axial direction. Moreover, the inner surface (inner peripheral surface) of the coupling recess 81b is used as a driving force applying part for applying the driving force to the coupling protrusion 63b.

[0175] In addition, since the corners are beveled or rounded, the shape of the cross section of the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b is not a strict triangle (polygon), but is referred to as a roughly triangle (polygon). In other words, the coupling protrusion 63b has the shape of a roughly twisted triangular prism (polygon). However, the shape of the coupling protrusion 63b is not limited to such a shape. The shape of the coupling protrusion 63b can be changed as long as the coupling protrusion 63b can be connected to the coupling recess 81b, that is, as long as the coupling protrusion can engage with the coupling recess and be driven by the coupling recess. For example, three lugs 163a can be arranged at the vertices of a triangle, wherein each lug 163a is twisted relative to the axial direction of the drum 62 ( Fig.19 ).

[0176] The gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 is a helical gear, and has a shape twisted (inclined) in the clockwise direction P from the driving side toward the non-driving side ( Fig.37 ). In other words, the gear teeth (helical teeth) of the gear portion 30a are inclined (twisted) in the axial direction of the gear portion 30a from the outside to the inside of the box in the clockwise direction P (the rotation direction of the developing roller or the developing roller gear). That is, the gear 30a is inclined (twisted) in the axial direction from the outside to the inside in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the drum 62.

[0177] like Fig.13 As shown, as seen from the non-driving side (box side), the drive transmission member 81 is driven by a motor (not shown) in the clockwise direction CW ( Fig.13 30). Then, a thrust force (force generated in the axial direction) is generated by the meshing between the helical teeth of the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30. A force FA in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) is applied to the drive transmission member 81, and the drive transmission member 81 tends to move toward the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction (closer to the cartridge). In other words, the drive transmission member 81 approaches and contacts the coupling protrusion 63b.

[0178] Specifically, in this embodiment, the tooth helicity of the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 is such that each tooth moves 5 to 8.7 mm ( Fig.13 ). This corresponds to a helical angle of the gear portion 81a of 15° to 30°. In addition, the helical angle of the developing roller gear 30 (gear portion 30a) is also 15° to 30°. In this embodiment, the helical angle between the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a is selected to be 20°.

[0179] Accordingly, when the phases of the coupling recessed portion 81 b and the triangular portions of the coupling convex portion 63 b are matched by the rotation of the drive transmission member 81 , the coupling convex portion 63 b and the coupling recessed portion 81 b are engaged (coupled) with each other.

[0180] Accordingly, when the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b are engaged, an additional thrust FC is generated because both the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b are twisted (inclined) with respect to the axis.

[0181] That is, a force FC directed toward the non-driven side (the side close to the box) along the longitudinal direction is applied to the drive transmission member 81. This force FC together with the above-mentioned force FA causes the drive transmission member 81 to move further toward the non-driven side in the longitudinal direction (close to the box). In other words, the coupling protrusion 63 causes the drive transmission member 81 to approach the coupling protrusion 63b of the box B.

[0182] The drive transmission member 81 attracted by the coupling projection 63 b is positioned in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) by the free end portion 81 b 1 of the drive transmission member 81 contacting the concave bottom surface 73 i of the drum bearing 73 .

[0183] Moreover, the reaction force FB of the force FC acts on the drum 62, and due to the reaction force (resistance force) FB, the drum 62 moves toward the driving side in the longitudinal direction (close to the drive transmission member 81, the outer side of the box B). In other words, the drum 62 and the coupling protrusion 63b are attracted toward the drive transmission member 81 side. As a result, the free end 63b1 of the coupling protrusion 63b of the drum 62 abuts against the bottom 81b2 of the coupling recess 81b. As a result, the drum 62 is also positioned in the axial direction (longitudinal direction).

[0184] That is, the coupling protrusion 63 b and the coupling recess 81 b attract each other, thereby determining the positions of the drum 62 and the drive transmission member 81 in the axial direction.

[0185] In this state, the drive transmission member 81 is in the driving position. In other words, the drive transmission member 81 is in a position for transmitting the driving force to the coupling protrusion 63b and the gear portion 30b, respectively.

[0186] Moreover, the position of the center at the free end of the drive transmission member 81 is determined relative to the drive side drum flange 63 by the triangular alignment action of the coupling recess 81b. In other words, the drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the drum flange 63, and the drive transmission member 81 and the photosensitive member are coaxial. Thus, the drive is transmitted from the drive transmission member 81 to the developing roller gear 30 and the drive side drum flange 63 with high precision.

[0187] The coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b engaged with the coupling recess 81b can also be regarded as an alignment portion. That is, the engagement between the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b makes the drive transmission component 81 and the drum coaxial with each other. Specifically, the coupling recess 81b is called the main component side alignment portion (alignment portion on the imaging device side), and the coupling protrusion 63b is called the box side alignment portion.

[0188] As described above, engagement of the coupling is assisted by the forces FA and FC acting on the drive transmitting member 81 toward the non-drive side.

[0189] Moreover, by positioning the drive transmission member 81 by the drum bearing (bearing member) 73 provided in the cartridge B, the positional accuracy of the drive transmission member 81 relative to the cartridge B can be improved.

[0190] The positional accuracy in the longitudinal direction between the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 and the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 is improved, and therefore, the width of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 can be reduced. The cartridge B and the main assembly A of the apparatus for mounting the cartridge B can be miniaturized.

[0191] In summary, in this embodiment, the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 have helical teeth. Helical teeth provide a higher gear contact ratio than straight teeth. Thus, the rotation accuracy of the developing roller 30 is improved, and the developing roller 30 can rotate smoothly.

[0192] Moreover, the direction in which the helical teeth of the gear part 30a and the gear part 81a are inclined is selected to generate the force (force FA and force FB) that makes the gear part 30a and the gear part 81a attract each other. In other words, by rotating under the state that the gear part 30a and the gear part 81a are meshed with each other, a force is generated that makes the coupling recess 81b arranged in the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling protrusion 63b arranged in the end of the photosensitive drum 62A approach each other. Thus, the drive transmission member 81 moves toward the box B side, and the coupling recess 81b approaches the coupling protrusion 63b. This will contribute to the connection (coupling) between the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b. In other words, by rotating under the state that the gear part 30a and the gear part 81a are meshed with each other, the force generated makes the coupling recess 81b arranged in the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling protrusion 63b arranged in the end of the photosensitive drum 62 approach each other. Thus, the drive transmission member 81 moves toward the box B side, and the coupling recess 81b approaches the coupling protrusion 63b. This facilitates coupling between the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b.

[0193] Moreover, the direction in which the coupling protrusion 63b (driving force receiving portion) is inclined relative to the axis of the drum and the direction in which the helical teeth of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 are inclined relative to the axis of the gear portion 30a are opposite to each other ( Fig.38 ). Thus, the movement of the drive transmission member 81 is assisted not only by the force generated by the engagement (meshing) of the gear portion 30a and the gear portion 81a, but also by the force (coupling force) generated by the engagement (coupling engagement) of the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b. In other words, the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b attract each other by the rotation of the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b in a state of being coupled to each other. As a result, the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b are stably engaged (coupled) with each other.

[0194] The drive transmission member 81 ( 84 ) is pushed toward the coupling protrusion 63 b by the elastic member (the drive transmission member spring 84 ). Figure 7 According to this embodiment, the force of the drive transmission member spring 84 can be reduced corresponding to the force FA and the force FC ( Fig.13 ). Accordingly, the friction force between the drive transmission component spring 84 and the drive transmission component 81 generated when the drive transmission component 81 rotates is also reduced, and therefore, the torque required to rotate the drive transmission component 81 is reduced. In addition, the load applied to the motor for rotating the drive transmission component 81 can also be reduced. Moreover, the sliding noise generated between the drive transmission component 81 and the drive transmission component spring 84 can also be reduced.

[0195] In addition, in this embodiment, the drive transmission component 81 is biased by an elastic component (spring 84), but the elastic component is not necessary. In other words, if the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a overlap at least partially in the axial direction, and the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a are meshed with each other when the box is installed on the main assembly of the device, the elastic component can be eliminated. In other words, in this case, when the gear portion 81a rotates, the engagement between the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a generates a force that attracts the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b to each other. That is, even without the elastic component (spring 84), the drive transmission component 81 will approach the box B due to the force generated by the meshing between the gears. In this way, the engagement of the coupling recess 81b with the coupling protrusion 63b is established.

[0196] In the absence of such an elastic member, the friction between the elastic member and the drive transmission member 81 is not generated, and therefore, the rotation torque of the drive transmission member 81 is further reduced. Moreover, the sound generated by the sliding between the drive transmission member 81 and the elastic member can be eliminated. Moreover, the number of components of the imaging device can be reduced, and therefore, the structure of the imaging device can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0197] Moreover, the coupling convex portion 63b of the driving side drum flange 63 is coupled with the concave portion 81b of the driving transmission member 81 in a state where the driving transmission member 81 is rotating. Here, the coupling convex portion 63b is inclined (twisted) in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum from the outside to the inside of the box relative to the axial direction of the drum 62. In other words, the coupling convex portion 63b is inclined (twisted) along the rotation direction of the driving transmission member 81, and therefore, the coupling convex portion 63b is easily connected with the rotating concave portion 81b.

[0198] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a helical gear is used as the developing roller gear 30 engaged with the drive transmission component 81. However, another gear may be used as long as drive transmission can be performed. For example, a thin spur gear 230 that can enter the tooth gap 81e of the drive transmission component 81 may be used. The thickness of the flat teeth is set to be 1 mm or less. Likewise, in this case, the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission component 81 has helical teeth, and therefore, a force ( ) for guiding the drive transmission component 81 toward the non-driven side is generated by the meshing between the gear portion 81a and the spur gear 230. Fig.21 ).

[0199] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of , when box B is viewed from the driving side, the connecting protrusion 63b (drum 62) rotates in the counterclockwise direction O, causing the developing roller gear 30 (developing roller 32) to rotate in the clockwise direction P.

[0200] However, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which, when the cartridge B is viewed from the non-driven side, the coupling protrusion 63b (drum 62) rotates in the counterclockwise direction, and the developing roller gear 30 (developing roller 32) rotates in the clockwise direction. In other words, the layout of the main assembly A and cartridge B may be modified so that the rotation direction of the coupling protrusion 63b (drum 62) and the developing roller gear 30 is opposite to that in this embodiment. In either case, when the coupling protrusion 63b and the developing roller gear 30 are viewed in the same direction, the coupling protrusion 63b and the developing roller gear 30 rotate in opposite directions. One of them rotates clockwise and the other rotates counterclockwise.

[0201] In other words, when the cartridge B is viewed in a direction in which the rotation direction of the coupling protrusion 63b becomes counterclockwise (in this embodiment, the cartridge B is viewed from the driving side), the rotation direction of the developing roller gear 30 is clockwise.

[0202] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the developing roller gear 30 is used as the drive input gear engaged with the drive transmission member 81, but another gear may be used as the drive input gear.

[0203] Fig. 22 A drive input gear 88 meshing with the drive transmission member 81, a developing roller gear 80 provided on the developing roller, idler gears 101 and 102, and a feeding gear (stirring gear, developer feeding gear) 103 are shown.

[0204] exist Fig. 22 In the embodiment, the driving force is transmitted from the driving input gear 88 to the developing roller gear 80 via an idler gear 101. The idler gear 101 and the developing roller gear 80 are a driving transmission mechanism (box side driving transmission mechanism, developing side driving transmission mechanism) for transmitting the driving force from the driving input gear 88 to the developing roller 32.

[0205] On the other hand, the idler gear 102 is a gear for transmitting the driving force from the drive input gear 88 to the stirring gear 103. The feed gear 103 is mounted to the feed member 43 ( Figure 3 ), and the feeding member 43 is rotated by the driving force received by the feeding gear 103.

[0206] In addition, a plurality of gears may be used to transmit the driving force between the drive input gear 88 and the developing roller gear 80. At this time, in order to set the rotation direction of the developing roller 32 to the direction indicated by the arrow P ( Figure 1 ), it is preferable to make the number of idler gears that transmit the driving force between the drive input gear 88 and the developing roller gear 80 an odd number. Fig. 22 In order to simplify the structure of the gear train, a structure of an idler gear is shown.

[0207] In other words, regarding the number of gears, in order to set the rotation direction of the developing roller 32 at the direction indicated by the arrow P ( Figure 1 ) direction and transmits drive to the developing roller 32, and the box B is provided with an odd number of gears. Fig. 22 In the structure shown, the number of gears for transmitting drive to the developing roller 32 is three, namely, the developing roller gear 80, the idler gear 101 and the drive input gear 88. Figure 1 In the structure shown, the number of gears for transmitting drive to the developing roller 32 is one, that is, there is only the developing roller gear 32.

[0208] In other words, it is sufficient if the cartridge B is provided with a drive transmission mechanism (cartridge-side drive transmission mechanism, development-side drive transmission mechanism) for rotating the developing roller 32 in the same rotation direction as the drive input gear 88 .

[0209] That is, when the cartridge B is viewed in a direction such that the rotation direction of the drive input gear 88 becomes clockwise, the rotation direction of the developing roller 32 is also clockwise. Fig. 22 In the illustrated structure, when the cartridge B is viewed from the drive side, the rotation direction of the drive input gear 88 and the developing roller 32 is clockwise.

[0210] In addition, Figure 1 The structure shown or Fig. 22 In the case of the structure shown, the drive input gear (30, 88) receives the driving force from the drive transmission member 81 independently of the coupling protrusion 63b. In other words, the box B has two input parts (drive input parts) for receiving the driving force from the outside of the box B (i.e., the main assembly A of the apparatus), one for the cleaning unit and one for the developing unit.

[0211] In the structure in which the photosensitive drum (cleaning unit) and the developing roller (developing unit) independently receive the driving force from the drive transmission member 81, there is an advantage in that the rotation stability of the photosensitive drum is enhanced. This is because there is no need to transmit the driving force (rotational force) between the photosensitive drum and another component (such as the developing roller), and therefore, when the different component (such as the developing roller) rotates unevenly, its rotation unevenness is less likely to affect the rotation of the photosensitive drum.

[0212] In addition, Fig. 22 In the structure of Fig.13 A force in the direction of the portion (b) in the driving transmission member 81 is applied to the driving transmission member 81 to assist the coupling of the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b. For this purpose, a load (torque) needs to be generated when the driving input gear 88 rotates. In other words, as long as a load is generated to rotate the driving input gear 88, the driving input gear 88 may not be configured to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller 32.

[0213] For example, the driving force received by the driving input gear 88 may be transmitted only to the feeding member 43 ( Figure 3 ) is not transmitted to the developing roller 32. However, in the case of such a structure that the cartridge includes the developing roller 32, the driving force must be independently transmitted to the developing roller 32. For example, the cartridge B requires a gear or the like for transmitting the driving force from the drum 62 to the developing roller 32.

[0214] <Connector joint conditions>

[0215] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 , Fig.18 Part (a), Fig.24 Part (b), Fig.25 Part (a), Fig.25 Part (b) and Fig. 27 To describe the conditions under which the connector engages. Fig.24 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device as seen from the direction opposite to the installation direction of box B, used to illustrate the distance of the drive transmission portion. Fig.24 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device as seen from the driving side, and is used to illustrate the distance of the drive transmission portion. Fig.25 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device as seen from the driving side, for explaining the gap of the coupling portion. Fig.25 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device as seen from the driving side, for explaining the gap of the coupling portion. Fig. 27 It is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the driving side, for explaining the range of the regulating portion (stopper).

[0216] like Figure 1 , Fig.24 Part (a) and Fig.24 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the drum bearing 73 is provided with a tilt control portion (movement control portion, position control portion, stopper) 73j for controlling the movement of the drive transmission component 81 so as to limit (suppress) the tilt of the drive transmission component 81.

[0217] The drive transmission member 81 has a cylindrical portion 81i ( Fig.24 The cylindrical portion 81i is a cylindrical portion (protrusion) in which the coupling recess 81b is formed.

[0218] As described above, at the stage where the drive transmission member 81 starts to rotate, the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 mesh with each other. Fig. 9As shown. On the other hand, the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b are not yet coupled, or the coupling between them is insufficient. Therefore, when the gear portion 81a transmits the driving force to the gear portion 30a, a meshing force FD ( Fig.24 part (b)).

[0219] The drive transmission member 81 is tilted by the meshing force FD applied to the drive transmission member 81. That is, as described above, only the fixed end portion 81c (see FIG. 14 ) of the drive transmission member 81 as the end portion on the driving side is supported. Fig.24 Part (a): the end away from the box B), and therefore, the drive transmission component 81 is tilted with the drive side end 81c (fixed end) as a fulcrum. Accordingly, the end (free end, distal end) of the drive transmission component 81 on the side where the coupling recess 81b is provided moves.

[0220] If the drive transmission member 81 is tilted greatly, the coupling recess 81b cannot be coupled with the coupling protrusion 63b. In order to avoid this situation, the control portion 73j is provided in the box B so that the tilt of the drive transmission member 81 is limited (controlled) within a certain range. That is, when the drive transmission member 81 is tilted, the control portion 73j supports the drive transmission member 81, thereby suppressing the increase of its tilt.

[0221] The control portion 73j of the drum bearing 73 has an arcuate curved surface portion which is arranged to face the axis of the drum 62 (the axis of the coupling protrusion 63b). The control portion 73j can also be regarded as a protruding portion that protrudes to cover the drum axis. This structure provides a space in which the components of the process cartridge B are not arranged between the control portion 73i and the drum axis, and the drive transmission component 81 is arranged in the space. The control portion 73i faces Figure 1 The space 87 shown in FIG. 8 is formed by the regulating portion 73 i , and the edge (outer edge) of the space 87 is formed by the regulating portion 73 i .

[0222] The regulating portion 73 j is arranged at a position where the movement (inclination) of the drive transmission member 81 can be suppressed by the meshing force FD.

[0223] The direction in which the meshing force FD is generated is determined by the lateral pressure angle α of the gear portion 81a (i.e., the lateral pressure angle α of the developing roller gear 30). The direction in which the meshing force FD is generated is inclined by (90+α) degrees toward the upstream AK in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 62 relative to the direction (half straight line) LN extending from the center 62a of the photosensitive drum (i.e., the center of the drive transmission member 81) toward the center 30b of the developing roller gear 30.

[0224] In a torsion angle helical gear having a helical angle of 20°, the standard angle α is 21.2°. The lateral pressure angle α of the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a of this embodiment is also 21.2°. In this case, the inclination of the meshing force FD relative to the arrow LN is 111.2°. However, another value may be used as the lateral pressure angle of the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a, and the direction of the meshing force FD is also different in this case. The lateral pressure angle α also varies depending on the torsion angle of the helical gear, and the lateral pressure angle α is preferably 20.6 degrees or more and 22.8 degrees or less.

[0225] exist Fig.24 In the portion (b), when the half straight line FDa extending in the same direction as the direction of the meshing force FD extends from the center 62a of the photosensitive drum as a starting point, the control portion 73j is arranged to intersect the half straight line FDa. Here, the half straight line FDa is a line provided by tilting (rotating) the half straight line LN by 90+α degrees toward the upstream side relative to the rotation direction of the drum 62 with the center of the drum 62 as the origin (axis, fulcrum). In this embodiment, the half straight line FDa is tilted 111.2 degrees relative to the half straight line LN.

[0226] The control portion 73j does not have to be always arranged on the half-straight line FDa, and the control portion 73j is preferably arranged adjacent to the half-straight line FDa. More specifically, it is desirable to arrange at least a portion of the control portion 73j somewhere within a range of plus or minus 15° relative to the half-straight line FDa. The half-straight line FDa is a line obtained by rotating the half-straight line LN by (90+α) degrees toward the upstream side of the rotation direction of the drum 62. Therefore, the control portion 73j is preferably in the range of (75+α) degrees to (105+α) degrees relative to the half-straight line LN on the upstream side of the drum rotation direction with the center of the drum 62 as the origin. Considering that the preferred value of the lateral pressure angle α is 20.6 degrees or more and 22.8 degrees or less, the preferred range for arranging the control portion 73j is 95.6 degrees or more and 127.8 degrees or less relative to the half-straight line LN. In this embodiment, the lateral pressure angle α is 21.2 degrees, and therefore, the preferred range of the control portion 73j is 96.2 degrees or more and 126.2 degrees or less.

[0227] As another example of a preferred arrangement of the regulating portion 73j, a plurality of regulating portions 73j may be provided such that they are independently arranged on respective sides of the half-straight line FDa with the half-straight line FDa interposed therebetween ( Fig.26 In this case, it can also be considered that the control portion 73j is arranged across the line FDa.

[0228] Furthermore, it is preferable that the regulating portion 73j is arranged at the center (axis) of the coupling protrusion 63b in the cartridge mounting direction C ( Fig.11 The upstream side AO ( Fig.16). This is to prevent the regulating portion 73j from interfering with the installation of the box B.

[0229] The range (region) in which the regulating portion 73j is arranged in the drum bearing 73 may also be as follows.

[0230] In a plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum 62 ( Fig.24 ), draw a straight line LA passing through the center 62a of the drum 62 and the center 30b of the developing roller gear 30. At this time, the regulating portion 73j is arranged on the side where the charging roller is arranged relative to the straight line LA (i.e., the side indicated by the arrow AL).

[0231] Alternatively, the regulating portion 73j is arranged in an area AL opposite to the side where the drum 62 is exposed (the side where the drum 62 faces the transfer roller 7) with respect to the line LA passing through the drum center 62a and the gear center 30b. Here, before the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, a cover or a shutter for covering the drum 62 may be provided in the cartridge B, and the drum 62 may not be exposed. However, in such a case, the side where the drum 62 is exposed refers to the side where the drum 62 is exposed when the cover, the shutter, etc. are removed.

[0232] Furthermore, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 , the range (area AL) in which the regulating portion 73 j is arranged can also be described using the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the photosensitive drum 62 as follows.

[0233] Draw a half straight line (original line) LN extending from the center 62a of the drum 62 toward the center 30b of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30. The area AL is a range (area) greater than 0° and not exceeding 180° toward the upstream side (arrow AK side) in the drum rotation direction relative to the half straight line LN.

[0234] Further, in other words, the range AL is on the upstream side (arrow AK side) of the center point MA between the drum center 62a and the developing roller gear center 30b relative to the drum rotation direction O, and does not exceed the straight line (extension line) LA passing through the center 62a of the drum 62 and the center 30b of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30.

[0235] In addition, when the opening and closing door 13 is opened and the drive transmission member 81 is moved to the driving side, the control portion 73j is in a position overlapping with the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 in the longitudinal direction. That is, the control portion 73j also overlaps with the developing roller gear 30 in the longitudinal direction. Fig.34As shown, when the developing roller gear 30 and the regulating portion 73j are projected on the axis Ax2 of the developing roller gear 30, their projected areas at least partially overlap each other. That is, the regulating portion 73j is close to the gear portion 81a (gear portion 30a) that generates the meshing force. Therefore, when the drive transmission member 81 subjected to the meshing force is supported by the regulating portion 73j, the bending of the drive transmission member 81 is suppressed.

[0236] Moreover, in the axial direction, at least a portion of the control portion 73j is located outside the coupling protrusion 63b ( Fig.34 arrow D1 side).

[0237] Next, the radial position ( Fig.24 part (a)).

[0238] The distances shown below are distances measured in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the drum 62 (distances in the radial direction of the drum 62). Let S be the distance from the axis (center 62a) of the drum 62 to the control portion 73j. Let U be the radius of the tooth tip of the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission component 81. Let AC be the distance from the center 81j of the drive transmission component 81 to the radial outermost portion of the coupling recess. Let AD be the distance from the center 63d of the drive side drum flange 63 to the radial outermost portion of the coupling protrusion 63b. Let AA be the distance between the tooth tips of the control portion 73j and the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission component 81. And, let AB be the deviation amount ( ) between the center of the coupling protrusion 63b and the center of the coupling recess 81b when the drive transmission component 81 is tilted by an amount relative to the gap of the control portion 73j (when the drive transmission component 81 is tilted and the gear portion 81a is in contact with the control portion 73j). Fig.25 part (b)).

[0239] Accordingly, the clearance AA between the gear portion 81 a of the drive transmission member 81 and the regulating portion 73 j of the drum bearing 73 is expressed as follows.

[0240] AA=SU。

[0241] In the following description, the distance is measured from the fixed end 81c which is a fulcrum of the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 along the axial direction of the drive transmission member 81. Let X be the distance from one end 81c of the drive transmission member 81 to the gear portion 81a in the axial direction. In addition, let W be the distance from one end 81c of the drive transmission member 81 to the coupling recess 81b in the axial direction.

[0242] The distance X and the distance W satisfy W>X.

[0243] Therefore, the misalignment amount AB between the regulating portion 73j and the gear portion 81a when the drive transmission member 81 is tilted by the gap AA is longer than the gap AA and is expressed as follows.

[0244] AB=AA×(W / X)

[0245] Moreover, let V be the gap between the coupling protrusion 63b of the drive side drum flange 63 and the coupling recess 81a of the drive transmission member 81 in a state without misalignment. Here, the gap V is the minimum value of the surface distances of the two coupling portions (the distance measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum 62 and the radial distance).

[0246] In a state where the phases between the triangular shapes of the couplings are aligned, the shortest gap V is expressed as follows.

[0247] V=AC-AD

[0248] In order to allow the couplings to engage even when the drive transmission member 81 is tilted by the gap AA and misalignment of the amount AB occurs between the couplings, the gap V between the couplings may satisfy the following formula.

[0249] V=AC-AD>AB

[0250] That is, as long as the misalignment amount AB is smaller than the shortest gap V between the coupling convex portion 63 b and the coupling concave portion 81 b , the coupling convex portion 63 b and the coupling concave portion 81 b can tolerate the misalignment amount AB and be engaged.

[0251] If the phase of the coupling recess 81b relative to the coupling protrusion 63b is different, the shortest gap V between the coupling parts is also different. That is, if the phase of the coupling parts is misaligned, the shortest gap V between the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b is less than (AC-AD). Depending on the situation, the gap V can be less than the misalignment amount AB.

[0252] However, as long as there is at least one phase relationship satisfying "V>AB" between the two coupling parts, the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b can be engaged. This is because the coupling recess 81b contacts the coupling protrusion 63b when rotating. When the coupling recess 81b rotates to an angle satisfying "V>AB", it can engage (couple) with the coupling protrusion 63b.

[0253] Furthermore, when the distance S from the center 62a of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 73i along the radial direction of the drum 62 is measured:

[0254] S=AA+U

[0255] Substituting "AB=AA×(W / X)" and "AA=SU" into "V>AB", we get:

[0256] V>(SU)×(W / X)

[0257] It is sufficient that there is at least one phase relationship satisfying this formula between the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b.

[0258] In addition, the above formula is further modified, and the condition of the distance S is as shown below.

[0259] S <U+V×(X / W)

[0260] In addition, it is preferred that the control portion 73j does not contact the gear portion 81a when the drive transmission member 81 rotates, and therefore, it is preferred that the control portion 73j is separated from the tooth tip of the gear portion 81a. This is expressed as shown in the following formula:

[0261] S>U

[0262] Combining with the above relational expression we get:

[0263] U <S<U+V×(X / W)

[0264] If the cross-sectional shapes of the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b are substantially equilateral triangles as in this embodiment, the gap V is maximized when the phases of the coupling portions are aligned. By substituting the V value at this time into the above expression, the necessary S range is obtained.

[0265] The operation when the coupling member is engaged will be described. Before the coupling recess 81b of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling protrusion 63b of the driving side drum flange 63 are engaged with each other, a meshing force FD is applied to the drive transmission member 81. The meshing force FD is a force generated by the engagement between the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30, as described above.

[0266] By the meshing force FD, the drive transmission member 81 is tilted by the amount of the gap AA between the control portion 73j of the drum bearing 73 and the gear portion 81a in the direction FD in which the meshing force is applied, with the drive transmission member bearing 83 as a fulcrum. The misalignment amount AB of the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b provided by this tilt is smaller than the gap V between the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b in a predetermined phase. Thus, when the drive transmission member 81 rotates and the triangular phases of the coupling recess 81b and the coupling protrusion 63b are aligned with each other, the end faces of the couplings do not interfere with each other, so that the coupling recess 81b is fitted around the coupling protrusion 63b, and they are engaged with each other.

[0267] Here, an example of the dimensions satisfying the above-mentioned conditional expression when the radius of the drum 62 is 12 mm will be described below.

[0268] In this embodiment, the dimensions of each part of the drive transmission member 81 applicable to the drum 62 with a radius of 12 mm are as described below. The distance AC from the center of the coupling recess 81b to the vertex of the substantially equilateral triangle shape of the coupling recess 81b is 6.5 mm, and the radius AE of the inscribed circle of the substantially equilateral triangle shape of the coupling recess 81b is 4.65 mm. The substantially equilateral triangle shape of the coupling recess 81b is not a strict equilateral triangle, but its vertices (corners) are chamfered into arcs. The radius AF of the thinning portion 81b3 of the coupling recess is 4.8 mm, the radius U of the end circle of the gear portion 81a of the coupling recess is 12.715 mm, the distance X from one end 81c to the non-driving side end face 81a1 is 30.25 mm, and the distance W from one end 81c to the free end 81b1 of the coupling recess is 33.25 mm.

[0269] The shortest distance V between the coupling recess 81b and the coupling projection 63b satisfies the following relational expression:

[0270] 0 < V < 1.7

[0271] The lower limit of V occurs when the dimensions of the triangular shape of the coupling recess 81b are equal to the dimensions of the triangular shape of the coupling projection 63b, and the lower limit value of V is "0". On the other hand, the upper limit of V occurs when the distance AC from the center of the coupling projection 63b to the vertex is 4.8 mm (which is equal to the radius AF of the thinning portion of the coupling recess 81b). At this time, the clearance V (mm) between the coupling projection 63b and the coupling recess 81b is obtained as "1.7 = 6.5 - 4.8".

[0272] Substituting each value and V = 1.7 into the previously given formula "U < S < U + V × (X / W)", we get:

[0273] "12.715 < S < 14.262" (in units of mm).

[0274] Two examples will be used below to confirm that the above conditions are satisfied.

[0275] First, in the first example, the dimensions are shown when the coupling projection 63b is as large as possible within the range where it can engage with the coupling recess 81b. At this time, the clearance V between the coupling projection 63b and the coupling recess 81b is the smallest, and therefore, the allowable inclination of the drive transmission member 81 is small. Therefore, in order to reduce the inclination of the drive transmission member 81, the control portion 73j must be closer to the normal position of the gear portion 81a.

[0276] On the other hand, in the second example, the size when the coupling protrusion 63b is as small as possible within the range that can be engaged with the coupling recess 81b is shown. At this time, the gap V between the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b is the largest, and therefore, even if the drive transmission component 81 is relatively tilted, the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b can be engaged with each other. That is, the control portion 73j can relatively tolerate the tilt of the drive transmission component 81, and therefore, the control portion 73j can be relatively spaced apart from the normal position of the gear portion 81a.

[0277] In the first example, the size of the coupling protrusion 63b is closest to the maximum value, and the radial direction engagement amount (the area where the two are engaged) between the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b is maximized. At this time, V (the gap between the couplings) is close to the lower limit (minimum value), and therefore, S (the distance from the center of the drum 62 to the control portion 73j) needs to be close to the lower limit (12.715mm).

[0278] The distance AD ​​from the center of the coupling protrusion 63b of the drive side drum flange 63 to its vertex is 6.498mm. As described above, when the coupling protrusion 63b has a size slightly smaller than the distance of 6.5mm from the center of the coupling recess 81b to the vertex of the triangle, the value of the radial direction engagement amount between the coupling parts is basically the maximum value. The radius AG of the inscribed circle inscribed in the triangle constituting the coupling protrusion 63b of the drive side drum flange 63 is 4.648mm. Here, the roughly triangular shape of the coupling protrusion 63b is not a strict equilateral triangle, but the vertex (corner) is beveled into an arc.

[0279] At this time, the distance S from the center 62a of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 73j of the drum bearing is 12.716 mm, which is slightly larger than the radius U of the addendum circle of the gear portion 81a.

[0280] Thus, the gap AA between the control portion 73j of the drum bearing and the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission component is 0.001mm (=12.716-12.715). Here, when the drive transmission component 81 is tilted relative to the control portion 73j through the gap AA, the misalignment AB between the connecting parts is magnified due to the difference between the positions of the control portion 73j and the connecting portion in the longitudinal direction. The misalignment AB is 0.0011mm (=0.001 multiplied by 33.25 / 30.25). In addition, when the phases of the connecting parts are aligned, the shortest gap V between the connecting protrusion 63b and the connecting recess 81b is 0.002mm ("6.5-6.498" or "4.65-4.648", whichever is smaller).

[0281] Therefore, even if the drive transmission member 81 is tilted due to the meshing force, the gap V between the couplings is larger than the misalignment amount AB between the coupling portions, thereby enabling engagement.

[0282] It can be understood from the above description that the radial distance from the center of the drum 62 to the outermost portion of the coupling portion is preferably greater than 4.8 mm, and the radial distance from the center of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 73j is preferably greater than 12.715 mm.

[0283] In the second example, as described above, the size of the coupling protrusion 63b is made as small as possible, and the radial engagement amount (area where the two are engaged) between the coupling protrusion 61b and the coupling recess 81b is made as small as possible. At this time, V (the gap between the couplings) is close to the maximum value (upper limit), and S (the distance from the center of the drum 62 to the control portion 73j) can be close to the upper limit.

[0284] The distance AD ​​between the center and the vertex of the coupling protrusion 63b of the driving side drum flange 63 is 4.801 mm. This is a value slightly larger than the radius of 4.8 mm of the thinned portion 81b3 of the coupling recess 81b, and is the diameter when the radial engagement amount between the couplings is almost minimum. If this distance AD ​​of the coupling protrusion 63b is shorter than the radius of the thinned portion 81b3, the end of the coupling protrusion 63b cannot engage with the coupling recess 81b, with the result that drive transmission cannot be performed.

[0285] At this time, the radius AG of the inscribed circle of the triangle of the coupling protrusion 63b is 2.951 mm.

[0286] The distance S between the center 62a of the drum 62 and the regulating portion 73j of the drum bearing is 14.259 mm.

[0287] As a result, the gap AA between the control portion 73j of the drum bearing 73 and the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission component 81 is 1.544mm (=14.259-12.715). Here, when the drive transmission component 81 is tilted relative to the control portion 73j by the amount of gap AA, the misalignment AB between the coupling parts is magnified due to the position difference in the longitudinal direction between the control portion 73j and the coupling part, and the misalignment is 1.697mm (=1.544×33.25 / 30.25). In addition, when the phases of the coupling parts are aligned with each other, the gap V between the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b is 1.699mm ("6.5-4.801" or "4.65-2.951", whichever is smaller). Therefore, even if the drive transmission component 81 is tilted by the engagement force FD, the gap V between the couplings is greater than the misalignment AB between the coupling parts, so that the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b can engage.

[0288] According to the second example, it is understood that it is preferable that the radial distance from the center of the drum 62 to the outermost portion of the coupling protrusion 63b is greater than 4.8 mm, and the radial distance from the center of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 73j is less than 14.262 mm.

[0289] Summarizing the first and second examples, in this embodiment, the radial distance S from the center 62a of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 73j of the drum bearing is preferably greater than 12.715 mm and less than 14.262 mm.

[0290] Next, the case where the coupling protrusion 363b having a more general shape is not limited to the shape of the coupling protrusion to a substantially regular triangle will be used as an example, and the preferred arrangement of the control portion 73j will be generally described. Here, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the shape of the coupling recess is basically a strict equilateral triangle.

[0291] First, in Fig.28 Examples of coupling protrusions including general shapes are shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. Fig.28 The coupling protrusion 363b shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape and also has a protrusion 363b1 provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder. The coupling protrusion 363b receives a driving force through the protrusion 363b1.

[0292] refer to Fig. 27 , a case where the regulating portion is positioned farthest from the center of the drum will be described.

[0293] First, consider the smallest equilateral triangle BD of the circumscribed coupling protrusion 363b, and take the equilateral triangle BD as an imaginary coupling protrusion. Here, the center of gravity of the equilateral triangle BD is made consistent with the center of the coupling protrusion 363b (the center of the drum 62), and the size of the equilateral triangle BD is minimized. Thereafter, the arrangement of the control portion 73j corresponding to the imaginary coupling protrusion (equilateral triangle DB) will be considered.

[0294] A circle inscribed in the imaginary coupling convex portion (equilateral triangle BD) is a circle BE, and its radius is BA.

[0295] When the coupling recess has an equilateral triangle shape, the coupling recess needs to be larger than the equilateral triangle BD in order to engage the coupling recess with the imaginary coupling protrusion (equilateral triangle BD). That is, the size of the equilateral triangle BD can also be considered as the lower limit of the size that the coupling recess can have.

[0296] Next, the maximum shape that the coupling recess can have will be considered. First, consider a circle BU that circumscribes a hypothetical coupling projection (equilateral triangle BD), and its radius is AZ. And, draw an equilateral triangle BQ that has the circle BU as an inscribed circle. When the coupling recess has the shape of an equilateral triangle, the equilateral triangle BQ is the largest (upper limit) among the equilateral triangle shapes that can be selected as the coupling recess. If the coupling recess becomes larger than the equilateral triangle BQ, the coupling recess cannot contact the hypothetical coupling projection BD, and thus, drive transmission cannot be performed. Take this equilateral triangle BQ as the maximum coupling recess.

[0297] Let AY be the shortest distance between the two equilateral triangles when these two equilateral triangles BD and BQ are in the same phase. The distance AY corresponds to the difference between the radius (AZ) of the inscribed circle BU inscribed in the equilateral triangle BQ and the radius (BA) of the inscribed circle BE inscribed in the equilateral triangle BD. That is, AY = AZ – BA.

[0298] When the coupling recess is an equilateral triangle, the distance between the hypothetical coupling projection and the coupling recess is the above-mentioned distance AY as the upper limit. If the misalignment distance of the coupling recess relative to the hypothetical coupling projection is less than AY, the coupling recess can engage with the hypothetical coupling projection.

[0299] The misalignment distance between the coupling members is equal to or greater than the clearance BC between the tooth tip of the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member and the control portion 73j. Therefore, in order for the coupling recess to engage with the hypothetical coupling projection BD, the clearance BC between the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member and the control portion 73j needs to be at least less than the distance AY. This is shown in the following formula:

[0300] BC < AY

[0301] The clearance BC is the difference between the distance BB from the drum center to the control portion 73j and the radius of the addendum circle of the gear portion 81a. Regarding the radius of the addendum circle of the gear portion 81a, the tooth tip of the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member can extend to the bottom of the tooth of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30. That is to say, the tooth tip of the gear portion 81a can extend to the extent that it does not touch the bottom of the tooth. If the shortest distance from the drum center to the bottom of the developing roller gear 30a is AX, the upper limit of the radius of the addendum circle 81a of the gear portion 81a is also AX.

[0302] Therefore, the clearance BC between the tooth tip of the gear portion 81a and the control portion 73j is always greater than "BB - AX", that is, BC > BB - AX. Using the relationship "BC > BB - AX" and the above-mentioned "BC < AY", the distance BB from the center of the drum to the control portion 73j satisfies the following condition:

[0303] BB - AX < AY

[0304] BB < AY + AX

[0305] Here,

[0306] AY = AZ - BA = BA(1 / sin 30° - 1) = BA

[0307] Therefore,

[0308] BB < BA + AX

[0309] As a condition required for the coupling to engage when the drive transmission member 81 is tilted by the meshing force between the gears, "BB < BA + AX" can be obtained for the distance BB from the center of the drum of the control section 73j.

[0310] Next, the case where the control section is positioned closest to the center of the drum will be described. In order for the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 to mesh with the gear portion 30a, the radius of the addendum circle of the gear portion 81a needs to be greater than the distance BF from the center of the drum 62 to the tooth tip of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller (the distance measured in the direction perpendicular to the drum axis). In addition, during imaging, the tooth tips of the control section 73j and the drive transmission member 81a must not contact each other. That is, the distance BB from the center of the drum 62 to the control section 73j (the distance measured in the direction perpendicular to the drum axis) needs to be greater than the distance BF from the center of the drum 62 to the tooth tip of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller (the distance measured in the direction perpendicular to the drum axis). From the above two conditions, the following condition must be satisfied:

[0311] BB > BF

[0312] Combined with the above "BB < BA + AX", it is preferable to arrange the control section 73j within the range satisfying the following relational expression with respect to the center of the drum (drum axis, axis of the input coupling):

[0313] BF < BB < AX + BA

[0314] The definition of each value is summarized as follows.

[0315] BB: The distance measured from the center of the photosensitive member (axis of the photosensitive member, axis of the coupling protrusion) to the control section 73j along the direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member;

[0316] BA: The radius of the inscribed circle inscribed in the equilateral triangle when drawing the smallest equilateral triangle circumscribing the coupling protrusion and aligning the centroid of the equilateral triangle with the axis of the drum (axis of the coupling protrusion);

[0317] AX: the distance from the center of the photosensitive member (the rotational axis of the coupling protrusion) to the bottom of the developing roller gear (the bottom of the input gear) measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member; and

[0318] BF: The minimum distance measured from the rotation center (axis) of the photosensitive member to the tooth tip of the input gear portion (gear portion 30a) measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member.

[0319] In this embodiment, the control portion 73j is formed by a continuous surface. More specifically, the control portion 73j is a curved surface (arc surface) that is open toward the axis of the drum 62 and is curved in an arc shape. In other words, it is a bay (bay portion) open toward the axis of the drum 62.

[0320] However, if Fig.26 As shown in the perspective view of the box in FIG, the control portion 89j can be formed by a plurality of portions (a plurality of surfaces 89j) intermittent in the rotation direction of the drum 62. Similarly, in this case, by connecting a plurality of intermittent portions, the control portion can be regarded as forming a bay (bay portion) open to the axis of the drum 62.

[0321] That is, there are differences in whether the control section is one continuous section or multiple discontinuous sections, but Figure 1 The control section shown and Fig.26 The control portions shown can all be considered to have an arcuate shape (bay-like, curved surface portion, curved portion) that opens toward the axis of the drum 62 .

[0322] In addition, in this embodiment, as a means for aligning the center of the drive transmission member 81 with the center of the drum 62, the triangular alignment effect of the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b is utilized. That is, the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b contact at three points so that the axis of the coupling protrusion 63b and the axis of the coupling recess 81b are aligned with each other. By making the drive transmission member 81 and the photosensitive drum coaxial, the accuracy of the center-to-center distance (distance between the axes) between the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a can be easily maintained, and the drive is stably transmitted to the developing roller gear 30.

[0323] However, one of the drive transmission member 81 and the driving side drum flange 63 may be provided with a cylindrical lug (protrusion), and the other may be provided with a hole that cooperates with the lug. Even with such a structure, the axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the axis of the drum 62 may overlap. Fig.38 Such a modification example is shown. Fig.38The drive transmission member 181 shown has a convex portion (lug) 181c at the center of the coupling recess 181b. The convex portion 181c is arranged to overlap with the axis of the drive transmission member 181 and is a protrusion protruding along its axis. On the other hand, Fig.38 The coupling protrusion shown has a recess (depression) for engaging with the protrusion 181c at its center. The recess is arranged to overlap with the rotation axis of the drum 62 and is a recessed portion along the axis. By making the drive transmission member 81 and the photosensitive drum coaxial, the accuracy of the center-to-center distance (distance between the axes) between the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a can be easily maintained, and the drive is stably transmitted to the developing roller gear 30.

[0324] Next, the arrangement of the coupling protrusion 63b in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the drum) will be described. Fig.18 As shown, the driving side drum flange 63 has a flange portion 63c. The cleaning frame 71 is provided with drum regulating ribs 71m (drum regulating portion, drum longitudinal position regulating portion, drum axial position regulating portion).

[0325] The drum regulating rib 71m is provided on the non-driving side of the flange portion 63c of the driving-side drum flange 63 with respect to the longitudinal direction, and faces the flange portion 63c with a gap therebetween.

[0326] When the amount of movement of the drum 62 to the non-driving side exceeds the gap, the flange 63c and the drum control rib 71m contact each other, and the movement of the drum 62 is restricted. That is, the movement of the drum 62 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) will not exceed a predetermined range. Thus, before the coupling protrusion 63b of the driving side drum flange 63 engages with the coupling recess 81b, the position accuracy of the coupling protrusion 63b of the driving side drum flange 63 in the longitudinal direction is improved. Therefore, even if the movement amount of the drive transmission component 81 in the longitudinal direction is reduced, the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b can also engage with each other. By reducing the movement amount of the drive transmission component 81 in the longitudinal direction, the main component A of the device can be miniaturized.

[0327] Next, the arrangement of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the drum) will be described. Fig.18 As shown, the developing roller gear 30 has an end surface 30a2 on the non-driving side of the gear portion 30a. The developing container 23 is provided with a developing roller gear regulating rib 23d (gear regulating portion, gear longitudinal position regulating portion, gear axial position regulating portion).

[0328] The developing roller gear regulating rib 23d is arranged on the non-driving side in the axial direction with respect to the non-driving side end surface 30a2 of the gear portion 30a, and faces the non-driving side end surface 30a2a with a gap therebetween.

[0329] Thus, the developing roller gear control rib 23d arranged on the driving side of the cartridge B restricts the developing roller gear 30 from moving toward the non-driving side in the longitudinal direction. Thus, before the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 meshes with the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81, the axial position accuracy of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 is improved. Therefore, the gear width of the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 can be reduced. Thus, the cartridge B and the main assembly A of the device in which the cartridge B is installed can be miniaturized.

[0330] <Disassembly of the box>

[0331] Will refer to Figure 7 , 24 and 25 describe the removal of box B from the device main component A.

[0332] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the opening and closing door 13 is rotated and opened, the cylindrical cam 86 moves while rotating along the inclined surface portions 86a and 86b by the rotating cam link 85 until the end surface portion 86c of the cylindrical cam 86 and the end surface portion 15f of the driving side plate 15 abut on the driving side in the axial direction. And, when the cylindrical cam 86 moves, the drive transmission member 81 can move to the driving side in the axial direction (the side away from the cartridge B).

[0333] Here, if Fig.24 Part (a) and part (b) of Fig.25 As shown in part (a) of , the engagement amount of the radial teeth of the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 is referred to as the engagement amount AH.

[0334] In order to destroy the engagement between the gear portion 81a and the gear portion 30a, the amount by which the gear portion 81a moves in the direction away from the gear portion 30a must be equal to or greater than the engagement amount AH between the gear portions. Therefore, the control portion 73j of the drum bearing 73 is arranged so as not to hinder the movement of the drive transmission component 81 when the gear portion 81a is separated from the gear portion 30a. The direction in which the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission component 81 moves away from the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 is indicated by the arrow AI extending in the direction along the line connecting the center 81j of the drive transmission component 81 and the center 30b of the developing roller gear 30. It is preferred that the control portion 73j is not arranged in the direction of the arrow AI. That is, it is preferred that the control portion 73j is not arranged to intersect with the straight line LA, and when the gear portion 81a is disengaged from the gear portion 30a, the drive transmission component 81 does not contact the control portion 73j.

[0335] It is preferable that the drive transmission member 81 does not contact the concave peripheral surface 73k of the drum bearing 73 when the gear portion 81a is disengaged from the gear portion 30a. Figure 7 In parts (a) and (b)), the drive transmission component 81 is retracted to a position where it does not contact the concave peripheral surface 73k of the drum bearing 73.

[0336] That is to say, Fig.24 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment of the present invention, the position of the drive transmission component 81 is retracted to such an extent that the connection with the connection protrusion 63b is broken. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction of the drive transmission component 81, the free end of the drive transmission component 81 is in a position substantially the same as the free end of the concave peripheral surface 73k or to the left of the free end of the concave peripheral surface 73k.

[0337] In this state, even if the drive transmission member 81 is tilted to try to break the meshing between the gear portion 81 a and the gear portion 30 a , the drive transmission member 81 and the concave peripheral surface 73 k do not come into contact with each other.

[0338] It is also conceivable that the amount of movement of the drive transmission member 81 when retracted is shorter and the free end of the drive transmission member 81 in the retracted position is set to the right of the free end of the concave peripheral surface 73k. In such a case, the contact between the drive transmission member 81 and the concave peripheral surface 73k can be avoided as long as the following conditions are met.

[0339] Let Z be the distance in the radial direction from the center 62a of the drum 62 to the concave peripheral surface 73k of the drum bearing 73. Let Y be the radial distance from the center 81j of the drive transmission member 81 to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 81i of the drive transmission member 81. Let AJ be the radial distance at the gap between the concave peripheral surface 73k and the cylindrical portion 81i.

[0340] At this time, the gap AJ satisfies the following relationship.

[0341] AJ=ZY

[0342] AJ>AH

[0343] That is, the recessed portion is provided around the drum 62. And, the drive transmission member 81 can move within a range in which the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion (the concave peripheral surface 73k) does not contact the gear portion 81a.

[0344] The radial position of the concave peripheral surface 73k of the drum bearing 73 may be such that the distance Z from the center 62a of the drum 62 satisfies the following equation:

[0345] Z>AH+Y

[0346] With the above structure, when the cartridge B is taken out from the apparatus main assembly A, the drive transmission member 81 can be tilted in the away direction AD by an amount exceeding the engagement amount AH between the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30. And, the disengagement between the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the gear portion 30a of the developing roller gear 30 is achieved, so that the cartridge B can be smoothly taken out from the apparatus main assembly A.

[0347] As described above, the drive transmission member 81 moves toward the coupling portion on the cartridge side due to the thrust caused by the helical gears engaging with each other.

[0348] In addition, the drive transmission member 81 moves (tilts) by the force generated by the gear meshing, but the movement amount (tilt amount) is controlled by the control part provided on the box side. Thus, the engagement (connection) between the drive transmission member 81 and the connecting part on the box side is ensured, thereby ensuring reliable drive transmission.

[0349] Furthermore, since the drive transmission member 81 is arranged with a clearance to allow the drive transmission member 81 to move in the radial direction beyond the engagement height of the gears, the disengagement between the gears is smoothly performed when the cartridge B is removed from the main assembly of the apparatus. That is, the cartridge can be easily removed.

[0350] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coupling protrusion 63b is fixed to the drum 62, but a movable coupling protrusion may be provided. For example, Fig. 20 The coupling 263b shown is capable of moving in the axial direction relative to the drum 62, and is pushed toward the drive side by the spring 94 when it does not receive external force. When the box B is installed in the main component A, the end 263a of the coupling 263b contacts the drive transmission component 81. The coupling protrusion 263b can be retracted to the non-drive side (the side away from the drive transmission component 81), and the spring 94 is contracted by the force received from the drive transmission component 81. With such a structure, it is not absolutely necessary to retract the drive transmission component 81 to the extent that it does not contact the coupling protrusion 263b. In other words, with the opening and closing door 13 ( Figure 2 ) can be reduced by the amount by which the coupling protrusion 263b can be retracted. That is, the main assembly A can be miniaturized.

[0351] The end 263a of the coupling protrusion 263b is an inclined portion (inclined surface, chamfered surface). With such a structure, when the end 263a contacts the drive transmission component 81 in the case of installing and removing the box, the end 263a tends to receive a force in the direction of retracting the coupling protrusion 263b. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, the contact portion on the drive transmission component 81 side that contacts the coupling protrusion 263b can be an inclined portion.

[0352] exist Fig.23 Another variation is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the drum 62 is driven by engagement between the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling protrusion 63b. However, as Fig.23 As shown, the driving of the drum 62 may be performed by gears 330b, 95b.

[0353] exist Fig.23 In the structure shown, the developing roller gear 330 includes not only a gear portion (input gear portion) 330a for receiving drive from the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81, but also a gear portion (output gear portion) 330b for outputting driving force to the drum 62. In addition, the drum flange 95 fixed to the end of the drum 62 has a gear portion 95b (input gear portion) for receiving driving force from the gear portion 330b instead of including a coupling protrusion. In addition, the drum flange 95 has a cylindrical portion 95a.

[0354] In this case, the cylindrical portion 95 a provided at the end of the drum 62 serves as a positioning portion for positioning the drive transmission member 81 by engaging with a coupling recess 81 b provided at the distal end of the drive transmission member 81 .

[0355] Both the recess 81b and the cylindrical portion 95a serve as alignment portions for aligning the axes of the drive transmission member recess 81 and the drum 62 with each other. When the coupling recess 81b and the cylindrical portion 95a are engaged with each other, the axes of the drum 62 and the drive transmission member 81 are substantially overlapped, and the two are coaxially arranged. Here, the coupling recess 81b may be referred to as a main assembly side alignment portion (alignment recess), and the cylindrical portion 95a may be referred to as a cartridge side alignment portion (alignment projection).

[0356] Strictly speaking, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 95a corresponds to the alignment portion on the cartridge side. In addition, the thinned portion 81b3 of the coupling protrusion 81b corresponds to the alignment portion on the main assembly side. The circular thinned portion 81b3 engages with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 95a, thereby aligning the drum 62 and the drive transmission member 81 with each other.

[0357] exist Fig.23 In the box shown in FIG. 1 , due to the engagement between the gear portion 30a of the gear 30 and the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81, a force is generated that causes the coupling recess 81b and the cylindrical portion 95a to attract each other through the same action as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Through the drive transmission between the gear portion 30a and the gear portion 81a, the coupling recess 81b and the cylindrical portion 95a engage with each other. Here, the inclined portion (tapered portion, chamfered portion) 95a1 ( Fig.23The portion (b) is provided on the edge of the distal end of the cylindrical portion 95a so that the coupling recess 81b and the cylindrical portion 95a are easily engaged with each other. That is, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 95a decreases toward its distal end.

[0358] As described above, when the coupling protrusion 63b is provided at the end of the drum 62, the coupling recess 81b serves as an output coupling for transmitting the driving force to the coupling protrusion 63b. In addition, in the case where the coupling protrusion 63b is substantially triangular, the drive transmission member 81 is centered by coupling to the coupling protrusion 63b through the coupling recess 81b. Therefore, the coupling recess 81b also serves as a centering (alignment) portion.

[0359] On the other hand, in Fig.23 In the structure shown in part (a) of the embodiment in which the cylindrical portion 95a is arranged at the end of the drum 62, the connecting recess 81b is not used as a connecting portion (output connecting member) but is only used as a centering recess (main component side alignment portion).

[0360] That is, the connecting recess 81b can be used as both an output connecting member and a main component side alignment portion (alignment recess), and the function of the connecting recess 81b provided by the structure of the drum 62 is to have both the functions of a connecting recess and a centering portion or to have either of the two functions.

[0361] In addition, although Fig.23 The outer periphery of the alignment portion on the box side is shown to be a cylindrical portion 95a forming a complete circle, but the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Fig.35 An example of the shape of the alignment portion is shown as a schematic diagram.

[0362] Fig.35 Part (a) shows Fig.23 The cylindrical portion 95a is shown in the state where it is disposed on the drum flange 63. Fig.35 In the part (b), the shape of the alignment portion 95b only constitutes a part of a circle. As long as the arc portion of the alignment portion 95b is sufficiently larger than the arc shape of the thinned portion 81b3, the alignment portion 95b has a centering effect.

[0363] The distance (radius) from the center of the drum to the outermost portion of the alignment portions 95a, 95b corresponds to the radius of the thinned portion 81b3. The radius of the thinned portion 81b3 is 4.8 mm, and therefore, the distance (radius) from the center of the drum to the outermost portion of the alignment portions 95a, 95b, 95c is 4.8 mm or less, and the closer to 4.8 mm, the better the alignment effect.

[0364] In this embodiment, the coupling recess 81b as the main component side alignment portion has a generally triangular shape so as to transmit drive when engaged with the coupling protrusion 63b, and the arc-shaped thinned portion 81b3 is provided on a portion of the side of the triangle. However, when the main component side alignment unit does not need to transmit drive to the drum 62, the main component side alignment portion may adopt another shape. For example, the main component side alignment portion may be a generally circular recess. In the case of such a main component side alignment portion, as Fig.35 The alignment portion 95c shown in part (c) can be used as the alignment portion on the box side. Fig.35 The centering portion shown in part (c) has a structure in which a plurality of protrusions 95c are arranged in a circle. That is, the circumscribed circle (circle shown by the dotted line) of the protrusion 95c is a circle coaxial with the drum. In addition, the size of the circumscribed circle corresponds to the recess of the main component side alignment portion. That is, the radius of the circumscribed circle is not greater than 4.8 mm.

[0365] Fig.35 Any structure shown in part (a), part (b) and part (c) of can be regarded as the alignment part that is roughly coaxial with drum.That is, each in alignment part 95a, 95b, 95c is arranged to be centered on the axis of drum.

[0366] Strictly speaking, the outer peripheral surfaces of the alignment portions 95a, 95b, 95c, i.e., the portions facing the opposite sides of the drum axis (in other words, the portions facing the outside in the radial direction of the drum) serve as alignment portions. The outer peripheral surfaces serving as alignment portions extend in a manner surrounding the drum axis.

[0367] Each alignment portion 95a, 95b, 95c is exposed toward the outside of the box in the axial direction.

[0368] In addition, it is preferred that Fig.23 The structure of the box shown also has the control portion 73j as described above. In addition, the positional relationship (dimensional relationship) between the developing roller gear 30 and the control portion 73j relative to the alignment portion can be considered to be similar to the relationship (dimensional relationship) between the developing roller gear 30 and the control portion 73j relative to the box protrusion 63b.

[0369] For the reasons described above, for example, with respect to the lower limit of the distance BB from the center of the drum to the center of the regulating portion 73 j , the following relational expression holds true.

[0370] BF <BB

[0371] BB: distance measured from the center of the photosensitive member (axis of the photosensitive member, axis of the coupling convex portion) to the regulating portion 73 j in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member.

[0372] BF: The minimum distance measured along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member from the rotation center (axis) of the photosensitive member to the tooth tip of the input gear portion (gear portion 30a).

[0373] The upper limit of the distance BB will be considered. Preferably, the misalignment amount generated between the coupling recess 81b and the alignment portion 95a when the movement transmission member 81 is tilted until the gear portion 81a contacts the control portion 73j satisfies the following relationship. That is, preferably, the inclined portion 95a1 ( Fig.23 portion (a)) is provided at the end of the alignment portion 95a, but when the width of the inclined portion 95a is measured along the radial direction of the drum, the width of the inclined portion 95a is greater than the misalignment amount. As long as this relationship is satisfied, even if misalignment occurs, the inclined portion 95a1 of the alignment portion 95a will contact the edge of the coupling recess 81b to assist the engagement between the coupling recess 81b and the alignment portion 95a.

[0374] The difference between the distance BB and the radius U of the end circle of the gear portion 81a is "BB - U", and the misalignment amount becomes greater than "BB - U".

[0375] Therefore, the width BX of the inclined portion 95a needs to be at least greater than "BB - U". In addition, the radius U of the addendum circle of the gear portion 81a is less than the distance AX from the center of the drum to the root of the developing roller gear. Therefore, the width BX of the inclined portion 95a is greater than "BB - AX".

[0376] BX > BB - AX

[0377] Transform this formula as follows:

[0378] BB < BX + AX

[0379] BB: The distance measured along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member from the center of the photosensitive member (axis of the photosensitive member, axis of the coupling projection) to the control portion 73j.

[0380] BX: The width of the inclined portion 95a measured along the radial direction of the photosensitive member.

[0381] AX: The distance measured along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member from the axis of the photosensitive member to the root of the developing roller gear.

[0382] In short, "BF < BB < BX + AX" holds.

[0383] In Fig.23In the illustrated structure, the cylindrical portion 95a is provided on the drum 62. Alternatively, an alignment portion such as the cylindrical portion 95a may be provided on the frame of the cleaning unit 60 (i.e., the drum bearing 73). That is, it is also conceivable that the drum bearing 73 covers the end of the drum 62 and the drum bearing 73 is provided with the alignment portion. In addition, it is also possible to use a cylindrical portion 81i ( Fig.13 The portion (a)) other than the structure engaging with the recessed portion 81b of the drive transmission member 81 serves as an alignment portion on the box side.

[0384] exist Fig.36 In the illustrated variation, an arc-shaped protrusion 173 a for contacting the periphery of the cylindrical portion 81 i is provided on the drum bearing 173 . Fig.36 Part (a) is a perspective view of the box, and Fig.36 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the alignment portion of the cartridge and the main assembly driving member are engaged with each other. In this modification, the projection 173a is engaged with the cylindrical portion 81i to provide an alignment portion for aligning the drive transmission member 81. More specifically, the inner peripheral surface of the projection 173a facing the axial side of the drum (in other words, facing the radial inner side of the drum) is the alignment portion.

[0385] The aligning portion is provided in the drum bearing 173, not in the drum flange 195. Therefore, the drum flange 195 has the gear portion 195a for receiving the driving force from the developing roller gear, but has no aligning portion.

[0386] The center of the alignment portion is arranged to overlap with the axis of the drum. That is, the protrusion 173a is arranged to be roughly coaxial with the drum. In other words, the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 173a facing the axis side of the drum is arranged to surround the axis of the drum. The tapered portion (inclined portion) is provided on the edge of the end of the protrusion 173a so that when the end of the protrusion 173a hits the cylindrical portion 81i, the cylindrical portion 81i can be easily introduced into the inner space of the protrusion 173a.

[0387] The distance (radius) from the axis of the drum to the alignment portion (protrusion 173a) corresponds to the radius of the cylindrical portion 81i. If the radius of the cylindrical portion 81i is 7.05mm, the radius of the protrusion 173a is preferably 7.05mm or more.

[0388] The protrusion 173a also serves as a control portion (stopper) for suppressing the inclination and movement of the drive transmission member 81 by contacting the cylindrical portion 81i. That is, the protrusion 173a can also serve as the control portion 73j ( Fig.24). A structure in which the control portion is configured to contact the cylindrical portion 81i will be described later in Example 2. Here, an inclined portion (tapered portion, chamfered portion) is provided at the end of the protrusion 173a, and when the drive transmission component 81 is tilted, the end of the cylindrical portion 81i contacts the inclined portion, thereby facilitating the engagement between the cylindrical portion 81i and the protrusion 173a. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 173a has a diameter that increases toward the end of the protrusion 173a.

[0389] Unless otherwise specified, the functions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements and the like of the components described in conjunction with this embodiment and each of the above-mentioned variations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention only thereto.

[0390] <Example 2>

[0391] Next, we will refer to Fig.29 , Fig.30 Part (a), Fig.30 Part (b), Fig.30 Part (c), Fig.31 Part (a) and Fig.31 Part (b) describes the implementation scheme of Example 2 of the present invention. Fig.29 is a perspective view of the box, used to illustrate the control portion of the drive transmission component. Fig.30 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device as seen from the opposite direction of the box installation direction, which is used to illustrate the control of the drive transmission portion. Fig.30 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device as seen from the driving side, for illustrating the control of the drive transmission portion. Fig.30 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device as seen from the driving side, for illustrating the control of the drive transmission portion. Fig.31 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the imaging device as seen from the driving side, for illustrating the control of the drive transmission portion. Fig.31 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the driving portion of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the upstream side in the process cartridge installation direction, for illustrating the drive transmission portion.

[0392] In this embodiment, the parts different from the above-mentioned embodiment will be described in detail. In particular, unless otherwise specified, the materials, shapes, etc. are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment. For these parts, the same symbols will be given and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0393] like Fig.29 as well as Fig.30 Part (a), Fig.30 Part (b) and Fig.30As shown in part (c), the drum bearing 90 is provided with a concave portion surrounding the convex portion of the coupling portion. And, the control portion 90k1 for controlling the movement of the drive transmission member 91 is provided as a small diameter portion (a portion in which the inner diameter of the concave portion is smaller than other portions) within the concave peripheral surface 90k (the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion). The control portion 90k1 is an arcuate curved surface portion facing the axis side of the drum.

[0394] The regulating portion 90k1 is a regulating portion (stopper) for suppressing the movement and inclination of the drive transmission member 91, and is different from the regulating portion 73j ( Figure 1 , Fig.24 Hereinafter, the control portion 90k1 in this embodiment, especially the portion different from the control portion 73j in Embodiment 1, will be described in detail.

[0395] The portion regulating the inclination of the drive transmission member 91 by the regulating portion 90k1 is a cylindrical portion (cylindrical portion) 91i provided at the free end portion on the non-driving side in the axial direction of the drive transmission member. The cylindrical portion 91i corresponds to a cylindrical protrusion in which a coupling recess is formed.

[0396] In a state where the opening and closing door 13 is open and the drive transmission member 91 is moved to the driving side (direction away from the cartridge side), the regulating portion 90k1 overlaps the cylindrical portion 91i of the drive transmission member 91 in the axial direction.

[0397] like Fig.39 As shown, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the control portion 90k1 in the axial direction is located outside (arrow D1 side) of the outer peripheral surface 63b2 of the input coupling portion (coupling protrusion 63b). Here, the outer peripheral surface 63b2 is a portion (drive receiving portion) that receives the driving force from the coupling recess. In particular, at least a portion of the control portion 90k1 is arranged outside the front end 63b1 of the coupling protrusion 63b.

[0398] In addition, at least a portion of the control portion 90k1 is arranged to overlap with the input coupling portion (coupling protrusion 63b) in the axial direction. That is, when the coupling protrusion 63b and the control portion 90k1 are projected on the axis Ax1 of the drum, at least a portion of their projected areas overlap each other. In other words, at least a portion of the control portion 90k1 is arranged to face the input coupling portion (coupling protrusion 63b) provided at the end of the drum.

[0399] The regulating portion 90k1 may also be regarded as a protruding portion which protrudes to cover the axis of the drum.

[0400] Here, it has been described that in Example 1 ( Fig.24 Part (a), part (b), Fig.25In part (a) of , the following relationship holds.

[0401] AB=AA×(W / X)

[0402] S=AA+U

[0403] V>AB

[0404] V>(SU)×(W / X)

[0405] U <S<U+V×(X / W)

[0406] In this embodiment, Fig.30 In the dimensions shown in parts (a), (b) and (c), AU corresponds to V and AS corresponds to S.

[0407] In addition, AT corresponds to AA, and AP corresponds to U.

[0408] In addition, W=X, and (W / X)=1.

[0409] Accordingly, in this embodiment, according to the same analysis as in Embodiment 1, when the drive transmission member 91 is tilted until it comes into contact with the regulating portion 90k1, the conditions under which the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess can be coupled to each other are as follows.

[0410] AB=AT

[0411] AS=AT+AP

[0412] AU>AT

[0413] AU>(AS-AP)

[0414] AP <AS<AP+AU

[0415] In other words, as long as there is at least one phase relationship satisfying "AU>AT=AS-AP" between the coupling convex portion and the coupling concave portion, the coupling portions can be engaged (coupled) with each other.

[0416] here,

[0417] AB: Misalignment between couplings measured perpendicular to the drum axis.

[0418] AT: The distance from the drive transmitting member 91 (cylindrical portion 91 i ) to the regulating portion 90 k 1 measured in the direction perpendicular to the drum axis.

[0419] AS: The distance from the drum axis (the axis of the coupling boss) to the regulating portion 90k1 measured in a direction perpendicular to the drum axis.

[0420] AP: radius of the cylindrical portion 91 i of the drive transmission member 91 .

[0421] In Embodiment 1, the gear portion 81 a of the drive transmission member 81 is regulated by the regulating portion 73 j .

[0422] In contrast, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 91i forming the outer peripheral surface of the coupling recess 91b is regulated by the regulating portion 90k1.

[0423] Therefore, the positions of the regulating portion 90k1 and the coupling recess 91b in the axial direction are substantially the same.

[0424] Compared with the case where the gear portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 is regulated by the regulation portion ( Fig.24 Compared with part (a)), in this embodiment, the inclination of the drive transmission component 91 can be accurately controlled.

[0425] Thus, even if the gap between the coupling recess 91 and the coupling protrusion 63b is small, they can engage with each other. Since the dimensions (sizes) of the coupling recess 91 and the coupling protrusion 63b are close to each other, the accuracy of drive transmission is improved.

[0426] Here, an example of the dimensions established when the radius of the drum 62 is 12 mm will be described below. First, the dimensions of the various parts of the drive transmission component 91 applicable to the drum 62 with a radius of 12 mm in this embodiment are the same as the drive transmission component 81 in Example 1, and are as follows: the distance AJ from the center of the connecting recess 91b to the vertex of the approximately equilateral triangle of the recess 91b is 6.5 mm, and the radius AK of the inscribed circle of the approximately triangular shape of the connecting recess 91b is 4.65 mm. Here, the approximately equilateral triangle shape of the recess 91b is not a pure equilateral triangle, but the vertex angle is beveled into an arc. In addition, the radius AN of the thinned portion 91b3 of the connecting recess 91b is 4.8 mm, and the radius AP of the cylindrical portion 91i of the drive transmission component 91 is 7.05 mm.

[0427] The shortest distance AU between the coupling recess 91b and the coupling protrusion 63b satisfies the following relationship:

[0428] 0 <AU<1.7

[0429] When the size of the triangular shape of the coupling recess 91b is equal to the size of the triangular shape of the coupling protrusion 63b, AU is the lower limit. On the other hand, when the distance from the center to the vertex of the coupling protrusion 63b is 4.8 mm, which is equal to the radius AC of the thinned portion of the coupling recess 91b, AU is the upper limit. At this time, the gap AU between the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 81b is "1.7 = 6.5-4.8".

[0430] Therefore, substituting each value and AU = 1.7 into the above-mentioned expression "AP < AS < AP + AU" gives:

[0431] "7.05 < S < 8.75".

[0432] Two examples will be used to verify the fact that the above formula holds.

[0433] In the first example, the dimensions are shown when the coupling convex portion 63b is enlarged to the maximum within the range where it can be engaged with the coupling concave portion 91b. In this case, the gap AU between the coupling convex portion 63b and the coupling concave portion 91b approaches the lower limit, and thus, the allowable inclination of the drive transmission member 81 becomes smaller. Therefore, in order to reduce the inclination of the drive transmission member 91, the control portion 90k1 must be closest to the normal position of the cylindrical portion 91i.

[0434] In the second example, the dimensions are shown when the coupling convex portion 63b is minimized within the range where it can be engaged with the coupling concave portion 91b. The gap AU between the coupling convex portion 63b and the coupling concave portion 91b approaches the upper limit, and thus, even if the drive transmission member 81 is inclined relatively largely, the coupling convex portion 63b and the coupling concave portion 91b can be engaged with each other. That is to say, the control portion 73j can relatively significantly allow the inclination of the drive transmission member 91, and thus, the control portion 93j can be relatively largely away from the normal position of the cylindrical portion 91i.

[0435] In the first example, the coupling convex portion 63b is maximized to maximize the radial coupling amount between the coupling portions.

[0436] The distance AQ (which is 6.498 mm) from the center of the coupling convex portion 63b of the drive-side drum flange 63 to the vertex is slightly smaller than the distance AJ (6.5 mm) from the center of the coupling concave portion to the vertex of the triangle. At this time, the radius AR of the inscribed circle of the triangle of the coupling convex portion 63b of the drive-side drum flange 63 is 4.648 mm.

[0437] Moreover, the radius AP of the cylindrical portion 91i of the drive transmission member 91 is 7.05 mm, and thus, the distance AS from the center of the drum 62 to the control portion 90k1 of the drum bearing is 7.051 mm, which is slightly larger than the radius AP.

[0438] As a result, the gap AT between the control part 90k1 of the drum bearing and the cylindrical part 91i of the drive transmission component is 0.001mm (=7.051-7.05). In addition, when the phases of the coupling parts are aligned, the gap AU between the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 91b is 0.002mm ("6.5-6.498" or "4.65-4.648", whichever is smaller). Therefore, even if the drive transmission component 91 is tilted due to the meshing force, the gap AU between the coupling parts is greater than the misalignment AT between the coupling parts, and therefore, the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 91b can be connected to each other.

[0439] In the first example, it is preferable to make the distance in the radial direction from the center of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 90k1 larger than 7.05 mm.

[0440] In the second example, the coupling protrusion 63b is minimized so that the amount of engagement between the coupling portions is minimized.

[0441] The distance AQ from the center to the vertex of the coupling protrusion 63b provided on the driving side drum flange 63 is set to 4.801 mm, which is slightly larger than the radius AN (i.e. 4.8 mm) of the thinned portion 91b3 of the coupling recess. At this time, the radius AR of the inscribed circle inscribed in the triangular shape of the coupling protrusion is 2.951 mm.

[0442] The distance AS of the control portion 90k1 of the drum bearing from the center of the drum 62 is 8.749 mm. Thus, the gap AT between the control portion 90k1 of the drum bearing 90 and the gear portion 91a of the drive transmission component 91 is 1.698 mm (=8.748-7.05). In addition, when the phases of the coupling parts are aligned, the gap AU between the coupling protrusion 63b and the coupling recess 91b is 1.699 mm ("6.5-4.801" and "4.65-2.951", whichever is smaller). Therefore, even if the drive transmission component 91 is tilted due to the meshing force, the gap AU between the couplings is greater than the misalignment AT between the coupling parts, and therefore, the coupling parts can engage with each other.

[0443] According to the second example, it can be understood that the radial distance from the center of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 90k1 of the drum bearing is preferably less than 8.75 mm.

[0444] In other words, it is preferable that the distance in the radial direction from the center of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 90k1 of the drum bearing is greater than 7.05 mm and less than 8.75 mm.

[0445] The shape of the coupling protrusion provided on the drum 62 is not limited to a substantially equilateral triangle, and the preferred arrangement of the control portion in the case of a more general shape will be considered. Here, for convenience, it is assumed that the shape of the coupling recess is an equilateral triangle. Here, the above-mentioned coupling protrusion 363b ( Fig. 27 and 28 ) is used as a coupling protrusion having a general shape.

[0446] First, use Fig.31 The regulating portion 90k1 and the drive transmission member 191 shown are taken into consideration as an upper limit of the distance from the drum axis to the regulating portion 90k1.

[0447] The position of the control portion 90k1 depends on the radius of the cylindrical portion 191i of the drive transmission member 191. That is, as the radius of the cylindrical portion 191i increases, the control portion 90k1 must be moved away from the axis of the drum. Fig.31 As shown, it is assumed that the diameter of the cylindrical portion 191i of the drive transmission member 191 is larger than the diameter of the gear portion (output gear portion) 191a of the drive transmission member 191. At this time, the cylindrical portion 191i is arranged to be clamped between the roller portion 132a of the developing roller 132 and the developing roller gear 30, and the cylindrical portion 191i faces the shaft portion 132b of the developing roller 132.

[0448] The distance from the center (axis) of the drum 62 to the regulating portion 90k1 is the distance BG (the distance measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum). The distance from the center of the drum 62 to the axis of the developing roller is taken as the distance BK (the distance taken in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum).

[0449] Here, it is preferred that when the drive transmission member 191 is tilted so that the cylindrical portion 191i contacts the control portion 90k1, the cylindrical portion 191i does not interfere with the shaft portion 32b of the developing roller. That is, it is desirable to control the movement of the cylindrical portion 191i by the control portion 90k1 so that at least the cylindrical portion 191i does not tilt beyond the axis of the developing roller. Therefore, it is preferred that the distance BG from the drum center to the control portion 90k1 is smaller than the distance BK from the drum center to the axis of the developing roller 132, that is:

[0450] BG <BK

[0451] Next, refer to Fig.31 , the lower limit of the distance from the drum center to the control portion 90k1 will be considered. Fig.28 ) is used as the imaginary connecting protrusion. The center of gravity of the equilateral triangle BO is set at the center of the connecting protrusion 363b.

[0452] The circle inscribed in the imaginary coupling protrusion (equilateral triangle BO) is circle BP, and its radius is radius BH. Here, in order to engage the imaginary coupling protrusion BO with the coupling recess provided in the cylindrical portion 191i, the cylindrical portion 191i of the drive transmission component needs to be larger than the inscribed circle BP. This is because, if the cylindrical portion 191i is smaller than the inscribed circle BP of the imaginary coupling protrusion BO, then an output coupling portion for transmitting the drive to the imaginary coupling protrusion BO cannot be formed in the cylindrical portion 191i.

[0453] The distance BG from the drum center to the regulating portion 90k1 is greater than the radius of the cylindrical portion 191i, and therefore, the distance BG is greater than the radius BH of the inscribed circle BP.

[0454] Therefore, the distance BG from the drum center of the control part 90k1 satisfies:

[0455] BH <BG

[0456] That is to say, the preferred range of the control part 90k1 is as follows:

[0457] BH <BG<BK

[0458] Next, we will use Fig.32 The drive transmission member 291 is shown to describe a further preferred scope of the regulating portion 90k1.

[0459] exist Fig.32 In the embodiment, the cylindrical portion 291i of the drive transmission member 291 is smaller in diameter than the gear portion 291a and is arranged to face the developing roller gear 30. If the diameter of the cylindrical portion 191i is Fig.31 , the cylindrical portion 191i cannot be arranged in front of the developing roller gear 30, and the cylindrical portion 191i needs to be arranged to face the shaft portion of the developing roller. In such a case, it is necessary to increase the length of the shaft portion of the developing roller or increase the length of the drive transmission component. In contrast, if the cylindrical portion 291i of the drive transmission component is as shown Fig.32 As shown, the developing roller gear 30 is arranged in front of the developing roller gear 30, and there is no need to increase the length of the shaft portion 232b of the developing roller 232 and the drive transmission member 291, and therefore, the box and the image forming apparatus can be miniaturized.

[0460] First, refer to Fig.32 Consider the upper limit of the distance from the drum center to the regulating portion 90k1.

[0461] The distance from the center of the drum 162 to the control portion 90k1 is the distance BG (the distance measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum). The shortest distance from the center of the drum 162 to the tooth tip of the gear portion of the developing roller gear 30 is the distance BJ (the distance measured in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum). When the control portion 90k1 contacts the cylindrical portion 291i, in order to prevent the cylindrical portion 291i from interfering with the gear 30 of the developing roller, it is preferable that the distance BG from the drum center to the control portion 90k1 is less than the distance BJ from the drum center to the tooth tip of the developing roller gear.

[0462] Therefore, BG > BJ.

[0463] Next, the lower limit of the distance from the drum center to the control portion 90k1 will be considered. The smallest circle of the external connection convex portion 163a is BS, and its radius is the radius BL.

[0464] Here, the circle BS is provided concentrically (coaxially) with the drum 162.

[0465] Here, if the cylindrical portion 291i of the drive transmission member 291 is larger than the circle BS, a connection recess can be formed in the cylindrical portion 291i around the entire periphery of the connection convex portion 163a.

[0466] Thereby, the strength of the output connection portion (connection recess) can be increased, and the engagement between the connection members can be stabilized.

[0467] When the radius of the cylindrical portion 291i is larger than the radius BL of the circle BS, the distance BG from the drum center to the control portion 90k1 is also larger than the radius BL, and thus:

[0468] BG < BL

[0469] That is to say, the range of the control portion 90j is as follows:

[0470] BJ < BG < BL

[0471] Combining this "BJ < BG < BL" with the above-mentioned "BH < BG < BK", the preferred range regarding the control portion can be defined as follows:

[0472] BH < BJ < BG < BL < BK

[0473] The definition of each value is summarized as follows:

[0474] BH: When drawing the smallest equilateral triangle of the external connection convex portion (input connection portion) with the centroid of the equilateral triangle aligned with the axis of the drum (axis of the connection convex portion), the radius of the inscribed circle inscribed in the equilateral triangle.

[0475] BJ: The shortest distance from the axis of the drum to the tip of the teeth of the gear portion (input gear portion) 30a measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum.

[0476] BG: The distance from the center of the drum to the control portion measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum.

[0477] BL: The radius of the circumscribed circle when the minimum circumscribed circle of the coupling protrusion (input coupling portion) is drawn coaxially with the drum.

[0478] BK: The distance from the axis of the drum to the axis of the developing roller gear (the axis of the developing roller) measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drum.

[0479] Unless otherwise specified, the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of components described in the embodiment or its modifications should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention only thereto.

[0480] [Industrial Applicability]

[0481] An image forming process cartridge is provided, which includes a structure for receiving a driving force input from the outside.

[0482] [reference numerals]

[0483] 30: Developing roller gear

[0484] 30a: Gear part

[0485] 32: Developing roller (developer carrying member)

[0486] 62: Drum (electrophotographic photosensitive drum)

[0487] 62a: Drum Center

[0488] 63: Driving side drum flange (driven transmission component)

[0489] 63b: Connecting convex part

Claims

1. A process cartridge, the process cartridge being detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic imaging device, the process cartridge comprising: Photosensitive components; a coupling portion provided at an end portion of the photosensitive member and including a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for rotating the photosensitive member from the outside of the process cartridge; a gear portion including gear teeth for receiving a driving force from outside the process cartridge independently of the coupling portion; as well as a stopper provided on the same side as the coupling portion with respect to the axial direction of the photosensitive member, the stopper facing the axis of the photosensitive member and protruding outward in the axial direction of the photosensitive member, wherein the gear teeth include an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the process cartridge, wherein at least a portion of the exposed portion faces the axis of the photosensitive member, and the at least a portion of the exposed portion is arranged outside the driving force receiving portion in the axial direction of the photosensitive member.

2. A processing box according to claim 1, wherein when measured along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive component, the distance from the axis of the photosensitive component to the tooth top of the gear part is more than 90% of the radius of the photosensitive component and less than 110% of the radius of the photosensitive component.

3. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the gear teeth are helical gear teeth.

4. A process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein said gear teeth are inclined toward a rotational movement direction of said gear portion as going from an outer side of said photosensitive member toward an inner side thereof in an axial direction of said photosensitive member.

5. A process cartridge according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said gear teeth are inclined in a clockwise direction from the outside of said photosensitive member toward the inside thereof in the axial direction of said photosensitive member as viewed in the counterclockwise rotation direction of said photosensitive member.

6. A process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gear teeth are spur gear teeth having a thickness of less than 1 mm.

7. A process cartridge according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the driving force receiving portion is inclined in the rotational movement direction of the photosensitive member from the outside of the photosensitive member toward the inside thereof in the axial direction of the photosensitive member.

8. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a developer carrying member configured to carry a developer to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive member.

9. A process cartridge according to Claim 8, wherein said developer carrying member is rotated by a driving force received by said gear portion.

10. A process cartridge according to Claim 8, wherein said developer carrying member is rotatable in a clockwise direction as seen in a direction in which said gear portion rotates clockwise.

11. A process cartridge according to Claim 8, wherein said gear portion and said developer carrying member are arranged coaxially with each other.

12. A process cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising a developing gear provided on said developer carrying member, wherein said developing gear includes said gear portion.

13. The process cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising: a drive input gear including said gear portion; a developing gear disposed on the developer carrying member; and at least one idler gear for transmitting driving force from the driving input gear to the developing gear.

14. A process cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the number of said idler wheels is an odd number.

15. A process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the number of said idler wheel is one.

16. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a distance between an axis of the gear portion and an axis of the coupling portion is variable.

17. The process cartridge according to claim 16, further comprising: a first unit including the coupling portion; and a second unit including the gear portion, wherein a distance between an axis of the gear portion and an axis of the coupling portion is changed by the second unit moving relative to the first unit.

18. A process cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the second unit is rotatably connected to the first unit.

19. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least a portion of said exposed portion of said gear teeth is located near a peripheral surface of said photosensitive member as viewed along an axis of said coupling portion.

20. A process cartridge according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of said stopper is arranged outside said driving force receiving portion of said coupling portion in an axial direction of said photosensitive member.

21. A process cartridge according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of said stopper is arranged outside a free end portion of said coupling portion in an axial direction of said photosensitive member.

22. A processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, viewed along the axis of the photosensitive component, the stop member is arranged within an angular range of 0° to 180° around the axis of the photosensitive component from a semi-straight line extending from the axis of the photosensitive component to the axis of the gear portion toward the upstream side of the rotational movement direction of the photosensitive component.

23. A processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stopper is arranged on a side opposite to a side where the photosensitive member is exposed, relative to a line passing through the axis of the photosensitive member and the axis of the gear portion, as viewed along the axis of the photosensitive member.

24. A processing box according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a charging component for charging the photosensitive component, wherein, viewed along the axis of the photosensitive component, the stopper is arranged on a side where the charging component is provided relative to a line passing through the axis of the photosensitive component and the axis of the gear portion.

25. A processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, viewed along the axis of the photosensitive component, the stop member is arranged to intersect with a line inclined by (90+α) degrees around the axis of the photosensitive component toward the upstream side relative to the rotational movement direction of the photosensitive component, wherein α is a lateral pressure angle of the gear portion.

26. The processing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein, when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive member, at least a part of the stopper is disposed within an angular range of (75 + α) to (105 + α) about the axis of the photosensitive member on the upstream side with respect to the rotational movement direction of the photosensitive member from a half - line extending from the axis of the photosensitive member toward the axis of the gear portion.

27. The processing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein when measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member, the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the stopper is greater than the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the tip of the tooth of the gear portion and less than the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the axis of the gear portion.

28. The processing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the stopper is arranged such that the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the stopper measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member is greater than the shortest distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the free end of the gear portion measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member.

29. The processing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the stopper is disposed at a position satisfying BB < AX + BA, where BB is the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the stopper measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member, and BA is the radius of the inscribed circle of the smallest equilateral triangle that circumscribes the coupling portion and has a centroid on the axis of the photosensitive member, and AX is the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the bottom of the tooth of the gear portion measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member.

30. The processing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the stopper is arranged such that the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the stopper measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member is greater than the radius of the inscribed circle of the smallest equilateral triangle that circumscribes the coupling portion and has a centroid on the axis of the photosensitive member.

31. The processing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the stopper is arranged such that the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the stopper measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member is less than the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the axis of the gear portion measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member.

32. The processing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the stopper is arranged such that the distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the stopper measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member is less than the radius of the smallest circumscribed circle that circumscribes the coupling portion and is coaxial with the photosensitive member.

33. The processing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the stopper defines a bay that opens toward the axis of the photosensitive member.

34. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stopper has a curved surface that opens toward an axis of the photosensitive member.

35. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the stop member comprises a plurality of discrete portions.

36. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the gear portion and the stopper are projected on the axis of the photosensitive member, at least parts of the projected areas of the gear portion and the stopper overlap each other.

37. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the stopper is greater than 12.715 mm and less than 14.262 mm when measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member.

38. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a distance from the axis of the photosensitive member to the stopper is greater than 7.05 mm and less than 8.75 mm when measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member.

39. A processing box according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a charging component for charging the photosensitive component, wherein, viewed along the axis of the photosensitive component, the axis of the gear portion is arranged within an angular range of 64° to 190° around the axis of the photosensitive component from a semi-straight line extending from the axis of the photosensitive component to the axis of the charging component toward the downstream side relative to the rotation direction of the photosensitive component.

40. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a stirring member for stirring the developer by a driving force received by the gear portion.

41. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the coupling portion is in the form of a protrusion.

42. A processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting portion is in the form of a twisted substantially triangular prism.

43. A processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in a cross-section of the processing box taken along a line perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive component and passing through the exposed portion, when an imaginary circle having a radius equal to the shortest distance from the axis of the photosensitive component to the tooth top of the gear portion and coaxial with the photosensitive component is drawn, the interior of the imaginary circle is an unoccupied space.

44. According to any one of claims 1 to 4, the processing box further includes a positioned portion, which is arranged on a side of the processing box where the connecting portion is provided relative to the axial direction of the photosensitive component, and protrudes toward the inner side of the processing box in the axial direction of the photosensitive component, wherein when the positioned portion and the photosensitive component are projected on the axis of the photosensitive component, at least part of the projected area of ​​the positioned portion and the photosensitive component overlaps with each other.

45. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a positioned portion provided at a side of the process cartridge where the coupling portion is provided with respect to the axial direction of the photosensitive member and projecting toward the inner side of the process cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive member; and a coupling member provided with the coupling portion and mounted to an end portion of the photosensitive member, When the positioned portion and the coupling member are projected on the axis of the photosensitive member, at least parts of the projected areas of the positioned portion and the coupling member overlap with each other.

46. ​​A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a slit provided at a side of the process cartridge at which the coupling portion is provided with respect to an axial direction of the photosensitive member.

47. A process cartridge according to claim 46, wherein an inner end portion of the slit is arranged inside an outer end portion of the gear portion, and an outer end portion of the slit is arranged outside a free end portion of the coupling portion.

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