Card box, processing box and electronic photographic image forming device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge, a processing cartridge and an electronic photographic image forming device. A processing cartridge detachably mounted on a main component of an electronic photographic image forming device comprises a rotatable photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller configured to develop an image formed on the drum, the developing roller being able to contact and space from the drum; a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for spacing the developing roller from the drum from a main component side driving component; a cartridge side drive transmission component that can be coupled to a main component side drive transmission component and is configured to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller from the main component side drive transmission component; and a decoupling component that can push the cartridge side drive transmission component by the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission component from the main component side drive transmission component.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202010534938.7, application date December 4, 2014, and invention name “Card box, processing box and electronic photographic image forming device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) and a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] Here, the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (eg, a laser beam printer, an LED or a printer), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

[0004] The cartridge contains an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (drum or photosensitive drum) as an image bearing member, and at least one processing device that can act on the drum (developer bearing member (developing roller)), and these devices are integrated into a cartridge that can be detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus. The cartridge may contain the drum and the developing roller as a unit, or may contain the drum, or may contain the developing roller. A cartridge containing a drum is a drum cartridge, and a cartridge containing a developing roller is a developing cartridge.

[0005] The main assembly of the image forming apparatus is the portion of the image forming apparatus excluding the cartridge. Background Art

[0006] In a conventional image forming apparatus, a drum and a process device actable on the drum are integrated into a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus (process cartridge type).

[0007] With such a process cartridge type, maintenance operations on the image forming apparatus can be efficiently performed by a user without relying on a service person, and thus operability can be significantly improved. Therefore, the process cartridge type is widely used in the field of image forming apparatuses.

[0008] Processing cartridges (e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2001-337511) and image forming apparatuses (e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2003-208024) have been proposed in which a clutch is provided to enable switching to driving a developing roller during image forming operation and turning off driving of the developing roller during non-image forming operation. Summary of the Invention

[0009] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0010] In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-337511, a spring clutch is provided at an end portion of a developing roller to switch driving.

[0011] In addition, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-208024, a clutch is provided in an image forming apparatus to switch the drive for the developing roller.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to improve a clutch for switching the drive of a developing roller.

[0013] [Solution to the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing box that is detachably mounted on the main component of an electronic photographic image forming device, the main component including a main component side drive transmission component and a main component side pushing component, the processing box including: (i) a rotatable photosensitive component; (ii) a rotatable developing roller, configured to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive component, the developing roller being capable of contacting and being spaced apart from the photosensitive component; (iii) a driving force receiving portion, configured to receive a driving force from the main component side pushing component for spacing the developing roller from the photosensitive component; (iv) a cartridge side drive transmission component, capable of being coupled to the main component side drive transmission component and configured to receive a rotational force from the main component side drive transmission component for rotating the developing roller; and (v) a decoupling component, capable of pushing the cartridge side drive transmission component by the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion so as to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission component from the main component side drive transmission component.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing box for forming an electronic photographic image, the processing box comprising: (i) a rotatable photosensitive member; (ii) a rotatable developing roller, configured to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, the developing roller being capable of contacting and being spaced apart from the photosensitive member; (iii) a driving force receiving portion, configured to receive a driving force for spacing the developing roller from the photosensitive member; (iv) a drive input member, configured to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; and (v) a driving member capable of moving the drive input member toward the interior of the cartridge by the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic photographic image forming device capable of forming an image on a recording material, the device comprising: (i) a main component of the electronic photographic image forming device, the main component comprising a main component side pushing component and a main component side driving transmission component; and (ii) a processing box detachably mounted on the main component, the processing box comprising, (ii-i) a rotatable photosensitive component, (ii-ii) a rotatable developing roller, configured to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive component, the developing roller being capable of contacting and being spaced apart from the photosensitive component , (ii-iii) a pushing force receiving portion, configured to receive a pushing force from the main component side pushing portion for spacing the developing roller apart from the photosensitive portion, (ii-iv) a cartridge side drive transmission portion, capable of being coupled with the main component side drive transmission portion for receiving a rotational force from the main component side drive transmission portion for rotating the developing roller, and (ii-v) a decoupling portion, capable of pushing the cartridge side drive transmission portion by the pushing force received by the pushing force receiving portion so as to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission portion from the main component side drive transmission portion.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mounted on a main assembly of an electronic photographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge comprising: a photosensitive member; a photosensitive member frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive member; a developing roller configured to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive member; a developing device frame rotatably supporting the developing roller, the developing device frame being connected to the photosensitive member frame so that the developing device frame can rotate relative to the photosensitive member frame between a contact position in which the developing roller contacts the photosensitive member and a spaced position in which the developing roller and the photosensitive member are spaced apart; a cartridge-side drive transmission member capable of being coupled to a main assembly-side drive transmission member provided in the main assembly and configured to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller from the main assembly-side drive transmission member, the cartridge-side drive transmission member being rotatable around a rotation axis about which the developing device frame is rotatable relative to the photosensitive member frame; and a release mechanism for releasing the cartridge-side drive transmission member from the main assembly-side drive transmission member when the developing device frame rotates from the contact position to the spaced position.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing box for forming an electronic photographic image, the processing box comprising: (i) a rotatable photosensitive member; (ii) a photosensitive member frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive member; (iii) a developing roller configured to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive member; (iv) a developing device frame rotatably supporting the developing roller, the developing device frame being connected to the photosensitive member frame so that the developing device frame can rotate relative to the photosensitive member frame between a contact position and a spacing position, wherein the developing roller and the photosensitive member are in contact at the contact position and the developing roller and the photosensitive member are spaced apart at the spacing position; (v) a drive input member for receiving a rotational force for rotating the developing roller, the drive input member being rotatable around the developing device frame about a rotation axis about which the developing device frame rotates relative to the photosensitive member frame; and (vi) a pushing mechanism capable of moving the drive input member toward the interior of the cartridge when the developing device frame rotates from the contact position to the spacing position.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic photographic image forming device for forming an image on a recording material, the device comprising: (i) a main component of the electronic photographic image forming device, the main component comprising a main component side drive transmission component for transmitting a rotational force; (ii) a processing box detachably mounted on the main component, the processing box comprising, (ii-i) a photosensitive component, (ii-ii) a photosensitive component frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive component, (ii-iii), (ii-iv) a developing device frame rotatably supporting the developing roller, the developing device frame being connected to the photosensitive component frame so that the developing device frame can be moved between a contact position and a spacing position. With respect to the rotation of the photosensitive component frame, in the contact position, the developing roller and the photosensitive component are in contact, and in the spaced position, the developing roller and the photosensitive component are spaced apart; (ii-v) a cartridge side drive transfer component capable of being coupled to the main component side drive transfer component and configured to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller from the main component side drive transfer component, the cartridge side drive transfer component being rotatable around a rotation axis around which the developing device frame is rotatable relative to the photosensitive component frame, and (ii-vi) a releasing mechanism for releasing the cartridge side drive transfer component from the main component side drive transfer component when the developing device frame rotates from the contact position to the spaced position.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge which is detachably mounted on a main component of an electronic photographic image forming apparatus, the main component including a main component side drive transmission component and a main component side pushing component, the cartridge including: (i) a rotatable developing roller; (ii) a cartridge side drive transmission component which is capable of being coupled to the main component side drive transmission component and is configured to receive a rotational force for rotating the developing roller from the main component side drive transmission component; (iii) a driving force receiving portion which is configured to receive a driving force from the main component side pushing component; and (iv) a decoupling component which is capable of pushing the cartridge side drive transmission component by the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion so as to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission component from the main component side drive transmission component, wherein when the cartridge is viewed along the rotation axis of the developing roller, the developing roller is arranged between the cartridge side drive transmission component and the driving force receiving portion.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for forming an electronic photographic image, the cartridge comprising: (i) a rotatable developing roller; (ii) a drive input component for receiving a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; (iii) a urging force receiving portion capable of receiving a urging force; and (iv) a urging component capable of moving the drive input component toward the interior of the cartridge by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion, wherein when the cartridge is viewed along the rotation axis of the developing roller, the developing roller is arranged between the drive input component and the urging force receiving portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge and its surrounding components as viewed from a drive side according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment, viewed from the non-driving side.

[0028] Figure 7is a side view of the processing box according to the first embodiment, in which (a) shows the contact state between the drum and the developing roller, (b) shows the state in which the urging force receiving part has moved a distance δ1, and (c) shows the state in which the urging force receiving part has moved a distance δ2.

[0029] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge and its surrounding components as viewed from a non-driving side according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 Schematic cross-sectional views of elements in the vicinity of a cartridge-side drive transmission member according to the first embodiment, in which (a) shows a drive transmission state, and (b) shows a drive disconnection state.

[0031] Figure 10 is a schematic exploded view of a release cam and a developing device covering member according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 11 is a schematic exploded view of the release cam, the developing device covering member, and the driving side cartridge cover member according to the first embodiment.

[0033] exist Figure 12 In the drawings, (a) is a schematic sectional view of the cartridge side drive transmission member according to the first embodiment, and (b) is a sectional view in which the cartridge side drive transmission member has moved in the direction indicated by N.

[0034] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in drum-roller contact and drive transmission state according to the first embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connecting portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connecting portion.

[0035] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in the drum-roller interval and drive transmission state according to the first embodiment, image (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connection portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion.

[0036] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in a drum-roller interval and drive disconnected state according to the first embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connecting portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connecting portion.

[0037] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship among the release cam, the driving side cartridge cover member, and the guide of the developing device covering member according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a gear layout of an image forming apparatus.

[0039] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge viewed from a drive side according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the drive connecting portion of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment, viewed from the non-driving side.

[0041] Figure 20 1 and 2 are schematic cross-sectional views of the vicinity of a cartridge-side drive transmission member according to a second embodiment, in which (a) shows a drive transmission state, and (b) shows a drive disconnection state.

[0042] Figure 21 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in the drum-roller interval and drive transmission state according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connection portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion.

[0043] Figure 22 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in the drum-roller interval and drive transmission state according to the second embodiment, image (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connection portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion.

[0044] Figure 23 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in a drum-roller interval and drive disconnected state according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connecting portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connecting portion.

[0045] Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge according to a third embodiment, viewed from a drive side.

[0046] Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge according to a third embodiment, viewed from a non-driving side.

[0047] Figure 26 1. (a) An exploded view and (b) a perspective view of an idler gear and a cartridge-side drive transmission member according to a third embodiment.

[0048] Figure 27 1 and 2 are schematic cross-sectional views of the vicinity of a cartridge-side drive transmission member according to a third embodiment, in which (a) shows a drive transmission state, and (b) shows a drive disconnection state.

[0049] Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge according to a fourth embodiment, viewed from a drive side.

[0050] Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the drive connecting portion of the process cartridge according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the non-driving side.

[0051] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a release cam and a developing device covering member according to a fourth embodiment.

[0052] Figure 31 It is a perspective view of a cartridge-side drive transmitting member, a releasing member, a peripheral portion, and a driving-side cartridge cover member according to a fourth embodiment.

[0053] Figure 32 is a perspective view of a release cam and a developing device covering member according to a fourth embodiment.

[0054] Figure 33 1 and 2 are schematic cross-sectional views of the vicinity of a cartridge-side drive transmission member according to a fourth embodiment, in which (a) shows a drive transmission state, and (b) shows a drive disconnection state.

[0055] Figure 34 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in the drum-roller interval and drive transmission state according to the fourth embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connection portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion.

[0056] Figure 35 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in the drum-roller interval and drive transmission state according to the fourth embodiment, image (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connection portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion.

[0057] Figure 36 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in a drum-roller interval and drive disconnected state according to the fourth embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connecting portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connecting portion.

[0058] Figure 37 A process cartridge according to a fourth embodiment is shown, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view schematically showing forces acting on a developing unit 9, and (b) is a schematic side view viewed from a driving side along a rotation axis X.

[0059] Figure 38 A developing cartridge D according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0060] Figure 39 A developing cartridge according to a fourth embodiment is shown, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a drive connecting portion, and (b) is a schematic side view viewed from the driving side along the rotation axis X direction.

[0061] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge according to a fifth embodiment.

[0062] Figure 41 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge according to a fifth embodiment.

[0063] Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a fifth embodiment, viewed from a driving side.

[0064] Figure 43 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a fifth embodiment, viewed from a non-driving side.

[0065] Figure 44 is a perspective view of a release cam and a drive-side cartridge cover member according to a fifth embodiment.

[0066] Figure 45 It is a schematic diagram of the drive connection part, the drive side card box cover component and the bearing component.

[0067] Figure 46 1 and 2 are schematic cross-sectional views of the vicinity of a cartridge-side drive transmission member according to a fifth embodiment, in which (a) shows a drive transmission state, and (b) shows a drive disconnection state.

[0068] Figure 47 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in drum-roller contact and drive transmission state according to the fifth embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connection portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion.

[0069] Figure 48 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in the drum-roller interval and drive transmission state according to the fifth embodiment, image (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connection portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion.

[0070] Figure 49 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in a drum-roller interval and drive disconnected state according to the fifth embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connecting portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connecting portion.

[0071] Figure 50is an exploded perspective view of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge according to a sixth embodiment, viewed from a drive side.

[0072] Figure 51 is an exploded perspective view of a drive connecting portion of a process cartridge according to a sixth embodiment, viewed from a non-driving side.

[0073] Figure 52 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a sixth embodiment, viewed from a driving side.

[0074] Figure 53 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a sixth embodiment, viewed from a non-driving side.

[0075] Figure 54 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views of the vicinity of a cartridge-side drive transmitting member according to a sixth embodiment, in which (a) shows a drive transmitting state, and (b) shows a drive disconnecting state.

[0076] Figure 55 is a perspective view of a release cam and a release lever according to a sixth embodiment.

[0077] Figure 56 It is a perspective view of the cartridge side drive transmission member, release member, peripheral portion, and drive side cartridge cover member.

[0078] Figure 57 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in drum-roller contact and drive transmission state according to the sixth embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connecting portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connecting portion.

[0079] Figure 58 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in the drum-roller interval and drive transmission state according to the sixth embodiment, image (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connection portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion.

[0080] Figure 59 It is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the cartridge side drive transmission component in a drum-roller interval and drive disconnected state according to the sixth embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic sectional view of the drive connecting portion, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive connecting portion.

[0081] Figure 60 A process cartridge according to a sixth embodiment is shown, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view schematically showing forces acting on a developing unit 9, and (b) is a schematic side view viewed from a driving side along a rotation axis X.

[0082] Figure 61is a perspective view of a release lever release cam and a developing device covering member according to a sixth embodiment.

[0083] Figure 62 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views of the vicinity of a cartridge-side drive transmitting member according to a seventh embodiment, in which (a) shows a drive transmitting state, and (b) shows a drive disconnecting state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] [Example 1]

[0085] [General Description of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus]

[0086] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] An example of the image forming apparatus of the following embodiments is a full-color image forming apparatus in which four process cartridges are detachably mountable.

[0088] The number of process cartridges that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus is not limited to this example and can be appropriately selected as needed.

[0089] For example, in the case of a monochrome image forming apparatus, the number of process cartridges mounted on the image forming apparatus is 1. An example of the image forming apparatus of the following embodiments is a printer.

[0090] [Overall Layout of Image Forming Apparatus]

[0091] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording material according to this embodiment. Figure 3 Part (a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. Figure 4 1 is a sectional view of the process cartridge P of this embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P of this embodiment as viewed from the driving side, and Figure 6 1 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P of this embodiment as viewed from the non-driving side.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, an image forming apparatus 1 is a four full-color laser beam printer using an electrophotographic image forming process for forming a color image on a recording material S. The image forming apparatus 1 is of a process cartridge type in which a process cartridge is detachably mounted to a main assembly 2 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to form a color image on a recording material S.

[0093] Here, the side of the image forming apparatus 1 provided with the front door 3 is the front side, and the side opposite to the front side is the rear side. In addition, the right side of the image forming apparatus 1 viewed from the front is the driving side, and the left side is the non-driving side. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the image forming device 1 viewed from the non-driving side, wherein the front side of the paper of the figure is the non-driving side of the image forming device 1, the right side of the paper of the figure is the front side of the image forming device 1, and the back side of the paper of the figure is the driving side of the image forming device 1.

[0094] In the main component 2 of the image forming apparatus, there are provided processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) including a first processing box PY (yellow), a second processing box PM (magenta), a third processing box PC (cyan) and a fourth processing box PK (black), which are arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0095] Although the colors of the developers contained therein are different, the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) include similar electrophotographic image forming process mechanisms. In the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK), rotational force is transmitted from the drive output portion of the main assembly 2 of the image forming apparatus. This will be described in detail below.

[0096] In addition, the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are each supplied with a bias voltage (charging bias voltage, developing bias voltage, etc.) (not shown) from the main assembly 2 of the image forming apparatus.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) each include a photosensitive drum unit 8 provided with a photosensitive drum 4, a charging device and a cleaning device as process devices actable on the drum 4.

[0098] In addition, the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) each include a developing unit 9 provided with a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image on the drum 4.

[0099] The first process cartridge PY accommodates yellow (Y) developer in its developing device frame 29 for forming a yellow developer image on the surface of the drum 4 .

[0100] The second process cartridge PM accommodates magenta (M) developer in its developing device frame 29 for forming a magenta developer image on the surface of the drum 4 .

[0101] The third process cartridge PC accommodates cyan (C) developer in its developing device frame 29 for forming a cyan developer image on the surface of the drum 4 .

[0102] The fourth process cartridge PK accommodates a black (K) developer in its developing device frame 29 for forming a black developer image on the surface of the drum 4 .

[0103] A laser scanner unit LB, serving as an exposure device, is installed above the first through fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The laser scanner unit LB outputs a laser beam based on image information. The laser beam Z passes through an exposure window 10 of the cartridge P and is projected onto the surface of the drum 4 in a scanning manner.

[0104] Below the first to fourth cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK), an intermediate transfer belt unit 11 as a transfer member is provided. The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 includes a driving roller 13, a tension roller 14, and a tension roller 15 around which a flexible transfer belt 12 is extended.

[0105] The drum 4 of each of the first to fourth cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 12 at the bottom portion. The contact portion is the primary transfer portion. A primary transfer roller 16 is provided inside the transfer belt 12 to face the drum 4.

[0106] In addition, a secondary transfer roller 17 is provided at a position opposing the tension roller 14 with the transfer belt 12 interposed therebetween. A contact portion between the transfer belt 12 and the secondary transfer roller 17 is a secondary transfer portion.

[0107] Below the intermediate transfer belt unit 11 , a feeding unit 18 is provided. The feeding unit 18 includes a sheet feeding tray 19 that accommodates a stack S of recording materials, and a sheet feeding roller 20 .

[0108] exist Figure 2 Below the upper left portion of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, there are provided a fixing unit 21 and a discharge unit 22. The upper surface of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus functions as a discharge tray 23.

[0109] The recording material S having the developer image transferred thereon is subjected to a fixing operation by a fixing device provided in the fixing unit 21 , and thereafter, it is discharged to a discharge tray 23 .

[0110] The cartridge P is detachably mounted to the main assembly 2 of the apparatus via a removable cartridge tray 60 . Figure 3 Part (a) shows a state in which the cartridge tray 60 and the cartridge P are drawn out from the main assembly 2 of the apparatus.

[0111] [Image Forming Operation]

[0112] An operation for forming a full-color image will be described.

[0113] The drum 4 of the first to fourth cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) rotates at a predetermined speed (at Figure 2 In the counterclockwise direction, Figure 4direction indicated by arrow D in the figure).

[0114] The transfer belt 12 also rotates in the same direction as the drum 4 at a speed corresponding to the speed of the drum 4 (by Figure 2 direction indicated by arrow C in the figure).

[0115] Similarly, the laser scanner unit LB is driven. In sync with the driving of the scanner unit LB, the surface of the drum 4 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 5. The laser scanner unit LB scans the surface of the drum 4 with a laser beam Z according to image signals for each color, exposing it.

[0116] In this way, electrostatic latent images are formed on the surface of the drum 4 according to the image signals of the corresponding colors. Figure 2 In the clockwise direction, Figure 4 The corresponding developing roller 6 develops in the direction indicated by the arrow E in the figure.

[0117] By such electrophotographic image forming process operation, a yellow developer image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the drum 4 of the first cartridge PY. Then, the developer image is transferred (primary transfer) onto the transfer belt 12.

[0118] Similarly, a magenta developer image corresponding to the magenta component of the full-color image is formed on the drum 4 of the second cartridge PM. The developer image is transferred (primary transfer) onto the yellow developer image already transferred onto the transfer belt 12 in a superimposed manner.

[0119] Similarly, a cyan developer image corresponding to the cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the drum 4 of the third cartridge PC. The developer image is then transferred (primary transfer) in a superimposed manner onto the yellow and magenta developer images already transferred onto the transfer belt 12.

[0120] Similarly, a black developer image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the drum 4 of the fourth cartridge PK. The developer image is then transferred (primary transfer) in a superimposed manner onto the yellow, magenta, and cyan developer images already transferred onto the transfer belt 12.

[0121] In this way, four-element full colors including yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the transfer belt 12 (unfixed developer image).

[0122] On the other hand, the recording material S is picked up and fed at a predetermined control timing. The recording material S is introduced into a secondary transfer portion that is a contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 17 and the transfer belt 12 at a predetermined control timing.

[0123] By doing so, while the recording material S is being fed to the secondary transfer portion, the four-color superimposed developer images are all sequentially transferred together from the transfer belt 12 onto the surface of the recording material S.

[0124] [Overall layout of the process cartridge]

[0125] The overall layout of the process cartridge for forming an electrophotographic image will be described. In this embodiment, the first to fourth cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) have similar electrophotographic image forming process mechanisms, although the colors and / or filling amounts of the developers contained therein are different.

[0126] The cartridge P is provided with a drum 4 as a photosensitive member, and a processing device that can act on the drum 4. The processing device includes a charging roller 5 as a charging device for charging the drum 4, a developing roller 6 as a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the drum 4, a cleaning blade 7 as a cleaning device for removing residual developer remaining on the surface of the drum 4, and the like. The cartridge P is divided into a drum unit 8 and a developing unit 9.

[0127] [Structure of the drum unit]

[0128] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the drum unit 8 includes a drum 4 as a photosensitive member, a charging roller 5, a cleaning blade 7, a cleaner container 26 as a photosensitive member frame, a residual developer accommodating portion 27, a cartridge cover member (in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The photosensitive member frame includes, in a broad sense, a cartridge cover member 24 on the driving side and a cartridge cover member 25 on the non-driving side. The photosensitive member frame includes, as a photosensitive member frame in a narrow sense, a cleaner container 26, a residual developer accommodating portion 27, a driving side cartridge cover member 24, and a non-driving side cartridge cover member 25 (the same applies to the embodiments described below). When the cartridge P is mounted in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the photosensitive member frame is fixed to the main assembly 2 of the apparatus.

[0129] The drum 4 is rotatably supported by cartridge cover members 24 and 25 provided at longitudinally opposite ends of the cartridge P. Here, the axial direction of the drum 4 is the longitudinal direction.

[0130] The cartridge cover members 24 and 25 are fixed to the cleaner container 26 at opposite longitudinal ends thereof.

[0131] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG, a drive input portion (drive transmitting portion of the photosensitive drum) 4 a of the photosensitive drum as a coupling member for transmitting driving force to the drum 4 is provided at one longitudinal end portion of the drum 4 . Figure 3Part (b) is a perspective view of the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, in which the cartridge tray 60 and the cartridge P are not shown. The coupling member 4a of the cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is connected to the cartridge tray 60 and the cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK). Figure 3 The drum driving force output component 61 (61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K) of the main component side driving transmission component of the main component of the device 2 shown in part (b) is engaged, so that the driving force of the driving motor (not shown) of the main component of the device is transmitted to the drum 4.

[0132] The charging roller 5 is supported by the cleaner container 26 and is in contact with the drum 4 so as to be driven by the drum 4 .

[0133] The cleaning blade 7 is supported by the cleaner container 26 so as to be in contact with the circumferential surface of the drum 4 at a predetermined pressure.

[0134] The untransferred residual developer removed from the outer peripheral surface of the drum 4 by the cleaning device 7 is accommodated in a residual developer accommodating portion 27 in the cleaner container 26 .

[0135] In addition, the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 25 are provided with supporting portions 24a, 25a ( Figure 6 ).

[0136] [Structure of the developing unit]

[0137] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the developing unit 9 includes a developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, a developing device frame 29, a bearing member 45, a developing device covering member 32, and the like. The developing device frame broadly includes the bearing member 45, the developing device covering member 32, and the like, as well as the developing device frame 29 (this also applies to the embodiment to be described below). When the cartridge P is mounted in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the developing device frame 29 is movable relative to the main assembly 2 of the apparatus.

[0138] The cartridge frame broadly encompasses the above-mentioned broad photosensitive member frame and the above-mentioned broad developing device frame (the same applies to the embodiments to be described later).

[0139] The developing device frame 29 includes a developer accommodating portion 49 for accommodating the developer to be supplied to the developing roller 6 , and a developing blade 31 for adjusting the layer thickness of the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 6 .

[0140] In addition, if Figure 1As shown in FIG, the bearing member 45 is fixed to one longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The bearing member 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. The developing roller 6 is provided with a developing roller gear 69 as a drive transmission member at the longitudinal end portion. The bearing member 45 also rotatably supports a cartridge side drive transmission member (drive input member) 74 for transmitting the driving force to the developing roller gear 69. The cartridge side drive transmission member (drive input member) 74 can be connected to the developing roller gear 69 as a drive transmission member. Figure 3 The main assembly 2 is coupled to the developing drive output members 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C and 62K) of the main assembly 2 shown in part (b) of the main assembly 2. That is, the driving force is transmitted from the motor (not shown) provided in the main assembly 2 by the mutual engagement or coupling between the cartridge-side drive transmission members and the developing drive output members. This will be described in detail below.

[0141] The developing device covering member 32 is fixed to the outside of the bearing member 45 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. The developing device covering member 32 covers the developing roller gear 69 and part of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 36, and the like.

[0142] [Assembly of the drum unit and developer unit]

[0143] Figure 5 and Figure 6 2 and 3. The connection between the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8 is shown. On one longitudinal end side of the cartridge P, the outer circumference 32a of the cylindrical portion 32b of the developing device covering member 32 is fitted into the supporting portion 24a of the drive side cartridge cover member 24. In addition, on the other longitudinal end side of the cartridge P, the protruding portion 29b protruding from the developing device frame 29 is fitted into the supporting hole portion 25a of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 25. By this, the developing unit 9 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the drum unit 8. Here, the rotation center (rotation axis) of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit is referred to as the rotation center (rotation axis) X. The rotation center X is an axis obtained by the center of the support hole portion 24a and the center of the support hole portion 25a.

[0144] [Contact between the developing roller and the drum]

[0145] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the developing unit 9 is urged by the urging spring 95 as an elastic member serving as an urging member so that the developing roller 6 contacts the drum 4 around the rotation center X. That is, the developing unit 9 is urged by the urging force of the urging spring 95 under the influence of the urging force of the urging spring 95. Figure 4 When pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow G in FIG, the push spring 95 generates a moment in the direction indicated by the arrow H around the rotation center X.

[0146] In this way, the developing roller 6 contacts the drum 4 with a predetermined pressure. At this time, the position of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 is the contact position. When the developing unit 9 moves in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow G against the urging force of the urging spring 95, the developing roller 6 is spaced apart from the drum 4. In this way, the developing roller 6 can move toward the drum 4 and away from it.

[0147] [Gap between the developer roller and the drum]

[0148] Figure 7 1 is a side view of the cartridge P as viewed from the drive side along the rotation axis of the developing roller. In this figure, some parts are omitted for better illustration. When the cartridge P is installed in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the drum unit 8 is positioned in its home position in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus.

[0149] In this embodiment, the urging force receiving portion (spacing force receiving portion) 45a is provided on the bearing member 45. Here, the urging force receiving portion (spacing force receiving portion) 45a may be provided on another portion (for example, a developing device frame, etc.) other than the bearing member 45. The force receiving portion 45a as the urging force receiving portion is engageable with the main assembly spacing member 80 as a main assembly side urging member (spacing force urging member) provided in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus.

[0150] The main assembly spacing member 80 as a main assembly side urging member (spacing force urging member) receives a driving force from a motor (not shown) and is movable along a rail 81 in the directions of arrows F1 and F2 .

[0151] The spacing operation between the developing roller and the photosensitive member (drum) will be described. Figure 7 Part (a) shows a state in which the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are in contact with each other. At this time, the urging force receiving portion (spacing force receiving portion) 45a and the main assembly spacing member (main assembly side urging member) 80 are spaced apart by a gap d.

[0152] Figure 7 Part (b) shows a diagram in which the main assembly spacing member (main assembly side urging member) 80 is moved from Figure 7 The position of the portion (a) in the state is away from the state of the distance δ1 in the direction of the arrow F1. At this time, the urging force receiving portion (spacing force receiving portion) 45a is engaged with the main component spacing member (main component side urging member) 80. As described above, the developing unit 9 can rotate relative to the drum unit 8, and therefore, in Figure 7 In the state of part (b) of FIG. 5 , the developing unit 9 has been rotated by an angle θ1 in the direction of arrow K about the rotation axis X. At this time, the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are spaced apart from each other by a distance ε1.

[0153] Figure 7 Part (c) shows a portion in which the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 has been Figure 7 The state shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 is a state in which the developer unit 9 has moved by a distance δ2 (>δ1) in the direction of arrow F1. The developer unit 9 has rotated by an angle θ2 around the rotation axis X in the direction of arrow K. At this time, the developer roller 6 is spaced apart from the drum 4 by a gap ε2.

[0154] [Positional Relationship Between Developing Roller, Cartridge-Side Drive Transmitting Member, and Urging Force Receiving Portion]

[0155] like Figure 7 As shown in parts (a)-(c) of , when the cartridge P is viewed from the drive side along the rotation axis of the developing roller, the developing roller 6 is between the cartridge-side drive transmission component 74 and the urging force receiving portion 45a. More particularly, when the cartridge P is viewed along the rotation axis of the developing roller, the urging force receiving portion (interval force receiving portion) 45a is arranged across the developing roller 6 on the side substantially opposite to the drive input component 74. More particularly, a line connecting the contact portion 45b of the urging force receiving portion 45a for receiving a force from the main component-side urging component 80 and the rotation axis 6z of the developing roller 6 intersects at a certain angle with a line connecting the rotation axis 6z of the developing roller 6 and the rotation axis of the cartridge-side drive transmission component 74 (coaxial with the rotation axis X in this embodiment). In addition, when the cartridge P is viewed along the rotation axis of the developing roller, a line connecting the contact portion 45b and the rotation axis of the cartridge-side drive transmission component 74 passes through the developing roller 6. Such a layout is also shown as the developing roller 6 is arranged between the cartridge side drive transmission member 74 and the urging force receiving portion 45a. In this embodiment, the rotation axis X around which the developing unit 9 can rotate relative to the drum unit is coaxial with the rotation axis of the cartridge side drive transmission member 74.

[0156] Moreover, the rotational axis 6z of the developing roller 6 is arranged between the rotational axis 4z of the photosensitive member 4, the rotational axis of the cartridge-side drive transmitting member 74, and the contact portion 45b of the urging force receiving portion 45a. In other words, when the cartridge P is viewed from the driving side along the rotational axis of the developing roller, the rotational axis 6z of the developing roller 6 is arranged within a triangle defined by a line connecting the rotational axis 4z of the photosensitive member 4, the rotational axis X of the cartridge-side drive transmitting member 74, and the contact portion 45b.

[0157] Here, the developing unit 9 is rotatable relative to the drum unit 8, and therefore, the positional relationship of the cartridge-side drive transmitting member 74 and the urging force receiving portion 45a relative to the photosensitive member 4 is changeable. However, in any positional relationship, the rotation axis 6z of the developing roller 6 is arranged between the rotation axis 4z, the rotation axis (X) of the cartridge-side drive transmitting member 74, and the contact portion 45b.

[0158] By arranging the developing roller between the contact portion 45 b and the rotation axis X, the spacing and contact of the developing roller can be accurately achieved, compared to a structure in which the developing roller is spaced apart from between the contact portion 45 b and the rotation axis X. Moreover, when the cartridge P is viewed from the drive side along the rotation axis of the developing roller, it is preferable that the distance between the rotation axis X and the contact portion 45 b is longer than the distance between the rotation axis X and the rotation axis 6 z of the developing roller 6, after which the spacing and contact timing can be accurately controlled.

[0159] In the present embodiment (also in the subsequent second embodiment), the distance between the rotation axis of the drum 4 and the contact portion between the urging force receiving portion (spacer force receiving portion) 45a and the main assembly side urging member 80 is in the range of 13 mm to 33 mm. Further, in the present embodiment (also in the subsequent embodiments), the distance between the rotation axis X and the contact portion between the force receiving portion 45a and the main assembly side urging member 80 is in the range of 27 mm to 32 mm.

[0160] [Drive transmission to the photosensitive drum]

[0161] Drive transmission to the photosensitive drum 4 will be described.

[0162] As described above, the drive input portion (drive transmission portion for the photosensitive member) 4a of the photosensitive member as a coupling member provided at the end portion of the drum 4 serving as the photosensitive member is coupled to the drum 4a. Figure 3 The drum driving force output member 61 (61C, 61K) of the main assembly 2 shown in part (b) of the main assembly is engaged to receive the driving force from the driving motor (not shown) of the main assembly A. By this, the drive is transmitted from the main assembly to the drum 4.

[0163] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the drive input portion (drive transmission portion for the photosensitive member) 4a of the photosensitive member, which serves as a coupling member provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 4, is exposed through the opening 24d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 24, which is a frame provided at the longitudinal end of the cartridge P. More specifically, the drive input portion 4a of the photosensitive member protrudes outward from the cartridge to above the opening plane of the opening 24d of the cartridge cover member 24. In contrast to the drive input portion 74b described above, which can advance and retract, the drive input portion 4a of the photosensitive member is fixed in a direction toward the interior of the cartridge P (along the rotational axis of the photosensitive member). In other words, the drive input portion 4a of the photosensitive member is fixed relative to the drum 4.

[0164] [Drive transmission to the developing roller]

[0165] (Operation of the drive connection part and release mechanism)

[0166] Will refer to Figure 1and Figure 8 The structure of the drive connecting portion will now be described. Here, the drive connecting portion is a mechanism for receiving the driving force from the developing device drive output member 62, which is the main assembly-side drive transmission member of the main assembly 2, and for selectively transmitting and disconnecting the driving force to the developing roller 6. In this embodiment, the drive connecting portion includes a spring 70, a drive input member 74, a release cam 72, a developing device covering member 32, and a drive-side cartridge cover member 24.

[0167] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 engage with each other through the opening 32d and the opening 72f of the release cam 72. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the driving side cartridge cover member 24, which is a frame provided at the longitudinal end of the cartridge, is provided with an opening 24e (through hole). The developing device covering member 32 coupled to the driving side cartridge cover member 24 is provided with a cylindrical portion 32b provided with an opening 32d (through hole).

[0168] The cartridge side drive transmission component 74 is provided with a shaft portion 74x and has an end portion provided with a drive input portion 74b as a rotational force receiving portion. The shaft portion 74x passes through the opening 72f of the release cam, the opening 32d of the developing device covering component 32 and the opening 24e of the drive side cartridge cover component 24, and the drive input portion 74b at the free end is exposed toward the outside of the cartridge. More specifically, the drive input portion 74b protrudes to the outside of the cartridge, exceeding the opening plane of the drive side cartridge cover component 24 provided with the opening 24e. The protrusion of the drive input portion 74b is coupled with the recess 62b provided on the main component side drive transmission component 62, so that the drive is transmitted from the main component side to the drive input portion 74b. The drive input portion 74b has a configuration provided by slightly twisting a column that is substantially a triangular prism ( Figure 1 ).

[0169] Furthermore, a gear portion 74g is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74, and engages with the developing roller gear 69. By this, the driving force transmitted to the driving input portion 74b of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the gear portion 74g of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74 and the developing roller gear 69.

[0170] The drive input portion 74b of this embodiment is movable toward the interior of the cartridge. More specifically, the to-be-pushed portion 74c provided at the base of the rotation shaft portion 74x of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74 is pressed by the release cam 72, causing the drive input member 74 to retract toward the interior of the cartridge. By doing so, the driving force supplied from the main assembly-side drive transmission member 62 is transmitted and disconnected.

[0171] In this embodiment, and also in subsequent embodiments, the direction toward the interior of the cartridge is along the rotation axis X and is determined by Figure 1 However, even if slightly tilted relative to the rotation axis X, such a direction (also the direction toward the inside of the cartridge) is a direction in which the drive input portion 74b and the main component side drive transmission member 62 are effectively engaged with each other.

[0172] (Structure of the drive connection part)

[0173] Will refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 This structure will be described in detail below. Disposed between the drive-side cartridge cover member 24, which is part of the frame provided at the longitudinal end of the cartridge P, and the bearing member 45 supporting the rotary shaft of the developing roller, are a spring 70, which serves as an elastic portion of an urging member for urging in the direction from the bearing member 45 toward the drive-side cartridge cover member 24; a drive input member 74, which serves as a cartridge-side drive transmission member urged by the spring 70; a release cam 72, which serves as a coupling release member and is part of the release mechanism; and the developing device covering member 32. The rotational axes of these components are coaxial with the rotational axis of the drive input member 74. Here, they are coaxial with each other within the range of dimensional tolerance in terms of separation, and the same applies to the subsequent embodiments to be described below.

[0174] Figure 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive connection part.

[0175] As described above, the support portion 74p (the inner surface of the cylindrical portion) of the drive input member 74 engages with the first rotation shaft receiving portion 45p (the outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 74q of the drive input member 74 engages with the inner circumference 32q of the developing device covering member 32. Thus, the drive input member 74 is rotatably supported at its opposite ends by the bearing member 45 and is positioned within the developing device covering member 32.

[0176] Furthermore, the bearing member 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. More specifically, the second rotating shaft receiving portion 45q (the inner surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45 rotatably supports the rotating shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6. Furthermore, the developing roller gear 69 engages with the rotating shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6. As previously described, the outer peripheral surface of the drive input member 74 is formed as a gear portion 74g for meshing with the developing roller gear 69. Thus, the rotational force is transmitted from the drive input member 74 to the developing roller 6 via the developing roller gear 69.

[0177] The center of the first shaft receiving portion 45p (outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45 and the inner circumference 32q of the developing device covering member 32 are on the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9. That is, the drive input member 74 is rotatably supported around the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9.

[0178] Outside the developing device covering member 32 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P, a driving side cartridge cover member 24 is provided. Figure 9 Part (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connection state (coupling state) between the drive input portion 74b of the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly. This state in which the drive input portion 74b protrudes to the outside of the cartridge beyond the opening plane of the opening 24e of the drive-side cartridge cover member 24 and the rotational force can be transmitted from the developing device-drive output member 62 to the drive input portion 74b is referred to as the "first position" of the drive input member 74. Disposed between the bearing member 45 and the drive input portion 74b is a spring 70 (elastic member) serving as an urging member that urges the drive input portion 74b in the direction indicated by the arrow M.

[0179] exist Figure 9 In the state of part (a), when the release cam 72 and the drive input member 74 are projected onto a phantom line parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 6, the range of the release cam 72 is within the range of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74. Therefore, at least a portion of the range of the release cam 72 overlaps with a portion of the range of the drive input member 74, thereby enabling the drive disconnection mechanism to be reduced in size.

[0180] Figure 9 Part (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing that the connection between the drive input portion 74b and the developing device-drive output member 62 has been disconnected, and they are spaced apart from each other. The drive input portion 74b can be moved in the direction of arrow N against the urging force of the spring 39 by being pressed by the release cam 72 as an urging mechanism.

[0181] A state in which the rotational force from the developing device-drive output member 62 is not transmitted to the drive input portion 74b (eg Figure 9 The portion (b) shown in FIG. 1 is referred to as the "second position" of the drive input member 74. In the second position, the drive input portion 74b is closer to one side of the cartridge than in the first position. Preferably, the second position is such that the drive input portion 74b provided at the end of the cartridge drive input member is retracted from the outer surface of the cartridge where the opening plane of the frame exists. However, as Figure 9As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the outer surface and the end surface of the drive input portion 74b may be flush with each other, or the end surface of the drive input portion 74b may slightly protrude beyond the outer surface. In any case, the second position may correspond to a state in which the drive input portion 74 is closer to the interior of the cartridge than in the first position and the developing device-drive output component 62 and the drive input component 74 are not drivingly connected.

[0182] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of a structure including the bearing member 45 , the spring 70 , the drive input member 74 , and the developing roller gear 69 .

[0183] The first rotating shaft receiving portion 45p (the outer surface of the cylindrical portion) has a first guide portion for the bearing member 45 to rotatably support a support portion (a portion to be supported) 74p (the inner surface of the cylindrical portion), which serves as the first portion to be guided, of the drive input member 74. When the support portion 74p is engaged with the first rotating shaft receiving portion 45p, the drive input member 74 is movable along the rotation axis (rotation center) X. In other words, the bearing member 45 slidably (reciprocally) supports the drive input member 74 along the rotation axis X. Furthermore, in other words, the drive input member 74 is slidable relative to the bearing member 45 in the directions of arrows M and N.

[0184] Figure 12 Part (b) shows a diagram in which the drive input member 74 has been Figure 12 The state shown in part (a) of FIG. 7 corresponds to a state in which the bearing member 45 moves in the direction of arrow N. The drive input member 74 can move in the directions of arrow M and arrow N while being engaged with the developing roller gear 69. In order to facilitate the movement of the drive input member 74 along the rotation axis X in the directions of arrow M (toward the outside of the cartridge) and arrow N (toward the inside of the cartridge), it is preferred that the gear portion 74g of the drive input member 74 is a spur gear rather than a helical gear. Figure 12 The position of the drive input member 74 of part (a) corresponds to the first position described above, and Figure 12 The position of the drive input member 74 in portion (b) corresponds to the above-mentioned second position.

[0185] (Release mechanism)

[0186] We have already described the drive disconnect mechanism.

[0187] like Figure 1 and Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , a release cam 72 is provided as a coupling release member, which is part of the release mechanism, between the gear portion 74g of the drive input member 74 and the developing device cover member 32. In other words, the release cam 72 is provided within the range of the drive input member 74 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 6.

[0188] Figure 10 1 and 2. The relationship between the release cam 72 and the developing device covering member 32 is shown. The release cam 72 is provided with an annular portion having a substantially annular configuration, and the release cam 72 serving as a peripheral portion serving as an outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral portion is provided with a protruding portion 72i protruding from the annular portion. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 72i protrudes in a direction along the rotation axis of the developing roller. In addition, the developing device covering member 32 has an inner surface 32i. The inner surface 32i is engaged with the outer peripheral surface. By doing so, the release cam 72 can be moved relative to the developing device covering member 32 in the direction of the axis of the developing roller 6. In other words, the release cam 72 can be moved relative to the developing device covering member 32 in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 6. The outer peripheral surface of the release cam 72, the inner surface 32i of the developing device covering member 32 and the center of the outer circumference 32a of the developing device covering member 32 are coaxial with each other.

[0189] In addition, a pushing surface 72c as a pushing portion is provided on a surface opposite to the surface from which the protruding portion 72i of the release cam 72 protrudes. As will be described later, the pushing surface 72c pushes a pushed surface (surface to be pushed) 74c of the drive input member 74.

[0190] In addition, the developing device covering part 32 is provided with a guide body 32h as a second guide portion, and the release cam 72 is provided with a guide groove 72h as a second portion to be guided. The guide body 32h and the guide groove 72h extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The guide body 32h of the developing device covering part 32 is engaged with the guide groove 72h of the release cam 72 as a coupling release part. Due to the disengagement between the guide body 32h and the guide groove 72h, the release cam 72 is slidable relative to the developing device covering part 32 only in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N).

[0191] It is not essential that both the guide body 32h and the guide groove 72 on the opposite side are parallel to the rotation axis X, but it is sufficient that the side in contact with each other is parallel to the rotation axis X.

[0192] Figure 11 The structures of the release cam 72, the developing device covering member 32, and the driving side cartridge cover member 24 are shown.

[0193] On the outside of the developing device covering member 32 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P, a driving side cartridge cover member 24 is provided.

[0194] The release cam 72, which serves as a coupling release member, includes a contact portion (inclined surface) 72a, which serves as a force receiving portion for receiving the force generated by (the pushing member 80 of) the main assembly 2. The drive-side cartridge cover member 24 includes a contact portion (inclined surface) 24b, which serves as an operating member. Furthermore, the developing device cover member 32 is provided with another opening 32j around the opening 32d. The contact portion 72a of the release cam 72 and the contact portion 24b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 24 can contact each other through the opening 32j of the developing device cover member 32.

[0195] In this example, the number of the contact portions 72a of the release cam 72 and the number of the contact portions 24b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 24 are each two, but these numbers are not limitative. For example, the numbers may be three.

[0196] The number may be 1 respectively, but in this case, the release cam 72 is likely to tilt relative to the axis X due to the force applied to the contact portion during the drive transmission release operation to be described below. If tilting occurs, the drive switching properties (such as the drive connection and release operation timing) may be deteriorated. In order to suppress the tilting, preferably, the support portion (the inner surface 32i of the developing device covering part 32) that slidably supports the release cam 72 (which can slide along the axis of the developing roller 6) is reinforced. In this regard, preferably, the components of each contact portion are multiple, and they are all arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis X. In this case, the resultant force of the force applied to the contact portion produces a torque that tends to rotate the release cam 72 around the axis X. Therefore, the tilting of the release cam 72 relative to the axis X can be suppressed. In addition, when more than three contact portions are provided, the plane supporting the release cam 72 can be fixed, and therefore, the tilting of the release cam 72 can be further prevented. Thus, the posture of the release cam 72 can be stabilized.

[0197] [Drive disconnect operation]

[0198] Will refer to Figure 7 and Figure 13-15 1 and 2 will now describe the operation of the drive coupling portion when the developing roller 6 is being separated from the drum 4. For simplicity of restoration, some components are shown, and a portion of the structure of the release cam is schematically shown. In the figure, arrow M is oriented along the rotation axis X and toward the exterior of the cartridge, and arrow N is oriented along the rotation axis X and toward the interior of the cartridge.

[0199] [State 1]

[0200] like Figure 7 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , a gap d exists between the spacing force urging member 80 and the urging force receiving portion (spacer force receiving portion) 45a of the bearing member 45. Here, the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are in contact with each other. This state is referred to as "State 1" of the spacing force urging member 80. Figure 13 The structure of the drive connection part at this time is shown in FIG. Figure 13 In part (a), the pair of the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 and the pair of the release cam 72 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 24 are shown separately and schematically. Figure 13 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection part. Figure 13 In part (b), for the drive side cartridge cover member 24, only the portion including the contact portion 24b is shown, and for the developing device cover member 32, only the portion including the guide body 32h is shown. A gap e is provided between the contact portion 72a of the release cam 72 and the contact portion 24b of the drive side cartridge cover member 24. At this time, the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are engaged with each other by an engagement amount (depth) q, and in this state, drive transmission is possible. As described above, the drive input member 74 is engaged with the developing roller gear 69 ( Figure 12 ). Therefore, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive input member 74 is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 to drive the developing roller 6. The positions of the various parts in this state are referred to as contact positions and are also referred to as a developing contact drive transmission state. The position of the drive input member 74 at this time is referred to as a first position.

[0201] [State 2]

[0202] When the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 moves δ1 in the direction of arrow F1 in the figure from the drum-roller contact and drive transmission state, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in part (b) of , the developing unit 9 rotates around the rotation axis X in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced apart from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The release cam 72 and the developing device covering member 32 in the developing unit 9 rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1 in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9. On the other hand, when the cartridge P is mounted on the main assembly 2, the drum unit 8, the drive side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-drive side cartridge cover member 25 are positioned and fixed to the main assembly 2. In other words, as Figure 14As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG, the contact portion 24b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 24 does not move. In this figure, the release cam 72 has rotated in the direction of arrow K in the figure in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 to a state in which the contact portion 72a of the release cam 72 and the contact portion 24b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 24 come into contact with each other. At this time, the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62e are kept engaged with each other ( Figure 14 6. Thus, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive input member 74 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the developing roller gear 69. This state of the various parts is referred to as the drum-roller gap and drive transmission state. The position of the drive input member 74 is in the first position.

[0203] [State 3]

[0204] Figure 15 Part (a) and part (b) show the Figure 7 Part (c) shows the structure of the drive connection portion when the spacing force pushing component (main component side pushing component) 80 is spaced from the drum-roller and the drive transmission state is moved a distance δ2 in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 in the figure. In the mutual relationship with the development unit 9 rotating at an angle θ2 (>θ1), the release cam 72 and the development device covering component 32 rotate. On the other hand, the drive side cartridge cover component 24 does not move similarly to the above-mentioned case, and the release cam 72 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow K in the figure. At this time, the contact portion 72a of the release cam 72 receives the reaction force from the contact portion 24b of the drive side cartridge cover component 24. In addition, as described above, the guide groove 72h of the release cam 72 is engaged with the guide body 32h of the development device covering component 32, and therefore, can be released only in the axial direction (the direction of the arrow M and the arrow N) ( Figure 10 ). As a result, the release cam 72 slides relative to the developing device covering member in the direction of arrow N by a movement distance p. In addition, in mutual relationship with the movement of the release cam 72 in the direction of arrow N, the pushing surface 72c, which is the pushing portion of the release cam 72 serving as the pushing member, pushes the pushed surface 74c of the drive input member 74. In this way, the drive input member 74 slides in the direction of arrow N by a movement distance p ( Figure 12 and Figure 15 part (b)).

[0205] Because the movement distance p is greater than the engagement amount q between the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62, the engagement between the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released. As a result, the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly 2 continues to rotate, while the drive input member 74, on the other hand, stops. Consequently, the rotation of the developing roller gear 69 and the developing roller 6 stops. This state of the various components is referred to as the spaced position and is also referred to as the drum-roller spaced and drive disconnected state. The position of the drive input member 74 at this point is referred to as the second position.

[0206] By pushing the drive input member 74 in this manner by the push portion 72c of the release cam 72, the drive input member 74 moves from the first position to the second position toward the interior of the cartridge. By doing so, the engagement between the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released, so that the rotational force from the developing device-drive output member 62 is no longer transmitted to the drive input member 74.

[0207] In this movement, the distance p of the drive input member 74 from the first position to the second position is not less than the engagement amount q ( Figure 34 ), and more preferably, not less than the height 74z (measured in the direction of the axis X) of the drive input portion 74b ( Figure 12 As previously stated, the moving distance p of this embodiment is 2.2 mm. In order to ensure the transmission and release of the driving force from the main assembly side, it is preferred that the moving distance p is not less than 2 mm and not more than 3 mm.

[0208] In the above, the drive disconnection operation with respect to the developing roller 6 has been described in relation to the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow K. By adopting the above-described structure, the developing roller 6 can be rotated while being spaced apart from the drum 4. As a result, the drive of the developing roller 6 can be stopped depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4.

[0209] [Drive connection operation]

[0210] The operation of driving the connecting portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are changed from the spaced state to the contacted state will be described. This operation is the reverse of the operation from the contacted state (drum-roller) to the spaced state described above.

[0211] In the state of the developing device of the interval (developing unit 9 as Figure 7 The engagement between the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released in the drive connection portion, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 That is, the drive input member 74 is in the second position.

[0212] In the developing unit 9 already Figure 7 The developing unit 9 is gradually rotated in the direction of the arrow H in FIG. 1 (in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow K) so that the developing unit 9 is rotated by an angle θ1 ( Figure 7 and Figure 14 In the state of part (b)), the drive input component 74 and the developing device-drive output component 62 are engaged with each other by the drive input component 74 moving in the direction of arrow M under the urging force of the spring 70.

[0213] By doing so, the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly 2 to the developing roller 6, so that the developing roller 6 rotates. That is, the driving input member 74 is in the first position. At this time, the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are kept separated from each other.

[0214] By further moving the developing unit 9 from this state in the direction of arrow H ( Figure 7 ) gradually rotates, the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 can contact each other. Similarly, in this state, the drive input member 74 is in the first position.

[0215] Hereinabove, the drive transmitting operation to the developing roller 6 has been described in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow H. With the aforementioned structure, the developing roller 6 gradually comes into contact with the drum 4 while rotating, and depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the drive can be transmitted to the developing roller 6.

[0216] As described above, with such a structure, switching between connection and disconnection with respect to the developing roller 6 can be achieved solely depending on the rotation angle of the developing unit 9 .

[0217] In the foregoing description, the contact between the contact portion 72a of the release cam 72 and the contact portion 24b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 24 is surface-to-surface contact, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the contact may be between a surface and a ridge, between a surface and a point, between a ridge and a ridge, or between a ridge and a point.

[0218] [Release mechanism]

[0219] Will refer to Figure 16 To describe the release mechanism, where Figure 16 The projected relationship among the release cam 72, the driving side cartridge cover member 24, and the guide body 32h of the developing device covering member 32 is schematically shown.

[0220] Figure 16 Part (a) shows the drum-roller contact and drive transmission state, Figure 16 Part (b) shows the drum-roller spacing and drive transmission state, and Figure 16 Part (c) shows the drum-roller gap and drive disconnected state. These states are respectively Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 The same states as those shown. Figure 16 In the portion (c) of FIG. 1 , the release cam 72 and the drive side cartridge cover member 24 contact each other at the contact portion 72a, and the contact portion 72a is inclined relative to the rotation axis X. Here, in the drum-roller spacing and drive disconnection state, the positional relationship between the release cam 72 and the drive side cartridge cover member 24 can be as follows: Figure 16 More particularly, as shown in part (d) of Figure 16 As shown in part (c) of the drawing, the contact portion 72a and the contact portion 24b inclined with respect to the rotation axis X come into contact with each other, and then the developing unit 9 rotates. By this, the release cam 72 and the driving side cartridge cover member 24 come into contact with each other at the flat surface 72s and the flat surface 24s perpendicular to the rotation axis X.

[0221] When there is a gap f between the guide groove 72h of the release cam 72 and the guide body 32h of the developing device covering member 32, as shown in FIG. Figure 16 As shown in part (a), Figure 16 The drum-roller contact and drive transmission state shown in part (a) is Figure 16 The change of the drum-roller interval and disconnected state shown in the part (d) is the same as that described above. Figure 16 The drum-roller interval shown in part (d) and the drive disconnected state to Figure 16 In the change of the driving connection state shown in the part (a), the gap f between the guide groove 72h of the release cam 72 and the guide body 32h of the developing device covering member 32 first disappears ( Figure 16 Then, the state changes to the state just before the contact between the contact portion 72a and the contact portion 24b ( Figure 16 Then, the state changes to a state in which the contact portion 72a and the contact portion 24b are in contact with each other ( Figure 16 In the change from the developing device state of the spaced apart developing unit 9 to the developing device state of the contacted developing unit 9, the relative positional relationship between the release cam 72 and the driving side cartridge cover member 24 is the same as that described above.

[0222] like Figure 16As shown, in the case where a gap f exists between the guide groove 72h of the release cam 72 and the guide body 32h of the developing device covering part 32, the release cam 72 does not move in the direction of the arrow M until the gap f disappears in the process of changing from the spaced developing device state to the contacted developing device state. By the movement of the release cam 72 in the direction of the arrow M, the drive connection between the drive input part 74 and the developing device-drive output part 62 is completed. That is, the timing of the movement of the release cam 72 in the direction of the arrow M and the drive connection a are synchronized with each other. In other words, the timing of the drive connection can be controlled by the gap f between the guide groove 72h of the release cam 72 and the guide body 32h of the developing device covering part 32.

[0223] It will be described in Figure 16 Part (c) and Figure 15 The structure of the developing device of the developing unit 9 in the state shown is completed in the state of separation of the developing device and the drive disconnection state. That is, in the drum-roller separation and drive disconnection state, the contact portion 72a and the contact portion 24b inclined relative to the rotation axis X contact each other, whereby the release cam 72 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 24 contact each other. In this case, the timing of the movement of the release cam 72 in the direction of arrow M does not depend on the gap f between the guide groove 72h of the release cam 72 and the guide body 32h of the developing device cover member 32. Therefore, the timing of the drive connection can be controlled more accurately. In addition, the moving distance of the release cam 72 in the directions of arrow M and arrow N can be reduced, so that the size of the processing cartridge in the axial direction can be reduced.

[0224] [Differences from conventional examples]

[0225] The differences from the conventional structure will be described.

[0226] In the structure of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-337511, a coupling for receiving drive from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and a spring clutch for switching drive transmission are provided at the end of the developing roller. Furthermore, a link associated with the rotation of the developing unit is provided within the process cartridge. When the developing roller is spaced apart from the drum by the rotation of the developing unit, this link acts on the spring clutch provided at the end of the developing roller to disconnect the drive transmission to the developing roller.

[0227] The spring clutch itself remains unchanged. With this structure, there is a tendency for delays to occur between the operation of the spring clutch and the actual drive transmission of the connection. Furthermore, due to variations in the size and rotational angle of the link mechanism of the developer unit, the timing at which the link mechanism acts on the spring clutch may not be constant. Furthermore, the link mechanism, which acts on the spring clutch, is located at a position other than the rotational center of the developer unit and drum unit.

[0228] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control variation of the rotation time of the developing roller can be reduced by adopting the following structure: the structure is used to switch the drive transmission to the developing roller (the contact portion 72a of the release cam 72, the contact portion 24b of the operating portion of the drive side cartridge cover component 24 that can act on the contact portion 72a, the contact portion (slant surface) 72a of the release cam 72, and the contact portion (slant surface) 24b of the drive side cartridge cover component 24).

[0229] Furthermore, the clutch is coaxially located with the rotational center, about which the developer unit rotates relative to the drum unit. The relative positional error between the drum unit and developer unit is minimized at the rotational center. Therefore, by locating the drive transmission switching clutch at the rotational center, the timing of clutch switching relative to the developer unit's rotational angle can be most precisely controlled. As a result, the developer roller's rotational timing can be precisely controlled, minimizing degradation of the developer and developer roller.

[0230] In addition, in the conventional image forming apparatus and process cartridge, a drive switching clutch for the developing roller is provided in the image forming apparatus in some cases.

[0231] For example, when performing monochrome printing in a full-color image forming apparatus, the drive for one or more developing devices other than black or color is collected using a clutch. Furthermore, in a monochrome image forming apparatus, the drive may be transmitted to the developing device when the electrostatic latent image on the drum is being developed by the developing device, but when the developing operation is not being performed, the drive for the developing device is disconnected using a clutch. By controlling the rotation time of the developing roller by disconnecting the drive for the developing device during non-image forming operations, deterioration of the developer or the developing roller can be suppressed.

[0232] In the case where the clutch is provided in the process cartridge, the clutch can be downsized compared to the case where the clutch for switching the drive of the developing roller is in the image forming apparatus. Figure 17Be the block diagram that is shown about the example of gear layout in image forming apparatus when the drive from the motor (drive source) that is arranged in image forming apparatus is passed to process box.When drive is passed to process box P (PK) from motor 83, this transmission works by idle gear 84 (K), clutch 85 (K) and idle gear 86 (K).When drive is passed to process box P (PY, PM, PC) from motor 83, this transmission works by idle gear 84 (YMC), clutch 85 (YMC) and idle gear 86 (YMC).The drive of motor 83 is divided into the drive to idle gear 84 (K) and the drive to idle gear 84 (YMC), and the drive from clutch 85 (YMC) is divided into the drive to idle gear 86 (Y), the drive to idle gear 86 (M) and the drive to idle gear 86 (C).

[0233] For example, when performing monochrome printing in a full-color image forming apparatus, the drive of the developing device containing non-black developer is disconnected using clutch 85 (YMC). In the case of full-color printing, the drive of motor 83 is transmitted to the process cartridge P via clutch 85 (YMC). At this time, load concentration occurs at clutch 85 (YMC) to drive the process cartridge P. More specifically, three times the load applied to clutch 85 (K) is applied to clutch 85 (YMC). The load variation of the color developing device is similarly applied to a single clutch 85 (YMC). In order to transmit drive without deteriorating the rotation accuracy of the developing roller even in the presence of load concentration and load variation, the rigidity of the clutch must be increased. This leads to an increase in the size of the clutch and requires the use of a high-rigidity material (such as sintered metal). On the other hand, when a clutch is provided in each process cartridge, the load and load variation applied to each clutch are only those of the associated developing device. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase rigidity as in the above example, and each clutch can be reduced in size.

[0234] Likewise, in the Figure 17 In the gear layout of the black process cartridge P (PK) shown in FIG, it is desirable to minimize the load applied to the drive switching clutch 85 (K). In the gear layout for drive transmission to the process cartridge P, in view of the drive transmission efficiency of the gears, the load applied to the gear shaft closer to the process cartridge P is smaller. Therefore, compared with the case where the drive switching clutch is provided in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, by providing the clutch between the cartridge and the main assembly (i.e., in the cartridge), the clutch can be reduced in size.

[0235] [Example 2]

[0236] A cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1 are assigned to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and for the sake of simplicity, their detailed descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, a universal joint (Oldham coupling) is provided within the cartridge, and the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 is different from the rotation axis Z of the drive input member 274. In the example of this embodiment, the rotation axis X is offset from the rotation axis Z but parallel thereto.

[0237] In this embodiment, the engagement relationship between the drive input component 274 and the developing device-drive output component 62 of the main component is equivalent to the engagement relationship between the drive input portion 74b of the drive input component 74 and the developing device-drive output component 62 of the main component in Example 1.

[0238] More specifically, the cartridge-side drive transmission member 274 projects toward the outside of the cartridge through the opening 272f, the opening 232d, and the opening 224e of the release cam 272. By engaging between the cartridge-side drive transmission member 274 and the developing device-drive output member 62, the driving force (rotational force) for rotating the developing roller is received from the main assembly.

[0239] In addition, the engagement relationship between the release cam 272 and the developing device covering member 232, and the engagement relationship between the release cam 272, the developing device covering member 232 and the driving side cartridge cover member 224 are identical to those of Embodiment 1 ( Figure 10 、 11 ).

[0240] In addition, the structure of the drive input portion (drive transmission portion for photosensitive member) for receiving the driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 4 is similar to that of Embodiment 1. More specifically, the drive input portion 4a for the photosensitive member projects through the opening 224d. By the engagement between the drive input portion 4a for the photosensitive member and the drum driving force output member 61 ( Figure 3 ), the driving force (rotational force) is received from the main component.

[0241] [Structure of the drive connection part]

[0242] Will refer to Figure 18 、 19The structure of the drive connection portion of this embodiment will be described below. The drive connection portion of this embodiment includes a spring 70, an idler gear 271 as a downstream component of the slider connection, an intermediate component 42 of the slider connection, a drive input component 274 as an upstream component of the slider connection, a release cam 272 as a release component (part of the release mechanism), a developing device covering component 232, and a drive-side cartridge cover component 224. The drive connection portion is arranged between the bearing component 45 and the drive-side cartridge cover component 224 in the order described above, from the bearing component 45 to the drive-side cartridge cover component 224.

[0243] Even when the developing unit 9 moves between the developing contact state position and the spaced developing device state position, the driving force supplied from the developing unit 9 must be transmitted to the developing roller 6 with certainty. At least the center line of the release cam 272 is coaxial with the rotation axis X, but in this embodiment, the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 is not coaxial with the rotation axis Z of the drive input component 274. Therefore, when the developing unit 9 moves between the developing contact state position and the spaced developing device state position, the relative position is located between the drive input component 274 and the idle gear 271. In view of this, a universal joint (slider connection) is adopted through which drive can be transmitted even if a relative position deviation occurs. More specifically, in this embodiment, the drive input component 274, the intermediate component 42 and the idle gear 271 constitute a slider connection. Figure 20 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive connection part. Figure 20 Part (a) shows a state in which the drive input portion 74b of the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly are engaged with each other to achieve drive transmission to the developing roller 6. That is, the drive input member 74 is in the first position.

[0244] Figure 20 Part (b) shows a state in which the drive input portion 274b of the drive input member 274 is disconnected from the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly to stop the drive of the developing roller 6. That is, the drive input member 74 is in the second position.

[0245] As will be understood from these drawings, the rotation axis of the idler gear 271 is coaxial with the rotation axis X. The intermediate member 42 rotates between the rotation axis X and the rotation axis Z. The center of the release cam 272 is located on the rotation axis X.

[0246] [Drive disconnect operation]

[0247] Will refer to Figure 7 and Figure 21-23 The operation of the drive connecting portion when the developing roller 6 is being separated from the drum 4 will be described.

[0248] For simplicity of restoration, some elements are shown and a portion of the structure of the release cam is shown schematically. In the figure, arrow M is oriented along the axis of rotation X and toward the outside of the cartridge, and arrow N is oriented along the axis of rotation X and toward the inside of the cartridge.

[0249] [State 1]

[0250] like Figure 7 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, there is a gap d between the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 and the urging force receiving portion (spacer force receiving portion) 45a of the bearing member 45. Here, the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are in contact with each other. This state is referred to as "State 1" of the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80. Figure 21 The structure of the drive connection portion at this time is shown.

[0251] exist Figure 21 In part (a), the pair of the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 and the pair of the release cam 272 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 224 are shown separately and schematically.

[0252] Figure 21 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection part. Figure 21 In part (b), for the drive side cartridge cover component 224, only the portion including the contact portion 224b is shown, and for the developing device cover component 232, only the portion including the guide body 232h is shown. A gap e is provided between the contact portion 272a of the release cam 272 and the contact portion 224b of the drive side cartridge cover component 224. At this time, the drive input component 274 and the developing device-drive output component 62 engage with each other by an engagement amount (depth) q, and in this state, drive transmission is possible. As described above, the drive input component 274 engages with the developing roller gear 69, which serves as a developing roller drive transmission component. Therefore, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive input component 274 is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 to drive the developing roller 6. The positions of the various parts in this state are referred to as contact positions, and are also referred to as drum-roller gap and drive transmission states. The position of the drive input component 274 at this time is referred to as the first position.

[0253] [State 2]

[0254] When the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 moves δ1 in the direction of arrow F1 in the figure from the drum-roller contact and drive transmission state, as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown in part (b) of , the developing unit 9 rotates around the rotation axis X in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced apart from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The release cam 272 and the developing device covering member 232 in the developing unit 9 rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1 in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9. On the other hand, when the cartridge P is mounted on the main assembly 2, the drum unit 8, the drive side cartridge cover member 224 and the non-drive side cartridge cover member 225 are positioned and fixed to the main assembly 2. In other words, as Figure 14 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG, the contact portion 24b of the drive side cartridge cover member 24 does not move. In the figure, the release cam 272 has rotated in the direction of arrow K in the figure in relation to the rotation of the developing unit 9 to a state in which the contact portion 272a of the release cam 272 and the contact portion 224b of the drive side cartridge cover member 224 come into contact with each other. At this time, the drive input member 274 and the developing device-drive output member 62e are kept engaged with each other ( Figure 22 6. Thus, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive input member 274 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the developing roller gear 69. This state of the various parts is referred to as the drum-roller gap and drive transmission state. The position of the drive input member 274 is in the first position.

[0255] [State 3]

[0256] Figure 23 Part (a) and part (b) show the state when the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 is spaced from the drum-roller and the drive transmission state is moved by a distance δ2 in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 in the figure (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 ) is a structure of the driving connection part of the developing device covering part 232). In the mutual relationship with the development unit 9 rotating at an angle θ2 (>θ1), the release cam 272 and the development device covering part 232 rotate. On the other hand, the driving side cartridge cover part 224 does not move similarly to the above-mentioned case, and the release cam 272 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow K in the figure. At this time, the contact portion 272a of the release cam 272 receives the reaction force from the contact portion 224b of the driving side cartridge cover part 224. In addition, as described above, the guide groove 272h of the release cam 272 is engaged with the guide body 232h of the development device covering part 232, and therefore, can be released only in the axial direction (the direction of the arrow M and the arrow N) ( Figure 10) is moved. As a result, the release cam 272 slides relative to the developing device covering member in the direction of arrow N by a movement distance p. In addition, in mutual relationship with the movement of the release cam 272 in the direction of arrow N, the pushing surface 272c, which is the pushing portion of the release cam 272 serving as the pushing member, pushes the pushed surface 274c of the drive input member 74. By this, the drive input member 274 slides in the direction of arrow N by a movement distance p ( Figure 12 and Figure 23 part (b)).

[0257] Because the movement distance p is greater than the engagement amount q between the drive input member 274 and the developing device-drive output member 262, the engagement between the drive input member 274 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released. As a result, the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly 2 continues to rotate, while the drive input member 274, on the other hand, stops. Consequently, the rotation of the developing roller gear 69 and the developing roller 6 stops. This state of the various components is referred to as the spaced position and is also referred to as the drum-roller spaced and drive-disconnected state.

[0258] The position of the drive input member 274 at this time is referred to as the second position.

[0259] By pushing the drive input member 274 in this manner by the push portion 272c of the release cam 272, the drive input member 274 moves from the first position to the second position toward the interior of the cartridge. On the other hand, the idler gear 271 moves while being aligned with the rotation axis X. By doing so, the engagement between the drive input member 274 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released, so that the rotational force from the developing device-drive output member 62 is no longer transmitted to the drive input member 274.

[0260] In the above, the drive disconnection operation with respect to the developing roller 6 has been described in relation to the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow K. By adopting the above-described structure, the developing roller 6 can be rotated while being spaced apart from the drum 4. As a result, depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the drive of the developing roller 6 can be stopped.

[0261] [Drive connection operation]

[0262] The operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are changed from the spaced state to the contacted state will be described. This operation is the reverse of the operation from the contacted state to the spaced state described above.

[0263] In the state of the developing device of the interval (developing unit 9 as Figure 7 As shown in part (c) of Figure 23As shown, the engagement between the drive input member 274 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released in the drive connection portion. That is, the drive input member 274 is in the second position.

[0264] In the developing unit 9 already Figure 7 The developing unit 9 is gradually rotated in the direction of the arrow H in FIG. 1 (in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow K) so that the developing unit 9 is rotated by an angle θ1 ( Figure 7 and Figure 22 In part (b)), the drive input component 274 and the developing device-drive output component 62 are engaged with each other by the drive input component 274 moving in the direction of arrow M under the urging force of the spring 70.

[0265] By doing so, the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly 2 to the developing roller 6, so that the developing roller 6 rotates. That is, the driving input member 274 is in the first position. At this time, the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are kept separated from each other.

[0266] By further moving the developing unit 9 from this state in the direction of arrow H ( Figure 7 ) gradually rotates, the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 can contact each other. Similarly, in this state, the drive input member 274 is in the first position.

[0267] Hereinabove, the drive transmitting operation to the developing roller 6 has been described in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow H. With the aforementioned structure, the developing roller 6 gradually comes into contact with the drum 4 while rotating, and depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the drive can be transmitted to the developing roller 6.

[0268] As described above, with such a structure, switching between connection and disconnection with respect to the developing roller 6 can be achieved solely depending on the rotation angle of the developing unit 9 .

[0269] In the foregoing description, the contact between the contact portion 272a of the release cam 272 and the contact portion 24b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 224 is surface-to-surface contact, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0270] As described above, similar to Embodiment 1, the release cam 272, which is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9, moves in the longitudinal direction (arrows M, N) in response to the contact spacing operation of the developing unit 9. In this embodiment, the idle gear 271, the intermediate member 42, and the drive input member 74 move in the longitudinal direction (arrows M, N) in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9. In this way, the drive connection and disconnection between the drive input member 274 and the developing device-drive output member 62 can be achieved.

[0271] [Example 3]

[0272] A cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiments are assigned to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and for the sake of simplicity, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The drive input member 374 of this embodiment can be axially moved within the idle gear 371 as a cartridge-side drive transmission member. That is, the idle gear 371 engaged with the developer roller gear 69 does not necessarily need to be moved axially as in the above-described embodiment, and thus, wear on the idle gear 371 can be reduced.

[0273] In this embodiment, the engagement relationship between the drive input member 374 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly is equivalent to the engagement relationship between the drive input portion 74b of the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly in Embodiment 1. In addition, the drive input portion 4a for the photosensitive member (photosensitive member drive transmission portion) is similar to the drive input portion in Embodiment 1. The engagement relationship between the drive input member 374, the release cam 372, the developing device covering member 232 and the driving side cartridge cover member 324 is similar to the engagement relationship in Embodiment 1 ( Figure 10 and 11 ).

[0274] [Structure of the drive connection part]

[0275] Will refer to Figure 24 and Figure 25 To describe the structure of the drive connection part of this embodiment. The drive connection part of this embodiment includes an idle gear 371 as another cartridge side drive transmission component, a spring 70, a drive input component 374, a release cam 372 as a part of the release mechanism, a developing device covering component 332 and a cartridge cover component 324. Between the bearing member 45 and the drive side cartridge cover component 224, the elements of the above-mentioned drive connection part are coaxially arranged from the bearing member 45 toward the drive side cartridge cover component 224 in the above-mentioned order. The idle gear 371 as another cartridge side drive transmission component and the cartridge side drive transmission component 374 are directly coaxially engaged with each other. The bearing member 45 rotatably supports the idle gear 371. More specifically, the first shaft receiving portion 45p (the outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45 rotatably supports the supported portion 371p (the inner surface of the cylindrical portion) of the idle gear 371 ( Figure 24 、 Figure 25 and Figure 27). In addition, the bearing member 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. More specifically, the second rotating shaft receiving portion 45q (the inner surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45 rotatably supports the rotating shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6. The developing roller gear 69, which serves as a developing roller drive transmission member, is engaged with the rotating shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6. The outer periphery of the idle gear 371 is formed as a gear portion 371g for meshing with the developing roller gear 69. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted from the idle gear 371 to the developing roller 6 via the developing roller gear 69.

[0276] Figure 26 The structure of the parts constituting the idler gear 371 , the spring 70 , and the drive input member 374 is shown. Figure 26 Part (b) shows the state in which these components are assembled. The idle gear 371 is substantially cylindrical, and a guide body 371a is provided inside it as a first guide portion. The guide portion 371a is in the form of a rotating shaft portion substantially parallel to the rotation axis X. On the other hand, the drive input component 374 is provided with a hole portion 374h as a first portion to be guided. The drive input component 374 can move along the rotation axis X when the hole portion 374h is engaged with the guide body 371a. In other words, the idle gear 371 supports the drive input component 374 therein so that it can slide along the rotation axis. Further, in other words, the drive input component 374 can slide (reciprocate) relative to the idle gear 371 in the directions of arrows M and N. Through the engagement between the guide portion 371a and the hole portion 374h, the guide portion 371a can receive the rotational force for rotating the developing roller 6 from the drive input component 374.

[0277] In this embodiment, four such guide bodies 371a are provided, and they are arranged at 90-degree intervals so as to surround the rotation axis X. Accordingly, four such hole portions 374h are provided at 90-degree intervals so as to surround the rotation axis X. The number of guide bodies 371a and hole portions 374h is not limited to "four." However, it is preferred that there be a plurality of guide bodies 371a and hole portions 374h, and they are preferably arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. In this case, the combined force of the forces applied to the guide bodies 371a or the hole portions 374h provides a torque tending to rotate the drive input member 374 and the idler gear 371 about the rotation axis X. Therefore, it is possible to suppress axial tilt of the drive input member 374 or the idler gear 371 relative to the rotation axis X.

[0278] When the drive input component 374 is viewed from the drive input portion 374b side in the direction in which the rotating shaft portion of the drive input component 374 extends, the drive input portion 374b is arranged at the center of the drive input component 374, and the multiple hole portions 374h are arranged around it, and the portion outside the hole portion 374h constitutes the portion 374c to be pushed of the drive input portion 374 pressed by the release cam 372.

[0279] like Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown in FIG, the release cam 372 is arranged between the drive input member 374 and the developing device covering member 332. Similar to the first embodiment, the release cam 372 can slide relative to the developing device covering member 332 only in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N). Figure 10 ). More specifically, the drive input member 374 is provided with a rotation shaft portion 374x, and a drive input portion 74b serving as a rotational force receiving portion is provided at its end. The rotation shaft portion 374x passes through the opening 372f of the release cam 372, the opening 332d of the developing device cover member 332, and the opening 324e of the drive-side cartridge cover portion 324, and the drive input portion 374b at the free end is exposed toward the outside of the cartridge. In other words, the drive input portion 374b protrudes outward from the cartridge, exceeding the opening plane of the drive-side cartridge cover member 324 having the opening 324e.

[0280] The drive input portion 374b is movable toward the interior of the cartridge. The drive input member 374 is retracted toward the interior of the cartridge by being pushed by the release cam 372 through a to-be-pushed portion 374c provided in the base of the rotation shaft portion 374x of the drive input portion 374. This retracts the drive input member 374 toward the interior of the cartridge. This retracts the drive force supplied from the main assembly-side drive transmission member 62.

[0281] Figure 27 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive connection part. Figure 27 In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (a), the drive input portion 374b of the drive input member 374 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are engaged with each other. That is, the drive input portion 374b is in a position where the drive from the developing device-drive output member 62 can be transmitted, and therefore, the drive input member 374 is in the first position. Figure 27 In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (b) of FIG, the drive input portion 374 b of the drive input member 374 is spaced apart from the developing device-drive output member 62.

[0282] That is, the drive input portion 374 b is in a position where the drive from the developing device-drive output member 62 is not transmitted, and therefore, the drive input member 374 is in the second position.

[0283] As previously described, the cylindrical portion 371p of the idle gear 371 engages with the first rotation shaft receiving portion 45p (the outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 371q of the idle gear 371 engages with the inner circumference 332q of the developing device covering member 332. Thus, the idle gear 371 is rotatably supported at its opposite ends by the bearing member 45 and the developing device covering member 332, and the drive input member 374 is slidably supported relative to the idle gear 371 along the axis of the developing roller.

[0284] The center of the first rotation shaft receiving portion 45p (outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45 and the center of the opening 332d provided in the inner circumference 332q of the developing device covering member 332 are coaxial with the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9. That is, the drive input member 374 is rotatably supported around the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9.

[0285] In addition, a spring 70 as an elastic member serving as an urging member is provided between the idle gear 371 and the drive input member 374. Figure 27 As schematically shown in FIG, a spring 70 is provided inside the idle gear 371 and pushes the drive input member 374 in the direction of arrow M. Thus, the drive input member 374 can move toward the inside of the idle gear 371 against the elastic force of the spring 70. By moving the drive input member 374 into the inside of the idle gear 371, the coupling with the main assembly-side drive transmission member 62 is disconnected.

[0286] When the drive input component 374 and other cartridge side drive transmission components (idle gear 371) are Figure 27 In the illustrated state, when projected onto an imaginary line parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 6 , a portion of the drive input member 374 overlaps with at least a portion of the idler gear 371 .

[0287] [Drive disconnect and connect operations]

[0288] The operation of the drive connection portion when the state between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 changes from the contact state to the spaced state and the operation of the drive connection portion when the state changes from the spaced state to the contact state are similar to those of Example 1. With this structure of the present embodiment, the drive input component 374 can move axially (arrow M and arrow N) inside the idle gear 371. Therefore, in the switching operation between the drive disconnection and the drive transmission for the developing roller 6, it is not necessary to move the idle gear 371 axially relative to the developing roller gear 69. When the gear is a helical gear, a thrust (axial) is generated at the gear tooth surface in the gear drive transmission portion. Therefore, in the case of the first embodiment, a force opposite to the thrust is required in order to move the idle gear 371 axially (arrow M or arrow N).

[0289] In contrast, in this embodiment, the idle gear 371 does not necessarily need to be moved in the axial direction (arrow M or arrow N). It is sufficient for the drive input member 374 to be moved in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N) within the idle gear 371, and as a result, the force required to move the drive input member 374 in the axial direction can be reduced.

[0290] Furthermore, because the drive input member 374 is disposed within the inner circumference of the idle gear 371, the longitudinal dimension of the developing unit 9 can be reduced. In the axial direction, the width 374y of the drive input member 374 and the width 371x of the idle gear 371 are required to provide the movement space p for the drive input member 374. By arranging at least a portion of the width 374y of the drive input member 374 and at least a portion of the movement space p within the width 371x of the idle gear 371, the overall longitudinal dimension of the developing unit 9 can be reduced.

[0291] [Example 4]

[0292] A cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiments are assigned to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and for the sake of simplicity, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The structure of the cartridge of this embodiment differs from that of the above-described embodiments in the structure of the release mechanism.

[0293] [Structure of the drive connection part]

[0294] In this embodiment, the engagement relationship between the drive input member 374 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly is equivalent to the engagement relationship between the drive input portion 74b of the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly in Embodiment 1. In addition, the drive input portion 4a for the photosensitive member (photosensitive member drive transmission portion) is similar to the drive input portion in Embodiment 1. The configuration of the drive input member 474 and the idler gear 471 in this embodiment is similar to the structure of Embodiment 3.

[0295] Will refer to Figure 28 、 Figure 29The structure of the drive connection portion of this embodiment will be described in detail. The drive connection portion of this embodiment includes an idle gear 471 as another cartridge-side drive transmission component, a spring 70, a drive input component 474, a release cam 472 serving as an operating component that is part of the release mechanism and acts as a coupling release component, and a developing device cover component 432. The drive connection portion is coaxially arranged between the bearing member 45 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 324 in the order described above, from the bearing member 45 toward the drive-side cartridge cover member 324. The idle gear 471 and the cartridge-side drive transmission component 474 are directly and coaxially engaged with each other.

[0296] The cartridge-side drive transmission member 474 is provided with a rotating shaft portion 474x and has an end portion provided with a drive input portion 474b serving as a rotational force receiving portion. The rotating shaft portion 474x extends through the opening 472d of the release cam, the opening 432d of the developing device cover member 432, and the opening 424e of the drive-side cartridge cover member 424, with the drive input portion 474b exposed at its free end toward the outside of the cartridge. The drive input member 474 retreats toward the interior of the cartridge by being pushed by the pushing portion 472c of the release cam 472 through a to-be-pushed portion 474c provided at the base of the rotating shaft portion 474x of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 474.

[0297] Figure 30 1 and 2. The relationship between the release cam 472 as a coupling release member and the developing device covering member 432 is shown. The release cam 472 has an annular portion 472j that is substantially annular in form. The annular portion 472j has an outer peripheral surface that functions as a second portion to be guided. The outer peripheral portion is provided with a protruding portion 472i that protrudes from the annular portion. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 472i protrudes radially toward the outside of the annular portion. In addition, the developing device covering member 432 has an inner surface 432i that functions as a second guiding portion. The inner surface 432i can engage with the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 472.

[0298] The center of the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 472 and the center of the inner surface 432i of the developing device covering member 432 are coaxial with the rotation axis X. Therefore, the release cam 472 can slide in the axial direction relative to the developing device covering member 432 and the developing unit 9, and can also rotate about the rotation axis X.

[0299] In addition, the inner surface (the surface away from the developing device covering member) of the release cam 472 is provided with a pushing surface 472c as a pushing portion. By pushing the pushed surface 474c of the driving input member 474 by the pushing surface, the driving input member 474 moves toward the inside of the cartridge.

[0300] The annular portion 472j of the release cam 472, which serves as a coupling release member, is provided with a contact portion 472a, which serves as an inclined force receiving portion. The developing device covering member 432 is provided with an inclined contact portion 432r, which corresponds to the contact portion 472a of the release cam and can contact the contact portion 472a of the release cam. The release cam 472 is provided with a lever portion 472m, which serves as a protruding portion that protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the developing roller (i.e., radially outward of the annular portion).

[0301] Figure 31 The structure of the drive connection portion and the drive-side cartridge cover member 424 is shown. The lever portion 472m, which is a protruding portion, is provided with a force receiving portion 472b, which is a second portion to be guided. The force receiving portion 472b engages with an engaging portion 424d of the regulating portion, which is a part of the second guide portion for the drive-side cartridge cover member 424, to receive a force from the drive-side cartridge cover member 424. The force receiving portion 472b protrudes through an opening 432c provided in the cylindrical portion 432b of the developing device covering member 432 to engage with the engaging portion 424d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 424. By engaging between the engaging portion 424d and the force receiving portion 472b, the release cam 472 can slide relative to the drive-side cartridge cover member 424 only in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N). Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the outer circumference 432a of the cylindrical portion 432b of the developing device covering member 432 is slidable relative to the supporting portion 424a (inner surface of the cylindrical portion) serving as the sliding portion of the driving-side cartridge cover member 424. Thus, the outer circumference 432a is rotatably connected to the supporting portion 424a serving as the sliding portion.

[0302] Here, in the drive switching operation to be described below, when the release cam 472 slides in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N), it is possible that it tilts relative to the axial direction. If tilting occurs, the drive switching properties such as the timing of the drive connection and release operation may be deteriorated. In order to suppress the axial tilting of the release cam 472, it is preferable to reduce the sliding resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 472 and the inner surface 432i of the developing device covering part 432 and the sliding resistance between the force receiving portion 472b of the release cam 472 and the engaging portion 424d of the drive side cartridge cover part 424. In addition, as Figure 32 As shown in , it is preferable to increase the engagement amount of the release cam 4172 in the axial direction by extending the inner surface 4132i of the developing device covering member 4132 and the outer peripheral surface 4172i of the release cam 4172 in the axial direction.

[0303] According to these aspects, the release cam 472 engages with both the inner surface 432i of the developing device covering member 432, which is a part of the second guide portion, and the engaging portion 424d of the driving side cartridge cover member 424, which is a part of the second guide portion. Thus, the release cam 472 is slidable in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N) and rotatable about the rotation axis X in the direction of rotational movement relative to the developing unit 9, and is also slidable only in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N) relative to the sliding drum unit 8 and the driving side cartridge cover member 424 fixed to the drum unit 8.

[0304] [Relationship between forces applied to various parts of the cartridge]

[0305] The relationship between the forces applied to the respective parts of the cartridge will be described. Figure 37 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge P on which a force applied to the developing unit 9 is schematically shown, Figure 37 Part (b) is a part of a side view of the cartridge P viewed from the drive side along the rotation axis X.

[0306] To the developing unit 9, a reaction force Q1 from the urging spring 95, a reaction force Q2 applied from the drum 4 through the developing roller 6, a gravity Q3, and the like are applied. In addition to these forces, as will be described in detail below, during the drive-off operation, the release cam 472 receives a reaction force Q4 as a result of engagement with the drive-side cartridge cover member 424. A resultant force Q0 of the reaction forces Q1, Q2, Q4, and the gravity Q3 is supplied to the drive-side cartridge cover member 424 that rotatably supports the developing unit 9, and to the support portions 424a, 25a that serve as sliding portions of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 25.

[0307] Therefore, when the cartridge P is viewed in the axial direction ( Figure 37 , it is necessary for the supporting portion 424a as the sliding portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 424 that contacts the developing device covering member 432 to be against the resultant force Q0. Therefore, the supporting portion 424a as the sliding portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 424 is provided with a resultant force receiving portion for receiving the resultant force Q0. In directions other than the direction of the resultant force Q0, the supporting portion 424a is not indispensable for the cylindrical portion 432b of the developing device covering member 432 and other driving side cartridge cover members 424. In view of this, in the present embodiment, the opening 432c is provided in the cylindrical portion 432b that is slidable relative to the driving side cartridge cover member 424 in a direction other than the direction of the resultant force Q0 (in the present embodiment, on the opposite side of the resultant force Q0). The release cam 472 that engages with the engaging portion 424d as the regulating portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 424 is provided in the opening 432c.

[0308] [Positional Relationship Between Developing Roller, Cartridge-Side Drive Transmitting Member, and Urging Force Receiving Portion]

[0309] like Figure 37 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, when the cartridge 9 is viewed from the driving side along the rotational axis of the developing roller, the rotational axis 6z of the developing roller 6 is arranged among the rotational axis 4z of the photosensitive member 4, the rotational axis of the cartridge-side drive transmitting member 474 (in this embodiment, coaxial with the rotational axis X), and the contact portion 45b of the urging force receiving portion 45a for receiving a force from the main assembly-side urging member 80. That is, when the cartridge P is viewed from the driving side along the rotational axis of the developing roller, the rotational axis 6z of the developing roller 6 is arranged within a triangle formed by three lines (i.e., lines connecting the rotational axis 4z of the photosensitive member 4, the rotational axis X of the cartridge-side drive transmitting member 74, and the contact portion 45b of the urging force receiving portion 45a).

[0310] Figure 33 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive connection part.

[0311] The cylindrical portion 471p (the inner surface of the cylindrical portion) of the idle gear 471 is engaged with the first rotation shaft receiving portion 45p (the outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45. In addition, the cylindrical portion 471q (the outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the idle gear 471 is engaged with the inner circumference 432q of the developing device covering member 432. That is, the idle gear 471 is rotatably supported by the bearing member 45 and the developing device covering member 432 at each of the opposite end portions.

[0312] In addition, the rotation shaft portion 474x of the driving input member 474 and the opening 432d of the developing device covering member 432 are engaged with each other. By this, the driving input member 474 is slidably (rotatably) supported relative to the developing device covering member 432.

[0313] Furthermore, the center of the first rotation shaft receiving portion 45 p (outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45 and the center of the opening 432 d provided in the inner circumference 432 q of the developing device covering member 432 are coaxial with the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9. That is, the drive input member 474 is rotatably supported around the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9.

[0314] exist Figure 33 In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (a), the drive input portion 474b of the drive input member 474 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are engaged with each other. Figure 33 In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (b) of FIG, the drive input portion 474 b of the drive input component 474 is spaced apart from the developing device-drive output component 62.

[0315] [Drive disconnect operation]

[0316] Will refer to Figure 7 and Figure 34-36 The operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 is being separated from the drum 4 will be described.

[0317] For simplicity of restoration, some elements are shown and a portion of the structure of the release cam is shown schematically. In the figure, arrow M is oriented along the axis of rotation X and toward the outside of the cartridge, and arrow N is oriented along the axis of rotation X and toward the inside of the cartridge.

[0318] [State 1]

[0319] like Figure 7 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, there is a gap d between the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 and the urging force receiving portion (spacer force receiving portion) 45a of the bearing member 45. Here, the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are in contact with each other. This state is referred to as "State 1" of the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80. Figure 21 The structure of the drive connection part at this time is shown in FIG. Figure 21 In part (a) of FIG. 1 , a pair of the drive input component 74 and the developing device-drive output component 62 and a pair of the release cam 272 and the cartridge cover component 224 are schematically shown.

[0320] Figure 34 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection part. Figure 34 In part (b), for the developing device cover member 432, only the portion including the contact portion 432r is shown, and for the developing device covering member 424, only the portion including the engagement portion 424d is shown. A gap e is provided between the contact portion 472a of the release cam 472 and the contact portion 432r of the developing device covering member 432. At this time, the drive input member 474b of the drive input member 474 and the developing device-drive output member 62 engage with each other by the engagement amount q, and drive transmission is allowed. As described above, the drive input member 474 engages with the idle gear 471 ( Figure 26 ). Thus, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive input member 474 is transmitted via the drive input member 474 to the idler gear 471 and the developer roller gear 69, which serves as the developer roller drive transmission member. This drives the developer roller 6. The positions of the various components in this state are referred to as contact positions, and are also referred to as a drum-roller contact and drive transmission state. The position of the drive input member 474 at this point is referred to as a first position.

[0321] [State 2]

[0322] When the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 moves δ1 in the direction of arrow F1 in the figure from the drum-roller contact and drive transmission state, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the developing unit 9 rotates by an angle θ1 in the direction indicated by the arrow K around the rotation axis X. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced apart from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The release cam 472 and the developing device covering member 432 in the developing unit 9 rotate by an angle θ1 in the direction indicated by the arrow K in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9. On the other hand, the release cam 472 is assembled into the developing unit 9, but as shown in FIG. Figure 31 As shown in FIG, the force receiving portion 472b is engaged with the engaging portion 424d as the regulating portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 424. Therefore, even if the developing unit 9 rotates, the position of the release cam 472 remains unchanged. That is, the release cam 472 moves relative to the developing unit 9. Figure 35 Part (a) and Figure 35 In the state shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the contact portion 472a of the release cam 472 and the contact portion 432r of the developing device covering member 432 start to contact each other. At this time, the drive input member 474b of the drive input member 474 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are kept engaged with each other ( Figure 35 Part (a)). Therefore, the driving force supplied by the main component 2 to the drive input component 474 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the drive input component 474, the idle gear 471 and the developing roller gear 69. This state of the various parts is called the drum-roller interval and drive transmission state. In the above-mentioned state 1, the force receiving portion 472b is not always in contact with the engaging portion 424d of the driving side cartridge cover component 424. In other words, in state 1, the force receiving portion 472b can be arranged to be spaced apart from the engaging portion 424d of the driving side cartridge cover component 424. In this case, during the operation of changing from state 1 to state 2, the gap between the force receiving portion 472b and the engaging portion 424d of the driving side cartridge cover component 424 disappears, so that the force receiving portion 472b gradually becomes in contact with the engaging portion 424d of the driving side cartridge cover component 424. The position of the drive input component 74 is in the first position.

[0323] [State 3]

[0324] Figure 36 Part (a) and part (b) show the state when the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 is spaced from the drum-roller and the drive transmission state is moved by a distance δ2 in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 in the figure (as shown in FIG. Figure 7) is a structure of the drive connection part of the developing device covering part 432). In a mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 at an angle θ2 (>θ1), the developing device covering part 432 rotates. At this time, the contact portion 472a of the release cam 472 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 432r of the developing device covering part 432. As described above, the movement of the release cam 472 is limited to movement in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N) by the engagement of its force receiving portion 472b with the engagement portion 424d of the driving side cartridge cover part 424. As a result, the release cam 472 slides in the direction of arrow N through a movement distance p. In addition, in a related relationship with the movement of the release cam 472 in the direction of arrow N, the pushing surface 472c of the pushing portion of the release cam 472 serving as a pushing member pushes the pushed surface 474c of the drive input member 74. In this way, the drive input member 474 slides in the direction of arrow N against the pushing force of the spring 70 by a movement distance p ( Figure 36 and Figure 33 part (b)).

[0325] At this point, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement amount q between the drive input member 474b of the drive input member 474 and the developing device-drive output member 62, and thus, the drive input member 474 and the developing device-drive output member 62 disengage from each other. With this operation, the developing device-drive output member 62 continues to rotate, while on the other hand, the drive input member 474 stops. As a result, the rotation of the idler gear 471, the developing roller gear 69, and the developing roller 6 stops. This state of the various components is referred to as the spaced position and is also referred to as the drum-roller spaced and drive disconnected state. The position of the drive input member 74 at this point is referred to as the second position.

[0326] By pushing the drive input member 474 by the push portion 472c of the release cam 472 in this manner, the drive input member 474 moves from the first position to the second position toward the interior of the cartridge. By doing so, the engagement between the drive input member 474 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released, so that the rotational force from the developing device-drive output member 62 is no longer transmitted to the drive input member 474.

[0327] Hereinabove, the drive disconnection operation with respect to the developing roller 6 has been described in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow K. With the aforementioned structure, the developing roller 6 can be spaced apart from the drum 4 while rotating, and depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the drive can be disconnected.

[0328] [Drive connection operation].

[0329] Next, the operation of driving the connecting portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are changed from the spaced state to the contacted state will be described. This operation is the reverse of the operation from the contacted state to the spaced state described above.

[0330] In the developing device state of the interval (developing unit 9 rotates by angle θ2, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in part (c) of Figure 36 As shown, the engagement between the drive input member 474 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released in the drive connection portion 14. That is, the drive input member 74 is in the second position.

[0331] In the developing unit 9 already Figure 7 The developing unit 9 is gradually rotated in the direction of the arrow H in FIG. 1 (in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow K described above) so that the developing unit 9 is rotated by an angle θ1 ( Figure 7 and Figure 35 In the state of part (b) of the drive input member 474, the drive input member 474b of the drive input member 474 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are engaged with each other via the drive input member 74 moving in the direction of arrow M due to the urging force of the spring 70. In this way, the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly 2 to the developing roller 6, causing the developing roller 6 to rotate. In other words, the drive input member 74 is in the first position. At this time, the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are kept separated from each other.

[0332] By causing the developing unit 9 to further gradually rotate in the direction of the arrow H from this state ( Figure 7 ), the drive input member 474 moves from the second position to the first position, and the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 can come into contact with each other. In the above, the drive transmission operation to the developing roller 6 in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow H has been described. With the aforementioned structure, the developing roller 6 gradually comes into contact with the drum 4 while rotating, and depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the drive can be transmitted to the developing roller 6.

[0333] In this example, the force receiving portion 472 b of the release cam 472 engages with the engaging portion 424 d as the regulating portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 424 , but this is not essential, and the cleaner container 26 may be engaged.

[0334] In the case of the present embodiment, the release cam 472 is provided with a contact portion 472a, and the developing device covering member 432 is provided with a contact portion 432r as an operating portion that can be brought into contact with the contact portion 472a. In addition, a force receiving portion 472b that can be engaged with the drum unit 8 protrudes from an opening 432c provided in a part of the cylindrical portion 432b of the developing device covering member 432. Therefore, the width (latitude) of the layout of the force receiving portion 472b and the engaging portion 424d as a part of the second guide portion that can act thereon is enhanced. More specifically, as Figure 11 As shown, the operating member 24b passing through the other opening 32j of the developing device covering member 32 is not necessarily provided.

[0335] [Revision]

[0336] In the above, description has been made regarding the process cartridge detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus, but the cartridge may be a developing cartridge D detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus. Figure 39 Part (a) is a disassembled view of the various parts arranged at the driving side end of the developing box D, and in the description of this embodiment, the same figure marks as those in the previous embodiment are assigned to the elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and for the sake of simplicity, detailed descriptions about them will be omitted.

[0337] The release cam 72, which serves as a coupling release member, is provided with a force receiving portion 72u for receiving a force in the direction of the arrow F2 from the main component of the image forming apparatus. When the release cam 72 receives a force in the direction of the arrow F2 from the main component of the image forming apparatus, it rotates around the rotation axis X in the direction of the arrow H. Similar to the foregoing, the contact portion 72p, which serves as a force receiving portion provided on the release cam 72, receives a reaction force from the contact portion 32r (not shown) of the developing device covering member 32. By doing so, the release cam 72 moves in the direction of the arrow N. By the movement of the release cam 72, the drive input member 74 is pushed by the release cam 72 to move toward the inside of the cartridge along the axis X. As a result, the engagement between the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62a is disconnected, so that the rotation of the developing roller 6 stops.

[0338] When the drive is to be transmitted to the developing roller 6, the release cam 72 moves in the direction of the arrow M so that the drive input member 74 engages with the developing device-drive output member 62. At this time, the force in the direction of the arrow F2 on the release cam 72 is removed, and thus, the release cam 72 moves in the direction of the arrow M due to the reaction force of the spring 70. As described above, even in a state where the developing roller 6 is always in contact with the drum 4, the drive transmission to the developing roller 6 can be achieved.

[0339] like Figure 39 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, when the cartridge 9 is viewed from the driving side along the rotation axis of the developing roller, the rotation axis 6z of the developing roller 6 is arranged between the rotation axis of the cartridge-side drive transmitting member 74 (in this embodiment, coaxial with the rotation axis X) and the urging force receiving portion 72u as the force receiving portion. The urging force receiving portion 72u and the rotation axis (X) of the cartridge-side drive transmitting member 74 are arranged on the same side with respect to the rotation axis 6z of the developing roller 6.

[0340] More specifically, a line connecting the contact portion 72b at which the urging force receiving portion 72u comes into contact with the main assembly side urging member 80 and the rotational axis 6z of the cartridge side drive transmitting member 74 and a line connecting the rotational axis 6z of the cartridge side drive transmitting member 74 and the rotational axis of the cartridge side drive transmitting member 74 intersect with each other. When the cartridge 9 is viewed along the rotational axis of the developing roller, the line connecting the contact portion 72p and the rotational axis of the cartridge side drive transmitting member 74 passes through the developing roller 6.

[0341] In the above structure, the developing cartridge D is used, but the cartridge is not limited to such a cartridge, and the cartridge may be a process cartridge P containing a drum. The structure of this embodiment is applicable to a structure in which the drive transmission to the developing roller is switched in a state in which the developing roller 6 is in contact with the drum 4 in the process cartridge P.

[0342] In the foregoing description, when developing the electrostatic latent image on the drum 4, the developing roller 6 is in contact with the drum (a contact-type developing system), but the developing system is not limited to these examples. The present invention is applicable to a non-contact-type developing system in which the electrostatic latent image on the drum 4 is developed while maintaining a gap between the drum 4 and the developing roller 6. As described above, the cartridge detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus may be a process cartridge P containing a drum, or may be a developing cartridge D.

[0343] [Example 5]

[0344] A cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the previous embodiments are assigned to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and for the sake of simplicity, their detailed description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the structure of the covering member differs from that of the previous embodiments.

[0345] [Structure of the developing unit]

[0346] like Figures 40-43 As shown in FIG, the developing unit 9 includes a developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, a developing device frame 29 and a bearing member 45.

[0347] like Figure 40As shown in FIG, the bearing member 45 is fixed to one longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The bearing member 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. The developing roller 6 is provided with a developing roller gear 69 as a developing roller drive transmission member at its longitudinal end portion.

[0348] To the drive side cartridge cover member 524, another bearing member 35 ( Figure 43 An idle gear 571 is provided between the bearing member 35 and the driving side cartridge cover member 524 , and serves as a driving connection portion for transmitting driving force to the developing roller gear 69 .

[0349] The bearing member 35 rotatably supports the idle gear 571 for transmitting the driving force to the developing roller gear 69. An opening 524e is provided in the driving side cartridge cover member 524. Through the opening 524e, the driving input portion 574b of the driving input member 574 is exposed and protrudes out of the cartridge. When the cartridge P is mounted in the main assembly 2, the driving input portion 574b is aligned with the driving input portion 574b. Figure 3 The developing device shown in part (b) of the present invention is engaged with the drive output member 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K), so that the driving force is transmitted from the drive motor (not shown). In other words, the drive input member 574 serves as an input coupling for development. The driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive input member 574 is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 and the developing roller 6 through the idle gear 571. Figure 42 and Figure 43 1 is a perspective view showing the driving side cartridge cover member 524 to which the developing unit 9, the drum unit 8 and the bearing member 35 are fixed. Figure 43 As shown, the bearing member 35 is fixed to the driving side cartridge cover member 524. The bearing member 35 is provided with a supporting portion 35a. On the other hand, the developing device frame 29 is provided with a rotation hole 29c ( Figure 42 ). When the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8 are assembled with each other, the rotation hole 29c of the developing device frame 29 engages with the support portion 35a of the bearing member 35 on one longitudinal end side of the developing unit 9. On the other longitudinal end side of the cartridge P, the protrusion 29b protruding from the developing device frame 29 engages with the support hole portion 25a of the non-driving side cartridge cover member. By this, the developing unit 9 is rotatably supported by the drum unit 8. In this case, the rotation axis X, which is the rotation center of the rotation of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8, is a line connecting the center of the support portion 35a of the bearing member 35 and the center of the support hole portion 25a of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 25.

[0350] [Structure of the drive connection part]

[0351] In this embodiment, the engagement relationship between the drive input member 574 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly is equivalent to the engagement relationship between the drive input portion 74b of the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly in Embodiment 1. In addition, the drive input portion 4a for the photosensitive member (photosensitive member drive transmission portion) is similar to the drive input portion in Embodiment 1. The configurations of the drive input member 374 and the idler gear 471 in this embodiment are similar to those of Embodiment 3.

[0352] Will refer to Figure 40 and Figure 41 The structure of the drive connection portion will be described in detail. The drive connection portion of this embodiment includes a bearing member 45 fixed to one longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29, an idle gear 571 as another cartridge-side drive transmission member, a spring 70, a drive input member 574, a release cam 572 serving as a release member as part of a release mechanism, and a drive-side cartridge cover member 524. Between the bearing member 35 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 524, the elements of the drive connection portion are coaxially arranged in the order described above, from the bearing member 35 to the drive-side cartridge cover member 524. The idle gear 371 and the cartridge-side drive transmission member 374 are directly and coaxially engaged with each other.

[0353] The bearing member 35 rotatably supports the idle gear 571. More specifically, the first rotation shaft receiving portion 35p (outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 35 rotatably supports the supporting portion 571p (inner surface of the cylindrical portion) of the idle gear 571.

[0354] The cartridge-side drive transmission member 574 is provided with a rotational shaft portion 574x and has an end portion provided with a drive input portion 574b serving as a rotational force receiving portion. The rotational shaft portion 574x passes through the opening 572d of the release cam and the opening 524e of the drive-side cartridge cover member 524, and the drive input portion 574b is exposed at its free end toward the outside of the cartridge. The drive input member 574 is retracted toward the interior of the cartridge by being pushed by the push portion 572c of the release cam 572 via a to-be-pushed portion 574c provided at the base of the rotational shaft portion 574x of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 574.

[0355] (Release mechanism)

[0356] Figure 44The figure shows the relationship between a release cam 572, which serves as a coupling release member, and the drive-side cartridge cover member 524. The release cam 572 has a substantially annular ring portion 572j. The ring portion 572j has an outer peripheral surface that functions as a second guide portion. The outer peripheral portion is provided with a protruding portion 572i that protrudes from the ring portion. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 572i protrudes radially outward from the ring portion. The drive-side cartridge cover member 524 has an inner surface 524i that serves as a portion of the second guide portion. The inner surface 532i is engageable with the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 572.

[0357] The center of the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 572 and the center of the inner surface 524i of the driving side cartridge cover member 524 are coaxial with the rotation axis X. Thus, the release cam 572 is supported so as to be slidable in the axial direction relative to the driving side cartridge cover member 524 and the developing unit 9 and to be rotatable about the rotation axis X in the rotational movement direction.

[0358] The inner surface of the release cam 572 (the surface away from the drive side cartridge cover member) is provided with a pushing surface 572c as a pushing portion. The pushing surface pushes the pushed surface 574c of the drive input member 574, and the drive input member 574 moves toward the inside of the cartridge.

[0359] In addition, the release cam 572, which serves as a coupling release member, is provided with a contact portion 572a having an inclined surface as a force receiving portion. The drive-side cartridge cover member 524 is provided with a contact portion 524b having an inclined surface that can contact the contact portion 572a of the release cam. The release cam 572 is provided with a lever portion 572m, which is a protruding portion that protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the developing roller (i.e., radially outward from the annular portion).

[0360] Figure 45 The drive connection portion, the drive-side cartridge cover member 524, and the bearing member 45 are shown. The bearing member 45 is provided with an engaging portion 45d as a regulating portion serving as part of the second guide portion. The engaging portion 45d engages with a force receiving portion 572b, which serves as a second guide portion of the release cam 572. The force receiving portion 572b is retained between the drive-side cartridge cover member 524 and the bearing member 35. By engaging the engaging portion 45d with the force receiving portion 572b, the release cam 572 can move relative to the bearing member 45 and the developing unit 9 about the rotation axis X.

[0361] Figure 46 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection part.

[0362] The cylindrical portion 571p of the idle gear 571 engages with the first rotation shaft receiving portion 35p (the outer surface of the cylinder) of the bearing member 35. In addition, the cylindrical portion 571q of the idle gear 571 engages with the inner circumference 524q of the drive-side cartridge cover member 524. Thus, the idle gear 571 is rotatably supported at its opposite ends by the bearing member 35 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 524.

[0363] In addition, the drive input member 574 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the drive side cartridge cover member 524 by engagement between the rotation shaft portion 574 x of the drive input member 574 and the opening 524 e of the drive side cartridge cover member 524 .

[0364] Furthermore, the first rotation shaft receiving portion 35p (outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 35, the center of the inner circumference 524q of the driving-side cartridge cover member 524, and the center of the opening 524e are coaxial with the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9. That is, the drive input member 574 is rotatably supported around the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9.

[0365] exist Figure 46 In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (a) of FIG, the drive input portion 574b of the drive input member 574 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are engaged with each other. That is, the drive input member 574 is in the first position.

[0366] exist Figure 46 In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (b) of FIG, the drive input portion 574b of the drive input member 574 is spaced apart from the developing device-drive output member 62. That is, the drive input member 574 is in the second position.

[0367] [Drive disconnect operation]

[0368] Will refer to Figure 7 and Figures 47-49 The operation of the drive connecting portion when the developing roller 6 is being separated from the drum 4 will be described.

[0369] For simplicity of restoration, some elements are shown and a portion of the structure of the release cam is shown schematically. In the figure, arrow M is oriented along the axis of rotation X and toward the outside of the cartridge, and arrow N is oriented along the axis of rotation X and toward the inside of the cartridge.

[0370] [State 1]

[0371] like Figure 7As shown in part (a) of the drawing, a gap d exists between the spacing-force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 and the urging-force receiving portion (spacer-force receiving portion) 45a of the bearing member 45. Here, the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are in contact with each other. This state is referred to as "State 1" of the spacing-force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80. Figure 47 The structure of the drive connection part at this time is shown in FIG. Figure 47 In part (a), the pair of the drive input component 574 and the developing device-drive output component 62 and the pair of the release cam 572 and the drive-side cartridge cover component 524 are shown separately and schematically.

[0372] Figure 47 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection part. Figure 47 In part (b), only the portion of the drive side cartridge cover member 524 including the contact portion 524b is shown, and only the portion of the bearing member 45 including the engagement portion 45d as the regulating portion is shown. A gap e is provided between the contact portion 572a of the release cam 572 and the contact portion 524b of the drive side cartridge cover member 524. At this time, the drive input portion 574b of the drive input member 574 and the developing device-drive output member 62 engage with each other by an engagement amount q, so that drive transmission is allowed. As described above, the drive input member 574 engages with the idle gear 571 ( Figure 26 ). The driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive input member 574 is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 via the idler gear 571. In this manner, the developing roller 6 is driven. The positions of the various components in this state are referred to as contact positions and are also referred to as a developing contact drive transmission state. The position of the drive input member 574 at this time is referred to as a first position.

[0373] [State 2]

[0374] When the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 moves δ1 in the direction of arrow F1 in the figure from the drum-roller contact and drive transmission state, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the developing unit 9 rotates around the rotation axis X in the direction indicated by the arrow K by an angle θ1. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced apart from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The bearing member 45 in the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow K by an angle θ1 in relation to the rotation of the developing unit 9. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. Figure 45 As shown, the release cam 572 is provided in the drum unit 8, but the force receiving portion 572b engages with the engaging portion 45d of the bearing member 45. Therefore, the release cam 572 rotates in the direction of arrow K in the drum unit 8 in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9. Figure 48Part (a) and part (b) show a state in which the contact portion 572a of the release cam 572 and the contact portion 524b of the drive side cartridge cover member 524 begin to contact each other. At this time, the drive input portion 574b of the drive input member 574 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are kept engaged therebetween. Therefore, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive input member 574 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 through the drive input member 574, the idle gear 571 and the developing roller gear 69. This state of the various parts is called a drum-roller interval and drive transmission state. The position of the drive input member 574 is in the first position.

[0375] [State 3]

[0376] Figure 49 Part (a) and part (b) show the state when the spacing force urging member (main assembly side urging member) 80 is spaced from the drum-roller and the drive transmission state is moved by a distance δ2 in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 in the figure (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 4 and 5. The structure of the drive connection portion of the carrier 45 is shown in part (c) of FIG. 4. The carrier 45 rotates by an angle θ2 in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9. At this time, the contact portion 572a of the release cam 572 receives the reaction force from the contact portion 524b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 524. As described above, the force receiving portion 572b of the release cam 572 engages with the engaging portion 45d of the carrier 45 so that it can move relative to the developing unit 9 only in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N). Figure 45 As a result, the release cam 572 slides in the direction of the arrow N by a movement distance p. In addition, in mutual relationship with the movement of the release cam 572 in the direction of the arrow N, the pushing surface 572c of the release cam 572, which serves as the pushing member, pushes the pushed surface 574c of the drive input member 574. In this way, the drive input member 574 slides in the direction of the arrow N by a movement distance p against the urging force of the spring 70.

[0377] At this point, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement amount q between the drive input portion 574b of the drive input member 574 and the developing device-drive output member 62, and thus, the engagement between the drive input member 574 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released. This operation allows the developing device-drive output member 62 to continue rotating, while the drive input member 574, on the other hand, stops. Consequently, the rotation of the idler gear 571, the developing roller gear 69, and the developing roller 6 stops. This state of the various components is referred to as a spaced position and is also referred to as a drum-roller spaced and drive-disconnected state.

[0378] In the above, the drive disconnection operation relative to the developing roller 6 in the mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow K has been described. Through the aforementioned structure, depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the developing roller 6 can be spaced apart from the drum 4 while rotating, and the drive can be disconnected. The position of the drive input component 574 at this time is referred to as the second position. In this way, the drive input component 574 is pushed by the pushing portion 572c of the release cam 572, and the drive input component 574 moves from the first position to the second position toward the inside of the cartridge along the rotation axis X. By doing so, the engagement between the drive input component 574 and the developing device-drive output component 62 is released, so that the rotational force from the developing device-drive output component 62 is no longer transmitted to the drive input component 74.

[0379] [Drive connection operation]

[0380] The operation of the drive connection portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are changed from the spaced state to the contacted state will be described. This operation is the reverse of the operation from the contacted state to the spaced state described above.

[0381] In the spaced developing device state (developing unit 9 has been rotated by angle θ2, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in part (c) of Figure 49 As shown, the drive connection portion releases the engagement between the drive input portion 574b of the drive input member 574 and the developing device-drive output member 62. That is, the drive input member 74 is in the second position.

[0382] After the developing unit 9 has been changed from the above state Figure 7 The angle θ1 is gradually rotated in the direction of the arrow H (opposite to the direction of the arrow K) as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 48 In the state shown in part (b) of the drive input member 574, the drive input portion 574b of the drive input member 574 and the developing device-drive output member 62 engage with each other due to the drive input member 574 moving in the direction of arrow M due to the urging force of the spring 70. In this way, the driving force is transmitted from the main assembly 2 to the developing roller 6, causing the developing roller 6 to rotate. In other words, the drive input member 74 is in the first position. At this time, the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are kept separated from each other.

[0383] By further moving the developing unit 9 from this state in the direction of arrow H ( Figure 7 ) gradually rotates, the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 can contact each other. Similarly, in this state, the drive input member 574 is in the first position.

[0384] Hereinabove, the drive transmitting operation to the developing roller 6 has been described in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow H. With the aforementioned structure, the developing roller 6 gradually comes into contact with the drum 4 while rotating, and depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the drive can be transmitted to the developing roller 6.

[0385] In the above, the force receiving portion 572b of the release cam 572 engages with the engaging portion 45d as the regulating portion of the bearing member 45, but this is not indispensable, and it may engage with, for example, the developing device frame 29. The drive input member 574 may be provided in the drum unit 8 as in the present embodiment.

[0386] [Example 6]

[0387] A cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the previous embodiments are assigned to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and for the sake of simplicity, their detailed description will be omitted. In this embodiment, a release cam 672 and a release lever 73 are used in combination.

[0388] [Structure of the developing unit]

[0389] like Figure 50 and Figure 51 As shown in FIG, the developing unit 9 includes a developing roller 6, a developing blade 31, a developing device frame 29, a bearing member 45, and a developing device covering member 632.

[0390] like Figure 50 As shown in FIG, a bearing member 45 is fixed to one longitudinal end portion of the developing device frame 29. The bearing member 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. The developing roller 6 is provided with a developing roller gear 69 as a developing roller drive transmission member at the longitudinal end portion. The bearing member 45 rotatably supports an idler gear 671 for transmitting a driving force to the developing roller gear 69.

[0391] In addition, a drive input member 674 for transmitting the drive force to the idler gear 671 is provided as a drive connection portion.

[0392] The developing device covering member 632 is fixed to the outside of the bearing member 45 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. The developing device covering member 632 covers the developing roller gear 69, the idle gear 671 and the drive transmission member 674. Figure 50 and Figure 51As shown in FIG, the developing device covering member 632 is provided with a cylindrical portion 632b. Through the opening 632d inside the cylindrical portion 632b, the drive input portion 674b of the drive transmission member 674 is exposed and protrudes outside the cartridge. When the cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is mounted in the main assembly 2, the drive input portion (cartridge side drive transmission member) 674b is connected to the main assembly 2 as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The developing device-drive output member 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K) of the main assembly side drive transmission member shown in part (b) is engaged, and the driving force is transmitted from the drive motor (not shown) provided in the main assembly 2. That is, the drive transmission member 674 plays the role of an input coupling for the developing operation. Therefore, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive transmission member 674 is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 and the developing roller 6 through the idle gear 671. The structure of the drive connection portion will be described below.

[0393] [Assembly of the drum unit and developer unit]

[0394] like Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown in FIG, when the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8 are assembled, the outer circumference 632a of the cylindrical portion 632b of the developing device covering member 632 engages with the support portion 624a, which is the sliding portion of the drive side cartridge cover member 624, at one end side of the cartridge P. At the other end side of the cartridge P, the protrusion 29b protruding from the developing device frame 29 engages with the support hole portion 25a of the non-drive side cartridge cover member. In this way, the developing unit 9 is rotatably supported by the drum unit 8. The rotation center of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit is the rotation axis X. The rotation axis X is a line connecting the center of the support portion 624a and the center of the support portion 25a.

[0395] [Structure of the drive connection part]

[0396] In this embodiment, the engagement relationship between the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly is equivalent to the engagement relationship between the drive input portion 74b of the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 of the main assembly in Embodiment 1. In addition, the drive input portion 4a for the photosensitive member (photosensitive member drive transmission portion) is similar to the drive input portion in Embodiment 1. The configurations of the drive input member 374 and the idler gear 471 are equivalent to the corresponding configurations of Embodiment 3 or Embodiment 4.

[0397] Will refer to Figure 50 and Figure 51Detailed description will be given of the structure of the drive connection part. The drive connection part of this embodiment includes an idle gear 671 as another cartridge side drive transmission component, a spring 70 as an elastic component (pushing component), a drive input component 674, a release cam 672, a release lever 73, a developing device covering component 632 and a driving side cartridge cover component 624. Between the bearing member 45 and the driving side cartridge cover component 624, the above-mentioned modification of the drive connection part is coaxially arranged from the bearing member 45 toward the driving side cartridge cover component 224 in the above-mentioned order. The idle gear 671 and the cartridge side drive transmission component 674 are directly and coaxially engaged with each other. The release lever 73 is a rotatable component that can rotate relative to the bearing member 45 as a part of the developing device frame.

[0398] The cartridge-side drive transmission member 674 is provided with a rotation shaft portion 674x and has an end portion provided with a drive input portion 674b serving as a rotational force receiving portion. The end portion of the drive input portion 674b passes through the opening 672d of the release cam, the opening 73d of the release lever 73, the opening 632d of the developing device cover member 632, and the opening 624e of the drive-side cartridge cover member 624, and the drive input portion 674b is exposed to the outside of the cartridge at its free end. The drive input member 674 retreats toward the inside of the cartridge by being pushed by the pushing portion 672c of the release cam 672 via the to-be-pushed portion 674c provided at the base of the rotation shaft portion 674x of the cartridge-side drive transmission member 674.

[0399] The bearing member 45 rotatably supports the idle gear 671. More specifically, the first rotation shaft receiving portion 45p (outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45 rotatably supports the supported portion 671p (inner surface of the cylindrical portion) of the idle gear 671 ( Figure 50 and Figure 51 ). In addition, the bearing member 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. More specifically, the second rotating shaft receiving portion 45q (the inner surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45 rotatably supports the rotating shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6. And, the developing roller gear 69 is engaged with the rotating shaft portion 6a of the developing roller 6. The outer periphery of the idle gear 671 is formed as a gear portion 671g for meshing with the developing roller gear 69. In this way, the rotational force is transmitted from the idle gear 671 to the developing roller 6 through the developing roller gear 69.

[0400] [Release mechanism]

[0401] We have already described the drive disconnect mechanism.

[0402] like Figure 50 and Figure 51As shown in , between the drive input component 674 and the developing device-drive output component 62, the release cam 672 is a coupling release component as a part of the release mechanism. As described above, the release cam 672 is provided with an annular portion 672j having a substantially annular configuration. The annular portion 672j has an outer periphery, that is, an outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral portion is provided with a protruding portion 672i protruding from the annular portion. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 672i protrudes in the direction along the rotation axis of the developing roller. The developing device covering component 632 has an inner surface 632i ( Figure 51 ). The inner surface 632i engages with the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 672. By doing so, the release cam 672 can slide relative to the developing device covering member 632 in a direction parallel to the axis of the developing roller 6.

[0403] In addition, the developing device covering member 632 is provided with a guide body 632h as a second guide portion, and the release cam 672 is provided with a guide groove 672h as a second portion to be guided. Here, the guide body 632h and the guide groove 672h extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N).

[0404] The guide body 632h of the developing device covering member 632 engages with the guide groove 672h of the release cam 672. Due to the disengagement between the guide body 632h and the guide groove 672h, the release cam 672 can slide only in the axial direction (arrow M and arrow N) relative to the developing device covering member 632. Arrow M indicates the direction toward the outside of the cartridge, while arrow N indicates the direction toward the inside of the cartridge.

[0405] Figure 54 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive connection part.

[0406] The cylindrical portion 671p (outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the idle gear 671 is engaged with the first rotation shaft receiving portion 45p (outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45. In addition, the cylindrical portion 371q of the idle gear 671 is engaged with the inner circumference 632q of the developing device covering member 632. That is, the idle gear 671 is rotatably supported by the bearing member 45 and the developing device covering member 632 at each of the opposite end portions.

[0407] In addition, the center of the first rotation shaft receiving portion 45p (the outer surface of the cylindrical portion) of the bearing member 45, the center of the inner circumference 632q of the developing device covering member 632, and the center of the hole portion 632p are coaxial with the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9. Thus, the drive transmission member 674 is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X of the developing unit 9.

[0408] Figure 54Part (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion, in which the drive input portion 674b of the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are engaged with each other. That is, the drive input member 674 is in the first position. Figure 54 Part (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion, wherein the drive input portion 674b of the drive input member 674 is disengaged from the developing device-drive output member 62. In other words, the drive input member 674 is in the second position. Here, at least one release lever 73 is disposed between the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62.

[0409] Figure 55 The structure of the release cam 672 and release lever 73, which are rotatable components, is shown. The release cam 672, which is the coupling release component, includes a contact portion 672a (a portion to be pushed) as a force receiving portion and a cylindrical inner surface 672e. The contact portion 672a is inclined relative to the rotation axis X (parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 6). The release lever 73 includes a contact portion 73a as another pushing portion and an outer peripheral surface 73e. The contact portion 73a is inclined relative to the rotation axis X.

[0410] The contact portion 73a of the release lever 73 can contact the contact portion 672a of the release cam 672. The cylindrical inner surface 672e of the release cam 672 and the outer peripheral surface 73e of the release lever 73 are slidably engaged with each other. The rotation axes of the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 672, the cylindrical inner surface 672e and the outer peripheral surface 73e of the release lever 73 are coaxial with each other. As described above, the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 672 is engaged with the inner surface 632i of the developing device covering part 632. The center of the outer peripheral surface of the release cam 672 and the center of the inner surface 632i of the developing device covering part 632 are coaxial with the rotation axis X. That is, the release lever 73 is supported by the release cam 672 and the developing device covering part 632 so as to be rotatable relative to the developing unit 9 (developing device frame 29) around the rotation axis X.

[0411] The release lever 73, which is a rotatable member, is provided with an annular portion 73j having a substantially annular configuration. The annular portion 73j has a contact portion 73a and an outer peripheral surface 73e. The release lever is provided with a lever portion 73m, which is a protruding portion that protrudes from the annular portion 73j toward the radial outside of the annular portion 73j (in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the developing roller).

[0412] Figure 56The structure of the drive connection portion and the drive-side cartridge cover member 624 is shown. The force receiving portion 73b of the release lever 73 engages with the engaging portion 624d, which serves as the regulating portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 624, to receive a force from the drive-side cartridge cover member 624 (a portion of the photosensitive member frame). The force receiving portion 73b projects through an opening 632c provided in a portion of the cylindrical portion 632b of the developing device covering member 632 and engages with the engaging portion 624d, which serves as the regulating portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 624. By engaging the engaging portion 624d with the force receiving portion 73b, the release lever 73 is prevented from relative movement about the rotation axis X relative to the drive-side cartridge cover member 624.

[0413] [Relationship between forces applied to various parts of the cartridge]

[0414] The relationship between the forces applied to the respective parts of the cartridge will be described. Figure 60 Part (a) is a perspective view of the cartridge P, in which the force applied to the developing unit 9 is schematically shown, and Figure 60 Part (b) is a side view of a portion of the cartridge P viewed from the drive side along the rotation axis X.

[0415] The developer unit 9 is subjected to a reaction force Q1 from the urging spring 95, a reaction force Q2 from the drum 4 via the developing roller 6, and gravity Q3. Furthermore, as will be described in detail below, during a drive-off operation, the release lever 73 engages with the drive-side cartridge cover member 624 and receives a reaction force Q4. A combined force Q0 of the reaction forces Q1, Q2, and Q4 and gravity Q3 is applied to the support portions 624a and 625a, which serve as sliding portions of the drive-side cartridge cover member 624 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 625, which rotatably support the developer unit 9.

[0416] Therefore, when the cartridge P is viewed in the axial direction ( Figure 16 , it is necessary for the supporting portion 624a as the sliding portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 624 that contacts the developing device covering member 632 to be opposite to the resultant force Q0. In directions other than the direction of the resultant force Q0, the supporting portion 624a is not indispensable for the cylindrical portion 632b of the developing device covering member 632 and the other driving side cartridge cover members 624. In view of this, in the present embodiment, the opening 632c is provided in the cylindrical portion 632b that is slidable relative to the driving side cartridge cover member 624 of the developing device covering member 632 and is open in a direction different from the direction of the resultant force Q0. In addition, the release lever 73 that engages with the engaging portion 624d as the regulating portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 624 is provided in the opening 632c.

[0417] like Figure 60 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the positional relationship and the combination among the rotation axis 4z of the photosensitive member 4, the rotation axis of the cartridge side drive transmission member 674, the contact portion 45p of the urging force receiving portion 45a which receives the force from the main assembly side urging member 80, and the rotation axis 6z of the developing roller 6 are shown. Figure 37 The same relationship as described in part (b).

[0418] [Drive disconnect operation]

[0419] Will refer to Figure 7 and Figures 55-59 The operation of the drive connecting portion when the developing roller 6 is being separated from the drum 4 will be described.

[0420] For simplicity of restoration, partial elements are shown, and a part of the structure of the release cam is schematically shown. In these figures, arrow M is along the axis of rotation X and oriented toward the outside of the cartridge, while arrow N is along the axis of rotation X and oriented toward the inside of the cartridge.

[0421] [State 1]

[0422] like Figure 7 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, a gap d is provided between the spacing force pushing member (main component side pushing member) 80 and the pushing force receiving portion 45a of the bearing member 45. Here, the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are in contact with each other. This state is referred to as "state 1" of the spacing force pushing member (main component side pushing member) 80. The structure of the drive connection portion at this time is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 57 In part (a). Figure 57 In part (a) of FIG. 6 , a pair of the drive transmission member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62 and a pair of the release cam 672 and the release lever 73 are shown separately.

[0423] Figure 57 Part (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection part. Figure 57 In part (b), only the portion of the developing device covering member 632 including the guide body 632h is shown. A gap e is provided between the contact portion 672a of the release cam 672 and the contact portion 73a of the release lever 73. In this state, the drive input portion 74b of the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are engaged with each other by an engagement amount q, so that drive transmission is allowed. As described above, the drive input member 674 is engaged with the idle gear 671 ( Figure 26). Therefore, the driving force supplied from the main assembly 2 to the drive transmission member 674 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the idler gear 671 and the developing roller gear 69. In this state, the positions of the various parts are referred to as the contact position, and are also referred to as the drum-roller gap and drive transmission state. The position of the drive input member 674 at this time is referred to as the first position.

[0424] [State 2]

[0425] When the spacing force urging member 80 (of the main assembly side urging member) moves by δ1 ( Figure 7 , the developing unit 9 rotates by an angle θ1 in the direction of the arrow K about the rotation axis X. As a result, the developing roller 6 is spaced apart from the drum 4 by a distance ε1. The release cam 672 and the developing device covering member 632 in the developing unit 9 rotate by an angle θ1 in the direction indicated by the arrow K in relation to the rotation of the developing unit 9. On the other hand, as Figure 56 As shown in FIG, the release lever 73 is provided in the developing unit 9, but the force receiving portion 73b is engaged with the engaging portion 624d of the driving side cartridge cover member 624. Therefore, the force receiving portion 73b does not move under the reaction of the rotating developing unit 9. That is, the release lever 73 receives the reaction force from the engaging portion 624d of the driving side cartridge cover member 624, rather than the force of rotation relative to the developing unit 9. The structure of the drive connection portion at this time is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 58 in part (a). Figure 58Part (b) is a perspective view of the drive connection portion. In the state shown in the figure, the release cam 672 has rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow K in the figure in relation to the rotation of the developing unit 9, so that the contact portion 672a of the release cam 672 and the contact portion 73a of the release lever 73 begin to contact each other. At this time, the drive input portion 674b of the drive input component 674 and the developing device-drive output component 62 remain engaged therebetween. Therefore, the driving force supplied from the main component 2 to the drive transmission component 674 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the idle gear 671 and the developing roller gear 69. This state of the various parts is called a drum-roller interval and drive transmission state. In the above-mentioned state 1, the force receiving portion 73b is not always in contact with the engaging portion 624d of the driving side cartridge cover component 624. In other words, in state 1, the force receiving portion 73b can be arranged to be spaced apart from the engaging portion 624d of the driving side cartridge cover component 624. In this case, during the operation of changing from State 1 to State 2, the gap between the force receiving portion 672b and the engaging portion 624d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 624 disappears, so that the force receiving portion 73b gradually comes into contact with the engaging portion 624d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 624. The position of the drive input member 674 is at the first position.

[0426] [State 3]

[0427] Figure 59 The position in which the spacing force urging member 80 (main assembly side urging member) is spaced from the drum-roller and the drive transmitting state is shown to be moved by δ2 (in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 in the figure). Figure 7 ) is a structure of the driving connection portion when the developing unit 9 is rotated to an angle θ2 (>θ1). In mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 to an angle θ2 (>θ1), the release cam 672 and the developing device covering member 632 rotate. On the other hand, the position of the release lever 73 remains the same as in the case described above, and the release cam 672 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow K in the figure. At this time, the contact portion 672a of the release cam 672 receives a reaction force from the contact portion 73a of the release lever 73. In addition, as described above, the guide groove 72h of the release cam 672 is engaged with the guide body 632h of the developing device covering member 632, and therefore, can be released only in the axial direction (the direction of the arrow M and the arrow N) ( Figure 10) moves. As a result, the release cam 672 slides in the direction of arrow N by a movement distance p. In conjunction with the movement of the release cam 672 in the direction of arrow N, the pushing surface 672c, serving as the pushing portion, pushes the pushed surface 674c, serving as the to-be-pushed portion of the drive input member 674. In this manner, the drive input member 674 slides in the direction of arrow N by a movement distance p against the urging force of the spring 70. At this point, the movement distance p is greater than the engagement amount q between the drive input portion 6574b of the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62, thereby releasing the engagement between the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62. This operation allows the developing device-drive output member 62 to continue rotating, while the drive input member 6574 stops. Consequently, the rotation of the idler gear 671, the developing roller gear 69, and the developing roller 6 stops. This state of the various components is referred to as the interval position and is also referred to as the drum-roller interval and drive-disconnected state. The position of the drive input member 674 at this point is referred to as the second position.

[0428] By pushing the drive input member 674 in this manner by the push portion 672c of the release cam 672, the drive input member 674 moves from the first position to the second position toward the interior of the cartridge. By doing so, the engagement between the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is released, so that the rotational force from the developing device-drive output member 62 is no longer transmitted to the drive input member 674.

[0429] Hereinabove, the drive disconnection operation with respect to the developing roller 6 has been described in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow K. With the aforementioned structure, depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the developing roller 6 can be spaced apart from the drum 4 while rotating, and the drive can be disconnected.

[0430] [Drive connection operation]

[0431] The operation of driving the connecting portion when the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are changed from the spaced state to the contacted state will be described. This operation is opposite to the operation from the contacted state to the spaced state described above.

[0432] In the spaced developing device state (developing unit 9 has been rotated by angle θ2, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in part (c) of Figure 59 As shown in FIG, the drive connection portion causes the engagement between the drive input portion 674b of the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62 to be released. That is, the drive input member 674 is in the second position.

[0433] In a state where the developing unit 9 gradually rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow H (opposite to the direction of the arrow K) from the above state (whereby the developing unit 9 finally rotates by θ1) ( Figure 7 and Figure 58 The drive input member 674 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow M by the urging force of the spring 70. This causes the drive input portion 74b of the drive input member 674 and the developing device-drive output member 62 to come into contact with each other. This transmits the driving force from the main assembly 2 to the developing roller 6, causing the developing roller 6 to rotate. That is, the drive input member 674 is in the first position. At this time, the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 are held apart from each other.

[0434] By further moving the developing unit 9 from this state in the direction of arrow H ( Figure 7 ) gradually rotates, the driving input member 674 moves from the second position to the first position, and the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 can contact each other.

[0435] Hereinabove, the drive transmitting operation to the developing roller 6 has been described in mutual relationship with the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of the arrow H. With the aforementioned structure, the developing roller 6 gradually comes into contact with the drum 4 while rotating, and depending on the spacing distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4, the drive can be transmitted to the developing roller 6.

[0436] As described above, with such a structure, switching between connection and disconnection with respect to the developing roller 6 can be achieved solely depending on the rotation angle of the developing unit 9 .

[0437] In the foregoing description, the contact portion 672a of the release cam and the contact portion 73a of the release lever 73 are in surface contact with each other, but this is not essential. For example, this contact may be between a surface and a ridge, between a surface and a point, between a ridge and a ridge, or between a ridge and a point. In this example, the force receiving portion 73b of the release lever 73 engages with the engagement portion 624d, which serves as the regulating portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 624. However, this is not essential, and it may engage with the cleaner container 26.

[0438] According to the present embodiment, the developing unit 9 includes a release lever 73 and a release cam 672. The release lever 73 can rotate relative to the developing unit 9 around the rotation axis X and cannot slide in the axial direction M or N. On the other hand, the release cam 672 can slide relative to the developing unit 9 in the axial direction M or N, but cannot rotate around the rotation axis X. That is, there is no part that can perform three-dimensional relative movement (rotation around the rotation axis X and sliding in the axial directions M and N) relative to the developing unit 9. That is, the movement direction of these parts is assigned to the release lever 73 and the release cam 672 (functional division). In this way, the movement of these parts is two-dimensional, and therefore, the operation is standardized. As a result, the drive transmission operation of the developing roller 6 related to the rotation of the developing unit 9 can be smoothly achieved.

[0439] In this embodiment, in addition to the release cam 672, which is slidably supported by the rotation shaft portion 674x of the drive input member 674, the release lever 73 also serves as a pushing mechanism. In this embodiment, during the drive disconnection operation, the contact portion 672a at the force receiving portion of the release cam 672 first contacts the contact portion 73a of the release lever 73. Subsequently, the drive input member 674 retreats into the cartridge together with the movement of the release cam 672 in the direction of arrow N, thereby disconnecting it from the main assembly-side drive transmission member 62.

[0440] In addition, Figure 50 In the embodiment, the release lever 73 and the release cam 672 are positioned in the home position by the engagement between the outer peripheral surface 73e of the release lever 73 and the cylindrical inner surface 672e of the release cam 672 as the coupling release member.

[0441] However, this is not essential and one can adopt e.g. Figure 61 In other words, the outer peripheral surface 73e of the release lever 73 is supported so as to be slidable on the inner surface 632q of the developing device covering member 632, and the cylindrical inner surface 672i of the release cam 672 is supported so as to be slidable on the inner surface 632q of the developing device covering member 632.

[0442] [Example 7]

[0443] A cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the previous embodiment are assigned to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and for the sake of simplicity, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. This embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment. The difference in form is that, as shown in the schematic cross-sectional view ( Figure 62 ), the lever portion of the release lever 73 protrudes through an opening formed by the developing device covering member 732 and the driving side cartridge cover member 724.

[0444] Figure 62 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive connection part viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X.

[0445] exist Figure 62 In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (a), the drive input portion 774b of the drive input member 774 and the developing device-drive output member 62 are engaged with each other. That is, the drive input member 774 is in the first position. Figure 62 In the cross-sectional view of the drive connection portion shown in part (b) of FIG, the drive input portion 774b of the drive input member 774 is spaced apart from the developing device-drive output member 62. That is, the drive input member 774 is in the second position.

[0446] As viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X, the release lever 73 is within the range of the thickness (measured in the direction along the rotation axis X) of the cylindrical portion 732b, which is the sliding portion of the developing device covering member 732. The cylindrical portion 732b is the sliding portion of the developing device covering member 732 when the developing device covering member slides relative to the driving-side cartridge cover member 724. That is, the release lever 73 is within the sliding range 724e within which the developing device covering member 732 slides on the driving-side cartridge cover member 724 in the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0447] Then, further, the release lever 73 projects through the opening 732 c provided in a part of the cylindrical portion 732 b of the developing device covering member 732 .

[0448] The positional relationship among the release lever 73, the opening through which the release lever protrudes, the developing cartridge, the drive input portion, and the photosensitive member is the same as that in Embodiment 6 ( Figure 60 ).

[0449] Here, as described above ( Figure 60), during the drive-off operation, the release lever 73 receives the reaction force Q4. The force receiving portion 73b of the release lever 73 for receiving the reaction force is disposed within the sliding range 724e of the support portion 724a, which serves as the sliding portion for the developing unit 9 to slide on the drive-side cartridge cover member 724. The release lever 73 is supported within the sliding range 724e of the support portion 724a, which serves as the sliding portion for the developing unit 9 to slide on the drive-side cartridge cover member 724. In other words, the reaction force Q4 is received by the release lever 73 without deviating from the drive-side cartridge cover member 724 in the direction of the rotation axis X. Therefore, according to this embodiment, deformation of the developing device covering member 732 can be suppressed. Because deformation of the developing device covering member 732 is suppressed, the rotation of the developing unit 9 relative to the drive-side cartridge cover member 724 about the rotation axis X can be stabilized. In addition, the release lever 73 is provided within the range 724e of the support portion 724a as a sliding portion when the developing unit 9 slides on the driving side cartridge cover member 724 in the direction of the rotation axis X, and therefore, the driving connection portion and the process cartridge can be reduced in size.

[0450] In the cartridge according to the aforementioned embodiment, a clutch for transmitting and disconnecting rotational force from the main assembly of the image forming device to the cartridge is established at the interface portion. The interface portion is the portion of the cartridge that contacts the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming device. In the aforementioned embodiment, the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74, which serves as the cartridge-side interface portion, can advance and retract in a direction toward the interior of the cartridge. With this structure, the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74, located at the longitudinal end of the cartridge, functions as a clutch.

[0451] The coupling release member 72 in the aforementioned embodiment is a pushing mechanism for pushing the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74, and the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74 is moved toward the inside of the cartridge by the coupling release member 72. By this operation, the coupling between the drive input member 74 and the developing device-drive output member 62 is disconnected. As the force for pushing the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74, an external force received by the pushing force receiving portion 45a provided in the cartridge can be used.

[0452] In the case of a process cartridge containing a photosensitive member and a developer roller, the clutch operation described above may be associated with spacing operation between the photosensitive member and the developer roller. More specifically, when the developer unit 9 rotates relative to the drum unit 8 so that the developer roller is spaced from the photosensitive member, this rotation causes the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74 to retract inward. When the developer unit 9 rotates back relative to the drum unit 8 so that the developer roller contacts the photosensitive member, this rotation causes the cartridge-side drive transmission member 74 to protrude outward.

[0453] In the aforementioned embodiment, the drive input member 74 includes a portion to be pushed, the portion to be pushed having a pushed surface 74c within a rotating shaft portion 74x, and the rotating shaft portion 74x having a free end that functions as the drive input portion 74b. The release cam 72 and the release lever 73 are disposed between the portion to be pushed 74c of the drive input member 74 and the drive input portion 74b at the free end of the drive input member 74. More specifically, the rotating shaft portion 74x of the drive input member 74 is slidable so as to pass through an opening in the release cam 72 or the release lever.

[0454] In the drive-off operation, the pushing surface 72c as the pushing portion of the release cam 72 pushes the pushed surface 74c as the to-be-pushed portion of the drive input member 74, whereby the drive input member 74 retreats toward the inside of the cartridge.

[0455] In addition, the pushing surface 72c, which is the pushing portion of the release cam 72, and the pushed surface 74c, which is the pushed portion of the drive input member 74, have surfaces that are substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the developing roller. However, the pushing portion 72c of the release cam 72 and the pushed surface 74c, which is the pushed portion of the drive input member 74, do not need to both be surfaces. As long as the release cam 72 can push the drive input member 74, a surface, a ridge, and a point may be used in combination.

[0456] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0457] [Industrial Applicability]

[0458] According to the cartridge, the process cartridge, and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention, drive switching for the developing roller can be surely achieved therein.

Claims

1. A processing box, comprising: Photosensitive drum; Developing roller; a drive input member configured to receive a drive force for rotating the developing roller from the outside of the process cartridge; as well as a rod movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the drive input member moves toward the outside of the process cartridge by the movement of the rod from the second position to the first position, and the drive input member moves toward the inside of the process cartridge by the movement of the rod from the first position to the second position, and In which, the processing box is configured so that: when the processing box is oriented so that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are located on the downward side of the processing box with the axis of the developing roller and the axis of the photosensitive drum located below the axis of the drive input component, the end of the rod is located on the downward side of the processing box.

2. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The process cartridge is configured so that the lever projects downward when the process cartridge is oriented so that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are located on a downward side of the process cartridge with the shaft of the developing roller and the shaft of the photosensitive drum located below the shaft of the drive input member. 3 . The process cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising a spring configured to urge the drive input member toward the outside of the process cartridge.

4. The process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lever is movable between the first position and the second position in a state in which the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum.

5. The process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The drive input member is movable in its axial direction.

6. A processing box comprising: Photosensitive drum; Developing roller; a drive input member configured to receive a drive force for rotating the developing roller from the outside of the process cartridge; as well as a urging force receiving portion for receiving a urging force from the outside of the process cartridge, the urging force receiving portion being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the drive input member moves toward the outside of the process cartridge by the movement of the urging force receiving portion from the second position to the first position, and the drive input member moves toward the inside of the process cartridge by the movement of the urging force receiving portion from the first position to the second position, and In which, the processing box is configured so that: when the processing box is oriented so that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are located on the downward side of the processing box with the axis of the developing roller and the axis of the photosensitive drum being located below the axis of the drive input component, the urging force receiving portion is located on the downward side of the processing box. 7 . The process cartridge according to claim 6 , further comprising a spring configured to urge the drive input member toward the outside of the process cartridge.

8. A process cartridge according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The urging force receiving portion is movable between the first position and the second position in a state in which the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum.

9. A process cartridge according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a movable lever provided with said urging force receiving portion.

10. The process cartridge according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The drive input member is movable in its axial direction.

Images