Cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Abstract

A control member 76 for controlling transmission and cutoff of rotational force by a clutch is rotatably supported by a support member that supports a developing frame. A locking portion provided on the control member 76 is rotated between a position retreated from a locked portion of the clutch and a position for engaging with the locked portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Box and Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus", with an international filing date of June 15, 2018, international application number PCT / JP2018 / 023714, and national application number 201880048831.2. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) and a housing capable of being installed into and removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly).

[0003] Here, the image forming apparatus uses electrophotographic image forming processing to form an image on recording material. Examples of image forming apparatuses include electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (e.g., laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), fax machines, word processors, etc.

[0004] A cartridge is a unit in which a part of an image forming apparatus can be mounted to and removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus (the apparatus main assembly). Examples of components that can be mounted and removed as part of a cartridge include an electrophotographic drum (hereinafter referred to as a drum) and processing devices (e.g., developing rollers) acting on the drum.

[0005] A cartridge that integrates a drum and a processing device acting on the drum is called a processing cartridge. In an example of a processing cartridge, the drum and developing roller are integrated into the cartridge.

[0006] In other examples of cartridges, there are cartridges that include a drum and cartridges that include a developing roller. In this case, the cartridge that includes a drum can be called a drum cartridge (photosensitive component cartridge), and the cartridge that includes a developing roller can be called a developing cartridge. Background Technology

[0007] Conventionally, image forming apparatuses have adopted cartridge types that allow cartridges to be installed into and removed from the main components of the image forming apparatus.

[0008] Depending on the type of box, the image forming apparatus can be maintained by the user himself without relying on service personnel, thus greatly improving operability.

[0009] Therefore, this type of box is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

[0010] Here, a cartridge (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-337511) has been proposed, wherein the developing roller is driven when an image is being formed, and a drive switch is performed when image formation is not being performed to keep the developing roller undriven. Summary of the Invention

[0011] [The problem this invention aims to solve]

[0012] In JP2001-337511, a clutch for switching the drive is provided at the end of the developing roller. Alternatively, a mechanism is disclosed that is linked to the operation of separating the contact between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller via a clutch-driven drive switching transmission.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to improve upon the conventional techniques described above.

[0014] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0015] The exemplary structure disclosed in this application is as follows:

[0016] A housing capable of being detachably mounted to the main component of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the housing comprising:

[0017] A developing roller, the developing roller being configured to develop a latent image;

[0018] A developing frame that rotatably supports the developing roller;

[0019] A support component that movably supports the developing frame;

[0020] A clutch configured to switch between a state of transmitting a driving force for rotating the developing roller and a state of cutting off the transmission of the driving force, the clutch being rotatable by the driving force and including a locked portion;

[0021] A control component, rotatably supported by a support portion fixed to the support member, for controlling the transmission and disconnection of driving force via the clutch, the control component including a locking portion capable of engaging the locked portion, the control component being configured such that the locking portion can rotate about the support portion between (a) an unlocked position and (b) a locked position, in which the locking portion retracts from the rotational trajectory of the locked portion to allow the clutch to transmit driving force to the clutch, and in the locked position the locking portion engages with the locked portion to stop the rotation of the locked portion, thereby disconnecting the transmission of driving force via the clutch; and

[0022] An action portion disposed on the developing frame is used to act on the control component, the action portion being capable of rotating the locking portion between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0023] [The effects of the invention]

[0024] It can improve upon the aforementioned conventional techniques. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the processing box according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box according to Example 1.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the processing box according to Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the processing box according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a side view of the processing box according to Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the processing box according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] exist Figure 9 In the figures, parts (a) and (b) are exploded perspective views of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 1, and part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the control unit and the developing unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the control unit and the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 1.

[0036] exist Figure 12 In the figures, parts (a) and (b) are exploded perspective views of a transfer release mechanism in a form different from that of Embodiment 1, and part (c) is a transfer release mechanism with a modified structure of Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the processing box and the transfer release mechanism according to Embodiment 2.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the processing box and the transfer release mechanism according to Embodiment 2.

[0039] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 2.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 2.

[0041] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view showing another structure of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 2.

[0042] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 2.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 2.

[0044] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view showing another structure of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 2.

[0045] Figure 21 These are cross-sectional views and perspective views of the transmission release mechanism and control ring according to Embodiments 2 and 3.

[0046] Figure 22 This is an exploded perspective view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 3.

[0047] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 3 and a side view seen from the outside along the longitudinal direction.

[0048] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the control loop reversing operation of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 3.

[0049] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the control loop and the second drive transmission component of the control component according to Embodiment 3.

[0050] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the processing box and the transfer release mechanism according to Embodiment 4.

[0051] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of the processing box and the transfer release mechanism according to Embodiment 4.

[0052] exist Figure 28 In the figures, parts (a) and (b) are exploded perspective views of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 4, and part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 4.

[0053] Figure 29 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 4.

[0054] Figure 30 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 4.

[0055] Figure 31 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 4.

[0056] Figure 32 This is a perspective view of the processing box and the transfer release mechanism according to Embodiment 5.

[0057] Figure 33 This is a perspective view of the processing box and the transfer release mechanism according to Embodiment 5.

[0058] Figure 34 This is a perspective view of the control unit, transmission release mechanism, and main component drive shaft according to Embodiment 5.

[0059] Figure 35 This is an exploded perspective view of the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 5.

[0060] Figure 36 This is a diagram illustrating the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 5.

[0061] Figure 37 This is a front view of the transmission release mechanism from the drive side, according to Embodiment 5.

[0062] Figure 38 This is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the control component and the transmission release mechanism according to Embodiment 5.

[0063] Figure 39 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the transmission release mechanism and the main component drive shaft according to Embodiment 5.

[0064] Figure 40 This is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the transmission release mechanism and the main component drive shaft according to Embodiment 5.

[0065] Figure 41 This is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the transmission release mechanism and the main component drive shaft according to Embodiment 5.

[0066] Figure 42 This is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the control unit, the transmission release mechanism, and the main component drive shaft according to Embodiment 5.

[0067] Figure 43 This is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the control unit, the transmission release mechanism, and the main component drive shaft according to Embodiment 5.

[0068] Figure 44 This is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the transmission release mechanism and the main component drive shaft according to Embodiment 5.

[0069] Figure 45This is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the transmission release mechanism and the main component drive shaft according to Embodiment 5. Detailed Implementation

[0070] In the following description, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. However, unless otherwise stated, the function, material, shape, relative arrangement, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to this. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the function, material, shape, etc. of components described once in the following description are the same as those described initially.

[0071] <Example 1>

[0072] [Overview of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus]

[0073] In the following description, Example 1 is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Here, in the following embodiments, a panchromatic image forming apparatus is shown as an image forming device, and four processing boxes are capable of being installed and removed relative to the panchromatic image forming apparatus.

[0075] Here, the number of processing boxes installed in the image forming apparatus is not limited to this example. The number can be appropriately selected as needed.

[0076] For example, in the case of an image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image, the number of processing boxes installed in the image forming apparatus is one. Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, a printer is used as an example of an image forming apparatus.

[0077] [Overall Layout of the Image Forming Apparatus]

[0078] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 3 Part (a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box P in this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the processing box P of this embodiment, seen from the driver side. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the processing box P of this embodiment, as seen from the non-driving side.

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 is a four-color full-color laser printer that uses electrophotographic image forming processing to form a color image on the recording material S. The image forming apparatus 1 is a processing cartridge type, and the processing cartridge is detachably mounted on the main assembly (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly) 2 to form a color image on the recording material S.

[0080] Here, regarding the image forming apparatus 1, the side with the front door 3 is the front side (front side), and the side opposite to the front side is the back side (rear side). In addition, when viewing the image forming apparatus 1 from the front, the right side is called the driving side, and the left side is called the non-driving side. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 as seen from the non-driving side. The front of the drawing shows the non-driving side of the image forming apparatus 1, the right side of the drawing shows the front of the image forming apparatus 1, and the back of the drawing shows the driving side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0081] Four processing boxes P can be installed on the main component 2 of the device. The four processing boxes P are the first processing box PY (yellow), the second processing box PM (magenta), the third processing box PC (cyan), and the fourth processing box PK (black). These four processing boxes (PY, PM, PC, PK) are arranged horizontally.

[0082] The rotational driving force is transmitted from the drive output section of the main assembly 2 to the first through fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK). Details will be described below.

[0083] Additionally, bias voltages (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) (not shown) are provided from the main assembly 2 of the device to each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK).

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) in this embodiment includes a photosensitive drum unit, which includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 4, a charging device as a processing device acting on the drum 4, and a cleaning device. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum is a drum including a photosensitive layer disposed on its surface and is used for electrophotographic image forming processing. Hereinafter, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 4 will be simply referred to as drum 4.

[0085] In addition, each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) includes a developing unit 9, which is provided with a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image on the drum 4.

[0086] The first processing cartridge PY contains yellow (Y) developer in the developing frame 29 and forms a yellow developer image on the surface of the drum 4.

[0087] The second processing cartridge PM contains magenta (M) developer in the developing frame 29 and forms a magenta developer image on the surface of the drum 4.

[0088] The third processing cartridge PC contains cyan (C) developer in the developing frame 29 and forms a cyan developer image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0089] The fourth processing cartridge PK contains black (K) developer in the developing frame 29 and forms a black developer image on the surface of the drum 4.

[0090] The laser scanner unit LB, serving as the exposure component, is positioned above the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK). This laser scanner unit LB outputs a laser beam Z corresponding to the image information. Furthermore, the laser beam Z passes through the exposure window 10 of box P and scans and exposes the surface of the drum 4.

[0091] Below the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is an intermediate transfer belt unit 11 serving as a transfer component. The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 includes a drive roller 13 and tension rollers 14 and 15, and a flexible transfer belt 12 is stretched around them.

[0092] The lower surface of the drum 4 in each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 12. The contact portion is the initial transfer portion. The initial transfer roller 16 is positioned inside the transfer belt 12, facing the drum 4.

[0093] Additionally, the secondary transfer roller 17 is positioned facing the tension roller 14, separated from the transfer belt 12. The contact portion between the transfer belt 12 and the secondary transfer roller 17 constitutes the secondary transfer portion.

[0094] The feed unit 18 is located below the intermediate transfer belt unit 11. The feed unit 18 includes a sheet feed roller 20 and a sheet feed tray 19 on which the recording material S is stacked and stored.

[0095] In the figure, the fixing unit 21 and the discharge unit 22 are located in the upper left position of the main assembly 2 of the device. The upper surface of the main assembly 2 of the device serves as the discharge tray 23.

[0096] The recording material S, on which the developer image has been transferred, is fixed by a fixing device located in fixing unit 21 and then discharged into discharge tray 23.

[0097] Box P is configured to be detachable from the main assembly 2 of the device using a pull-out box tray 60. Figure 3 Part (a) shows the state of the box tray 60 and box P being pulled out from the main assembly 2 of the device.

[0098] Image forming operations

[0099] The operations used to create a panchromatic image are as follows.

[0100] The drum 4 of each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) operates at a predetermined speed (in... Figure 4 In the direction of arrow D, in Figure 2 The middle (counterclockwise) is driven by rotation.

[0101] The transfer belt 12 is also driven at a speed corresponding to the speed of the drum 4 in the forward direction (in Figure 2 Rotate in the direction of arrow C.

[0102] The laser scanner unit LB is also driven. Synchronously 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 and exposes the surface of each drum 4 with a laser beam Z according to the image signal of each color.

[0103] Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image signal of a corresponding color is formed on the surface of each drum 4. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing roller 6, which is driven at a predetermined speed (at... Figure 4 In the direction of arrow E, in Figure 2 (The center rotates clockwise).

[0104] Through this electrophotographic image forming process, a yellow developer image corresponding to the yellow component of the panchromatic image is formed on the drum 4 of the first PY cartridge. The developer image is then initially transferred onto the transfer belt 12.

[0105] Similarly, a magenta developer image corresponding to the magenta component of the panchromatic image is formed on drum 4 of the second PM cartridge. Furthermore, the developer image is initially transferred and superimposed on the yellow developer image that has already been transferred to transfer belt 12.

[0106] Similarly, a cyan developer image corresponding to the cyan component of the panchromatic image is formed on drum 4 of the third PC cartridge. Furthermore, the developer image is initially transferred and superimposed on the yellow and magenta developer images that have already been transferred to transfer belt 12.

[0107] Similarly, a black developer image corresponding to the black component of the panchromatic image is formed on drum 4 of the fourth PK cartridge. Furthermore, the developer image is initially transferred and superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan developer images that have already been transferred to transfer belt 12.

[0108] As a result, as described above, panchromatic unfixed developer images of four colors—yellow, magenta, cyan, and black—are formed on transfer belt 12.

[0109] On the other hand, the recording material S is separated and fed one by one at a predetermined control timing. The recording material S is introduced into the secondary transfer section, which is the contact part between the secondary transfer roller 17 and the transfer belt 12, at a predetermined control timing.

[0110] Thus, during the feeding of the recording material S in the secondary transfer section, the four-color superimposed developer image on the transfer belt 12 is sequentially transferred onto the surface of the recording material S.

[0111] In short, such as Figure 4 As shown, when drum 4 rotates in the direction of arrow D, charging, exposure, development, transfer, and cleaning processes are performed on the surface of drum 4. First, the surface of drum 4 is charged by charging roller (charging unit) 5. Then, as drum 4 rotates, a latent image is formed on the surface of drum by laser beam Z, and the developing roller 6 develops the latent image. Thus, a toner image (developer image) is formed on the surface of drum 4. Furthermore, as drum 4 rotates, the toner image is exposed to the outside of the cartridge and transferred onto transfer belt 12. Afterward, the surface of drum 4 enters waste developer storage section 27. The developer remaining on the surface of drum 4 after the developer image transfer is scraped (removed) from the surface of drum 4 by cleaning blade (cleaning unit) 7 and stored in the waste developer storage section. Then, the surface of drum 4 is removed from waste developer storage section 27 and faces charging roller 5 again. Thus, the above process is repeated.

[0112] As described above, drum 4 is a rotatable component (rotating component) that rotates to carry an image formed by toner on its surface. Drum 4 is sometimes referred to as an image-carrying component.

[0113] This structure causes the cleaning scraper 7 to contact the drum 4 in the opposite direction. That is, the free end of the cleaning scraper 7 contacts the surface of the drum 4 in an upstream manner facing the direction of rotation of the drum 4.

[0114] On the other hand, during image formation (development), the developing roller (developing component) 6 rotates in the direction of arrow E to develop the latent image through the following steps. Inside the developing frame 29 (i.e., inside the developer container 49), toner is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 6, and the surface of the developing roller 6 carries the developer.

[0115] When the developing roller 6 rotates in the direction of arrow E, the developing blade (developer control component, toner control component) 31 contacts the surface of the developing roller 6, thereby limiting the amount of developer (toner layer thickness) carried on the surface of the developing roller 6 to a predetermined level. Thereafter, the surface of the developing roller 6 is exposed to the outside of the developing frame 29 and subsequently faces the drum 4. Thus, the developing roller 6 uses toner to develop the latent image on the surface of the drum 4. Furthermore, when the developing roller 6 rotates, the surface of the developing roller 6 re-enters the developer container 49, and the above process is repeated. Here, the developing blade 31 is configured such that its free end faces the upstream side of the rotation direction E of the developing roller 6.

[0116] The developing roller 6 is a rotatable component (rotating component) that rotates to carry the developer to be supplied to the drum 4 on its surface.

[0117] [Overall structure of the processing box]

[0118] In this embodiment, the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) have the same electrophotographic image forming processing mechanism and are able to appropriately select the developer color and developer filling amount stored therein.

[0119] Cartridge P includes a drum 4 as a photosensitive element and a processing device acting on the drum 4. Here, 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 the latent image formed on the drum 4, and a cleaning blade 7 as a cleaning device for removing residual developer remaining on the surface of the drum 4. Furthermore, cartridge P is divided into a drum unit 8 and a developing unit 9. One of the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 may be referred to as a first unit, and the other as a second unit. Additionally, one of the frame constituting the drum unit 8 (photosensitive element support frame) and the frame constituting the developing unit 9 (developing frame) may be referred to as a first frame, and the other as a second frame.

[0120] [Drum Unit Structure]

[0121] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the drum unit 8 includes a drum 4 as a photosensitive element, a charging roller 5, a cleaning blade 7, a cleaning container 26 as a support frame for the photosensitive element, a waste developer container 27, and a lid assembly. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The drive-side cover component 24 and the non-drive-side cover component 25 are included. Here, the photosensitive component support frame in a broad sense includes the cleaning container 26 (which is the photosensitive component support frame in a narrow sense), and also includes the waste developer storage portion 27, the drive-side cover component 24, and the non-drive-side cover component 25 (this also applies to the following embodiments). Here, when the cartridge P is installed in the main assembly 2 of the device, the photosensitive component frame is fixed to the main assembly 2 of the device.

[0122] Drum 4 is rotatably supported by cover components 24 and 25 located at opposite longitudinal ends of box P. Here, the axial direction of drum 4 is defined as the longitudinal direction. The axial direction (longitudinal direction) is the direction parallel to the extension direction of the axis (rotation axis, axis) of drum 4.

[0123] The lid components 24 and 25 are fixed to the cleaning container 26 at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0124] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a drum-side connecting component 4a for transmitting driving force to the drum 4 is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the drum 4. Figure 3 Part (b) is a perspective view of the main assembly 2 of the device, where the tray 60 and the box P are not shown. Each connecting part 4a of the box P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is connected to... Figure 3 The drum drive output components 61 (61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K) shown in part (b) are connected (linked) to the main component side of the main component 2 of the device as drive transmission components, so that the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the main component of the device is transmitted to the drum 4.

[0125] The charging roller 5 is supported by the cleaning container 26 so that the charging roller 5 can rotate in contact with the drum 4.

[0126] In addition, the cleaning scraper 7 is supported by the cleaning container 26 to contact the outer peripheral surface of the drum 4 with a predetermined pressure.

[0127] The residual developer removed from the outer peripheral surface of the drum 4 by the cleaning device 7 is stored in the waste developer storage section 27 in the cleaning container 26.

[0128] Additionally, the drive-side cover component 24 and the non-drive-side cover component 25 are provided with support portions 24a and 25a for rotatably supporting the developing unit 9. Figure 6 ).

[0129] [Developing Unit Structure]

[0130] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the developing unit 9 includes a developing roller 6, a developing doctor blade 31, a developing frame 29, a bearing component 45, a developing cover component 32, etc.

[0131] The developing frame 29 includes a developing agent receiving portion 49 for receiving developing agent to be supplied to the developing roller 6, and a developing blade 31 for limiting the thickness of the developing agent layer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 6.

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, bearing component 45 is fixed to one end of the developing frame 29 in the longitudinal direction. This bearing component 45 rotatably supports the developing roller 6. The developing roller 6 has a developing roller gear 69 at its longitudinal end. Bearing component 45 also rotatably supports a downstream drive transmission component (downstream transmission component) 71 for transmitting driving force to the developing roller gear 69. Details will be described below.

[0133] Furthermore, the developer cover component 32 is fixed to the outside of the bearing component 45 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P. This structure allows the developer cover component 32 to cover the developer roller gear 69, the downstream transfer component 71, the upstream drive transfer component (upstream transfer component) 74, and the transfer release mechanism (clutch) 75. Details of the transfer release mechanism 75 will be described below, but the transfer release mechanism 75 is capable of switching between a state where the rotation of the upstream transfer component 74 is transferred to the downstream transfer component 71 and a state where rotation is cut off. That is, the transfer release mechanism 75 is a clutch.

[0134] Additionally, the upstream transfer component 74 is a developing input connector (connecting component), to which driving force is input from the main component of the image forming apparatus.

[0135] like Figure 1 As shown, the developing cap component 32 has a cylindrical portion 32b. Furthermore, the drive input portion (connecting portion) 74b, which serves as the rotational force receiving portion (drive force receiving portion) of the upstream transmission component 74, is exposed through an opening 32d inside the cylindrical portion 32b. When the cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are installed in the main assembly 2, the drive input portion 74b connects with... Figure 3 The developing drive output components 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K) shown in part (b) engage and receive driving force from a drive motor (not shown) provided in the main assembly 2 of the device. The driving force input from the main assembly 2 to the upstream transmission component 74 is further transmitted to the developing roller gear 69 via the transmission release mechanism 75 and the downstream transmission component 71, which is a drive transmission component provided on the downstream side. Furthermore, the driving force is further transmitted from the developing roller gear 69 to the developing roller 6.

[0136] Of the two sides of the housing, the side with the connecting portion 74b is called the housing drive side. The housing drive side is the side from which driving force is input from the output components 61, 62, etc., of the main assembly 2. On the other hand, the side opposite to the drive side in the axial direction is called the housing non-drive side.

[0137] Upstream transmission component 74, transmission release mechanism 75, downstream transmission component 71, connecting component 4a ( Figure 5 ) and so on are arranged on the drive side of the box.

[0138] [Assembly of the drum unit and developing unit]

[0139] Figure 5 and 6The disassembled state of the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8 is shown. Here, at one longitudinal end of the cartridge P, the outer diameter portion 32a of the cylindrical portion 32b of the developing cover member 32 is rotatably fitted to the support portion 24a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 24. Additionally, at the other longitudinal end of the cartridge P, the protruding portion 29b protruding from the developing frame 29 is rotatably fitted into the support hole portion 25a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 25. Thus, the developing unit 9 is supported such that it can rotate relative to the drum unit 8. Here, the center of rotation (axis of rotation) of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 is referred to as the center of rotation (axis of rotation) X. This center of rotation X is the axis connecting the center of the support hole 24a and the center of the support hole 25a.

[0140] [Contact between the developing roller and the drum]

[0141] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, this structure allows the developing unit 9 to be pushed by a pressure spring 95, which serves as both a pushing and elastic component, and the developing roller 6 to contact the drum 4 by moving about the rotation center X. That is, the developing unit 9 is pressed by the pushing force of the pressure spring 95. Figure 4 It is pushed in the direction of arrow G, and the torque will act in the direction of arrow H with the rotation center X as the center.

[0142] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the upstream transmission component 74 receives a rotational drive in the direction of arrow J from the developing drive output component 62, which is as follows: Figure 3 Part (b) shows the main component connector installed in the main assembly 2 of the apparatus. Next, in response to the driving force input to the upstream transfer member 74, the downstream transfer member 71 rotates in the direction of arrow J. As a result, the developing roller gear 69, which engages with the downstream transfer member (transfer gear) 71, rotates in the direction of arrow E. As a result, the developing roller 6 rotates in the direction of arrow E. When the driving force required to rotate the developing roller 6 is input to the upstream transfer member 74, a rotational torque in the direction of arrow H is generated in the developing unit 9.

[0143] By applying pressure from the compression spring 95 and the rotational driving force from the main assembly 2, the developing unit 9 receives torque in the direction of arrow H centered on the rotation center X. This allows the developing roller 6 to contact the drum 4 with a predetermined pressure. The position of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 at this point is referred to as the contact position. In this embodiment, two forces are used to press the developing roller 6 against the drum 4: the pressing force of the compression spring 95 and the rotational driving force from the main assembly 2. However, this is not necessary; a structure utilizing only one of these forces to press the developing roller 6 against the drum 4 is also possible.

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

[0145] Figure 7 This is a side view of the housing P as seen from the drive side. For better illustration, some parts are not shown in this figure. When the housing P is installed in the main assembly 2 of the device, the drum unit 8 is positioned and secured to the main assembly 2.

[0146] A force receiving portion 45a is disposed in the bearing component 45. The force receiving portion 45a is configured to be engaged by a main component separation component 80 disposed in the main component 2 of the device.

[0147] The main component separation part 80 is configured to receive driving force from a motor (not shown) and move along guide rail 81 in the directions of arrows F1 and F2.

[0148] Figure 7 Part (a) shows the state in which the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are in contact with each other. At this time, the force receiving part 45a and the main component separation part 80 are separated by a gap d.

[0149] and Figure 7 Compared to state (a), Figure 7 Part (b) shows the state where the main component separation member 80 has moved a distance δ1 in the direction of arrow F1. At this time, the force receiving part 45a engages with the main component separation member 80 and receives the force. As previously described, the developing unit 9 is capable of rotating relative to the drum unit 8, and Figure 7 In part (b), the developing unit 9 has rotated by an angle θ1 around the rotation center X in the direction of arrow K. At this time, the distance between the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is ε1.

[0150] and Figure 7 Compared to state (a), Figure 7 Part (c) shows the state where the main component separation member 80 has moved a distance δ2 (>δ1) in the direction of arrow F1. The developing unit 9 has rotated an angle θ2 about the rotation center (rotation axis X) in the direction of arrow K. At this time, the distance between the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is ε2. In addition, the auxiliary pressure spring 96 will be described in detail below, and this auxiliary pressure spring is similar to Figure 7 The state of part (b) applies a torque to the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H around the rotation center X.

[0151] Here, in this embodiment (and equally applicable to the following embodiments), the distance between the force receiving portion 45a and the rotation center of the drum 4 is in the range of 13mm to 33mm.

[0152] In addition, in this embodiment (and also applicable to the following embodiments), the distance between the force receiving portion 45a and the rotation center X is in the range of 27 mm to 32 mm.

[0153] [Structure of the driver connection section]

[0154] Reference Figure 1 This section will describe the structure of the driver connection section. First, an overview will be provided.

[0155] Between the bearing component 45 and the drive-side cover component 24, a downstream transfer component 71, a transfer release mechanism 75, an upstream transfer component 74, and a developing cover component 32 are sequentially arranged from the bearing component 45 toward the drive-side cover component 24. These components are arranged on the rotation axis of the developing unit 9. That is, the axes of the upstream transfer component 74, the downstream transfer component 71, and the transfer release mechanism 75 are approximately the same as the axis X of the developing unit 9. Here, the rotation axis X is approximately parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 4. Therefore, it can be assumed that the axial direction of the transfer release mechanism 75, etc., is the same as the axial direction of the drum 4.

[0156] Here, refer to Figure 9 Parts (a) to (c) will describe in detail an example of a transmission release mechanism 75 that switches between the case where the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 is transmitted to the downstream transmission member 71 and the case where the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 is cut off. Figure 9 Parts (a) and (b) show the disassembled state of the transmission release mechanism 75, and Figure 9 Part (a) is a perspective view from the drive side, while Figure 9 Part (b) is the view seen from the non-driving side. Additionally, Figure 9 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism 75.

[0157] In this embodiment, the transmission release mechanism 75 is a mechanism commonly referred to as a spring clutch. For example, the transmission release mechanism 75 includes components such as an input inner ring (input component, clutch-side input component) 75a, an output component (clutch-side output component) 75b, a transmission spring (coil spring, elastic component, intermediate transmission component) 75c, a control ring 75d, and a holding component 75e.

[0158] The input inner ring 75a has an inner diameter portion 75a1, an input-side outer diameter portion 75a2, a rotationally engaged portion 75a3, and an input-side end face 75a4. The input inner ring 75a is the input portion of the transmission release mechanism 75, to which driving force (rotational force) is input. The input inner ring 75a is connected to the upstream transmission member 74 and rotates together with the upstream transmission member 74 by receiving driving force from the upstream transmission member 74.

[0159] The output component 75b has a mating hole portion 75b1, a mating groove 75b2, an inner ring mating shaft 75b3, and an output component outer diameter portion 75b4. The output component 75b is the output portion that transmits the output driving force of the release mechanism 75. The output component 75b is connected to the downstream transmission component 71 and rotates together with the downstream transmission component 71 by transmitting the driving force to the downstream transmission component 71.

[0160] The inner ring engaging shaft 75b3 rotatably supports the inner ring inner diameter portion 75a1, and the input inner ring 75a and the output component 75b are arranged coaxially on the rotation axis X.

[0161] Viewed from the upstream transmission member 74 side, the transmission spring 75c is helically wound in the direction of arrow J and extends in an M-oriented direction along the axial direction to provide an inner circumferential portion 75c1. Furthermore, the inner circumferential portion 75c1 is coaxially arranged in contact with the input-side outer diameter portion 75a2 of the input inner ring 75a and the output-side outer diameter portion 75b4 of the output member 75b. Here, in the spring clutch, the transmission spring 75c is a transmission member (transmission medium member, transmission medium portion, intermediate transmission member) for transmitting the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 to the downstream transmission member 71. More specifically, the transmission spring 75c transmits the driving force from the input inner ring 75a to the output member 75b, thereby transmitting the rotational force (driving force) of the upstream transmission member 74 to the downstream transmission member 71.

[0162] The control ring 75d is arranged coaxially with the transmission spring 75c on the outer periphery of the transmission spring 75c, and the control ring includes a transmission spring end locking portion 75d3 that engages with one end side 75c2 of the wire of the transmission spring 75c, and a locked portion 75d4 that protrudes radially on the outer diameter portion.

[0163] The retaining component 75e is arranged between the input inner ring 75a and the control ring 75d, and suppresses the axial movement of the input inner ring 75a.

[0164] In the following text, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8 The relationship between the transmission release mechanism 75, the upstream transmission component 74, and the downstream transmission component 71 will be described.

[0165] The upstream transfer member 74 has a drive input portion (connecting portion) 74b at one end in the axial direction, and is a connecting member configured to receive driving force from the outside of the cartridge (i.e., the main assembly of the image forming apparatus) at the drive input portion 74b. A contact end face 74m is provided at the other end of the upstream transfer member 74 in the axial direction, and the contact end face 74m contacts the input side end face 75a4 of the transfer release mechanism 75. The upstream transfer member 74 transmits driving force when it receives a pushing force (load U) in the direction of arrow N from the developing drive output member 62 of the main assembly 2. Therefore, the contact end face 74m of the upstream transfer member 74 contacts the input side end face 75a4 of the transfer release mechanism 75 when pressed by the pushing force U.

[0166] Furthermore, the rotary engagement portion 74a is disposed in the direction of the rotation axis X of the upstream transmission member 74. The rotary engagement portion 74a engages with the rotary engagement portion 75a3 disposed on the input inner ring 75a of the transmission release mechanism 75, so that the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 is transmitted to the transmission release mechanism 75. The upstream transmission member 74 and the input inner ring 75a rotate integrally, and therefore, the input inner ring 75a and the upstream transmission member 74 can be regarded as a single unit, and the upstream transmission member 74 can be considered as part of the transmission release mechanism 75 (clutch). In this case, the upstream transmission member 74 can be regarded as the input member (clutch-side input member) of the transmission release mechanism 75.

[0167] Next, after describing the detailed structure of the downstream transmission member 71, its relationship with the transmission release mechanism 75 will be described. The downstream transmission member 71 has a generally cylindrical shape, including a connecting shaft (shaft portion) 71a located on the rotation axis X inside the cylinder at one end, and including a connecting rib 71b extending radially from the connecting shaft 71a in the radial direction, and a longitudinal contact end face 71c that contacts the transmission release mechanism 75. Additionally, it includes a bearing portion 71d on the other end as a cylindrical outer peripheral portion. Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 71e, an end face flange 71f, and a gear portion 71g are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cylinder.

[0168] In the downstream transfer member 71, the cylindrical portion 71e and the inner diameter portion 32q of the developing cap member 32 are joined to each other at one end. Additionally, at the other end, the bearing portion 71d and the first bearing portion 45p (cylindrical outer peripheral surface) of the bearing member 45 are joined to each other. That is, the downstream transfer member 71 is rotatably supported at both ends by the bearing member 45 and the developing cap member 32.

[0169] Next, the gear portion 71g of the downstream transfer member 71 engages with the developing roller gear 69 to rotate the developing roller 6. That is, the downstream transfer member 71 is a gear member (transfer gear) for meshing with the developing roller gear 69. Here, the gear portion 71g is a helical gear with a torsion angle so as to receive the thrust load W in the direction of arrow M by meshing with the developing roller gear 69. Due to this thrust load W, the end face flange 71f abuts against the abutment surface 32f of the developing cover member 32, and the downstream transfer member 71 is positioned in the axial direction.

[0170] In the transmission release mechanism 75, the engagement hole 75b1 provided in the output member 75b engages with the engagement shaft 71a and is supported coaxially with the downstream transmission member 71. That is, because the engagement shaft 71a passes through the hole 75b1, the transmission release mechanism 75 directly engages with the downstream transmission member 71. In addition, the engagement rib 71b of the downstream transmission member 71 is inserted into the engagement groove 75b2 provided in the output member 75b of the transmission release mechanism 75. Thus, when the transmission release mechanism 75 rotates, the driving force can be transmitted to the downstream transmission member 71. The engagement rib 71b is a driving force receiving part for receiving the driving force. Here, with such a structure, the downstream transmission member 71 rotates integrally with the output member 75b. Therefore, the downstream transmission member 71 and the output member 75b can be regarded as one unit, and the downstream transmission member 71 can be considered as part of the transmission release mechanism 75. In this case, the downstream transmission member 71 can be regarded as part of the output member (clutch-side output part, output-side transmission member) of the transmission release mechanism 75.

[0171] Here, the engaging shaft 71a, which ensures the coaxiality of the downstream transmission member 71 and the transmission release mechanism 75, is integrally formed with the engaging rib 71b. Therefore, even after miniaturization, the strength of the engaging shaft 71a can be ensured. As a result, the positional accuracy of the transmission release mechanism 75 relative to the downstream transmission member 71 can be improved.

[0172] The transfer release mechanism 75 receives the pushing force U in the direction of arrow N from the upstream transfer member 74 via the input side end face 75a4, and the downstream contact end face 75b7, located on the other end side in the axial direction, contacts the longitudinal contact end face 71c of the downstream transfer member 71. On the other hand, as described above, the gear portion 71g of the downstream transfer member 71 engages with the developing roller gear 69 to receive the pushing load W in the direction of arrow M. Furthermore, the pushing load W in the direction of arrow M is set to be greater than the pushing force U in the direction of arrow N from the upstream transfer member 74. Therefore, the position of the downstream transfer member 71 in the axial direction is determined at the position where the end face flange 71f contacts the abutment surface 32f of the developing cover member 32. As described above, the transfer release mechanism 75 is arranged in a state where it is pressed in the axial direction by the downstream transfer member 71 and the upstream transfer member 74. As a result, the axial position of the transfer release mechanism 75 is stabilized, and the engagement between the control member 76, which will be described below, and the control ring 75d of the transfer release mechanism 75 is also stabilized.

[0173] Then, in the following text, reference will be made to Figure 10 Describes the transmission and disconnection of the driving force in the transmission release mechanism 75. Figure 10 This is a side view from the drive side, showing the positional relationship between the transfer release mechanism 75, the control unit 76, and the developing cover unit 32. For better illustration, some parts have been omitted. First, the positional relationship between the transfer release mechanism 75 and the control unit 76 will be briefly described, and the operation of the control unit 76 will be described in detail later.

[0174] The control member 76 has a first position and a second position relative to the transmission release mechanism 75. When the control member 76 is in the first position, the transmission release mechanism 75 transmits the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 to the downstream transmission member 71. When the control member 76 is in the second position, the transmission release mechanism 75 cuts off the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 and does not transmit the rotation to the downstream transmission member 71. This will be described in detail below.

[0175] First, the operation of the release mechanism 75 when the control unit 76 is in the first position will be described. The outermost rotation trajectory of the locked part 75d4 is rotation trajectory A ( Figure 10 (the double-dotted line in part (a)), and the first position is the position where the control component 76 is outside the rotation trajectory A and away from the transmission release mechanism 75. Figure 10(as shown in part (a)). When the upstream transmission member 74 rotates, the input inner ring 75a, which engages with the upstream transmission member 74, rotates in the direction of arrow J. The transmission spring 75c, which engages with the input inner ring 75a, is torn in the direction of decreasing inner diameter by the frictional force generated by the rotation of the input inner ring 75a. As a result, the inner circumferential portion 75c1 of the transmission spring 75c tightens the input-side outer diameter portion 75a2, thereby transmitting the rotation of the input inner ring 75a to the transmission spring 75c. Similar to the input-side outer diameter portion 75a2, the transmission spring 75c engages with the output member outer diameter portion 75b4 at the inner circumferential portion 75c1. Therefore, the rotation of the input inner ring 75a is transmitted to the output member 75b via the transmission spring 75c. Here, the control ring 75d engages with the transmission spring 75c at the transmission spring end locking portion 75d3, and therefore, the rotation is the same as that of the transmission release mechanism 75.

[0176] As described above, when the control component 76 is in the first position, the control component 76 is not in contact with the control ring 75d, and the transmission release mechanism 75 transmits the rotation of the upstream transmission component 74. Thus, the rotation of the upstream transmission component 74 is transmitted to the downstream transmission component 71 via the transmission release mechanism 75.

[0177] Next, the operation of the transmission release mechanism 75 when the control member 76 is in the second position will be described. The second position is when the control member 76 is inside the rotation trajectory A of the transmission release mechanism 75 and the control member 76 can contact the locked part 75d4. Figure 10 (as shown in part (c)).

[0178] When the upstream transmission member 74 rotates, the input inner ring 75a, which engages with the upstream transmission member 74, rotates in the direction of arrow J. In the second position, the control member 76 can contact the locked portion 75d4, and therefore, the control ring 75d is locked by the control member 76 and stops rotating. Additionally, the transmission spring 75c engages with the locked portion 75d4 of the control ring 75d, and one end 75c2 of its wire stops rotating. Therefore, when the input inner ring 75a rotates, the transmission spring 75c cannot twist in the direction that reduces the inner diameter of the transmission spring. Therefore, even when the input inner ring 75a rotates, slippage occurs between the input-side outer diameter portion 75a2 of the input inner ring 75a and the inner circumferential portion 75c1 of the transmission spring 75c, and the drive is not transmitted to the output member 75b. Thus, the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 is cut off by the transmission release mechanism 75 and is not transmitted to the downstream transmission member 71.

[0179] As described above, the transfer release mechanism 75 can switch between a position where the rotation of the upstream transfer member 74 is transferred to the downstream transfer member 71 and a position where the rotation is cut off. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transfer release mechanism 75 transmits the rotational force received by the upstream transfer member 74 to the downstream transfer member 71 on the downstream side via the frictional force between the transfer spring 75c and the input-side outer diameter portion 75a2 and the output member outer diameter portion 75b4. If the load used to rotate the developing roller 6 is abnormally high and generates a rotational load exceeding the set frictional force, slippage will occur between the input inner ring 75a and the inner circumferential portion 75c1 of the transfer spring 75c. This prevents damage to the main assembly 2 of the device.

[0180] Here, in the above embodiment, a common spring clutch is used as an example of the transmission release mechanism 75; however, the form of the transmission release mechanism 75 is not limited to this example. For example, the transmission medium portion for transmitting the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 to the downstream transmission member 71 can move forward and backward in the radial direction of the control portion. Such a structure is employed in Example 2, which will be described below.

[0181] [Drive release operation of control component 76]

[0182] The operation of control unit 76 will be described. As previously mentioned, control unit 76 has a first position and a second position relative to the control ring 75d of the transmission release mechanism 75. Additionally, control unit 76 is coupled with... Figure 7 The described movement operation of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum 4 between a contact position and a separation position is associated with switching between a first position and a second position. That is, when the developing unit 9 and the drum 4 are in contact with each other, the control member is in the first position; and when the developing unit 9 and the drum 4 are in the spaced-out position, the control member is in the second position. This will be described in detail below.

[0183] First, the state of control unit 76 in its first position will be described. For example... Figure 7 As shown in part (a), when there is a gap d between the force receiving part 45a of the main component separation member 80 and the bearing member 45, the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are in contact with each other. This state is the contact position of the developing unit 9. Figure 10 Part (a) shows the state where the control unit 76 is in the first position and the developing unit 9 is in contact with the drum 4.

[0184] The control component 76 has a supported portion 76a that is itself a circular hole. The supported portion 76a and the control component support 24c of the drive-side cover 24 are connected. Figure 8The control component 76 is rotatably supported by the drive-side cover 24. Here, the control component support 24c is a shaft provided on the drive-side cover 24, and can be simply referred to as support 24c below. The center of rotation of the control component 76 is indicated by reference numeral Y. Furthermore, the control component 76 has two protruding portions projecting radially outward from the center of rotation Y, wherein the first activated portion 76c is located at the free end of the first protruding portion 76e, and the contact surface 76b and the second controlled portion 76d are located on the second protruding portion 76f. The contact surface 76b, the first activated portion 76c, and the second controlled portion 76d are rotatable about the center of rotation Y as the control component 76 rotates.

[0185] Furthermore, the function portion 32c of the developing cap component 32 is disposed between the contact surface 76b and the first function portion 76c facing each other, and the function portion 32c has a first function portion 32c1 and a second function portion 32c2. The first function portion 32c1 is the surface facing the first function portion 76c, and the second function portion 32c2 is the surface facing the second function portion 76d.

[0186] As previously described, the developing cover component 32 of the developing unit 9 is rotatably supported by the drive-side cover 24. That is, the first actuating portion 32c1 and the second actuating portion 32c2 can rotate around the rotation center X as the developing unit 9 rotates.

[0187] Additionally, on the inner side of the developer cap component 32 in the X-axis direction, the transmission release mechanism 75 is coaxially arranged with the rotation center X, and the control ring 75d of the transmission release mechanism 75, which receives the driving force, rotates around the rotation center X inside the developer cap component 32 in the direction of arrow H.

[0188] At the contact position of the developing unit 9, the contact surface 76b is located outside the rotation trajectory A of the control ring 75d, and a gap f is left between the contact surface 76b and the rotation trajectory A. At this time, the second actuated portion 76d of the control member 76 contacts the second actuated portion 32c2, thus restricting the rotational movement of the control member 76 in the direction of arrow L1. Therefore, the contact surface 76b can stably maintain the gap f relative to the rotation trajectory A. In addition, the control member 76 can rotate in the L2 direction, but the control member 76 is arranged such that even if the control member 76 rotates in the L2 direction, the control member 76 will not enter the inner side of the rotation trajectory A.

[0189] If the control component 76 is in a first position away from the control ring 75d, the control ring 75d can rotate (without being stopped by the control component 76), and the transmission release mechanism 75 transmits the rotation of the upstream transmission component 74 to the downstream transmission component 71.

[0190] Subsequently, referring to Figure 10 Part (b) and Figure 10 Part (c) will describe the operation of the control unit 76 when the developing unit 9 moves from the contact position to the separation position to move the control unit 76 from the first position to the second position.

[0191] Figure 10 Part (b) shows the state of the control component 76 when the developing unit 9 moves from the contact position to the separation position. Figure 10 In part (c), the control unit 76 is in the second position, and the developing unit 9 is in the separated position relative to the drum 4.

[0192] like Figure 7 As shown in part (c), the developing unit 9 moves from the contact position, and when the main component separation member 80 moves δ2 in the direction of arrow F1 and stops, the rotation center X is established to have rotated by an angle θ2 in the direction of arrow K. At this time, the distance between the drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is ε2, and the state of the developing unit 9 is the separation position.

[0193] During the process of the developing unit 9 moving from the contact position to the separation position relative to the drum 4, the first functional portion 32c1 and the second functional portion 32c2 of the developing cover component 32 move about the rotation center X in the direction of arrow K, as shown. Figure 10 As shown in part (b). The second actuating part 32c2 begins to move away from the second actuated part 76d through this movement. Furthermore, when the developing cap member 32 moves in the direction of arrow K, the first actuating part 32c1 contacts the first actuated part 76c of the control member 76. Force is applied in... Figure 10 In part (b), the force is applied in the direction of arrow B to the first acted part 76c, which contacts the first acting part 32c1, and by this force, the control member 76 rotates in the direction of arrow L1. As described above, when the developing unit 9 moves, the control member 76 rotates in the direction of arrow L1, and when the control member 76 rotates, the contact surface 76b moves in the direction of arrow L1 to approach the rotation trajectory A of the control ring 75d.

[0194] Furthermore, when the developing unit 9 rotates and reaches the separation position, the control component 76 also rotates, and the contact surface 76b enters the inner side of the rotation trajectory A of the control ring 75d, as shown. Figure 10As shown in part (c), the contact surface 76b, which has entered the inner side of the rotation trajectory A of the control ring 75d, contacts the rotating locked portion 75d4 to stop the rotation of the control ring 75d. This cuts off the transmission of rotational force carried out by the transmission release mechanism 75. Thus, as described above, even if the upstream transmission member 74 is rotating, this rotation is cut off by the transmission release mechanism 75 and is not transmitted to the downstream transmission member 71. The contact surface 76b is a locking portion that engages with the locked portion 75d4 (to lock the locked portion 75d4) and stops the rotation of the locked portion 75d4.

[0195] Here, when the upstream transmission member 74 is rotating, and the rotation is cut off by the transmission release mechanism 75, slippage occurs between the input inner ring 75a and the inner circumferential portion 75c1 of the transmission spring 75c. Therefore, due to friction between the inner circumference of the transmission spring 75c and the input-side engaging outer diameter portion 75a2, a rotational load remains on the upstream transmission member 74. In the following text, the rotational load remaining on the upstream transmission member 74 when the rotation is cut off by the transmission release mechanism 75 is referred to as the slip torque.

[0196] The contact surface 76b and the locked portion 75d4 contact at the contact portion T, and in the state of generating sliding torque, the contact surface 76b receives a force in the direction of arrow P1 from the control ring 75d at the contact portion T. The force in the direction of arrow P1 attempts to rotate the control member 76 in the direction of arrow L2, but the first acted portion 76c of the control member 76 abuts against the first acting portion 32c1, thus restricting the rotation of the control member 76. Therefore, the control member 76 can maintain the contact state with the control ring 75d even when receiving a force in the direction of arrow P1 from the control ring 75d.

[0197] As described above, the position of the control member 76 relative to the control ring 75d is determined by bringing the first acted portion 76c into contact with the first acted portion 32c1, and therefore, the second position of the control member 76 can be changed by altering the shape of the first acted portion 32c1. That is, by selecting the shape of the first acted portion 32c1, the speed at which the contact surface 76b approaches the rotational trajectory A of the control ring 75d and the timing of its entry into it can be freely controlled, and therefore, the cutting off of the drive of the transmission release mechanism 75 can be controlled.

[0198] When the developing unit 9 is in the direction of arrow K from Figure 10 When the state shown in part (c) is rotated, the contact surface 76b enters the rotation trajectory A. Figure 10 (as shown in part (d)). The active part 32c is located in... Figure 10In part (d), a separation-time action portion 32c3 is provided downstream of the first action portion 32c1 in the direction of arrow H. The separation-time action portion 32c3 has an arc shape centered on the rotation center X of the developing unit 9. If compared with... Figure 10 Compared to the state shown in part (d), if the developing unit 9 rotates further in the direction of arrow K, the first acted part 76c abuts against the arc-shaped over-separation action part 32c3. This structure keeps the control member 76 in the second position and does not increase the amount of intrusion into the interior of the rotation trajectory A of the contact surface 76b. In other words, even if the developing unit 9 rotates beyond the separation position due to factors such as the transport of the developing unit 9, it can prevent the control member 76 from colliding with the outer shape 75d2 of the control ring 75d, thereby preventing damage. The over-separation action part 32c3 is a movement limiting part that restricts excessive movement beyond the second position when the control member 76 (contact surface 76b) moves from the first position to the second position. That is, when the control member 76 (contact surface 76b) moves from the first position to the second position, the over-separation action part 32c3 inhibits further movement of the control member 76 (abutment surface 76b) in the second position.

[0199] [Drive connection operation via control unit 76]

[0200] The operation of control unit 76 when it switches from the second position to the first position will be described below. Under the state of generating slip torque as described above, Figure 10 The control component 76 shown in part (c) is in the second position, at the contact portion T between the contact surface 76b and the locked portion 75d4, where the contact surface 76b receives from the locked portion 75d4. Figure 10 The force indicated by arrow P1 in part (c) is the normal force. In this example, the direction facing the contact surface 76b causes the control member 76 to rotate in the direction of arrow L2 by the normal reaction force (arrow P1) received from the locked part 75d4. That is, the control member 76 receives a force in the direction of moving from the second position to the first position due to contact with the control ring 75d of the transmission release mechanism 75. Conversely, the first acted part 76c of the control member 76 abuts against the first acting part 32c1, thereby inhibiting the rotation of the control member 76. In this state, at the contact portion V between the first acting part 32c1 and the first acted part 76c, the first acting part 32c1 receives a force from the first acted part 76c by the normal reaction force (arrow P1). Figure 10The force indicated by arrow P2 in part (c) is a vertical reaction force. In this embodiment, the first actuating part 32c1 and the first acted part 76c face each other, such that the developing unit 9, including the developing cap member 32, rotates in the direction of arrow H2 by the vertical reaction force (arrow P2) received by the first actuating part 32c1 from the first acted part 76c. Furthermore, the contact part T and the contact part V are arranged in approximately the same cross-section relative to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation center Y of the control member 76. Therefore, when the control member 76 simultaneously receives the reaction force of the vertical force (arrow P2) and the vertical force (arrow P1), the tilting of the rotation center Y of the control member 76 in the axial direction is suppressed, and as a result, the contact state between the control member 76 and the transmission release mechanism 75 can be stably maintained.

[0201] The developing unit 9 has a structure in which the torque in the direction of arrow H is acted upon by the pushing force of the pressure spring 95, and furthermore, the developing unit 9, including the developing cover member 32, receives the torque in the direction of arrow H due to the force in the direction of arrow P2. Figure 4 The torque in the direction of ). However, as Figure 7 As shown in part (c), the force-receiving portion 45a of the main component separation member 80 and the bearing member 45 is in contact with each other, thereby restricting the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H. That is, the force-receiving portion 45a of the bearing member 45 receives an external force (a force from outside the cartridge) due to its contact with the main component separation member 80. By this force, the rotation of the developing unit 9 in the direction of arrow H is restricted, and the rotation of the control member 76 in the direction of arrow L2 is also restricted.

[0202] In other words, even if the control component 76 receives force in the direction of arrow P1 due to contact with the control ring 75d of the transmission release mechanism 75, it can stably maintain the second position of the control component 76.

[0203] From this state onwards, when the main component separation part 80 is... Figure 7 When part (c) moves in the direction of arrow F2, the rotation restriction of the main component separation component 80 on the developing unit 9 and the rotation restriction of the control component 76 are released.

[0204] That is, the developing unit 9 (whose rotation is limited by the main component separation member 80) begins to rotate in the direction of arrow H by a force in the direction of arrow P2. Furthermore, when the first actuating portion 32c1 of the developing cover member 32 of the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of arrow H, the control member 76 (whose rotation is limited by the first actuating portion 32c1) rotates in the direction of arrow L2 by a force in the direction of arrow P1.

[0205] When the control component 76 rotates in the direction of arrow L2, the contact surface 76b similarly moves in the direction of arrow L2. The movement of the contact surface 76b proceeds to a certain extent, causing it to reach a first position outside the rotational trajectory A of the control ring 75d, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown in part (a), the control ring 75d becomes rotatable, and thus the transmission release mechanism 75 is able to transmit the rotation of the upstream transmission member 74 to the downstream transmission member 71.

[0206] Using this structure, the rotation of the control component 76 in the direction of arrow L2 is limited by the first actuating portion 32c1. Therefore, depending on the shape design of the first actuating portion 32c1, the timing of the contact surface 76b leaving the rotation trajectory A and its rotation amount can be arbitrarily set. Thus, when the developing unit 9 moves from the separation position to the contact position, the timing of starting to transmit the driving force can be arbitrarily set.

[0207] To ensure a stable toner coating on the developing roller 6, it is desirable to rotate the developing roller 6a a certain number of times (for a certain period of time) before the developing roller 6 and drum 4 come into contact with each other. This rotation is called pre-rotation. With the structure of this embodiment, the amount (number of rotations, time) of pre-rotation of the developing roller 6 can be arbitrarily set.

[0208] As previously described, the control component 76 and the control ring 75d cooperate with each other to control the switching between on and off of the transmission of driving force. Therefore, the control component 76 and the control ring 75d can also be considered as part of a control mechanism for controlling the transmission and cutoff of driving force. Thus, not only the control component 76 but also the control ring 75d can be referred to as a control component. In this case, one of the control component 76 and the control ring 75d can be referred to as a first control component, and the other as a second control component. Additionally, the control component 76 can be referred to as a control lever to distinguish it from the control ring 75d, which has a ring shape (circular shape, disc shape). The control component 76 is a lever component with a curved rod shape. In other words, the control component 76 has a U-shaped shape (C-shaped shape, V-shaped shape). The control component 76 has two end portions and a curved portion between the opposing end portions, and the rotation center (axis) of the control component 76 is located near the curved portion.

[0209] Furthermore, both the control ring 75d and the control component 76 are rotatable components, and therefore each can also be referred to as a rotating component. In this case, to distinguish them from each other, one can be referred to as the first rotating component and the other as the second rotating component.

[0210] Additionally, in this embodiment, such as Figure 10As shown in part (c), this structure places the contact portion T between the contact surface 76b and the locked portion 75d4 further downstream in the rotation direction (arrow H direction) relative to the control ring 75d compared to the line R connecting the rotation centers X and Y. This stabilizes the operation of rotating the control member 76 and moving the contact surface 76b outside the rotation trajectory A. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The operation will be explained in more detail below. Figure 11 Part (a) is a simplified view, showing the... Figure 11 The contact surface 76b and the locked portion 75d4 are shown in the state indicated by part (c). Figure 11 As shown in part (a), the contact portion T is located downstream of the line R connecting the rotation center X and the rotation center Y in the rotation direction (arrow H direction) of the control ring 75d. The contact portion T (contact surface 76b) is located relative to the rotation center X in the arrow H direction at the support portion 24c that serves as the rotation center Y. Figure 8 Downstream of ), that is, the contact portion T is within an angle range of greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the support portion 24c in the direction of arrow H centered on the rotation center X.

[0211] As described above, starting from this state, the contact surface 76b rotates in a direction different from the rotation direction of the control ring 75d (arrow H direction) (arrow L2 direction), and the contact surface 76b moves to the outside of the rotation trajectory A. With the contact portion T and the rotation direction of the contact surface 76b arranged in this way, the end portion 76b2 of the contact surface 76b moves away from the contact portion T and away from the rotation center X in the direction of arrow A2, centered on the rotation center Y. That is, the contact surface 76b can move to the outside of the rotation trajectory A centered on the rotation center X, while separating from the locked portion 75d4, and thus can suppress friction at the contact portion T.

[0212] Here, refer to Figure 11 Part (b), for comparison with this structure, will describe the case where the contact portion T is arranged upstream of the line R connecting the rotation centers X and Y in the rotational direction of the control ring 75d, and the control surface 76 rotates in the same direction as the rotational direction of the control ring 75d. Figure 11As shown in part (b), the contact portion T2 of the contact surface 176b and the locked portion 75d4 is positioned upstream of the line R connecting the rotation center X and the rotation center Y in the rotation direction (arrow H direction) of the control ring 75d. From this state, the contact surface 176b rotates in the same direction (arrow L1 direction) as the rotation direction of the control ring 75d (arrow H direction) to move the contact surface 176b outside the rotation trajectory A. With the contact portion T2 and the contact surface 176b arranged in this rotation direction, the end portion 176b2 of the contact surface 176b moves towards the contact portion T and away from the rotation center X in the direction of arrow A3 around the rotation center Y. That is, the contact surface 176b moves outside the rotation trajectory A around the rotation center X while rubbing against the locked portion 75d4, thus generating friction at the contact portion T2.

[0213] However, as Figure 11 The arrangement in part (a) is preferred because it can suppress frictional forces at the contact portion T and can stably move the contact surface 76b to the outside of the rotation trajectory A, but the arrangement is not limited to... Figure 11 The arrangement shown in part (a). Even when using Figure 11 The arrangement shown in part (b) can also be controlled by the control unit 76 to drive the transmission release mechanism 75.

[0214] When the transfer release mechanism 75 transfers the rotation of the upstream transfer member 74 to the downstream transfer member 71 at the first position of the control member 76, a torque greater than the sliding torque is generated in the upstream transfer member 74, and a large rotational torque in the direction of arrow H is generated in the developing unit 9. Through the rotational torque in the direction of arrow H, the developing unit 9 moves more reliably to the contact position.

[0215] When the transmission release mechanism 75 is a spring clutch, as described above, when rotation is cut off by the transmission release mechanism 75, a slip torque is generated in the upstream transmission member 74. In this embodiment, the force generated at the contact portion T by the slip torque in the direction of arrow P1 is switched, causing the developing unit 9 to rotate in the direction of arrow H.

[0216] In contrast, when the torque remaining on the upstream transmission member 74 is small when the transmission release mechanism 75 cuts off the rotation, an auxiliary pressure spring 96 as an auxiliary pushing member can be provided to reliably switch between the contact state and the separation state of the developing unit.

[0217] like Figure 1As shown, the auxiliary pressure spring 96 is a torsion coil spring, and the coil portion 96c is supported by the control member support portion 24c of the drive-side cover component 24. Furthermore, one end arm portion 96c of the auxiliary pressure spring 96 engages with the locking portion 24d of the drive-side cover component 24. On the other hand, the other end arm portion 96b switches the associated alignment member according to the posture (separation position or contact position) of the developing unit 9. This will be described below. Figure 7 As shown in part (a), when the developing unit 9 is in contact with the drum 4, the arm portion 96b on the other end of the auxiliary pressure spring 96 is in a non-contact state relative to the developing unit 9, and it engages with a portion 24e of the drive-side cover component 24. That is, it is configured such that the pushing force Q of the auxiliary pressure spring 96 is not applied to the developing unit 9. Figure 7 Part (b) to Figure 7 As shown in part (c), when the developing unit 9 is separated from the drum 4, the arm portion 96b on the other end of the auxiliary pressure spring 96 contacts the pushed portion 32e of the developing unit 9. Thus, the auxiliary pressure spring 96 applies torque to the developing unit 9 about the rotation center X in the direction of arrow H. As described above, even when the torque (slip torque) remaining in the upstream transmission member 74 is small when the transmission release mechanism 75 cuts off the rotation, the developing unit 9 can reliably transition from the separated state to the contact state by providing the auxiliary pressure spring 96. Furthermore, even when the auxiliary pressure spring 96 is provided, by setting it so that the pushing force of the auxiliary pressure spring 96 does not act on the developing unit 9, an increase in the contact force between the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 can be prevented when the developing unit 9 is in contact with the drum 4. This reduces the stress of the toner applied to the developing roller 6.

[0218] In the structure of the above embodiment, the processing cartridge P includes a developing unit 9 and a drum unit 8, but the form of the cartridge is not limited to this example. For example, the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8 can be constructed as separate cartridges. In this case, the developing unit 9 is sometimes referred to as a developing cartridge. Even in such a case, it is preferable that the control member 76 is rotatably supported by a cartridge cover (support member) that rotatably supports the developing unit 9.

[0219] Here, the drive transmission component (transmission component) transmits the driving force (rotational force) not only to the upstream transmission component 74 and the downstream transmission component 71, but also to the developing roller gear 69, the input inner ring 75a of the transmission release mechanism 75, the transmission spring 75c, and the output component 75b. Therefore, the upstream transmission component 74, the downstream transmission component 71, the developing roller gear 69, the input inner ring 75a, the transmission spring 75c, and the output component 75b can be referred to as the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth transmission components, respectively. In particular, when referring to the input inner ring (input component) 75a and the output component 75b of the transmission release mechanism 75, they can be referred to as the first transmission component and the second transmission component, respectively. In addition, the transmission spring 75c used to connect the input inner ring (input component) 75a and the output component 75b can be referred to as the intermediate transmission component.

[0220] Furthermore, multiple drive transmission components that are connected and rotated as a single unit can be made into a single transmission component. For example, the upstream transmission component 74 and the input inner ring 75a can be combined into a single transmission component, or the downstream transmission component 71 and the output component 75b can be combined into a single transmission component.

[0221] In the description so far, a "contact development method" is used when developing the electrostatic latent image on drum 4, in which development is performed with drum 4 and developing roller 6 in contact with each other. However, the development method is not limited to this example. A "non-contact development method" can be used to develop the electrostatic latent image on drum 4 with a small gap between drum 4 and developing roller 6.

[0222] This structure can be used in both non-contact and contact developing systems, wherein the developing roller 6 is brought closer to the drum 4 during developing and separated from the drum 4 during non-developing periods. Figure 7 (a) to (c)). This structure prevents the toner on the surface of the developing roller 6 from being transferred to the drum 4 during non-development (non-image formation) periods.

[0223] In addition, in the contact developing method, the developing roller 6 does not contact the drum 4 during non-developing periods, thus preventing the developing roller 6 and the drum 4 from maintaining contact with each other for extended periods. That is, deformation of the developing roller 6 during non-developing periods can be avoided.

[0224] Furthermore, regardless of the method, the rotation of the developing roller 6 stops when the image is not being developed. Therefore, no load is applied to the developer (toner) present on the outer periphery of the developing roller 6 (e.g., load caused by friction between the developing roller 6 and the developer). As a result, the developer contained in the cartridge can be kept for a long life.

[0225] [Differences from the regular example]

[0226] The differences between the conventional structure and this embodiment will be described below.

[0227] In JP2001-337511, the drive hub 31a-1 receives drive from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus (the reference numerals described in JP-A-2001-337511 also apply in this paragraph), and provides a spring clutch for performing drive switching. The operation of rotating the second housing 4a, which is the developing unit, to move the developing roller 7a away from the photosensitive drum 1a is associated with the action of a spring clutch control device for disengaging the drive of the spring clutch. The spring clutch control device includes a hinge portion 30a rotatably mounted around a rotating pin 32a, a control plate 34a fixed to the hinge portion 30a, and a connecting plate 29a. One end of the connecting plate 29a is rotatably connected around a control pin 33a below the rotating pin 32a of the hinge portion 30a. Additionally, the other end of the connecting plate 29a is connected to a fixing pin 35a on the side surface of the first housing 10a. However, the crank mechanism, including the connecting shaft (fixed pin 35a) and the handle (connecting plate 29a) of the shaft (control pin 33a) whose center is offset from the rotating shaft (fixed pin 35a), has many connecting rods. Therefore, due to the change in angle when the developing unit rotates, the timing of the crank mechanism acting on the spring clutch is likely to change. In particular, the control plate 34a, which acts directly on the spring clutch, is connected to the first housing 10a via the hinge portion 30a and the connecting plate 29a. Therefore, in response to the rotation of the hinge portion 30a around the rotating pin 32a or the rotation of the connecting plate 29a around the control pin 33a and the fixed pin 35a, the control plate 34a performs complex operations relative to the first housing 10a. It is difficult to precisely control the position and operation of the control plate 34a.

[0228] In addition, as the number of connecting rods constituting the crank mechanism increases, it is necessary to ensure the movement space of each connecting rod, and it is difficult to miniaturize the crank mechanism and the housing in which the crank mechanism is located.

[0229] In contrast, in this embodiment, the control member 76 for controlling the rotational transmission and cut-off performed by the transmission release mechanism 75 is supported by the support portion 24c of the drive-side cover 24, enabling it to rotate about an axis (rotation center Y). The control member 76 and the contact surface 76b ( Figure 10 The movement performed relative to the drive-side cover 24 is only a rotation around the support portion 24c. Therefore, the position and operational accuracy of the control component 76 and the contact surface 76b can be easily maintained relative to the drive-side cover 24 and the developing unit 9.

[0230] Additionally, similar to the control component 76, the drive-side cover 24 rotatably supports the developing unit 9 (which supports the transfer release mechanism 75). The control component 76 and the developing unit 9 are rotatably supported by the same component, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the control component 76 and the transfer release mechanism 75.

[0231] Furthermore, the rotational movement of the control member 76 is controlled by the shape of the actuating portion 32c provided on the developing cover member 32 of the developing unit 9. Therefore, the positional relationship between the control member 76 and the transmission release mechanism 75 can be stably maintained relative to the rotation angle of the developing unit 9. More specifically, in the first position of the control member 76, the second operated portion 76d of the control member 76 contacts the second operating portion 32c2, thus restricting the rotational movement of the control member 76 in the direction of arrow L1. Therefore, the contact surface 76b can stably maintain a gap f relative to the rotation trajectory A.

[0232] Furthermore, in the second position of the control member 76, the control member 76 applies a rotational torque in the H direction by a force from the transmission release mechanism 75 in the direction of arrow P1. However, even in this state, the first acted portion 76c of the control member 76 abuts against the first acting portion 32c1, thereby suppressing the rotation of the control member 76. That is, the control member 76 is able to stably maintain the second position.

[0233] As described above, since the positional relationship between the control member 76 and the transmission release mechanism 75 can be stably maintained relative to the rotation angle of the developing unit 9, the transmission and cut-off of the drive can be reliably switched. This reduces the control deviation of the rotation time of the developing roller 6.

[0234] Furthermore, these transfer release mechanisms 75 are arranged on the same straight line as the rotation center X, and the developing unit 6 is rotatably supported relative to the drum unit 8 on the rotation center X. Here, the relative positional error between the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 is minimized at the rotation center X. Therefore, by positioning the transfer release mechanism 75, which is used to switch the drive transmission of the developing roller 6, at the rotation center X, the switching timing of the rotation angle of the transfer release mechanism 75 relative to the developing unit 9 can be controlled with the highest precision. As a result, the rotation time period of the developing roller 9 can be controlled with high precision, and the deterioration of the developing roller 9 and the developer can be suppressed. In addition, even if the developing unit 9 (developing frame) rotates, the position of the transfer release mechanism 75 will not change, so the control unit 76 can easily control the transfer release mechanism 75 when the developing unit 9 rotates.

[0235] Furthermore, the rotational movement of the control component 76 is controlled by the shape of the actuating portion 32c, and the actuating portion 32c has an over-separation control surface 32c3, which has an arcuate shape centered on the rotation center X of the developing unit 9. Therefore, when the developing unit 9 rotates beyond a predetermined position due to factors such as physical transport, the control component 76 can be set to not approach the transmission release mechanism 75 beyond a predetermined proximity, thus preventing damage.

[0236] Furthermore, the control member 76 receives force in the direction (direction of arrow P1) of moving from the second position to the first position through contact with the control ring 75d of the transmission release mechanism 75. The control member 76 and the first actuating part 32c1 are in contact with each other, and the developing unit 9 receives the force in the direction of arrow P2 and rotates in the direction of arrow H. In addition, the rotation direction of the first drive transmission member 74 (direction of arrow J) is the direction in which the developing unit 9 generates a rotational torque in the direction of arrow H. Therefore, the control member 76 can reliably switch from the second position to the first position and can contact and separate from the developing unit 9, resulting in reliable switching of drive transmission and cutoff.

[0237] In this embodiment, although the case where the developing cap component 32 has an active portion 32c has been described, the invention is not limited to such an example, and other portions of the developing unit may be the active portion.

[0238] [Structure Summary]

[0239] Finally, the structure of the above embodiments can be summarized as follows.

[0240] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the box P in this embodiment can be installed into the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1 ( Figure 1 The main assembly of the device (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly) and its disassembly. For example... Figure 4 As shown, cartridge P has a developing roller 6, which is configured to develop a latent image formed on a photosensitive element.

[0241] like Figure 5 As shown, the developing roller 6 is rotatably supported by the bearing component 45. Here, as described above, the developing frame 29, the developing bearing 45, the developing cover component 32, etc., are collectively referred to as the developing frame in a broad sense.

[0242] Such a developing frame (developing frame 29, developing cover component 32, developing bearing 45) is supported by the frame of the drum unit (photosensitive unit) and is movable (rotatable). The drum unit frame is a support component (support frame) that movably supports the developing frame and includes a drive-side cover 24, a non-drive-side cover 25, and a cleaning container 26.

[0243] One of the drum unit frame (support component) and the developing frame can be referred to as the first frame, while the other can be referred to as the second frame.

[0244] The developing frame can take a separation position for separating the developing roller 6 from the photosensitive element 4. Figure 7 Part (a) of the middle section and the approach position for bringing the developing roller 6 close to the photosensitive element 4. Figure 7 Part (b) of the embodiment. The image forming apparatus of this embodiment employs a contact development method, therefore, the developing roller 6 approaches to contact the photosensitive element. That is, in this embodiment, the approach position is the contact position. On the other hand, when a non-contact development method is employed, a predetermined gap is provided between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive element 4 when the developing frame is in the approach position. The approach position is the position of the developing frame that enables the developing roller 6 to develop the latent image on the photosensitive element 4, and can be referred to as the developing position (first position of the developing frame, first developing frame position). In addition, the position of the developing roller when the developing frame is in the approach position (contact position, developing position) is also referred to as the approach position (contact position, developing position) or the first position (first developing roller position), etc.

[0245] On the other hand, the separation position is a retreat position that is away from the developing position, and the developing roller 6 does not develop the latent image on the photosensitive element 4. The position of the developing roller when the developing frame is in the separation position is sometimes also called the separation position (retreat position, non-developing position) or the second position of the developing roller (second developing roller position), etc.

[0246] like Figure 8 As shown, a clutch (transmission release mechanism 75) configured to switch between a state of transmitting rotational force toward the developing roller 6 and a state of cutting off the transmission is provided on the developing frame. In this embodiment, the transmission release mechanism 75 is a spring clutch and is configured to tighten and loosen the transmission spring 75c ( Figure 9 Parts (a) to (c) switch between the transmission and cutoff of driving force.

[0247] Control unit 76 for controlling the drive transmission and disengagement of the clutch is provided in the support member (drive-side cover 24) Figure 10 The control component 76 is a rod (rotating component) capable of rotating about a rotation axis (i.e., support portion 24c) fixed to the drive-side cover 24.

[0248] In this embodiment, the support portion 24c where the rotation axis of the control component 76 is located is a shaft portion integrally formed with the drive-side cover 24. However, this structure is not limited to such an example. There are cases where, when the control component 76 rotates about the rotation axis located on the support component (drive-side cover 24), the shaft portion, as a separate component from the drive-side cover 24, is supported by the drive-side cover 24.

[0249] For example, there are cases where the shaft portion is integrally formed with the control component 76, or the shaft portion is fixed to the control component 76, and such a shaft portion is supported by a hole formed in the drive-side cover 24. In this case, the hole provided in the drive-side cover 24 can be regarded as a support portion for rotatably supporting the control component 76. In any case, as long as a support portion such as the shaft portion or the hole is fixed to the drive-side cover 24, the control component 76 will also rotate about the rotation axis Y (Y) fixed to the drive-side cover 24. Figure 10 Rotate.

[0250] The control component 76 has a locking portion (abutment surface 76b) capable of engaging with a locked portion 75d4 disposed in the control ring 75d of the transmission release mechanism 75. This contact surface 76b can be in an unlocked position to avoid engagement (contact) with the locked portion 75d4 by retracting from the rotational trajectory A of the locked portion 75d4. Figure 10 Part (a)). At this time, the position of the control member 76 and the contact surface 76b provided on the control member 76 is referred to as the first position (first control position, retraction position, unlocked position). When the contact surface 76b is in this first position, the locked part 75d4 can rotate about the axis X by the rotational force received by the transmission release mechanism 75. Therefore, the transmission spring 75c (which rotates integrally with the locked part 75d4) Figure 9 The rotation of A to 9C is unimpeded, and the transmission spring 75c transmits the rotational force within the transmission release mechanism 75. The first position is a position for allowing the contact surface 76b to transmit the driving force through the transmission release mechanism 75 (allowing position, driving position, transmission position, non-locking position).

[0251] On the other hand, the control component 76 and its contact surface 76b enter the rotation trajectory A of the locked portion 75d4 and engage (contact) the locked portion 75d4, thereby taking a position that stops the rotation of the locked portion 75d4. Figure 10 Part (c) or Figure 10Part (d)). At this time, the position of the control component 76 and the contact surface 76b is referred to as the second position (second control position, locking position, entry position, engagement position). When the contact surface 76b is in this second position, the control ring (rotating component) 75d with the locked part 75d4 is provided. Figure 9 The rotation of parts (a) to (c) in the transmission ring 75d also stops. Furthermore, the rotation of the end portion (one end 75c2) of the transmission spring 75c fixed to the control ring 75d also stops. In this state, even if driving force (rotational force) continues to be input from the upstream transmission member 74 to the transmission release mechanism 75, only the input inner ring 75a (input member, input hub, first transmission member) rotates. The output member (second transmission member) does not rotate.

[0252] That is, the transmission release mechanism 75 does not output rotational force to the downstream drive transmission component (downstream transmission component) 71. The downstream drive transmission component 71 and the downstream developing roller 6 stop rotating. The second position of the control component 76 is the position where the contact surface 76b cuts off the transmission of driving force through the transmission release mechanism 75 and stops the rotation of the downstream drive transmission component 71 and the developing roller 6 (cut-off position, stop position).

[0253] When the contact surface 76b is in the second position, one end 75c2 of the transmission spring 75c is locked to the contact surface 75b by the control ring 75d. This stops the transmission spring 75c from rotating and releases it from the input inner ring 75a. By doing so, the transmission spring 75c does not transmit driving force from the input inner ring 75a to the output component 75b (output hub).

[0254] Additionally, the developing frame (developing cover component 32) is provided with an action portion 32c for acting on the control component. Figure 8 and Figure 10 The active part 32c is the fixed part that is fixed to the developing frame.

[0255] When the developing frame moves (oscillates and rotates) relative to the supporting components (drive-side cover 24, non-drive-side cover 25, and cleaning container 26), the actuating part 32c acts on the control component 76. Figure 7 and Figure 10 When the actuating part 32c acts on the control member 76, the locking part (contact surface 76b) provided on the control member 76 is in the first position. Figure 10 Part (a)) and second position ( Figure 10 The parts (c) rotate between each other. As a result, the drive transmission via the clutch (transmission release mechanism 75) is switched (engaged and disengaged).

[0256] The locking part (abutment surface 76b) can be in the first position with the support (control component support 24c) provided on the support member (drive side cover 24) as the center (rotation axis). Figure 10 Part (a)) and second position ( Figure 10 The active portion 32c, fixed to the developing frame (developing cover component 32), rotates between the first and second positions. When the developing frame moves relative to the support member, the active portion 32c contacts the control member 76, thereby causing the contact surface 76b to rotate between the first and second positions. Figure 7 , Figure 9 A-9C). More specifically, when the developing frame moves to the approach position, the second actuating portion 32c2 of the actuating portion 32c contacts the second acted portion 76d of the control member 76 to apply force, causing the contact surface 76b to move to the first actuating portion 32c ( Figure 10 Part (a) Figure 7 Part (a) of the middle). At this time, the transmission of the driving force of the release mechanism 75 is permitted. On the other hand, when the developing frame moves to the separation position, the first actuating part 32c1 of the actuating part 32c contacts the first activated part 76c of the control member 76 to apply force, causing the contact surface 76b to move to the second actuating part 32c ( Figure 10 Part (c) Figure 7 (c)). At this time, the transmission of the driving force of the release mechanism 75 is cut off.

[0257] The action portion 32c is arranged in the space between the first action portion 76c and the second action portion 76d, and is configured to be able to contact and separate from the control component 76.

[0258] According to this embodiment, the movement (movement) performed by the control member 76 and the locking portion (contact surface 76b) relative to the support member (drive-side cover 24) is only a rotation around the support portion 24c. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the positional accuracy of the control member 76 and the contact surface 76b relative to the support member. Furthermore, the actuating portion 32c acting on the control member 76 is fixed to the developing frame (developing cover member 32). Therefore, when the developing frame moves relative to the support member, the actuating portion 32c can act on the developing member directly in relation to the movement of the developing frame. The operating timing of the control member 76 and the contact surface 76b is easily controlled, and the control member 76 and the contact surface 76b can be moved with high precision according to the relative position of the developing frame and the support member.

[0259] Here, when the control unit 76 is in the second position ( Figure 10When part (c) is in the state where a rotational force is input to the transmission release mechanism 75, the locking portion (contact surface 76b) of the control member 76 receives the force indicated by arrow P1 from the locked portion 75d4 of the transmission release mechanism 75. The force indicated by arrow P1 acts in the direction of pushing the contact surface 76b toward the first position (transmission position). Therefore, when the developing frame moves toward the approach position (see...), Figure 7 In part (a), when the first actuating part 32c1 of the actuating part 32c is separated from the first actuated part 76c of the control member 76, the contact surface 76b and the locked part 75d4 are disengaged by force P1.

[0260] Additionally, when the control unit 76 is in the second position ( Figure 10 When the rotational force is input to the transmission release mechanism 75 in the state of part (c), the first actuating part 32c1 of the actuating part 32c receives the force indicated by arrow P2 from the first actuated part 76c of the control member 76. Force P2 acts in the direction of pushing the developing unit 9 (developing frame) toward the approach position. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown in part (c), when the main assembly separation member 80 separates from the developing frame (force receiving part 45a of the bearing member 45), the force indicated by arrow P2 assists in moving the developing unit 9 (developing frame) toward the approach position. Figure 7 The movement of part (a) in the middle.

[0261] Additionally, cartridge P is equipped with an auxiliary pressure spring 96, used when the developing unit 9 (developing frame) is in the separation position ( Figure 7 When the main assembly separation member 80 separates from the developing frame (bearing member 45), the movement of the developing unit 9 (developing frame) toward the approach position and the disengagement between the contact surface 76b and the locked portion 75d4 are assisted by the pushing force of the auxiliary pressure spring 96. Here, this structure allows the developing unit 9 (developing frame) to reach the approach position (c) when the developing unit 9 (developing frame) reaches the approach position. Figure 7 In part (a) of the process, the auxiliary pressure spring 96 does not apply a pushing force to the developing unit 9.

[0262] That is, there exists a situation where, in order for the developing unit 9 to begin moving from the separation position to the approach position, additional force is required to release the engagement between the contact surface 76b and the locked portion 75d4. This is achieved not only by using the pressure spring 95 ( Figure 4The force of the auxiliary pressure spring 96, along with the force of the contact surface 76b, assists in disengaging the locking portion 75d4. On the other hand, when the contact surface 76b and the locking portion 75d4 are released and the developing unit 9 has reached the approach position, the developing unit 9 can be held in the approach position solely by the force of the pressure spring 95. Therefore, it is ensured that the pushing force applied to the developing unit 9 does not become excessive, and thus, the auxiliary pressure spring 96 does not push against the developing unit 9.

[0263] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission release mechanism 75, the upstream transmission member 74, and the downstream transmission member 71 are also arranged coaxially (on the rotation axis X). The structure of the input and output of the driving force relative to the transmission release mechanism 75 can be simplified. Figure 8 ).

[0264] Here, the upstream transfer member 74 is provided with a connecting portion (drive input portion 74b), through which a driving force is input from outside the cartridge (i.e., the developing drive output portion 62 of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus) to the connecting portion. On the other hand, the downstream transfer member 71 has a gear portion 71g ( Figure 1 The downstream transmission member 71 is used to output the rotational force transmitted from the transmission release mechanism 75 toward the developing roller 6. That is, the downstream transmission member 71 has a gear portion 71g that meshes with the developing roller gear 69. The drive input portion 74b is also provided on the rotation axis X, so that even if the developing frame rotates, the position of the drive input portion 74b will not change. It is possible to prevent the movement of the developing unit 9 from affecting the connection (coupling) between the drive input portion 74b and the developing drive output member 62.

[0265] Here, the gear portion 71g is a helical gear, and when the downstream transmission member 71 rotates, a force (load W) is applied to the downstream transmission member 71 in the axial direction. The transmission release mechanism 75 also pushes towards the upstream transmission member 74 in the axial direction by this force, and the transmission release mechanism 75 is positioned in the axial direction. Here, the transmission release mechanism 75 includes an input member (input inner ring 75a), an output member 75b, and a helical spring (transmission spring 75c) wound around both. The force (load W) applied to the transmission release mechanism 75 by the gear portion 71g is used to press the output member 75b against the input inner ring 75a. Therefore, the output member 75b and the input inner ring 75a are kept in reliable contact with each other. Thus, it is possible to prevent the output member 75b and the input inner ring 75a from separating and a portion of the transmission spring 75c from being trapped between them. In particular, in this embodiment, the input component 75a is also pressed against the output component 75b by applying a force U from the developing drive output component 62, thus maintaining a state in which the output component 75b and the input inner ring 75a are in reliable contact with each other.

[0266] As previously described, this structure allows the transmission release mechanism 75, the upstream drive transmission component 74, and the downstream transmission component 71 to be arranged coaxially, and these components are in... Figure 1 The rotation is in the direction of arrow J. When the transmission release mechanism 75, the upstream drive transmission member 74, and the downstream transmission member 71 transmit the rotational force, the rotational force generated in the direction of arrow J produces a torque applied to the developing unit 9 (developing frame) in the direction of arrow H. This torque in the direction of arrow H is used to orient the developing unit 9 (developing frame) toward the approach position ( Figure 7 The part (a) in the middle moves. The rotational force transmitted by the transmission release mechanism 75, etc., is used to bring the developing roller 6 closer to the photosensitive element 4, thus helping to maintain or stabilize the proximity of the developing roller 6 to the photosensitive element 4.

[0267] Here, in this embodiment, the support member that movably supports the developing frame is a photosensitive component support frame that rotatably supports the photosensitive component 4 (i.e., the drive-side cover 24, the non-drive-side cover 25, and the cleaning container 26). Furthermore, the distance between the developing roller 6 and the drum (photosensitive component, photosensitive drum) 4 is changed by the movement of the developing frame relative to the support member. Figure 7 However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure; for example, it is also conceivable that the support member does not support the drum 4.

[0268] That is, there may be cases where a cartridge has a developing roller 6 and a transfer release mechanism 75 but no drum 4. Such a cartridge can be called a developing cartridge rather than a processing cartridge. Alternatively, when using a developing cartridge structure, it is conceivable that the drum 4 can be constructed as a separate cartridge from the developing cartridge, allowing it to be installed into and removed from the main assembly 2 of the device. In this case, the cartridge including the drum 4 can be called a processing cartridge or a drum cartridge (photosensitive cartridge). The drum 4 can be installed in the main assembly 2 of the device without being made into a cartridge form.

[0269] Here, in this embodiment, as an example of the structure of the transmission release mechanism 75, the transmission spring 75c is tightened onto the output component outer diameter portion 75b4, which is provided on the output component 75b, in the same manner as the input-side outer diameter portion 75a2. Alternatively, the output-side outer diameter portion 75b4 can be formed from a component different from the output component 75b. In this case, it is sufficient to connect the output-side outer diameter portion 75b4 and the output component 75b so that they can rotate integrally with each other.

[0270] In addition, it will refer to Figure 12 Sections (a) through (d) describe another example. Figure 12 Part (a) and Figure 12 Part (b) shows another form of the disassembled state of the transmission release mechanism 75, in which Figure 12Part (a) is a perspective view from the drive side. Figure 12 Part (b) is a perspective view seen from the non-driving side. Additionally, Figure 12 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of another form of the transmission release mechanism 75.

[0271] The transmission spring 75c includes an inner circumferential portion 75c1 coaxially engaged with the input inner ring 75a, one end 75c2 of a wire engaged with the control ring 75d, and a transmission engagement end 75c6 at the other end. The output component 75b is provided with a transmission engaged portion 75b6 that engages with the transmission engagement end 75c6, and the rotation transmitted from the input inner ring 75a to the transmission spring 75c is transmitted to the output component 75b through the engagement between the transmission engagement end 75c6 and the transmission engaged portion 75b6. Here, Figure 12 Part (d) shows an enlarged perspective view of the joint between the transfer joint end 75c6 and the transfer joined portion 75b6. In the region where the free end 75c7 of the transfer joint end 75c6 is located, the transfer joined portion 75b6 is configured to have a stepped shape in the axial direction, and the formed stepped portion 75b7 does not contact the free end 75c7 of the transfer joint end 75c6.

[0272] Another form of the structure for transmitting driving force has been described, and it is identical to the embodiment in terms of the release of transmission to cut off the transmission of driving force. That is, by stopping the rotation of the control ring 75d, the transmission spring 75c is released from the input inner ring 75a, so that the transmission spring 75c does not transmit driving force from the input inner ring 75a to the output component 75b.

[0273] The transmission spring 75c is formed by winding the wire in a spiral shape, and the end side 75c2 and the transmission engagement end 75c6 are formed by bending and cutting the ends. When the wire is cut, burrs are generated at the free end 75c7. In contrast, by providing a stepped portion 75b7 that does not contact the free end 75c7, contact with the stepped portion 75b7 can be suppressed even when burrs are generated. Thus, when the rotation of the control ring 75d stops, the transmission spring 75c can be prevented from providing resistance to the release operation of the input inner ring 75a.

[0274] <Example 2>

[0275] Next, another embodiment, which is Example 2, will be described. The transmission release mechanism in Example 2 differs from the spring clutch in Example 1. Therefore, the description of those parts that are the same as in Example 1 will be omitted.

[0276] [Developing Unit Structure]

[0277] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 The structure of the developing unit 109 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of the processing box of this embodiment, as seen from the driver side. Figure 13 Part (a) shows the entire developing unit 109, and Figure 13 Part (b) shows the transmission release mechanism (clutch) 170 in an enlarged manner. Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of the processing box of this embodiment, seen from the non-driving side. Figure 14 Part (a) shows the entire processing box, and Figure 14 Part (b) shows the transmission release mechanism 170 in an enlarged manner.

[0278] In this embodiment, the first transfer component 174, the second transfer component 171, and the control ring 175 correspond to the upstream transfer component 74, the downstream transfer component 71, and the control ring 75a of Embodiment 1, respectively. However, as Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, these structures differ somewhat from those in Embodiment 1; therefore, these differences will be explained in detail.

[0279] Although details will be described below, the transmission release mechanism 170 of this embodiment includes a first transmission component (first drive transmission component, input-side transmission component, clutch-side input portion, input component) 174, a second transmission component (second drive transmission component, output-side transmission component, clutch-side output portion, output component) 171, and a control ring 175. The structure of the developing unit 109, except for the transmission release mechanism 170, is the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0280] [Developing Unit Drive Structure]

[0281] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 This section will describe the driving structure of the developing unit. First, an overview will be provided.

[0282] like Figure 13 As shown in part (a), between the bearing component 45 and the drive-side cover component 24, the bearing component 45, the second drive transmission component 171, the control ring 175, the first transmission component 174, and the developer cover component 32 are arranged in order from the bearing component 45 toward the drive-side cover component 24. All components except the developer cover component 32 are rotatable, and the developer cover component 32 is oscillating. Their axes of rotation X are set to be approximately the same straight line as the first transmission component 174.

[0283] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16The structure of the transmission release mechanism 170 will be described in detail, wherein the control ring 175 switches between transmitting the rotation of the first transmission member 174 to the second transmission member 171 and cutting off the rotation transmission. Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view of the first transmission component 174, the second transmission component 171, and the control ring 175 taken along a plane passing through the rotation axis X. Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the first transmission member 174, the second transmission member 171, and the control ring 175, taken from the drive side, along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis X, passing through the drive relay section 171a of the second transmission member 171. The control ring 175 is indicated by a shading line. Additionally, Figure 16 Part (a) shows the state in which the rotation of the first transmission member 174 is transmitted to the second transmission member 171. Figure 16 Part (b) and Figure 16 Part (c) shows the state in which the rotation of the first transmission member 174 is cut off to prevent transmission to the second transmission member 171. Figure 16 Part (b) shows the state at the time of cutting. Figure 16 Part (d) shows the state of force when the rotation of the first transmission member 174 is transmitted to the second transmission member 171. Figure 16 Part (e) shows the force during the cutting operation of cutting off the rotational transmission between the first transmission member 174 and the second transmission member 171. Figure 16 Part (f) shows the state of force during the rotational transmission from the first transmission member 174 to the second transmission member 171. Figure 16 Part (g) shows the state of force when the rotation of the first transmission member 174 changes from a cut-off state to a transmission state that is transmitted to the second transmission member 171.

[0284] As mentioned above, the transmission release mechanism 170 in this embodiment includes a first drive transmission component 174, a second transmission component 171, and a control ring 175.

[0285] like Figure 13 Part (b) and Figure 14 As shown in part (b), the first transmission member 174 is generally cylindrical and includes a drive input portion 174b, a control ring support portion 174c, an outer diameter portion 174d, and a mating surface (matting portion, drive transmission portion) 174e. Furthermore, the mating surface 174e is configured as a recessed shape that is radially recessed inward from the control ring support portion 174c.

[0286] like Figure 13 Part (b) and Figure 14As shown in part (b), the second transmission member 171 is generally cylindrical and includes a first transmission member support portion 171f, an inner diameter portion 171h, and a drive relay portion 171a. The drive relay portion 171a includes a engaged surface (driving force receiving portion, engagement portion) 171a1, a support portion 171a2, a driven cutting surface 171a3 as a contact surface, and an arm portion 171a4.

[0287] The surface to be joined 171a1 is the portion that joins with the joining surface 174e. Therefore, one of the joining surface 174e and the surface to be joined 171a1 can be referred to as the first joining portion, and the other can be referred to as the second joining portion. Figure 16 As shown, in the drive relay section 171a, one end is fixed (connected and supported) to the inner diameter section 171h as a support section (fixed end, connecting section) 171a2, while the other end is a free end. A driven cutting surface (pushed section, pushing force receiving section, held section) 171a3 and a joined surface 171a1 are provided near the free end of the drive relay section 171a. The driven cutting surface 171a3 and the joined surface 171a1 face opposite sides in the rotational direction. The joined surface 171a1 faces the upstream side of the rotational direction J, and the driven cutting surface 171a3 faces the downstream side of the rotational direction J.

[0288] The mating surface 171a1 is part of a protrusion shape (protrusion, protruding portion) provided on the drive relay portion 171a, and in its natural state without external force applied to the drive relay portion 171a, the protrusion protrudes radially inward. In its natural state without external force applied to the drive relay portion 171a, when the aforementioned mating surface 174e rotates about the rotation axis X, the mating surface 171a1 is located radially inward of the rotation trajectory.

[0289] Furthermore, the drive relay portion 171a has a shape that extends downstream of the support portion 171a2 toward the driven cutting surface 171a3 in the rotational direction. In other words, the drive relay portion 171a extends downstream toward its free end in the rotational direction J. Here, the rotational direction J is the rotational direction of the second transmission member 171 during image formation. That is, it is the direction in which the second transmission member 171 rotates during image formation. Figure 4 The direction of rotation of the developing roller 6 is indicated by arrow E.

[0290] like Figure 16As shown in part (d), the joined surface 171a1 is an inclined surface that protrudes at an angle α1 towards the upstream side of the rotation direction J as it extends inward in the radial direction. The driven cutting surface 171a3 is an inclined surface that protrudes at an angle α2 towards the downstream side of the rotation direction J as it extends outward in the radial direction. Here, the relationship between angles α1 and α2 is that angle α1 < angle α2. The drive relay part 171a is constructed as a cantilever. That is, in the drive relay part 171a, the joined surface 171a1 and the driven cutting surface 171a3 can move in the radial direction by the elastic deformation of the arm portion (arm) 171a4 extending from the fixed end (support portion 171a2).

[0291] like Figure 13 Part (b) and Figure 14 As shown in part (b), the control ring 175 includes an inner diameter portion 175a, a locking surface 175b, and a drive cutting surface (push portion, holding portion) 175c that serves as a contact surface. The locking surface 175b is configured with the same shape as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, a plurality of drive cutting portions 175c are arranged radially from the rotation axis X.

[0292] like Figure 15 As shown, the second transmission component 171 is supported by a support portion 171f, allowing the outer diameter portion 174d of the first transmission component 174 to rotate on the rotation axis X. Furthermore, the first transmission component 174 is supported by a control ring support portion 174c, allowing the inner diameter portion 175a of the control ring 175 to rotate on the rotation axis X. Additionally, as... Figure 16 As shown, the drive cutting surface 175c of the control ring 175 is arranged adjacent to the drive relay portion 171a downstream of the rotation direction J of the driven cutting surface 171a3.

[0293] Next, the switching of rotational transmission and disconnection from the first transmission member 174 to the second transmission member 171 will be described in detail. Similarly, in this embodiment, the transmission release mechanism 170 is controlled by the position of the control member 76, as in Embodiment 1. That is, the control member 76 and its locking portion 76b are able to be positioned relative to the transmission release mechanism 170 in a first position (first control position, unlocked position). Figure 10 Part (a)) and the second position (second control position, locking position, Figure 10 Move between parts (b)).

[0294] When the control unit 76 is in the first position, the transmission release mechanism 170 transmits the rotation of the first transmission member 174 to the second transmission member 171. When the control unit 76 is in the second position, the transmission release mechanism 170 prevents the rotation of the first transmission member 174 and does not transmit the rotation to the second transmission member 171.

[0295] Here, the state in which rotation is transmitted from the first transmission member 174 to the second transmission member 171 is referred to as the drive transmission state, and the state in which the rotation transmission from the first transmission member 174 to the second transmission member 171 is cut off is referred to as the drive cut-off state. Furthermore, the operation of changing from the drive transmission state to the drive cut-off state is referred to as the drive cut-off operation, and the operation of changing from the drive cut-off state to the drive transmission state is referred to as the drive transmission operation. These states and operations will be described sequentially.

[0296] First, the drive transmission state will be described. In the drive transmission state, the control unit 76 is in the first position, and the control unit 76 is not in contact with the control loop 175. This corresponds to... Figure 10 The state shown in part (a) (control loop 75d of embodiment 1 corresponds to control loop 175 of this embodiment).

[0297] Figure 16 Part (a) shows the state in the drive transmission state. The engaged surface 171a1 of the drive relay part 171a engages with the engaged surface 174e of the first transmission member 174. That is, the engaged surface 171a1 is in a rotational trajectory about the rotation axis X of the engaged surface 174e. The position of the engaged surface 171a1 in this state is referred to as the first position of the engaged surface (engagement position, first force receiving part position, first receiving part position, inner position).

[0298] Furthermore, while the first transmission member 174 is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted to the joined surface 171a1 in the rotational direction J via the engagement surface 174e. That is, the joined surface 171a1 is a driving force receiving portion for receiving the driving force (rotational force) from the engagement surface 174e. Additionally, the engagement surface 174e is a driving force applying portion (driving force transmission portion) for applying the driving force. Furthermore, the engagement surface 174e and the joined surface 171a1 are engagement portions where they engage with each other. One of these can also be referred to as the first engagement portion, and the other as the second engagement portion.

[0299] Reference Figure 16Section (d) will describe the force transmission state when the engagement surface 174e and the engaged surface 171a1 are engaged. The engaged surface 171a1 of the drive relay section 171a receives a reaction force (driving force, rotational force) f1 from the engagement surface 174e. Furthermore, the drive relay section 171a rotates in the rotational direction J by a tangential force f1t, which is the tangential component of the reaction force f1. Consequently, the second transmission member 171 rotates in the rotational direction J. Moreover, as described above, the engaged surface 171a1 has a slope shape with an angle α1. Therefore, the reaction force f1 includes an inward retraction force f1r in the radial direction. This relay force f1r causes the drive relay section 171a to move inward in the radial direction, thus maintaining a stable engagement state between the engaged surface 171a1 and the engagement surface 174e. As a result, the drive transmission from the first transmission member 174 remains stable. Here, as in Embodiment 1, the control ring 175 rotates integrally with the first transmission member 174 and the second transmission member 171 in its unlocked state by the control member 76. That is, the driving cutting surface 175c of the drive ring 175 contacts the driven cutting surface of the second transmission member 171 to receive the driving force; therefore, the control ring 175 rotates coaxially with the first transmission member 174 and the second transmission member 171. Figure 16 Part (a)). At this time, the control ring 175 is said to be in a first position (first rotational position) relative to the second transmission component 171.

[0300] Next, refer to Example 1 again. Figure 10 Parts (c) and (d) will describe the drive cut-off operation used to transition from the drive pass state to the drive cut-off state. Figure 10 The control loop 75d shown in parts (c) and (d) corresponds to the control loop 175 of this embodiment. When the drive cut-off operation is started, as... Figure 10 As shown in parts (c) and (d), the locking portion 76b of the control member 76 locks onto the locked surface 175b of the control ring 175 (corresponding to surface 75d4 in the figure). That is, the control member 76 moves to the second position where the rotation of the control ring 175 can be stopped. Here, the operation of the control member 76 and the control ring 175 at this time is the same as that of the control member 76 and the control ring 75d in Embodiment 1, so its description is omitted.

[0301] Next, refer to Figure 16 Sections (a), (b), and (e) will describe the operation when the rotation of the control loop 175 is restricted and the rotation stops.

[0302] exist Figure 16 In part (a) of the state, the second transmission member 171 rotates by receiving a rotational force from the first transmission member 174. On the other hand, in Figure 16 In part (b), the rotation of the control ring 175 is restricted and stopped, so the drive relay part 171a rotates relative to the control ring 175 in the rotation direction J. As a result, the driven cutting surface (push force receiving part) 171a3 of the drive relay part 171a moves toward the driven cutting surface (push force applying part, push part, holding part) 175c of the stationary control ring 175. The driven cutting surface 171a3 receives a predetermined reaction force (push force) f2 from the drive cutting surface 175c and performs a drive cutting operation by means of this reaction force f2. That is, by moving the joined surface 171a1 radially outward, it disengages from the joined surface 174e and releases the engagement with the joined surface 174e. At this time, the position of the joined surface 171a1 is referred to as the second position of the joined surface (non-joint position, outer position, second receiving part position). Additionally, at this time, the position of the control ring relative to the second transmission member 171 is referred to as the second position of the control ring 175 (second rotation position, second rotating member position).

[0303] In the following text, refer to Figure 16 Part (e) will describe the state of force of the drive relay section 171a at this time.

[0304] Similar to the drive transmission state, the engaged surface 171a1 receives a reaction force (driving force) f1 from the engaged surface 174e, and generates a tangential force f1t and a retraction force f1r. Furthermore, the drive relay portion 171a attempts to rotate in the rotation direction J by the tangential force f1t. However, with the control ring 175 locked by the control member 76, the rotation of the control ring 175 is at rest; therefore, the second transmission member 171 rotates relative to the control ring 175. As a result, the driven cutting surface 171a3 contacts the drive cutting surface 175c, and the drive relay portion 171a receives a reaction force f2 from the drive cutting surface 175c at the driven cutting surface 171a3.

[0305] As previously described, the driven cutting surface 171a3 has a beveled shape with an angle α2, thus generating a tensile force f2r in the radially outward direction. That is, the reaction force (pushing force) f2 received by the driven cutting surface 171a3 includes a component (pulling force f2r) oriented radially outward from the driven cutting surface 175c. Furthermore, since angle α1 < angle α2, the outward component of the force f2r in the radial direction is greater than the inward tensile force f1r in the radial direction.

[0306] Therefore, in the drive relay section 171a, a slip occurs between the driven cutting surface 171a3 and the drive cutting surface 175c along the downstream side of the driven cutting surface 171a3 in the rotation direction J. Through this slip, the driven cutting surface 171a3 rotates Δt1 relative to the control ring 175 in the rotation direction J. As a result, the drive relay section 171a elastically deforms Δr1 outward in the radial direction. By continuing this slip motion, the joined surface 171a1 retracts from the rotation trajectory about the rotation axis X of the joined surface 174e, and as... Figure 16 As shown in part (b), the engagement is released. That is, when the control unit 76 is in the second position, the control ring 175 is stopped by the control unit 76, and the relay part 171a is driven to move radially outward to the second position, so that the engagement state between the engaged surface 171a1 and the engagement surface 174e is released.

[0307] As a result, the transmission release mechanism 170 is switched to a drive cut-off state that cuts off the rotation of the first transmission member 174 and does not transmit to the second transmission member 171.

[0308] Next, the drive-cut-off state will be described. As described above, in the drive-cut-off state, the joined surface 171a1 retracts from its rotational trajectory about the rotational axis X of the joining surface 174e, and the engagement between the joined surface 171a1 and the joining surface 174e is held unengaged. (Refer to...) Figure 16 Part (f) will describe the state of the force on the drive relay section 171a at this time. In the drive cut-off state, the engaged surface 171a1 moves to a second position (second rotational position) radially outward by contacting the drive cut-off surface 175c and remains in this state. Therefore, in the drive cut-off state, as Figure 16 As shown in part (f), a restoring force (elastic force, elastic restoring force) f3 is generated, which tends to recover from the elastic deformation state to the initial position by moving the drive relay part 171a outward in the radial direction. The drive relay part 171a has a support part 171a2 fixed to the inner diameter part 171h, so the driven cutting surface 171a3 tends to move inward in the radial direction by the radial component f3r of the restoring force (elastic force) f3. However, the rotation of the control ring 175 is restricted and stopped, so the drive relay part 171a receives a reaction force f4 from the drive cutting surface 175c through the driven cutting surface 171a3, thus restricting its position.

[0309] Finally, the drive transmission operation, which transitions from the drive cut-off state to the drive transmission state, will be described. At the start of the drive transmission operation, the control unit 76 moves to a first position that allows the control ring 175 to rotate, as shown below. Figure 10Part (a) is shown. Here, the operation of the control unit 76 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so its description is omitted. Next, the operation when the rotation restriction of the control ring 175 is released will be described. As described above, the drive relay part 171a generates a restoring force f3. With this restoring force f3, the engaged surface 171a1 moves into the rotation trajectory about the rotation axis X of the engaged surface 174e of the first transmission member 174, thereby establishing the drive transmission state. This will be described in detail below. Figure 16 As shown in part (g), the driven cutting surface 171a3 tends to move inward in the radial direction by the radial component f3r of the restoring force f3. Therefore, the driven cutting surface 171a3 applies a load f5 to the driving cutting surface 175c. Here, the rotation of the control ring 175 in the rotational direction J is unrestricted, and thus it rotates relative to the driving relay part 171a in the rotational direction J by the tangential component f5t of the load f5. As the control ring 175 rotates relative to the driving relay part 171a in the rotational direction J, the joined surface 171a1 further returns inward in the radial direction. When the joined surface 171a1 moves in the rotational trajectory about the rotational axis X of the joining surface 174e in the radial direction due to the movement caused by the restoring force f3, the joined surface 171a1 engages with the joining surface 174e to establish a drive transmission state.

[0310] As described above, by switching between a state that allows the control ring 175 to rotate and a state that restricts and stops rotation, it is possible to switch between a situation where the rotation of the first transmission member 174 is transmitted to the second transmission member 171 and a situation where the rotation is cut off.

[0311] In this embodiment, the engaged surface (driving force receiving portion, engaging portion) 171a1 moves forward and backward in the radial direction, thereby switching between engaging and disengaging with the engaging surface (driving force transmitting portion, engaging portion) 174e. Additionally, the engaged surface 171a1 retracts radially outward from the engaging surface 174e, thereby disengaging the engagement and cutting off the driving force transmission. The engaged surface 171a1 moves as described above by moving (rotating) the control ring 175 relative to the second transmission member 171.

[0312] Here, the radial movement of the joined surface 171a1 means that the vector in the direction of movement of the joined surface 171a1 includes at least a radial component, and this vector can include components other than those in the radial direction. That is, when the joined surface 171a1 moves in the radial direction, the joined surface 171a1 can also move simultaneously in another direction (e.g., the rotational direction). In other words, if the distance from the axis of rotation (center of rotation) changes with the movement of the joined surface 171a1, it can be considered as radial movement.

[0313] As mentioned above, Figure 16 The position where the joined surface 171a1 in part (a) engages with the joining surface 174e and is able to receive driving force (rotational force) is referred to as the first position of the joined surface 171a1 (first driving force receiving part position, first receiving part position, inner position, engagement position, transmission position). Additionally, the relative position of the control ring 175 with respect to the joined surface 171a1 at this time (the relative position of the control ring 175 with respect to the second transmission member 171) is the first position of the control ring 175 (first control ring position, first rotating member position, first rotation position, non-pushing position, transmission position). When the control ring 175 is in the first position, the joined surface 171a1 is located in the first position where the joined surface 171a1 engages with the joining surface 174e. At this time, the control ring 175 does not specifically act on the joined surface 171a1. At this time, the joined surface 171a1 is supported in the first position by the arm part 171a4.

[0314] On the other hand, such as Figure 16 As shown in parts (b) and (c), the position where the joined surface 171a1 disengages from the joined surface 174e and does not receive driving force (rotational force) (or the position where the reception of driving force is restricted) is referred to as the second position of the joined surface 171a1 (second driving force receiving part position, second receiving part position, non-joining position, outer position, non-transfer position). Additionally, in these cases, the relative position of the control ring 175 with respect to the joined surface 171a1 (the relative position of the control ring 175 with respect to the second transmission member 171) is referred to as the second position of the control ring 175 (second control ring position, second rotating member position, second rotating position, pushing position, non-transfer position). When the control ring 175 is in the second position, the joined surface 171a1 is in the second position, and the joined surface 171a1 disengages (retracts) from the joined surface 174e. That is, the control ring 175 applies a pushing force to the joined surface 171a1, thereby causing the joined surface 171a1 to move radially outward against the elastic force of the arm portion 171a4. That is, through the elastic deformation of the arm portion 171a4, the mating surface 171a1 moves radially outward.

[0315] The joined surface 171a1 is connected from the first position ( Figure 16 Part (a) in the middle moves to the second position ( Figure 16 The portions (b) and (c) of the joint surface move away from the axis of rotation X. That is, the second position of the joint surface 171a1 is a position further away from the axis of rotation X than the first position of the joint surface 171a1.

[0316] [Structure and operation of this embodiment]

[0317] In this embodiment, another form of the transfer release mechanism has been described. The structure of the control member 76, which controls the transfer and cut-off of rotation via the transfer release mechanism 170, is the same as in Embodiment 1, and it provides the same effect. That is, since the positional relationship between the control member 76 and the transfer release mechanism 75 can be stably maintained relative to the rotation angle of the developing unit 9, the transfer and cut-off of the driving force can be reliably switched. As a result, the control deviation of the rotation time of the developing roller 6 can be reduced.

[0318] Furthermore, in JP-A-2001-337511 and Example 1, a spring clutch is used. A spring clutch generates a load even when no drive transmission is being performed. For example, in the transmission release mechanism 75 using the spring clutch disclosed in Example 1, when the rotational transmission is interrupted, a slip torque is generated in the first transmission member 74 through sliding friction of the input inner ring 75a on the transmission spring 75c.

[0319] In contrast, when the rotation is cut off by the transmission release mechanism 170 described in this embodiment, the drive relay portion 171a retracts and moves outward in the radial direction, and the engagement state between the engagement surface 171a1 and the engagement surface 174e is released. Therefore, the sliding torque of the first transmission member 174 can be reduced when the drive is cut off.

[0320] On the other hand, in Embodiment 1, the transmission and disconnection of the drive by the input inner ring 75a are switched by alternating between a state where the transmission spring 75c is tightened and a state where it is loosened in the radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The deformation of the transmission spring 75c caused by tightening and loosening is smaller compared to the amount of forward and backward movement of the engaged surface (drive force receiving portion) in the radial direction. The clutch of Embodiment 1 has the advantage of high responsiveness.

[0321] Furthermore, the drive relay section 171a and the joined surface 171a1 move in the radial direction to switch between drive transmission and cutting. That is, switching is achieved by changing the distance between the rotation axis X and the joined surface 171a1 by moving the joined surface 171a1. This allows for miniaturization of the drive cutting mechanism relative to the rotation axis direction. In other words, when switching between drive transmission and cutting, it is not necessary to move the joined surface 171a1, etc., in the axial direction. Even if the joined surface 171a1 moves not only in the radial direction but also in the axial direction, the axial movement distance can be reduced. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the width of the drive cutting mechanism measured in the axial direction.

[0322] [Other forms (variations)]

[0323] In this embodiment, in the transfer release mechanism 170, the first transfer member 174 has a connecting portion 174a for receiving driving force from outside the cartridge. Additionally, the second transfer member 171 has a gear portion 171g for meshing with the developing roller gear 69. However, the invention is not limited to this structure.

[0324] Figure 17 A transmission release mechanism 185, as a variant of this embodiment, is shown. The transmission release mechanism 185 includes an upstream transmission member (connecting member) 184, a first transmission member 183, a control ring 182, a second transmission member 181, and a downstream transmission member (transmission gear) 180. Specifically, the first transmission member 184 is divided into two parts: the upstream transmission member 184 and the first transmission member 183. Similarly, the second transmission member 181 is divided into two parts: the downstream transmission member 180 and the second transmission member 181. In this case, the protrusion 181b of the second transmission member 181 engages with the groove (recessed portion) 180a of the downstream transmission member 180, and the second transmission member 181 and the downstream transmission member 180 are capable of rotating integrally. Here, the second transmission member 181 may be provided with a groove (recessed portion), and the downstream transmission member 180 may be provided with a protrusion.

[0325] In addition, the first transmission component 183 is provided with a groove 183a, which engages with a protrusion 184c of the upstream transmission component 184, so that the first transmission component 183 and the upstream transmission component 184 can rotate integrally. Here, the first transmission component 183 may be provided with a protrusion, and the downstream transmission component 184 may be provided with a groove (recessed portion).

[0326] The upstream transmission component 184 and the first transmission component 183 are connected to each other so as to rotate integrally. Therefore, in the structure described in this variant, the upstream transmission component 184 can be regarded as part of the first transmission component 183. In this case, the upstream transmission component 184 and the first transmission component 183 cooperate to form the input component (input-side transmission component, clutch input portion) of the transmission release mechanism (clutch) 185.

[0327] Similarly, the downstream transmission member 180 and the second transmission member 181 are connected to each other so as to rotate integrally, therefore, the downstream transmission member 180 can be regarded as part of the second transmission member 181. In this case, the downstream transmission member 180 and the second transmission member 181 constitute the output member (clutch-side output portion, output-side transmission member) of the transmission release mechanism 185.

[0328] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engagement surface 171a1 of the drive relay portion 171a with a protruding shape engages with the engagement surface 174e of the first drive transmission member 174 with a recessed shape. That is, one is a protrusion and the other is a recessed portion. However, the engagement structure between them is not limited to this example. For example, as... Figure 18 As shown in part (b), the mating surface 1711a1 of the drive relay portion 1711a may be recessed, and the mating surface 1741e of the first drive transmission member 1741 may be protruding; or as ... Figure 18 As shown in part (a), both can have a protruding shape. That is, it is only required that they are structures that can engage with each other in the direction of rotation.

[0329] here, Figure 18 Each portion 1711g, 1711a2, 1711a of the second drive transmission component 1711 shown in part (b) has a structure corresponding to the portions 171g, 171a2, 171a of the second drive transmission component 1711, and therefore a detailed description is omitted.

[0330] In this embodiment, the engaged surface 171a1 of the drive relay portion 171a is configured to engage radially inward with the engaged surface 174e of the first transmission member 174, but the invention is not limited to such an example. For example, as Figure 18 As shown in part (c), the engaged surface (driving force receiving part) 1712a1 of the drive relay part 1712a can be radially outwardly engaged with the engaged surface 1742e of the first transmission member 1742. In this case, the second transmission member 1712 is provided with a cylindrical outer diameter portion 1712i, and the support portion 1712a2 of the drive relay part 1712a is fixed to this outer peripheral portion (cylindrical outer diameter portion) 1712i.

[0331] The engaged surface (driving force receiving portion) 1712a1 engages with the first transmission member by moving forward to a first position radially outward, and disengages from the first transmission member 1742 by retracting to a second position radially inward. That is, in this variant, unlike the structure described so far, the first position (engaged position) is a position further away from the axis than the second position (unengaged position).

[0332] In this embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the number of drive relay portion 171a and the engaged surface (drive force receiving portion) is three; however, the invention is not limited to this number. The number of drive relay portion 171a and the engaged surface can be single rather than multiple. Alternatively, a number other than three (i.e., two or four or more) can be used. The number can be selected based on space.

[0333] In this embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the number of engagement surfaces 174e of the first transmission member 174 is three, which is the same as the number of drive relay parts 171a. However, the invention is not limited to this number. For example, when the number of engagement surfaces 174e of the first transmission member 174 is three, the number of engagement surfaces 174e of the first transmission member 174 is preferably an integer multiple such as 3, 6, 9, etc., and can be appropriately selected according to space.

[0334] In this embodiment, the drive relay portion 171a has a cantilever structure, wherein one end 171a2 is fixed and the arm portion 171a4 is elastically deformable, but is not limited to such an example.

[0335] For example, such as Figure 19 As shown, the second transmission member 1713 may have a sliding member (driving force receiving member, driving relay part) 1713a that moves in the radial direction and a guide part for guiding the sliding motion.

[0336] The sliding member 1713a has a mating surface 1713a1, and is pressed and supported by an elastically deformable helical spring (support portion, elastic portion) 1713a4. The helical spring 1713a4 supports the sliding member 1713a such that the mating surface 1713a1 is located in a first position on the inner side in the radial direction, but it is capable of contracting in the radial direction. In this case, by rotating the control ring 175 relative to the second drive transmission member 1713, the helical spring 1713a4 expands and contracts in the radial direction, allowing the mating surface 1713a1 to move in the radial direction. Furthermore, the relationship between the mating surface 1713a1 and the mating surface 174e of the first drive transmission member 174 can be in a drive transmission state in which they can engage with each other ( Figure 19 Part (a)) and drive cut-off state ( Figure 19 Switching between parts (b)). That is, the joined surface 1713a1 can move to a second position that is retracted outward in the radial direction ( Figure 19 Part (b)).

[0337] In addition, such as Figure 20 The drive relay portion 1714a shown may have an inwardly protruding arcuate shape, with both ends fixed as support portions (fixed portions) 1714a2. In this case, the relative rotation of the control ring causes the drive relay portion 1714a to deform and protrude outward in the radial direction, allowing the engaged surface 1714a1 to move in the radial direction. Furthermore, the engagement surface 1744e between the engaged surface 1714a1 and the first transmission member 1744 is in a drive transmission state where they can engage with each other ( Figure 20Part (a) of the drive disconnection state where the engagement is released ( Figure 20 The components (b) can be changed. As described above, any structure can be adopted as long as the engaged surface 171a1 of the drive relay portion 171a moves in the radial direction by the relative rotation of the control ring 175.

[0338] Alternatively, the drive relay portion 171a can be an elastic metal used to maintain elastic deformation, or it can be an elastic metal drive relay portion embedded in the arm portion 171a4. Resin materials can be used, as long as they can provide and maintain appropriate elasticity.

[0339] Additionally, as an example, the control component 76 (i.e., the means for limiting the rotation of the control ring 175) is described in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, but is not limited to this example. For example, the control component 76 may be configured to be controlled by a solenoid, or may be configured as, for example, a linkage mechanism disclosed in JP-A-2001-337511. Furthermore, the control component 76 may not be located in the developing cartridge 109, but rather in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0340] <Example 3>

[0341] Example 2 is a structure that is particularly effective when the deformation of the parts constituting the drive cutting mechanism and related parts, as well as the clearance (slack, gap) between these parts, are small. On the other hand, when the aforementioned deformation is large in each part, the problems described below may occur.

[0342] First, refer to Figure 21 The problems described above regarding large deformation and clearance will be described. Each of the two states will be described when the control ring 175 is significantly deformed and when the second transmission component 171 has a large amount of clearance (slack) in the rotational direction.

[0343] First, refer to Figure 21 This will describe the problems that occur when deformation occurs in control loop 175. Figure 21 Part (a) shows the force state of the second transmission member 171 and the control ring 175 when they are in the drive cut-off state. Additionally, Figure 21 Part (b) shows a variant of the control ring 175. In the drive-off state, the drive-off surface 175c of the control ring 175 receives a load f5 due to the restoring force f3 from the elastic deformation of the drive relay section 171a. Figure 16 Part (f)). At this time, if the rigidity of the control ring 175 is insufficient, the control ring 175 will deform in the rotational direction J under the tangential force f5t of the load f5. Refer to Figure 21 Part (b) will describe this. Figure 21In part (b), the shape of the control ring 175 before deformation is represented by a solid line, and the deformed shape is represented by a double-dotted line. The control ring 175 in the drive-cut state is restricted at the locked surface 175b, thus restricting rotation in the rotation direction J. At this time, a tangential force f5t is generated on the drive-cut surface 175c, causing the control ring 175 to twist in the rotation direction J with the locked surface 175b as the fulcrum. Due to this torsional deformation, the drive-cut surface 175c of the control ring 175 rotates relative to the drive relay portion 171a in the rotation direction J. Consequently, the drive relay portion 171a moves inward in the radial direction according to the deformation of the control ring 175. As a result, a portion of the engaged surface 171a1 moves and engages on the rotation trajectory of the engaged surface 174e. That is, the drive transmission operation as described in Embodiment 2 occurs. However, the control ring 175 is restricted from rotation and stops, therefore, the drive-cut operation begins and the drive-cut state is re-established. However, subsequently, for the same reason, the drive transmission and drive cut-off operations are repeated. In such a situation, the transmission of rotational force may become unstable.

[0344] Next, refer to Figure 21 Part (a) will describe the problem that arises when the clearance along the rotational direction J is large in the second transfer member 171 having a drive relay portion 171a and a mating surface 171a1. An example of clearance is relative to the developing roller gear 69 meshing with the second transfer member 171. Figure 13 The tooth gap in part (a)).

[0345] As described in Example 2, during the drive cut-off operation, a reaction force (pushing force) f4 is generated in the drive relay section 171a. Figure 16 Part (f)). The tangential component f4t of the reaction force f4 generates a reverse rotational force T4 that tends to rotate the drive relay section 171a in the direction opposite to the rotation direction J. At this time, when the second transmission member 171 has a large clearance, the drive relay section 171a rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction J by the reverse rotational force T4 (hereinafter referred to as reverse rotation). Furthermore, through the reverse rotation of the second transmission member 171, the control ring 175 rotates relative to the drive relay section 171a in the rotation direction J. What happens thereafter is the same as when the control ring 175 deforms, and its description will be omitted.

[0346] Here, even the second transfer component 171 and the developing roller gear 69 ( Figure 21If the clearance (backlash) between the parts (a) (not shown) is small, reverse rotation may also occur in the second transmission member 171. If the rotational load (torque) of the gear train on the downstream side of the drive transmission path connected to the second transmission member 171 is small, the second transmission member 171 will rotate in the opposite direction together with the downstream gear train by the reverse rotational force T4. As a result, the control ring 175 rotates in the rotational direction J relative to the drive relay part 171a, and a similar phenomenon occurs.

[0347] Example 3 provides a means for solving this problem and is a further development of the structure of Example 2. This will be described in detail below, but descriptions of the same parts as in Example 2 will be omitted.

[0348] [Developing Unit Drive Structure]

[0349] Since the structure of the drive connection mechanism is the same as that in Embodiment 2, its description is omitted.

[0350] In this embodiment, a portion of the transfer release mechanism 270 and the control component 176 differ from those in Embodiments 1 and 2. Furthermore, the transfer release mechanism 270 in this embodiment includes a first transfer component 274, a control ring 275, and a second transfer component 271.

[0351] Next, refer to Figure 22 as well as Figure 22 and Figure 23 The operation of cutting off the rotational transfer from the first transfer member 274 to the second transfer member 271 and the operation of limiting the relative rotation of the control ring 275 with respect to the second transfer member 271 in the rotational direction J will be described. Figure 22 This is an exploded perspective view of the transmission release mechanism according to this embodiment, as seen from the drive side.

[0352] Figure 23 Parts (a) to (d) show the first transmission component 274, the second transmission component 271, the control ring 275, and the control component 176. Figure 23 Parts (a) to (d) are views of the drive side of the box and cross-sectional views taken along the position of the drive relay portion 271a passing through the second transmission member 271 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation X. This is a cross-section seen from the drive side.

[0353] like Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the transmission release mechanism 270 includes a first transmission component 274, a second transmission component 271, and a control ring 275.

[0354] The first transmission component 274 includes a drive input portion 274b, a control ring support portion 274c, an outer diameter portion 274d, and a mating surface 274e.

[0355] like Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the second transmission component 271 includes a first transmission portion support portion (not shown), an inner diameter portion 271h, a drive relay portion 271a, and a control rib 271k. The drive relay portion 271a includes a mating surface 271a1, a support portion 271a2, a driven cutting portion 271a3, and an arm portion 271a4. Here, since the structure of the drive relay portion 271a is the same as in Embodiment 2, its description is omitted. The control rib 271k has a locked surface 271k1 on the upstream side in the rotation direction J, and has an opposing surface 271k2 facing the restricted portion 271k1.

[0356] As shown in the figure, the control ring 275 includes an inner diameter portion 275a, a locking surface 275b, a drive cutting portion 275c, and a guide portion (cover portion, protective portion) 275d. The guide portion 275d is a rib extending upstream of the rotation direction J at approximately the same radius as the locking surface 275b, and has a locking surface 275b downstream of the rotation direction J. Furthermore, the guide portion 275b has a certain space 275e radially inward. Additionally, the free end portion 275f, which is the free end of the guide portion 275b, is capable of elastic deformation in the radial direction.

[0357] Furthermore, regarding the control component 176 that controls the rotation of the control ring 275, a limiting portion 176g is provided at the portion facing the locking portion 176b, such as... Figure 23 As shown. The structure of the other control components 176 is the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2, therefore, the description of these components is omitted.

[0358] The support structures for the first transmission component 274, the second transmission component 271, and the control ring 275 are the same as in Embodiment 2, and therefore descriptions are omitted. The control rib 271k of the second transmission component 271, the locked surface 275b and guide portion 275d of the control ring 275, and the locking portion 176b and limiting portion 176g of the control component 176 are arranged on substantially the same cross-section. Figure 23As shown in part (a), the control rib 271k is arranged inside the guide portion 275d in the radial direction. Additionally, the restricted portion 271k1 is arranged adjacent to the locked surface 275b on the downstream side in the rotation direction J. Furthermore, the opposing surface 271k2 covers the guide portion 275d on the radially outer side. Here, the arrangement of the engagement surface 274e of the first transmission member 274, the drive cutting surface 275c of the control ring 275, and the drive relay portion 271a of the second transmission member 271 is the same as in Embodiment 2, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0359] Next, we will refer to Figure 23 This embodiment describes in detail the switching between rotational transfer and cutoff from the first transfer member 274 to the second transfer member 271. In this embodiment, a drive transfer state, a drive cutoff operation, a drive cutoff state, a relative rotation limiting operation, a relative rotation limiting state, and a drive transfer operation are performed. The relative rotation limiting operation is an operation in which the control ring 275 limits the relative rotation in the rotational direction J relative to the drive relay portion 271a by means of clearance or deformation during the drive cutoff state. Furthermore, the relative rotation limiting state is a state in which the relative rotation in the rotational direction J of the control ring 275 relative to the drive relay portion 271a is limited during the drive cutoff state. Here, other operations and states are the same as in Embodiment 2. Additionally, Figure 23 Part (a) shows the drive transmission state. Figure 23 Part (b) shows the state at the start of the drive cut-off operation. Figure 23 Part (c) shows the state when the drive cut-off operation is completed and the drive cut-off state is reached, and the relative rotation limiting operation begins. Figure 23 Part (d) shows the relative rotation limit state when the relative rotation limit operation is completed.

[0360] The drive transmission state and drive cut-off operation are the same as in Example 2, so their description is omitted.

[0361] Next, refer to Figure 23 Section (c) will describe the relative rotation limiting operation. After the drive is cut off, the relative rotation limiting operation is performed through two operations: a reverse rotation operation of the control ring 275 and a reverse rotation limiting operation of the second transmission member 271. The reverse rotation operation of the control ring 275 is an operation in which the control ring 275 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction J and moves the drive relay part 271a further outward in the radial direction. The reverse rotation limiting operation of the second transmission member 271 is an operation to prevent reverse rotation from occurring due to the clearance of the second transmission member 271. This will be described in detail below.

[0362] First, the reverse rotation operation of control ring 275 will be described. Control unit 176 from Figure 23 The drive cut-off state shown in part (c) is further rotated along the L1 direction. As a result, the locking portion 176b of the control member 176 applies a force to the locked surface (locked portion) 275b of the control ring 275. This force causes the control ring 275 to rotate relative to the second transmission member 271 in the opposite rotation direction -J (reverse rotation). (Refer to...) Figure 24 The force state of the drive relay section 271a at this time will be described. Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view from the drive side, taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis X, passing through the drive relay portion 271a of the second transmission member 271 in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, Figure 24 The force state is shown when the control ring 275 rotates relative to the second transmission member 271 in the opposite rotation direction -J, as described above. As described above, when the control ring 275 rotates relative to the second transmission member 271 in the opposite rotation direction -J, the driving cutting surface 275c applies a force to the driven cutting surface 271a3. That is, the driven cutting surface (push force receiving portion) 271a3 receives a reaction force (push force) f7 from the driving cutting surface 257c. Here, the driven cutting surface 271a3 has a slope shape with an angle of β2, as in Embodiment 2. Therefore, the reaction force f7 includes a radially outward component force f7r. The component force f7r causes the driving relay portion 271a to slide downstream along the driven cutting surface 271a3 in the rotation direction J. As a result, the driving relay portion 271a further deforms and moves radially outward. Consequently, a gap γ is formed between the driving relay portion 271a and the first transmission member 274. Therefore, as described at the beginning of the introduction of Embodiment 3, even when the drive relay portion 271a moves inward in the radial direction due to deformation or the like, its effect can be eliminated or reduced.

[0363] Next, the reverse rotation limiting operation for suppressing the reverse rotation operation of the second transmission member 271 will be described. For example... Figure 23 As shown in part (d), when the control member 176 rotates, the limiting part (reverse rotation limiting part) 176g of the control member 176 reaches a position that contacts the limited part 271k1 of the second transmission member 271. Therefore, the second transmission member 271 is restricted (prevented or suppressed) from rotating in the reverse rotation direction -J. Thus, even if the second transmission member 271 is configured to rotate in the reverse rotation direction -J due to clearance, etc., as described at the beginning of Embodiment 3, reverse rotation of the second transmission member 271 will not occur. That is, inward movement of the drive relay part 271a will no longer occur.

[0364] As described above, the control unit 176 performs a reverse rotation operation of the control ring 275 and a reverse rotation restriction (reverse rotation prevention, reverse rotation suppression) operation of the second transmission unit 271. Thus, the relative rotation between the control ring 275 and the second transmission unit 271 is restricted (prevented or suppressed), and the unstable state of recurring drive transmission and drive cut-off states can be suppressed.

[0365] Since the transfer operation starting from the state where the rotational transfer from the first transfer member 274 to the second transfer member 271 is cut off is the same as in Embodiment 2, its description is omitted.

[0366] Here, unlike Embodiment 2, the control ring 275 of this embodiment includes a guide portion 275d, which will be described in this respect. The guide portion 275d covers a portion of the control rib 271k, such that the locking portion 176b of the control member does not stop the rotation of the control rib 271k of the second transmission member 271.

[0367] First, to explain, Figure 25 A control ring 2750 without the guide portion 275d is shown as a comparative example of a control ring 275 with the guide portion 275d. Figure 25 This is a view of the first transmission component 274, the second transmission component 271, the control ring 2750, and the control component 176 as seen from the drive side. Figure 25 Part (a) shows the drive transmission state. Additionally, Figure 25 Part (b) shows the state in which the limiting portion 176g of the control member 176 engages with the opposing surface 271k2 of the control rib 271k. In order to... Figure 25 As shown in part (a), the drive transmission state begins the drive cut-off operation. As described above, the control member 176 rotates in the L1 direction, and the rotation of the control ring 2750 is locked. Then, the locking part 176b contacts the locked surface 275b and stops. However, as... Figure 25 As shown in part (b), depending on the timing at which the control member 176 begins to rotate in the L1 direction, the locking part 176b can engage with the opposing surface 271k2. At this time, the second transmission member 271 and the control ring 2750 do not stop rotating but continue to rotate in the rotation direction J, thus interfering with the stopped control member 176. The above is a description of the problems that occur when the guide part is not provided.

[0368] Next, refer to Figure 25 Section (c) will describe when the guide ring 275d is set in the control ring 275. Figure 25Part (c) shows the state in which the locking portion 176b of the control component 176 is in contact with the guide portion 275d of the control ring 275. It is assumed that at the moment when the locking portion 176b engages with the opposing surface 271k2 (and... Figure 25 (b) At the same time) control unit 176 transmits state from drive ( Figure 23 Part (a) begins to rotate in the L1 direction. This is assumed to be the case. In this case, the opposing surface 271k2 overlaps with the guide part 275d in the rotation direction, therefore, as... Figure 25 As shown in part (c), the locking portion 176b contacts the guide portion 275d. This restricts the control member 176 from rotating in the L1 direction, thus preventing engagement between the locking portion 176b and the opposing surface 271k2. Furthermore, the control ring 275 continues to rotate in the rotation direction J, therefore, as... Figure 23 As shown in part (b), the locking portion 176b will eventually come into contact with the locked surface 275b. That is, even if the control member 176 starts rotating in the L1 direction at any time, the locking portion 176b can reliably come into contact with the locked surface 275b. As a result, the rotation of the control ring 275 is restricted and stopped, and thus, the drive cut-off operation begins.

[0369] That is, the guide portion 275d covers a part of the second transmission member 271, so the control member 176 does not stop the rotation of the second transmission member 271. The guide portion 275d can also be regarded as a protective portion, which protects the second transmission member 271 from the influence of the control member 176.

[0370] Here, as described in Embodiment 1, the control unit 176 rotates in the L1 direction by moving the developing unit to the separation position. Figure 7 (See control component 76). Even when the locking portion 176b is in contact with the guide portion 275d, the separation operation of the developing cartridge can continue, and the control component 176 tends to rotate further in the L1 direction. Therefore, the frictional force between the locking portion 176b and the guide portion 275d increases. As described above, the free end 275f of the guide portion 275d is bent in the radial direction, thus reducing the increase in frictional force. For example, the guide portion 275d can be made of a resin material capable of elastic deformation.

[0371] As described above, by providing a guide portion 275d in the control ring 275, it is possible to ensure that the locking portion 176b is in contact with the locked surface 275b, and to limit and stop the rotation of the control ring 275.

[0372] As described above, this embodiment is used to solve the problems that may exist in Embodiment 2, and is a further development of Embodiment 2. The form of Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3 can be selected according to the structure of the processing box to be used.

[0373] <Example 4>

[0374] Next, another embodiment as Example 4 will be described. In Example 1, an example using a spring clutch as the transmission release mechanism 75 has been described. In Example 4, the structure of the drive connection portion using another form of transmission release mechanism 475 will be described. Here, descriptions of parts identical to those in Example 1 or Examples 2 and 3 are omitted.

[0375] [Structure of the driver connection section]

[0376] Reference Figure 26 , Figure 27 and Figure 28 The overall structure of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0377] Between the bearing component 445 and the developing cover component 32, there are a downstream transmission component (transmission gear) 471, a second transmission component 477, a control ring 475d (which serves as a rotating component), an input inner ring 475a, a load spring 475c, and a first transmission component (first drive transmission component, connecting component) 474. These components are arranged coaxially with the rotation axis X (on the same straight line). That is, the rotation axes of these components are substantially the same.

[0378] The transfer release mechanism 475 in this embodiment includes a second transfer component 477, a control ring 475d, an input inner ring 475a, a load spring (elastic component) 475c, and a first transfer component 474. Except for the downstream transfer component 471 and the transfer release mechanism 475, the structure of the developing unit 409 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0379] Reference Figure 28 , Figure 29 and Figure 30 Each component will be described in detail below. Refer to... Figure 28 Sections (a) through (c) describe this in detail. Figure 28 Part (a) and Figure 28 Part (b) shows the disassembled state of the transmission release mechanism 475, in which Figure 28 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the transmission release mechanism 475 as seen from the drive side, and Figure 28 Part (b) is an exploded perspective view seen from the non-driving side. Additionally, Figure 28Part (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane passing through the rotation axis X of the transmission release mechanism 475. Additionally, Figure 29 and Figure 30 This is a cross-section of the drive connection portion, showing the downstream transmission component 471, the second transmission component 477, the control ring 475d, and the first transmission component 474. Figure 29 Part (a) shows the drive cut-off state, and Figure 30 Part (b) shows the drive transmission state. Additionally, Figure 29 Part (b) illustrates one state in the drive transmission operation and the drive cut-off operation, and Figure 30 Part (a) shows another state in the drive transmission operation and drive cut-off operation. Here, some of the components described below are substantially the same in shape and are arranged at multiple locations radially around the axis of rotation X at equal intervals, but only one symbol is shown in the figure as a representative.

[0380] The first transmission member 474 is a developing coupling member, and a drive input portion (coupling portion) 474b is provided at one end in the axial direction. The driving force is input to the drive input portion from the outside of the cartridge (the main assembly of the image forming apparatus). A supported end portion 474k, including a cylindrical shape, is provided at the other end side in the axial direction of the first transmission member 474. The first transmission member 474 is also an input member (clutch-side input portion, input-side transmission member) for receiving the driving force input to the transmission release mechanism (clutch) 475.

[0381] Additionally, the first transmission component 474 includes a rotatable engagement portion 474a, a supported portion 474c at one end, a control ring support portion (hereinafter referred to as the support portion) 474d at one end, an inner ring support portion 474e, a control ring support portion (hereinafter referred to as the support portion) 474f at the other end, and a drive transmission engagement portion 474g. Here, the inner ring support portion 474e and the support portion 474f are located on the same coaxial axis and have the same diameter.

[0382] The drive transmission engagement portion 474g is provided with a drive transmission surface 474h, an outer peripheral portion 474j, and a retraction portion 474k. The drive transmission engagement portion 474g engages with the second transmission member 477 and has the function of transmitting driving force; therefore, the details of the drive transmission engagement portion 474g will be described together with the second transmission member 477.

[0383] Next, the input inner ring 475a has an inner ring inner diameter portion 475a1, an inner ring outer diameter portion 475a2, a rotatably engaged portion 475a3, an input side end face 475a4, and an output side end face 475a5.

[0384] The load spring 475c is spirally wound in the direction of arrow J when viewed from the side of the first transmission member 474 and is in the N direction along the axial direction, thereby forming an inner circumference 475c1, and the wire joining end 475c2 is provided on one end side of the wire. In this embodiment, the load spring 475c is wound in the opposite direction to the transmission spring 75c in embodiment 1.

[0385] The control ring 475d has an end support portion 475d1 and an end support portion 475d2 on its inner diameter side, and a radially protruding load spring end locking portion 475d3 and multiple locking portions 475d4 on its outer diameter side. Additionally, the control ring 475d includes a drive connection control portion (hereinafter referred to as the control portion) 475d5 with a partially annular rib shape at its end, and includes a drive connection surface 475d6 as its inner diameter side surface and a second transmission member support surface 475d7 as its outer diameter side surface. (Specifically, in this embodiment, the thickness t is set to 1.5 mm). The control portions 475d5 are arranged at multiple locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. In this embodiment, three locations are provided (120° intervals, approximately equal intervals).

[0386] The relationships between the various parts constituting the transmission release mechanism 475 will be described in detail. First, the relationship between the first transmission component 474 and the input inner ring 475a will be described. For example... Figure 28 As shown in part (c), the input inner ring 475a is supported on the inner diameter portion 475a1 by the inner ring support portion 474e of the first transmission member 474, thereby enabling it to rotate coaxially about the rotation axis X. Furthermore, Figure 28 As shown in part (b), the rotational engagement portion 474a and the rotationally engaged portion 475a3 engage with each other, thereby enabling the rotation of the first transmission member 474 to be transmitted to the input inner ring 475a, and the first transmission member 474 and the input inner ring 475a rotate integrally. Therefore, the input inner ring 475a can also be considered as part of the first transmission member 474.

[0387] Next, the load spring 475c will be described. For example... Figure 28As shown in part (a), the inner diameter H1 of the inner circumferential portion 475c1 of the load spring 475c in its natural state is selected to be smaller than the outer diameter H2 of the outer diameter portion 475a2 of the inner ring of the input inner ring 475a, and is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis X in a press-fit state. In this embodiment, the load spring 475c is wound in the opposite direction to the transmission spring 75c in embodiment 1. Therefore, when the input inner ring 475a rotates in the direction of arrow J, the wire of the load spring 475c acts in the unwinding direction. In other words, the load spring 475c and the input inner ring 475a serve as a so-called torque limiter. That is, the input inner ring 475a rotates integrally with the load spring 475c until a predetermined torque is reached, and if a torque exceeding a specified level is generated, the input inner ring 475a can rotate relative to the load spring 475c.

[0388] Control loop 475d will then be described. For example... Figure 28 Part (a) to Figure 28 As shown in part (c), the control ring 475d is coaxial with the first transmission member 474 and the load spring 475c on the rotation axis X, and is arranged radially outward from the load spring 475c. More specifically, one end of the control ring supported portion (hereinafter referred to as the supported portion) 475d1 and the other end of the control ring supported portion (hereinafter referred to as the supported portion) 475d2 are rotatably supported by the support portions 474d and 474f of the first transmission member 474. In addition, the load spring end locking portion 475d3 of the control ring 475d engages with the wire engagement end 475c2 of the load spring 475c.

[0389] That is, the first transmission component 474 is connected to the control ring 475d via the input inner ring 475a and the load spring 475c. In this embodiment, as an example, the first transmission component 474, the input inner ring 475a, the load spring 475c, and the control ring 475d are integrated into a single unit for ease of assembly.

[0390] Next, refer to Figure 29 Part (a) will describe the second transmission member 477. The second transmission member 477 is a transmission member that transmits driving force from the first transmission member 474 to it. In addition, the second transmission member 477 is an output member (output-side transmission member, clutch-side output part) for outputting driving force from the drive transmission release mechanism (clutch) 475 to the outside.

[0391] The second transmission component 477 includes a cylindrical portion 477c having an outer diameter portion 477a and an inner diameter portion 477b, a drive relay portion 477d, and a drive transmission engagement portion 477e. The drive relay portion 477d includes a support portion 477f, an arm portion 477g, an engagement surface 477h serving as a drive force receiving surface, a drive connection surface 477j, and an introduction surface 477k.

[0392] Here, the support portion 477f is a connection portion that connects to the inner diameter portion 477b at one end of the drive relay portion 477d. Specifically, the drive relay portion 477d includes an arm portion 477g extending downstream from the fixed end (support portion 477f) in the rotational direction J, with a mating surface 477h arranged radially inner on the free end side and a driven connecting surface 477j arranged radially outer on the free end side. Additionally, the introduction surface 477k is an inclined surface that connects the driven connecting surface 477j of the drive relay portion 477d and the arm portion 477g radially outer. As described above, the drive relay portion 477d is a cantilever beam with the support portion 477f as its fulcrum.

[0393] The drive relay portions 477d have substantially the same shape and are arranged at multiple locations. In this embodiment, as an example, the drive relay portions 477d are arranged at three locations (120° intervals, substantially equal intervals) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second transmission member 477. The mating surfaces 477h are partially arc-shaped. D1 is the diameter of the inscribed circle R1 virtually drawn relative to the three mating surfaces 477h in their natural state, in which the drive relay portions 477d do not receive forces from other portions.

[0394] Here, details of the drive transmission engagement portion 474g in the first transmission component 474 will be described. For example... Figure 29 As shown in part (a), the drive transmission engagement portion 474g is provided with a drive transmission surface 474h, an outer peripheral portion 474j, and a retraction portion 474k.

[0395] Next, the outer peripheral portion 474j is part of the circumcircle R0 of the triangular prism, and its diameter is d0. The relationship between the aforementioned diameter d0 and diameter d1 is preferably d0 ≤ d1. That is, the inscribed circle R1 formed by the three mating surfaces 477h of the second transmission member 477 is larger than the circumcircle R0 formed by the three driving transmission surfaces 474h of the first transmission member 474. Furthermore, in Figure 29In the natural state where the drive relay portion 477d shown in part (a) does not receive forces from other components, a gap s0 is provided between the inner diameter portion 477b and the driven connection surface 477j. When d0≦d1, the relationship between the gap s0 and the thickness t of the control portion 475d5 in the control ring 475d is s0<t.

[0396] After describing the detailed structure of the downstream transmission component 471, the relationship between the second transmission component 477 and the transmission release mechanism 475 will be described.

[0397] like Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the downstream transfer member (transfer gear) 471 is generally cylindrical. The downstream transfer member 471 has a cylindrical portion 471e at the outer periphery of the cylinder on one end side, and engages with the inner diameter portion 32q of the developing cap member 432. Additionally, the outer periphery of the cylinder on the other end side has a supported portion 471d and engages with the first bearing portion 445p (inner circumferential surface of the cylinder) of the bearing member 445. That is, the downstream transfer member 471 is rotatably supported at both ends by the bearing member 445 and the developing cap member 432. In Embodiment 1, the bearing portion 71d and the first bearing portion 45p of the bearing member 45 engage with each other on their outer circumferential surfaces, but in this embodiment, the inner and outer circumferences are reversed. Either structure can be implemented.

[0398] Furthermore, the downstream transmission component 471 is provided with an end face flange 471f, a gear portion 471g1, a gear portion 471g2, and a gear portion 471g3, and the downstream transmission component 471 can engage with multiple gears to transmit drive to multiple components.

[0399] More specifically, such as Figure 27 As shown, the gear portion 471g1 of the downstream transfer component 471 meshes with the developing roller gear 469 to rotate the developing roller 6. Furthermore, the gear portion 471g2 transmits driving force to the gears located on the downstream transfer component 471. Figure 2 The toner supply roller 33 shown has a toner supply roller gear 433 at its end. The toner supply roller 33 supplies toner to the developing roller 6 and removes toner that remains on the secondary transfer roller 17 due to failure to develop from the developing roller 6. Additionally, the gear portion 471g3 drives a toner stirring member for stirring the toner contained in the developing frame. Here, the gear portions 471g1, 471g2, and 471g3 include helical gears, the torsion angle of which is set such that they receive a thrust load W in the direction of arrow M through gear meshing. Through this thrust load W, the end face flange 471f contacts the abutment surface 32f of the developing cap member 32, and the downstream transfer member 471 is positioned in the axial direction.

[0400] like Figure 28 As shown in part (c), the downstream transfer member 471 has a cylindrical support portion 471h at the other end of the first transfer member 474 and an outer diameter support portion 471a for supporting the outer diameter portion 477a of the second transfer member 477 inside the cylinder. Additionally, the downstream transfer member 471 has a longitudinal control end face 471c to limit the position of the second transfer member 477 in the axial direction. The second transfer member 477 is arranged axially between the longitudinal control end face 471c of the downstream transfer member 471 and the control ring 475d.

[0401] As described above, the opposite ends of the downstream transfer member 471 are rotatably supported by the bearing member 445 and the developing cap member 432. In contrast, for the first transfer member 474, one end supported portion 474c is supported by the developing cap member 432 at one end, and the other end supported portion 474k is supported by the cylindrical support portion 471h at the other end of the downstream transfer member 471. That is, the first transfer member 474 is rotatably supported at its opposite ends by the developing cap member 432 and the downstream transfer member 471.

[0402] In addition, the downstream transmission component 471 has a transmission component located at... Figure 26 The outer diameter support portion 471a inside the cylinder shown has radially extending joined ribs 471b, and as... Figure 30 As shown in part (b), it engages with the drive transmission engagement portion 477e of the second transmission member 477. When the second transmission member 477 rotates, the engaged rib 471b is able to transmit the driving force to the downstream transmission member 471. That is, the engaged rib 471b is a drive force receiving portion for receiving the driving force. Here, as described above, the downstream transmission member 471 is connected to the second transmission member 477 so as to rotate integrally with the second transmission member 477; therefore, the downstream transmission member 471 can also be regarded as part of the second transmission member 477.

[0403] Next, the description will be arranged in Figure 29 The components are shown in part (a) of the cylindrical portion 477c of the second transmission member 477. The drive transmission engagement portion 474g of the first transmission member 474 is disposed on the inner diameter side of the drive relay portion 477d in the second transmission member 477. The annular rib-shaped control portion 475d5 of the control ring 475d is disposed between the inner diameter portion 477b of the second transmission member 477 and the drive relay portion 477d. The second transmission member support surface 475d7 disposed in the control portion 475d5 is fitted and supported so as to be rotatable relative to the inner diameter portion 477b of the second transmission member 477.

[0404] The control ring 475d is capable of moving relative to the second transmission component 477 around the rotation axis X, and the relative position of the control ring 475d and the second transmission component 477 is switched according to the drive cut-off state and the drive transmission state.

[0405] In the following text, refer to Figures 29-31 The relationship between the transmission release mechanism 475 and the second transmission component 477 will be described in detail. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the control loop 475d and the second transmission component 477 will be described for each state and operation (e.g., drive cut-off state, drive transmission operation, drive transmission state, and drive cut-off operation).

[0406] [Drive cut-off state 1]

[0407] Figure 29 Part (a) shows the state of drive cut-off. In the drive cut-off state, the drive connection surface 475d6 of the control ring 475d is in a retracted state from the driven connection surface 477j, and therefore, the drive connection surface 475d6 does not contact the drive relay portion 477d. In the state where the drive connection surface 475d6 is retracted from the drive relay portion 477d, the drive relay portion 477d does not receive force from the control ring 475d. Therefore, the inscribed circle R1 formed by the three joined surfaces 477h in the drive relay portion 477d has a diameter d1.

[0408] On the other hand, the relationship between the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission engagement portion 474g and the diameter d0 is d0≦d1. Therefore, the engaged surface (drive force receiving portion, second engagement portion, engaged portion) 477h of the second transmission member 477 does not engage with the drive transmission surface (drive transmission portion, first engagement portion) 474h of the first transmission member 474. The position of the engaged surface 477h at this time is referred to as the second position of the engaged surface 477h (second drive force receiving portion position, second receiving portion position, non-engagement position). In addition, the position of the control ring 475d at this time is referred to as the second position of the control ring 475d (second rotating member position, second rotating position, cut-off position, non-transmission position, non-holding position).

[0409] At this time, the second transfer member 477 is not engaged with the first transfer member 474 and does not receive driving force from the first transfer member 474. The transfer release mechanism (clutch) 475 cuts off the rotational force transmission from the first transfer member 474 to the second transfer member 477 and is in a drive cut-off state that does not transmit rotation to the downstream transfer member 471 or the developing roller 6.

[0410] [Driver-driven operation]

[0411] The drive transfer operation, which transitions from the drive cut-off state to the drive transfer state, will then be described. Figure 29 Part (b) shows the state of the drive cut-off operation as it transitions from the drive transmission state to the drive cut-off state.

[0412] At the start of the drive transmission operation, the control unit 76 moves to a first position (unlocked position) that allows the control ring 475d to rotate, such as... Figure 10 Part (a) is shown here. Figure 10 Part (a) shows the control ring 75d, which corresponds to the control ring 475d in this embodiment. When the control member 76 is in the first position, the control member 76 is not in contact with the control ring 475d, thereby allowing the control ring 475d to rotate.

[0413] In this state, when the first transmission component 474 receives the driving force to rotate in the direction of arrow J, as... Figure 28 As shown in part (a), the control ring 475d also rotates. This is because the input inner ring 475a and the load spring 475c connect the first transmission member 474 to the control ring 475d as described above, thus transmitting the driving force from the first transmission member 474 to the control ring 475d.

[0414] The input inner ring 475a and the load spring 475c serve as torque limiters. If the torque used to rotate the control ring 475d is lower than a predetermined value, the torque limiter causes the control ring 475d to rotate integrally with the first drive transmission component 474.

[0415] Therefore, when the drive transmission operation begins, the control ring 475d, which rotates integrally with the first transmission component 474, begins to rotate relative to the stationary second transmission component 477. Figure 29 In the drive cut-off state 1 shown in part (a), the drive connection surface 475d6 of the control ring 475d begins to rotate from a state where it is not in contact with the drive relay part 477d, and the drive connection surface 475d6 begins to contact the introduction surface 477k of the second transmission member 477. The introduction surface 477k is an inclined surface connecting the driven connection surface 477j of the drive relay part 477d and the arm part 477g, and the drive connection surface 475d6 advances along the rotation direction J while in contact with the introduction surface 477k. The control part 475d5 generates a force f42 on the introduction surface 477k at the position T42 where it contacts the introduction surface 477k.

[0416] Here, the drive relay portion 477d of the second transmission component 477 is a cantilever beam with the support portion 477f as its fulcrum. The introduction surface 477k, which is the free end side of the drive relay portion 477d, receives a force f42 from the drive connection surface 475d6 at the contact position T42, thereby generating a bending moment M42 in the drive relay portion 477d. Consequently, the drive relay portion 477d bends inward in the radial direction with the support portion 477f as its fulcrum, and the drive relay portion 477d moves radially inward due to elastic deformation.

[0417] Furthermore, when the control ring 475d rotates relative to the second transmission component 477, the control ring 475d5 contacts the driven connection surface 477j of the second transmission component 477, such as... Figure 30 Part (a) is shown. In Figure 29 In the drive-off state 1 shown in part (a), the gap between the inner diameter portion 477b and the driven connecting surface 477j in the second transmission member 477 is s0, and its relationship with the thickness t of the control portion 475d5 in the control ring 475d is that the gap s0 < the thickness t. The thickness t of the control portion 475d5 is greater than the gap s0. Therefore, when the rotation of the control ring 475d is performed in the drive transmission operation, as... Figure 30 As shown in part (a), the control loop 475d5 has a widened gap s0.

[0418] Here, the rotation of the control ring 475d continues until the rotation-limiting end face 475d8 on the control ring 475d and the rotation-limiting end face 477m on the second transmission member 477 come into contact with each other. The state in which the rotation-limiting end face 475d8 and the rotation-limiting end face 477m are in contact with each other is... Figure 30 Part (b) shows the drive transmission state.

[0419] Since the control section 475d5 is inserted into the gap s0, the gap between the inner diameter portion 477b of the second transmission member 477 and the driven connecting surface 477j is switched to gap s1. More specifically, gap s1 is approximately equal to the thickness t. Furthermore, the amount of bending that causes the drive relay section 477d to elastically deform in the radial direction corresponds to the difference between the thickness t and the gap s0.

[0420] Here, the diameter of the inscribed circle R2, virtually drawn relative to the three mating surfaces 477h in the second transmission member 477, is defined as d2. The diameter d2 is greater than... Figure 29The diameter d1 of the inscribed circle R1 in the drive cut-off state shown in part (a) is smaller than the radial inward elastic deformation of the drive relay part 477d. Furthermore, the thickness t of the control ring 475d5 is set such that the diameter d2 generated by the deformation of the drive relay part 477d satisfies d2 < the diameter d0 at the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission engagement part 474g.

[0421] Here, during the rotational process in contact with the introduction surface 477g of the second transmission component 477, the control ring 475d5 drives the transmission operation from... Figure 29 The state shown in part (b) becomes Figure 29 The state shown in part (a). In this process, the diameter of the inscribed circle gradually decreases from the diameter d1 of the inscribed circle R1 in the drive cut-off state to the diameter d2 of the inscribed circle R2 in the drive transmission state.

[0422] Thus, the engaged surface 477h of the second transmission member 477 is switched to a state in which it can engage with the driving transmission surface 474h of the first transmission member 474, and becomes a driving transmission state that transmits the rotation of the first transmission member 474 to the downstream transmission member 471, as shown below. Figure 30 Part (b) is shown.

[0423] The position of the joined surface 477h at this time is referred to as the first position of the joined surface 477h (first driving force receiving part position, first receiving part position, inner position, joining position, transmission position). Additionally, the position of the control ring 475d at this time is referred to as the first position of the control ring 475d (first control position, first rotating part position, first rotating position, transmission position, holding position). When the control ring 475d is in the first position, the control part (holding part) 475d5 holds the joined surface 477h in the first position. That is, the control part 475d5 overcomes the elastic force of the drive relay part 477d and radially biases the joined surface 477h inward.

[0424] Here, the setting and operation of the torque limiter (input inner ring 475a, load spring 475c) included in the transmission release mechanism 475 will be described for the process of switching to the drive transmission state through drive transmission operation.

[0425] Input inner ring 475a and load spring 475c ( Figure 28 Part (a), etc., are transmission components used to transmit driving force from the first transmission component 474 to the control ring 475d. However, the structure described above makes these input inner rings 475a and load springs 475c not only transmit driving force but also act as torque limiters.

[0426] An input inner ring 475a is connected to a first transmission member 474 for integral rotation, and a load spring 475c is wound around the input inner ring 475a. The load spring 475c is connected to a control ring 475d. When the torque used to rotate the input inner ring 475a is lower than a predetermined value, driving force is transmitted from the input inner ring 475a to the load spring 475c. On the other hand, when the torque exceeds the predetermined value, driving force is not transmitted from the input inner ring 475a to the load spring 475c, and the input inner ring 475a idles relative to the load spring 475c. Here, the torque during which the input inner ring 475a idles relative to the load spring 475c is called the idle torque.

[0427] Through the action of the torque limiter, the control ring 475d is connected to the first transmission component 474 and rotates integrally with the first transmission component 474 until the torque acting on the control ring 475d reaches the predetermined torque (idle torque).

[0428] On the other hand, when the torque acting on the control ring 475d exceeds a predetermined value, the drive transmission from the input inner ring 475a to the load spring 475c is cut off, thereby disengaging the drive connection between the control ring 475d and the first transmission member 474. That is, when the control member stops rotating the control ring 475d, only the first transmission member 474 can rotate.

[0429] During the drive transmission operation, the control portion 475d5 of the control ring 475d rotates relative to the second transmission member 477 while widening the gap s0 between the inner diameter portion 477b and the driven connecting surface 477j. That is, during the drive transmission operation, the driven connecting surface 477j contacts the driving connecting surface 475d6, and load resistance is generated when the drive relay portion 477d undergoes radial inward elastic deformation. The idle torque of the torque limiter must be set so that the rotation of the control ring 475d does not stop due to this load resistance. In this embodiment, the radial inward elastic deformation of the drive relay portion 477d is 0.8 mm, and the idle torque of the torque limiter included in the transmission release mechanism 475 is 2.94 N·cm.

[0430] Next, in what has been transformed into Figure 30In the drive transmission state shown in part (b), the control ring 475d reaches a position where the rotationally restricted end face 475d8 and the rotationally restricted end face 477m are in contact with each other. In this state, the control ring 475d receives the load torque from the downstream transmission member 471 connected to the second transmission member 477. The idling torque of the torque limiter included in the transmission release mechanism 475 is set to be equal to or less than the load torque of the downstream transmission member 471. That is, by the rotationally restricted end face 475d8 and the rotationally controlled end face 477m of the second transmission member 477 coming into contact with each other, when the control ring 475d receives the load torque from the second transmission member 477, the torque limiter temporarily releases the drive connection between the control ring 475d and the first drive transmission member.

[0431] As a result, the control ring 475d stops rotating relative to the second transmission member 477, and only the first transmission member 474 rotates relative to the second transmission member 477. That is, the control ring 475d is in a state where its rotation is limited (stopped) by the second transmission member 477. Figure 30 As shown in part (b), with the rotation-restricted end face 475d8 of the control ring 475d in contact with the rotation-restricted end face 477m of the second transmission component 477, the position of the control ring 475d is called the first position (first rotational position). This is the position of the control ring 475d in the drive transmission state.

[0432] Here, the drive transmission operation will be described with respect to the rotation direction phase of the engaged surface 477h of the second transmission member 477 during the drive transmission operation. More specifically, the drive transmission operation in the following two phase combinations will be described. In the first phase combination, as... Figure 30 The rotational direction phase of the joined surface 477h shown in part (a) is located in the retraction portion 474k of the drive-transfer joining portion 474g of the first transmission member 474. In the second phase combination, as... Figure 29 The rotational direction phase of the joined surface 477h shown in part (b) is on the outer peripheral part 474j of the drive transmission joined part 474g and the drive transmission surface 474h.

[0433] In the drive transmission operation, when the control ring 475d rotates relative to the second transmission component 477, the control portion 475d5 of the control ring 475d causes the drive relay portion 477d of the second transmission component 477 to elastically deform inward in the radial direction.

[0434] In the case of the first phase combination ( Figure 30In part (a), the engaged surface 477h is located at the retraction portion 474k, so the engaged surface 477h can move to a first position (engaged position) radially inward before contacting the drive transmission engagement portion 474g. Thus, the drive force is transmitted to the control ring 475d by the torque limiter of the transmission release mechanism 475, and the control ring 475d can also reach the first position (first rotational position).

[0435] When the control ring 475d is in the first position and its relative rotation with respect to the second transmission member 477 stops, it has a diameter d2 relative to the inscribed circle R2 of the three mating surfaces 477h. That is, the mating surfaces 477h are held in the first position by the control ring 475d. In this state, the connection with the torque limiter is temporarily disconnected, and the control ring 475d stops relative to the second transmission member 477.

[0436] When the first transmission component 474 begins to rotate relative to the second transmission component 477 and the control ring 475d from this state, the mating surface 477h is as follows: Figure 30 Part (b) shows the drive transmission state where the second transmission member 477 reaches contact with the drive transmission surface 474h. The second transmission member 477 begins to rotate due to the driving force received from the drive transmission surface 474h by the engaged surface 477h. Furthermore, when this state is established, the torque limiter reconnects the control ring 475d and the first transmission member 474 to each other, thus causing the first transmission member 474, the second transmission member 477, and the control ring 475d to rotate as a unit.

[0437] The description is as follows Figure 29 The second phase combination is shown in part (b).

[0438] When the mating surface 477h is moved radially inward by the control portion 475d5, it comes into contact with the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission mating portion 474g and the drive transmission surface 474h before the control ring 475d5 contacts the driven connecting surface 477j. That is, the movement of the mating surface 477h is prevented until the movement from the second position (non-maturing position) to the first position (maturing position) is completed.

[0439] When the mated surface 477h is in contact with the drive transmission mating portion 474g, a large resistance is generated when the control ring 475d causes the drive relay portion 477d of the second transmission component 477 to move inward in the radial direction.

[0440] Therefore, even when the first transmission member 474 rotates, the torque limiter included in the transmission release mechanism 475 will stop the control ring 475d. That is, the outer peripheral portion 474j and the drive transmission surface 474h of the drive transmission engagement portion 474g of the first transmission member 474 rotate through the engaged surface 477h. Thus, the second phase combination ( Figure 29 Part (b) is switched to the first phase combination located at the retraction portion 474k on the mating surface 477h. Figure 30 Part (a)). Through the above process, the joined surface 477h reaches the drive transmission state where it contacts the drive transmission surface 474h.

[0441] [Driver Transfer Status]

[0442] exist Figure 30 Part (b) shows the drive transmission state. Through the drive transmission operation, the control ring 475d has reached a position where the rotation-limiting end face 475d8 on the control ring 475d and the rotation-limiting end face 477m on the second transmission member 477 are in contact with each other. The relationship between the control ring 475d and the drive transmission surfaces 474h of the second transmission member 477 and the first transmission member 474 in this state will be explained in more detail.

[0443] The control portion 475d5 is arranged on an extension line in the radial direction from the rotation center X toward the joined surface 477h (which is located on the free end side of the drive relay portion 477d, which acts as a cantilever), and it contacts the driven connection surface 477j. Furthermore, the drive relay portion 477d elastically deforms radially inward according to the thickness t of the control portion 475d5. As a result, the diameter d2 of the inscribed circle R2 relative to the three joined surfaces 477h is smaller than the diameter d0 at the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission joining portion 474g.

[0444] Three mating surfaces 477h are positioned radially inward from the diameter d0 at the outer peripheral portion 474j. That is, the mating surfaces 477h are in a first position (matting position), and therefore, when the first transmission member 474 rotates, the mating surfaces 477h are able to contact the drive transmission surface 474h.

[0445] Reference Figure 31 Part (a) will explain the dynamic state at this time.

[0446] In the driving transmission state, the contact position between the driving transmission surface 474h and the engaged surface 477h of the second transmission component 477 is indicated by reference numeral T41. The engaged surface 477h receives a reaction force f41 from the driving transmission surface 474h at the contact position T41. The driving transmission surface 474h has an inclined surface with an angle α41, which is an angle upstream of the rotation direction J as the radius increases, based on the line connecting the rotation center X and the contact position T41. On the other hand, since the engaged surface 477h has an arc shape, the reaction force f41 at the contact portion between the driving transmission surface 474h and the engaged surface 477h is generated as a normal force of the driving transmission surface 474h. The force in each component of the reaction force f41 will be explained with respect to the radial component f41r and the tangential component f41t.

[0447] First, the drive transmission surface 474h has an inclined surface with an angle of α41. Therefore, the radial component f41r of the reaction force f41 is a force in the direction that causes the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay portion 477d to move outward in the radial direction. In contrast, the driven connection surface 477j of the drive relay portion 477d is arranged on a radial extension line from the rotation center X toward the engaged surface 477h. Furthermore, the second transmission member support surface 475d7 (i.e., the surface on the outer diameter side of the control portion 475d5 arranged to face the drive connection surface 475d6 through the thickness t) contacts the inner diameter portion 477b of the second transmission member 477. In addition, the outer diameter portion 477a of the second transmission member 477 is supported by the outer diameter support portion 471a of the downstream transmission member 471. As described above, the radial component f41r that causes the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay portion 477d to move radially outward is overcome, and the drive relay portion 477d is in a state where its radial movement is restricted by the drive connection surface 475d6, the second transmission member 477, and the downstream transmission member 471. Therefore, the deformation of the drive relay portion 477d can be suppressed by overcoming the radial component f41r, and thus the engagement between the drive transmission surface 474h and the engaged surface 477h is stabilized. That is, the control ring 475d is in the first rotational position, and drive transmission can be stably performed when the drive connection surface 475d6 and the driven connection surface 477j are in contact with each other.

[0448] The tangential component f41t will be described next. The reaction force f41 generates a tangential force f41t as the tangential component, and the tangential force f41t pulls the drive relay part 477d in the rotation direction J to cause the second transmission part 477 and the downstream transmission part 471 to rotate in the rotation direction J.

[0449] The drive relay portion 477d has a shape extending downstream of the support portion 477f in the rotation direction J toward the free end side where the joined surface 477h and the driven connection surface 477j are provided. Preferably, the direction in which it extends downstream of the support portion 477f in the rotation direction J is approximately parallel to the tangential force f41t in the contact portion between the joined surface 477h and the drive transmission surface 474h. As a cantilever beam, the drive relay portion 477d has a higher tensile stiffness in the tensile direction than its stiffness in the bending direction (i.e., the radial direction), and can further reduce the deformation of the drive relay portion 477d relative to the transmitted torque from the first transmission member 474. That is, the rotation of the first transmission member 474 can be stably transmitted to the second transmission member 477.

[0450] [Drive cut-off operation]

[0451] Next, the drive cut-off operation used to transition from the drive pass state to the drive cut-off state will be described. Once the drive cut-off operation begins, as... Figure 10 As shown in parts (c) and (d), when the developing unit 9 rotates and reaches the separation position, the control unit 76 also rotates and moves to the second position. Here, since the operation of the control unit 76 at this time is the same as in Embodiment 1, its description is omitted.

[0452] In the drive transmission state, the control ring 475d rotates integrally with the first transmission component 474 through the torque limiter action of the transmission release mechanism 475. In contrast, when the control component 76 is in the second position (locked position), the contact surface 76b of the control component 76... Figure 10 The inner side of the rotation trajectory A shown in part (c). In this case, the contact surface 76b of the control member 76 locks the locked part 475d4 of the control ring 475d and tends to restrict the rotation of the control ring 475d.

[0453] With the control member 76 restricting the rotation of the control ring 475d, the load spring 475c, which engages with the control ring 475d, is also in a state where its rotation is restricted. In this state, when the first transmission member 474 rotates, and the input inner ring 475a, which rotates integrally with the first transmission member 474, generates a freewheeling torque through the load spring 475c, it can continue to rotate relative to the load spring 475c and the control ring 475d. That is, when a large load is applied to the control ring 475d from the control member 76, the torque limiter (input inner ring 475a and load spring 475c) disconnects the first transmission member 474 and the control ring 475d. Therefore, even if the control ring 475d stops, the first transmission member 474 can continue to rotate.

[0454] In this way, when the control component 76 is in the second position, even if the first transmission component 474 is rotating, the rotation of the control ring 475d and the load spring 475c can be limited and stopped by the control component 76.

[0455] The relationship between the first transmission component 474, the second transmission component 477, and the control ring 475d in the drive cut-off operation will be described below.

[0456] When the first transmission member 474 rotates simultaneously with the control ring 475d stopping due to the drive cut-off operation, similarly, the second transmission member 477, which rotates integrally with the first transmission member 474 in the drive transmission state, also advances relative to the control ring 475d. Here, the relative rotation of the second transmission member 477 relative to the control ring 475d continues until the engagement state between the drive transmission surface 474h and the engaged surface 477h is released. This will be described in detail.

[0457] In the drive-cut-off operation, such as Figure 30 As shown in part (a), the control ring 475d, the rotationally restricted end face 475d8, and the rotationally restricted end face 477m are from... Figure 30 Part (b) shows a first rotational position where the rotation-limited end face 475d8 and the rotation-limited end face 477m are in contact with each other. This is because, when the control ring 475d is locked by the control member 76 and is stationary, the second transmission member 477 is rotated by the first transmission member. Here, the drive connection between the first transmission member 474 and the control ring 475d is disconnected by the torque limiter, and even if the rotation of the control ring 475d stops, the first transmission member 474 can still rotate relative to the control ring 475d.

[0458] As described above, the relative rotation of the second transmission member 477d is relative to the control ring 475, and the control portion 475d5 of the control ring 475d moves relatively upstream in the rotation direction J of the second transmission member 477. That is, the control ring 475d moves relatively from the first position (first rotation position) toward the second position (second rotation position).

[0459] When the control section 475d5 is in contact with the driven connection surface 477j of the drive relay section 477d, such as Figure 30As shown in part (a), the gap s1 of the second transmission member 477 is maintained. Therefore, the inscribed circle formed by the three mating surfaces 477h is approximately equal to the circle with diameter R2 in the drive transmission state. That is, the mating surfaces 477h are pressed and held in a first position radially inward by the control portion 475d5 of the control ring 475d. As a result, the engagement between the mating surfaces 477h of the second transmission member 477 and the drive transmission surface 474h of the first transmission member 474 is maintained, and the rotation of the first transmission member 474 can be transmitted to the second transmission member 477.

[0460] Next, when the second transmission component 477 rotates relative to the control ring 475d, the control portion 475d5 reaches the introduction surface 477k of the drive relay portion 477d, just as Figure 29 The state is shown in part (b). When the control part 475d5 moves in contact with the introduction surface 477k of the drive relay part 477d, the gap gradually changes from the gap s1 in the drive transmission state to the gap s0 in the drive cut-off state. That is, it returns to its natural state from the state in which the drive relay part 477d of the second transmission member 477 is radially deformed inward to the state in which it is radially deformed outward. As a result, the inscribed circle formed by the three mating surfaces 477h gradually increases from the inscribed circle R2 in the drive transmission state to the inscribed circle R1 in the drive cut-off state.

[0461] Therefore, the difference between the inscribed circle of the three mating surfaces 477h and the diameter d0 at the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission mating portion 474g is reduced. That is, the engagement amount between the mating surface 477h of the second transmission member 477 and the drive transmission surface 474h of the first transmission member 474 is reduced. As a result, the rotation of the first transmission member 474 cannot be transmitted to the second transmission member 477, thereby stopping the relative rotation of the second transmission member 477 with respect to the control ring 475d.

[0462] That is, when rotation becomes unable to transmit force to the second transmission member 477, the first transmission member 474 switches to the drive cut-off state. Therefore, the movement of the joined surface 477h to the second position (non-joint position) radially outward is completed.

[0463] [Drive cut-off state 2]

[0464] In the above Figure 29 In the drive cut-off state 1 shown in part (a), as one of the drive cut-off states, the drive connection surface 475d6 of the control ring 475d is in a non-contact state with the drive relay part 477d. That is, in the drive cut-off state 1, the engaged surface (drive force receiving part) 477h of the drive relay part 477d is retracted to a second position (non-engaged position) radially outward.

[0465] In contrast, as another state in the drive cut-off state, a supplementary description will be provided as follows: Figure 31 Part (b) shows the drive cut-off state where the control part 475d5 is in contact with the introduced surface 477k.

[0466] When the control portion 475d5 contacts the introduction surface 477k, the drive relay portion 477d cannot return to its natural state due to the contact between the control portion 475d5 and the introduction surface 477k. Here, when the control portion 475d5 contacts the introduction surface 477k, with the diameter of the inscribed circle of the three joined surfaces 477h being d3, the diameter d3 is smaller than the diameter d1 when the drive relay portion 477d is in its natural state. Furthermore, the relationship between the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission joining portion 474g and the diameter d0 is d0≦d1. Therefore, this relationship allows the drive transmission surface 474h of the drive transmission joining portion 474g and the joined surface 477h of the second transmission member 477 to engage. That is, it can be considered that the joined surface 477 is still positioned in the first position (engagement position) radially inward.

[0467] like Figure 31 As shown in part (b), the radial component f41r of the reaction force f41 is a force in the direction of the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay part 477d moving outward in the radial direction. Overcoming the radial component f41r received by the engaged surface 477h, the control part 475d5 tends to limit the deformation of the drive relay part 477d at the contact position T42 where it contacts the introduction surface 477k.

[0468] In contrast, the introduction surface 477k of the drive relay portion 477d is positioned upstream of the radial extension line from the rotation center X toward the joined surface 477h along the rotation direction J. Therefore, with respect to the radial component f41r, a bending moment Mk is generated with the contact position T42 as the fulcrum, causing the drive relay portion 477d to deform outward in the radial direction, and allowing the joined surface 477h to move outward in the radial direction. That is, the drive relay portion 477d can deform outward in the radial direction, causing the inscribed circle of the three joined surfaces 477h to increase. As a result, when the inscribed circle expands to the same diameter d0 at the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission joining portion 474g, the rotation of the first transmission member 474 can be cut off relative to the second transmission member 477 and the downstream transmission member 471.

[0469] As mentioned above, except Figure 29 In addition to the drive cut-off state 1 shown in part (a), a state such as can be established when the control part 475d5 contacts the introduction surface 477k. Figure 31Part (b) shows the drive cut-off state. Figure 31 Part (b) shows the drive cut-off state, which is drive cut-off state 2.

[0470] In drive cut-off state 2, the engaged surface 477h of the second transmission member 477 does not retract to the second position (outer position, non-engaged position), but remains in the first position (inner position, engaged position). However, when the first transmission member 474 rotates, whenever the engaging portion 474g of the first transmission member 474 intermittently contacts the engaged surface 477h of the second transmission member 477, the engaged surface 477h moves from the first position (engaged position) to the second position (non-engaged position). Therefore, the engaged surface 477h does not receive driving force from the engaging portion 474g.

[0471] The drive cut-off state 1 and drive cut-off state 2 can be achieved based on the timing of the locking control loop 475d by the control component 76. This will be discussed in more detail below. Figure 10 Part (c) will be described here. Figure 10 In part (c), the reference numeral for the control ring is 75d, but in this embodiment, the reference numeral for the control ring is replaced with 475d. The control member 76 rotates by a drive cut-off operation, and when the locking portion at the free end of the control member 76 enters the inner side of the rotation trajectory A of the control ring 475d, the control member 76 can contact and be locked with the control ring 475d. That is, the rotation phase of the locked portion 475d4 of the control ring 475d is not constant relative to the timing of the control member 76 entering the inner side of the rotation trajectory A of the control ring 475d, and therefore, the timing of the control member 76 locking the control ring 475d changes.

[0472] The control ring 475d stops rotating when the control member 76 and the control ring 475d come into contact with each other. And when the control ring 475d stops rotating, relative rotation between the second transmission member 477 and the control ring 475d begins. As a result, the control portion 475d5 of the control ring 475d retracts from the driven connection surface 477j of the drive relay portion 477d. On the other hand, during the drive cut-off operation, the control member 76 continues to rotate in the rotation direction L1 for a certain period of time. Therefore, when the control member 76 contacts the control ring 475d inside the rotation trajectory A and upstream in the rotation direction L1, it rotates in the rotation direction L1, and even after the control member 76 contacts the control ring 475d, the control ring 475d continues to rotate in the rotation direction L1. That is, through the rotation of the control member 76, the control ring 475d moves upstream in the rotation direction J (rotating in the opposite direction to the rotation direction J). Therefore, the relative rotation with the second transmission member 477 increases. Thus, the drive cut-off state 1 is as follows... Figure 29 Part (a) is shown.

[0473] Next, when the control component 76 contacts the control ring 475d inside the rotation trajectory A, after rotation along the rotation direction L1 has already occurred, the degree to which the control component 76 rotates the control ring 475d in the rotation direction L1 after contacting it is reduced. Therefore, the degree to which the control ring 475d moves upstream in the rotation direction J due to the rotation of the control component 76 is smaller, resulting in a smaller relative rotation between the control ring 475d and the second transmission component 477. Thus, as established... Figure 31 Part (b) shows the drive cut-off state 2.

[0474] As described above, the drive cut-off state can be states such as drive cut-off state 1 and drive cut-off state 2. The position of the control ring 475d in the drive cut-off state is a second rotational position, and this second rotational position is the position where the control portion 475d5 has retracted from the driven connection surface 477j of the drive relay portion 477d. That is, it includes the state from the state where the control portion 475d5 is in contact with the introduction surface 477k to the state where the control portion is not in contact with the drive relay portion 477d.

[0475] Here, even if the elastic restoring force of the drive relay portion 477d is weak (or non-existent) and the rotation of the control ring 475d stops, the drive relay portion 477d cannot retract the engaged surface 477h to the second position (non-engaged position). Even in such a case, as described in drive cut-off state 2, the engaged surface 477h receives force f41 from the engaging portion 474g ( Figure 32 Part (b) can then retreat to the second position (non-joining position). That is, in this embodiment, the joined surface 477h may not be in the second position (non-joining position) under its natural state without receiving external force.

[0476] Here, in the drive-off state, the control component 76 restricts the rotation of the control ring 475d, and the load spring 475c, which engages with the control ring 475d, is also in a state where its rotation is restricted. That is, the torque limiter (load spring 475c) that has connected the first transmission component 474 and the control ring 475d to each other has been released. The first transmission component 474 idles relative to the control ring 475d.

[0477] In this state, when the first transmission component 474 rotates, the input inner ring 475a, which rotates integrally with the first transmission component 474, is in a state where an idle torque is generated between the input inner ring 475a and the load spring 475c.

[0478] [Overview of the structure of this embodiment]

[0479] In this embodiment, another form of the transfer release mechanism has been described. The structure of the control member 76 for controlling the rotation of the transfer and cut-off via the transfer release mechanism 475 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and this other type of transfer release mechanism achieves the same effect as the prior art. That is, by maintaining a stable positional relationship between the control member 76 and the transfer release mechanism 475 relative to the rotation angle of the developing unit 9, the drive for transfer and cut-off can be reliably switched. As a result, the control deviation of the rotation time of the developing roller 6 can be reduced.

[0480] The differences from the embodiments described so far will be described below.

[0481] When the control member 76 is in a first position away from the control ring 475d, the control ring 475d can rotate (without being stopped by the control member 76), and the transmission release mechanism 475 can transmit from the first transmission member 474 to the downstream transmission member 471. Regarding the structure for transmitting the driving force, in Embodiment 1, the rotation of the transmission spring 75c relative to the first transmission member 74 is tightened on the inner diameter side, enabling the transmission of the driving force. On the other hand, in this embodiment, similar to Embodiments 2 and 3, the driving force can be transmitted by moving the drive relay portion 477d radially inward. In Embodiments 2 and 3, in the drive transmission state, for the engagement portion between the engaged surface 171a1 of the drive relay portion 171a and the engagement surface 174e of the first transmission member 174, the shape of the engagement surface 174e is selected such that a radially inward pulling force f1r is generated.

[0482] In this embodiment, for the engagement portion between the drive transmission surface 474h and the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay portion 477d, the shape of the drive transmission surface 474h is selected such that a force f41r is generated in the direction of outward movement in the radial direction. In contrast, the driven connection surface 477j of the drive relay portion 477d receives the radial component f41r in contact with the drive connection surface 475d6 of the control portion 475d5 along a radial extension line from the rotation center X toward the engaged surface 477h. As described above, by configuring the drive relay portion 477d to suppress deformation of the drive transmission surface 474h against the radial component f41r, the engagement between the drive transmission surface 474h and the engaged surface 477h is stabilized. Thus, similar to embodiments 1 to 3, the rotation of the first transmission member 474 can be stably transmitted to the downstream transmission member 471.

[0483] Furthermore, by inserting the thickness t of the control portion 475d5 into the gap between the inner diameter portion 477b and the driven connecting surface 477j in the second transmission member 477, the position of the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay portion 477d in the drive transmission state is determined. Therefore, even if the drive relay portion 477d changes its natural shape, for example, due to creep deformation, the position of the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay portion 477d in the drive transmission state can be stabilized. Similarly, even if the transmission and cut-off operations are repeated, the position of the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay portion 477d in the drive transmission state can be stabilized.

[0484] Next, if the control member 76 is in the second position where it can contact the control ring 475d, the control ring 475d is locked by the control member 76 to stop rotating, thereby the transmission release mechanism 475 cuts off the rotation of the first transmission member 474 and does not transmit the rotation to the downstream transmission member 471.

[0485] In Embodiment 1, the rotation of the transmission spring 75c together with the control ring 75d is locked by the control member 76. Thus, the inner diameter of the transmission spring 75c is restricted so that it cannot twist in the decreasing direction, thereby cutting off the rotational transmission to the input inner ring 75a, which rotates integrally with the first transmission member 74. In the spring clutch described in Embodiment 1 as the transmission release mechanism 75, when rotation is cut off by the transmission release mechanism 75, a slip torque is generated in the first transmission member 74 by the sliding of the input inner ring 75a and the transmission spring 75c relative to each other.

[0486] In contrast, in Embodiments 2 and 3, when the rotation is cut off by the transmission release mechanism 170, the drive relay portion 171a moves radially outward via the control ring 175 to release the engagement state between the joined surface 171a1 and the joined surface 174e. Therefore, the torque of the first transmission member 174 in the drive cut-off state is reduced.

[0487] Furthermore, in embodiments 2 and 3, the shape of the engagement surface 174e is selected such that, in the drive transmission state, a radially inward pulling force f1r is generated in the engagement portion between the engagement surface 171a1 of the drive relay portion 171a and the engagement surface 174e of the first transmission member 174. Therefore, in order to maintain a reliable drive cut-off state, the engagement surface 171a1 of the drive relay portion 171a must be moved radially outward relative to the engagement surface 174e to reliably maintain a non-contact state, and the structure for achieving this has been described in embodiment 3.

[0488] On the other hand, in this embodiment, in the natural state where the drive relay portion 477d does not receive force from other portions, the inner diameter d1 of the inscribed circle R1 of the three joined surfaces 477h and the diameter d0 in the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission joining portion 474g satisfy d0≦d1. Ideally, d0<d1 is preferred, but when the three joined surfaces 477h in the natural state separate from the outer peripheral portion 474j of the drive transmission joining portion 474g, contact between the joined surfaces 477h and the outer peripheral portion 474j in the drive cut-off state can be suppressed. As a result, when the joined surfaces 477h and the outer peripheral portion 474j are in contact with each other, small load fluctuations generated in the first transmission member 474 can be suppressed. However, in this embodiment, it has been described that the drive cut-off state can be stably achieved even if d0≦d1. That is, in this embodiment, in the drive cut-off state, the control ring 475d is restricted from rotation and stopped, and the drive connection surface 475d6 of the control ring 475d retracts from the driven connection surface 477j. Furthermore, the shape of the drive transmission surface 474h is set such that a force f41r is generated in the engagement portion between the drive transmission surface 474h and the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay portion 477d in the radially outward direction. In the drive cut-off state, the drive relay portion 477d is allowed to deform outward in the radial direction by the radial component f41r; therefore, the drive relay portion 477d can deform outward in the radial direction to increase the inscribed circle of the three engaged surfaces 477h. Even if the drive transmission surface 474h of the first transmission member 474 and the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay portion 477d come into contact with each other, engagement between them can be avoided. Therefore, the rotational transmission from the first transmission member 474 to the second transmission member 477 and the downstream transmission member 471 can be cut off. That is, it is not necessary to disengage the engaged surface 477h of the drive relay section 477d from the drive transmission surface 474h, and the amount of retraction of the engaged surface 477h can be reduced.

[0489] As a result, compared with Examples 2 and 3, miniaturization can be achieved in the radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0490] <Example 5>

[0491] Next, another embodiment will be described as Embodiment 5. Embodiment 4 has already described an example of using a structure with a torque limiter inside the transmission release mechanism 575; however, Embodiment 5 has a structure using a drive connection portion of a different form of transmission release mechanism 575. Here, descriptions of parts identical to those in Embodiments 1 and 4 are omitted.

[0492] Here, in the aforementioned embodiments 1 to 4, the transmission release mechanism (clutch) cuts off the transmission of driving force inside the cartridge. In contrast, this embodiment is characterized by cutting off the transmission of driving force in the boundary region (connection region) between the cartridge and the image forming apparatus.

[0493] [Structure of the driver connection section]

[0494] Reference Figure 32-37 The schematic structure of the drive connection portion in Embodiment 5 will be described below.

[0495] Figure 32 This is a perspective view of the box p and the transmission release mechanism 575 in this embodiment, as seen from the drive side.

[0496] Figure 33 This is a perspective view of the box p and the transfer release mechanism 575 in this embodiment, as seen from the non-drive side.

[0497] Figure 34 This is a perspective view showing the transfer release mechanism 575, the developing cover component 532, the control component 576, and the main component drive shaft 562 in this embodiment.

[0498] Figure 35 The disassembled state of the transmission release mechanism 575 is shown, wherein Figure 35 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view seen from the drive side, and Figure 35 Part (b) is an exploded perspective view seen from the non-driving side.

[0499] Figure 36 Part (a) is a side view of the transmission release mechanism 575, and Figure 36 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission release mechanism 575 taken along a plane passing through the axis of rotation X.

[0500] Figure 37 This is a front view of the transmission release mechanism 575 as seen from the drive side.

[0501] Between the bearing component 45 and the developing cover component 532, there are a downstream transfer component (transfer gear) 571, an output component 575b, a return spring 575c, a control ring 575d which serves as a rotating component, and a connecting component 577 which serves as a first transfer component. As in the above embodiment, the rotation axis X of these components is the same as the rotation center of the developing unit.

[0502] The transfer release mechanism 575 will be described below. In this embodiment, the transfer release mechanism 575 includes a connecting member 577 as a first transfer member, a control ring 575d, an output member 575b, and a return spring (elastic member, pushing member) 575c. In the developing unit 509, the structure is the same as in Embodiment 4 except for the developing cover member 532, the second drive transfer member 571, and the transfer release mechanism 575; therefore, its description is omitted.

[0503] Here, some parts described below have the same shape arranged at equal intervals in multiple locations, but in the figures, only one reference numeral is shown as a representative.

[0504] The connecting member 577 has a structure corresponding to the second transmission member 477 described in Embodiment 4, and has a similar shape to the second transmission member 477. That is, the connecting member 577 includes a cylindrical portion 577c having an outer diameter portion 577a and an inner diameter portion 577b, a drive relay portion 577d, an output member engagement portion 577p, and a rotation limiting end face 577m. The output member engagement portion 577p is a partial annular rib extending from the cylindrical portion 577c in the direction of arrow N, and includes a drive transmission engagement portion 577e, a reverse restriction portion 577n, and an axial restriction portion 577q. That is, the output member engagement portion 577p is provided with: a drive transmission engagement portion 577e on the circumferential end face downstream of the rotation direction J, a reverse restriction portion 577n on the circumferential end face upstream of the rotation direction J, and an axial restriction portion 577q on the end face side. Here, the rotation control end face 577m is part of the same surface as the reverse reversal restricted part 577n, and is located on the side of the cylindrical part 577c.

[0505] like Figure 37 and Figure 34 As shown in part (b), the drive relay part 577d has a fixed end (support part 577f), an arm part 577g, a first engaged surface 577h which serves as a first driving force receiving surface, a driven connection surface 577j, and an introduction surface 577k.

[0506] A space is formed radially inside the first mating surface 577h in the connecting member 577. Figure 34 Part (b)). That is, the periphery of the axis of the connecting member 577 is open, and the drive shaft 562 of the main component of the image forming apparatus, which will be described below, can enter the interior of the connecting member 577.

[0507] Here, the shape of the drive relay portion 577d described below is similar to that of Embodiment 4. The support portion 577f is a connecting portion that connects to the inner diameter portion 577b as one end side of the drive relay portion 577d, and is the fixed end of the drive relay portion 577d. The drive relay portion 577d has an arm portion 577g extending downstream from the fixed end (support portion 577f) in the rotational direction J. The first engaged surface (first driving force receiving portion, engaging portion) 577h is provided radially inward near the free end, and the driven connecting surface 577j is provided radially outward near the free end. In addition, the introduction surface 577k is an inclined surface that connects the driven connecting surface 577j of the drive relay portion 577d and the arm portion 577g on the outer side in the radial direction. As described above, the drive relay portion 577d is a cantilever beam with the support portion 577f as the fulcrum. The drive relay portion 577d is a support portion (elastic member) that movably supports the first engaged surface 577h.

[0508] The drive relay portion 577d and the output component engagement portion 577p have substantially the same shape and are arranged at multiple locations. In this embodiment, as an example, the engagement component 577 is arranged at three locations with equal intervals in the circumferential direction (120° intervals, substantially equal intervals).

[0509] The first joined surface 577h has a partially arcuate shape. In the natural state where the drive relay part 577d does not receive force from other parts, the diameter of the inscribed circle R51, which is virtually drawn relative to the arcuate shape of the three first joined surfaces 577h, is d51.

[0510] like Figure 35 Part (a) and Figure 35 As shown in part (b), the control ring 575d includes a one-end control ring supported portion 575d1, a reset spring end locking portion 575d3, a locking portion 575d4 that protrudes radially in the outer diameter portion, and a guide portion 575d11 on the inner diameter side.

[0511] In addition, such as Figure 35 Part (a) and Figure 35 As shown in part (b), the control ring 575d has an annular rib-shaped drive connection control portion (hereinafter referred to as the control portion) 575d5 protruding at its end in the direction of arrow M. Figure 35As shown, the control portion 575d5 has a drive connection surface 575d6 as an inner diameter side surface and a connection member support surface 575d7 as an outer diameter side surface. Furthermore, it has a rotation-restricted end face 575d8 on the circumferential end face downstream of the rotation direction J and a second engaged surface 575d9 on the circumferential end face upstream of the rotation direction, serving as a second driving force receiving surface. As described above, the drive connection surface 575d6, the connection member support surface 575d7, the rotation-restricted end face 575d8, and the second engaged surface 575d9 form a partially annular rib shape. Additionally, a shape-retaining portion 575d10 extending inwardly in the radial direction is provided at the end of the control portion 575d5.

[0512] Here, as Figure 37 As shown, the thickness of the control portion 575d5 (i.e., the distance from the drive connection surface 575d6 to the connecting component support surface 575d7) is defined as thickness t (specifically, thickness t is set to 1.5 mm). The control portion 575d5 is arranged at multiple locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. In this embodiment, it is arranged at three locations (120° intervals, approximately equal intervals).

[0513] Figure 38 Part (a) and Figure 38 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view from the drive side, which is cut along a plane passing through the locked part 575d4 and the guide part 575d11 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation X. Figure 38 Part (a) shows a state in which the control unit 576 is positioned in a first position that allows the control ring 575d to rotate, and the control ring 575d is in the first rotational position, which is the position in the drive transmission state.

[0514] Figure 38 Part (b) shows a state in which the control unit 576 is in the second position, the control unit 576 locks the locked portion 575d4 of the control ring 575d, and the control ring 575d is in the second rotational position, which is the position in the drive cut-off state.

[0515] The guide portion 575d11 is a rib that extends circumferentially from the locked portion 575d4 toward the upstream side of the rotation direction J with a radius approximately the same as that of the locked portion 575d4, and the free end of the free end side of the guide portion 575d11 serves as the free end portion 575d12 of the guide portion.

[0516] The locked portion 575d4 and the guide portion 575d11 are arranged at three positions in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X at equal intervals (120° intervals, approximately equal intervals).

[0517] Then, while introducing the structure of the output component 575b and the return spring 575c, the relationship between the components constituting the transmission release mechanism 575 will be described in detail.

[0518] The output component 575b will be described. For example... Figure 35 Part (a) and Figure 35 As shown in part (b), the output component 575b includes a mating hole 575b1, a mating groove 575b2, a control ring mating shaft 575b3, a control ring axial limiting surface (hereinafter referred to as the limiting surface) 575b4, a locking portion 575b5 on the other end of the reset spring, and a connecting mating portion 575b6.

[0519] Figure 35 Part (b) shows the connecting joint portion 575b6, which has a drive transmission engaging surface 575b7, a reversing limiting surface 575b8, an axial limiting surface 575b9, and a rotational direction front end surface 575b10. Specifically, the shape of the connecting joint portion 575b6 will be described. An annular rib shape extends in the direction of arrow M along the axial direction, thereby connecting to the control surface 575b4 with a certain phase. This annular rib shape is provided with a rotational direction front end surface 575b10 on the downstream side of the rotational direction J, and a drive transmission engaging surface 575b7 on the upstream side of the rotational direction J. Furthermore, the drive transmission engaging surface 575b7 extends from the limiting surface 575b4 in the direction of arrow N along the axial direction, and a recess is formed between the reversing limiting surface 575b8 arranged upstream of the drive transmission engaging surface 575b7 in the rotational direction J. The axial control surface 575b9 is the bottom surface of the recess and is disposed between the drive transmission engaged surface 575b7 and the reverse control surface 575b8. Furthermore, the reverse limiting surface 575b8 is connected to the limiting surface 575b4 in the next phase and is arranged in three locations with approximately the same shape and equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0520] The connecting engagement portion 575b6 engages with the output component engagement portion 577p of the connecting component 577. Figure 36 Part (b) shows the engagement portion between the connecting engagement portion 575b6 and the output component engagement portion 577p. The drive transmission engaged surface 575b7 is a drive force receiving portion that engages with the drive transmission engagement portion 577e of the connecting component 577 to receive the drive force of the connecting component 577. Additionally, the reversing control surface 575b8 engages with the reversing restraint portion 577n of the connecting component 577 to restrict the rotation of the connecting component 577 in the rotational direction -J. Figure 36As shown in part (a), in the axial direction, the axial control surface 575b9 faces the axially restricted portion 577q of the connecting member 577 to restrict the axial position of the connecting member 577.

[0521] As described above, the output component 575b and the connecting component 577 are engaged in the rotational direction and are capable of rotating integrally with each other. The output component 575b can also be considered as part of the connecting component 577.

[0522] Furthermore, when the output component 575b and the connecting component 577 rotate as a unit, the output component engaging portion 577p and the connecting engaging portion 575b6 are aligned with the front end face 575b10 in the rotation direction on the front side. Figure 35 Part (b), Figure 38 They rotate together.

[0523] Next, the relationship between the control loop 575d, the output component 575b, and the connection component 577 will be described.

[0524] like Figure 36 As shown in part (b), the control ring 575d is rotatably supported at one end by the control ring engagement shaft 575b3 of the output component 575b in the end-supported portion 575d1 of the control ring. Additionally, the control portion 575d5 protrudes in the direction of arrow M at the end of the control ring 575d, as shown in part (b). Figure 37 As shown, the connecting member support surface 575d7, which is the outer diameter side surface, is rotatably engaged with the inner diameter portion 577b of the connecting member 577. Similarly, in this embodiment, the drive relay portion 577d and the control portion 575d5 are respectively provided in three positions, but all are arranged opposite to each other. Furthermore, as will be described below, in this embodiment, the control ring 575d is also movable relative to the connecting member 577 about the rotation axis X, and the relative position between the control ring 575d and the connecting member 577 changes according to the switching between the drive cut-off state and the drive transmission state. That is, in this embodiment, the control ring 575d is also movable between a first position (first rotational position) in the drive transmission state and a second position (second rotational position) in the drive cut-off state.

[0525] like Figure 36 Part (a) and Figure 36As shown in part (b), the locked portion 575d4 and the guide portion 575d11 of the control ring 575d are arranged axially between the control surface 575b4 of the output component 575b and the cylindrical portion 577c of the connecting component 577. The output component engagement portion 577p of the connecting component 577 and the connecting engagement portion 575b6 of the output component 575b are arranged radially inside the guide portion 575d11. In addition, the rotational front end face 575b10 of the connecting engagement portion 575b6 of the output component 575b is covered by the guide portion 575d11 in either the first or second rotational position of the control ring 575d. That is, the rotational front end face 575b10 is arranged downstream of the rotational direction J of the front end portion 575d12 of the guide portion.

[0526] Reference Figure 35 Part (a) Figure 35 Part (b) Figure 36 Part (b) and Figure 38 Part (b) will describe the return spring (elastic component) 575c. For example... Figure 35 As shown, the return spring 575c is a torsion coil spring.

[0527] like Figure 36 As shown in part (b), the spiral portion 575c1 is supported by the control ring engagement shaft 575b3 of the output component 575b. One end arm 575c2 of the return spring 575c engages with the return spring end locking portion 575d3 of the control ring 575d, and the other end arm 575c3 engages with the other end locking portion 575b5 of the return spring end of the output component 575b. Therefore, as Figure 37 As shown, a return spring 575c acts between the output component 575b and the control ring 575d, and applies a torque M5 to the control ring 575d in the direction of arrow K about the rotation axis X. The torque M5 generated by the return spring 575c in the direction of arrow K acts on the control ring 575d, causing the control portion 575d5 of the control ring 575d to move from the driven connection surface 577j of the connecting component 577 to the retracted side. As a result, when no external force is applied to the control ring 575d, the control ring 575d is in the second position (second rotational position), and therefore, the drive connection control portion 575d5 is in a retracted state from the driven connection surface 577j.

[0528] In this embodiment, as an example of this embodiment, the transfer release mechanism 575 is modularized to improve assemblability. Therefore, as Figure 36As shown in part (b), at the locking portion 575b5 on the other end of the return spring of the output component 575b, the other end arm portion 575c3 of the return spring 575c is locked in the axial direction. Furthermore, the control ring 575d is locked in the axial direction by the one end arm portion 575c2 of the return spring 575c, and the drive relay portion 577d of the connecting component 577 is locked in the axial direction by the retaining shape portion 575d10 of the control ring 575d.

[0529] Next, the relationship between the transfer release mechanism 575, the downstream transfer component 571, and the developing cap component 532 will be described.

[0530] Downstream transmission component (transmission gear) 571 except Figure 32 The internal structure of the cylinder shown is the same as in Embodiment 4, except that its opposite ends are rotatably supported by bearing component 545 and developing cap component 532. In addition, the internal structure of the cylinder is the same as in Embodiment 1, with the engagement shaft (shaft portion) 571 disposed on the rotation axis X, and having engagement ribs 571b extending radially from the engagement shaft 571a and longitudinal contact end face 571c of the contact transmission release mechanism 575.

[0531] In the transmission release mechanism 575, the engaged hole portion 575b1 of the output member 575b engages with the engagement shaft 571a and is coaxially supported relative to the downstream transmission member 571 at the rotation axis X.

[0532] In the transfer release mechanism 575, the outer diameter portion 577a of the connecting member 577 is rotatably supported by the inner diameter portion 532q of the developing cap member 532. That is, the opposite ends of the transfer release mechanism 575 are coaxially supported by the developing cap member 532 and the downstream transfer member 571 with the rotation axis X.

[0533] Furthermore, the engaging rib 571b of the downstream transmission member 571 is inserted into the engaging groove 575b2 of the transmission release mechanism 575. Thus, when the transmission release mechanism 575 rotates, the driving force can be transmitted to the downstream transmission member 571. That is, the engaging rib 571b is a driving force receiving part for receiving the driving force.

[0534] As described above, the transfer release mechanism 575 is supported by the rotation axis X in the developing unit 509 and the cartridge P. When installed in the main assembly 2 of the device, the transfer release mechanism 575 receives driving force from the main assembly drive shaft 562 provided in the main assembly 2 via the connecting member 577, which serves as the first transfer member.

[0535] The connecting component 577 is configured to be connectable to and detachable from the main component drive shaft 562 of the main component 2 of the device.

[0536] [Structure of the main component drive axis]

[0537] The connecting component 577, as the first transmission component, and Figure 33 , Figure 34 Part (c) and Figure 39 The main component drive shaft 562 shown engages and receives driving force from a drive motor (not shown) provided in the main component 2 of the device. Here, refer to Figure 33 The structure of the main component drive shaft 562 will be described.

[0538] Figure 34 Part (c) is a perspective view of the main component drive axis 562, and Figure 39 Part (a) is an external view of the main component drive axis 562. Figure 39 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the rotation axis X (rotation axis) in the state of being installed in the main component of the image forming apparatus and before the transmission release mechanism 575 and the main component drive shaft 562 engage with each other. Figure 39 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the rotation axis X (rotation axis) in the state of being installed in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and when the transfer release mechanism 575 and the main assembly drive shaft 562 are engaged with each other.

[0539] like Figure 39 As shown in part (b), the main component drive shaft 562 includes a first output component (first main component side connector) 562a, a second output component (second main component side connector) 562b, and a torque limiter 562c. These components are arranged coaxially. In addition, the main component drive shaft 562 is arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation axis X of the connecting component 577, which serves as the first transmission component.

[0540] The main component drive shaft 562 is connected to a drive motor (not shown) and rotates by a driving force. Additionally, a first output component 562a is integrally formed with the upstream drive shaft 562d to transmit the driving force. Next, a second output component 562b is connected to a torque limiter 562c, and the torque limiter 562c is mounted to the upstream drive shaft 562d. That is, the second output component 562b is connected to the upstream drive shaft 562d via the torque limiter 562c. Therefore, the second output component 562b rotates integrally with the upstream drive shaft 562d until a predetermined torque is reached, and can rotate relative to the upstream drive shaft 562d when the torque exceeds a predetermined level.

[0541] The detailed shape of the first output component 562a, which transmits the drive to the first transmission component, will be described.

[0542] Figure 40 Part (a) is along the perpendicular to Figure 39Part (c) shows a cross-sectional view of the first output component 562a, the second output component 562b, the control component 575d5 of the control ring 575d, and the connecting component 577 taken from the plane of the rotation axis X in SS2.

[0543] Figure 40 Part (b) is along the perpendicular to Figure 39 Part (c) shows a cross-sectional view of the first output component 562a, the second output component 562b, and the control portion 575d5 of the control ring 575d, taken from the plane of the rotation axis X in SS1.

[0544] like Figure 39 As shown in part (b), the first output component 562a includes a drive transmission engagement portion 562g in the form of a protrusion that protrudes along the axis of rotation toward the box side.

[0545] like Figure 40 As shown in part (a), the drive transmission engagement portion 562g has a drive transmission surface 562h, an outer peripheral portion 562j, and a retraction portion 562k. Furthermore, the rotational driving force received from the motor is transmitted through the drive transmission surface 562h provided in the drive transmission engagement portion 562g to the connecting member 577, which serves as the first transmission member on the box P side.

[0546] More specifically, the drive transmission engagement portion 562g is a convex polygonal prism and has three drive transmission surfaces 562h depending on the number of drive relay portions 577d provided in the connecting member 577. The drive transmission engagement portion 562g has the same characteristics as the drive transmission engagement portion 474g in Embodiment 4. Figure 29 Similar structures to parts (a), etc.

[0547] The drive transmission surface 562h connects to the drive transmission engagement portion 562g from the outer peripheral portion 562j toward the downstream side of the rotation direction J, and the retraction portion 562k is provided on the downstream side of the drive transmission surface 562h along the rotation direction J. The outer peripheral portion 562j is part of the circumcircle R50 of the polygonal prism, and its diameter is d50.

[0548] Additionally, the first output component 562a has a retaining flange 562q at its end on the box P side along the rotation axis. The diameter of the retaining flange 562q is d50, which is the same as the diameter of the outer peripheral portion 562j. That is, the retaining flange 562q is formed by connecting the partially arcuate outer peripheral portion 562j into a circle in the circumferential direction. By providing the retaining flange 562q at the end of the first output component 562a, a retaining surface 562m is provided to connect the retaining flange 562q and the drive transmission engagement portion 562g.

[0549] Next, the detailed shape of the second output component 562b that transmits drive to the control loop will be described. For example... Figure 39 Part (a) and Figure 39 As shown in part (b), the second output component 562b is coaxial with the first output component 562a and is arranged radially outward compared to the first output component 562a. The second output component 562b includes an annular rib-shaped second drive transmission portion 562n projecting along the axis of rotation toward the box P side. Figure 40 As shown in part (b), the second drive transmission surface 562p is disposed downstream of the second drive transmission portion 562n in the rotational direction J. The second drive transmission surface 562p transmits drive to the second engaged surface 575d9, which is the second drive force receiving surface (second drive force receiving portion) of the housing P.

[0550] The second drive transmission portion 562n is provided at three locations matching the number of the second engaged surfaces 575d9 provided on the control ring 575d. As described above, the second output portion 562b is connected to the torque limiter 562c and rotates in conjunction with the torque limiter 562c.

[0551] [Installation of Box P in the main component]

[0552] Next, the engagement state between the main component drive shaft 562 and the transmission release mechanism 575 when the box P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is installed in the main component 2 of the device will be described.

[0553] After box P is installed on the main component 2 of the device, close the front door 3. Figure 2 When the main component drive shaft 562 is in conjunction with the closing of the front door 3, it moves from... Figure 39 Part (b) moved to Figure 37 Part (c).

[0554] At this moment, just like the combination Figure 37 As explained, before the transmission release mechanism 575 is installed on the main assembly 2 of the device, the control ring 575d is in the second rotational position by the action of the return spring 575c, and the control part 575d5 retracts from the driven connection surface 577j.

[0555] That is, such as Figure 40 As shown in part (a), the drive relay portion 577d of the connecting component 577 is in a natural state where it does not receive force from other components, and the inscribed circle R51 formed by the three first joined surfaces 577h has a diameter d51.

[0556] In contrast, the diameter d50 at the outer peripheral portion 562j of the drive transmission engagement portion 562g satisfies d50 < d51 as described below. More specifically, the diameter d51 is 9.6 mm and the diameter d50 is 8 mm.

[0557] As described above, the diameter d51 of the inscribed circle R51 formed by the three first engaged surfaces 577h of the coupling member 577 is larger than the diameter d50 of the drive transmission engagement portion 562g of the main assembly drive shaft 562. Thus, when the cassette P is inserted into the main assembly 2 of the apparatus, the main assembly drive shaft 562 enters the coupling member 577, and the main assembly drive shaft 562 and the coupling member 577 can be engaged with each other.

[0558] Hereinafter, Figures 38 to 45 will be referred to, and the relationship between the transmission release mechanism 575 and the main assembly drive shaft 562 will be described in detail. The positional relationship among the control ring 575d, the coupling member 577, and the main assembly drive shaft 562 will be described for each state and operation such as the drive cut-off state, the drive transmission operation, the drive transmission state, and the drive cut-off operation.

[0559] Figure 38 Part (a) of shows such a state in which the control member 576 is disposed at the first position allowing the control ring 575d to rotate, and the control ring 575d is located at the first rotation position, that is, the position in the drive transmission state. When the control member 576 is in the first position, the contact surface 576b of the control member 576 is disposed outside the rotation locus A (double-dot chain line) of the locked portion 575d4 of the control ring 575d and is away from the transmission release mechanism 575.

[0560] Next, Figure 38 Part (b) of shows such a state in which the control member 576 is in the second position, and the control member 576 locks the locked portion 575d4 of the control ring 575d, and the control ring 575d is in the second rotation position, that is, the position in the drive cut-off state.

[0561] When the control member 576 is in the second position, the contact surface 576b of the control member 576 is disposed inside the rotation locus A (double-dot chain line) of the locked portion 575d4 of the control ring 575d. Therefore, the contact surface 576b of the control member 576 locks the locked portion 575d4 of the control ring 575d and tends to restrict the rotation of the control ring 575d.

[0562] Figure 42 and 43 show the transmission release mechanism 575, the developing cover member 532, the control member 576, and the main assembly drive shaft 562, and show the positional relationship among the components in each state.

[0563] Figure 42 Part (a) shows the drive cut-off state, where the control unit 576 is in the second position and the control ring 575d is in the second rotational position. At this time, as... Figure 38 As shown in part (b), the contact surface 576b of the control component 576 is in contact with the locked portion 575d4 of the control ring 575d.

[0564] Figure 42 Part (b) illustrates a state in the drive transmission operation, wherein the control unit 576 is in a first position and the control ring 575d is in a state where it has moved from a second rotational position to the first rotational position. At this time, as... Figure 38 As shown in part (a), the contact surface 576b of the control component 576 is in a state where the control ring 575d is retracted from the locked part 575d4.

[0565] Figure 43 Part (a) shows the drive transmission state, where the control unit 576 is in the first position and the control ring 575d is in the first rotational position. At this time, as... Figure 38 As shown in part (a), the contact surface 576b of the control component 576 retracts from the locked portion 575d4 of the control ring 575d.

[0566] Figure 43 Part (b) illustrates a state during the drive-cutting operation, wherein the control unit 576 is in the second position and the control ring 575d is in a state where it has moved from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. At this time, as... Figure 38 As shown in part (b), the contact surface 576b of the control component 576 is in contact with the locked portion 575d4 of the control ring 575d.

[0567] The detailed status will be described in order below.

[0568] [Drive cut-off state 1]

[0569] Immediately after the box P is installed onto the main component 2 of the device, the transmission release mechanism 575 is in the drive cut-off state, as... Figure 40 Part (a) is shown. This will be described in detail.

[0570] Immediately after the box P is installed onto the main assembly 2 of the device, two phases of the main assembly drive shaft 562 and the transmission release mechanism 575 will be described.

[0571] First, such as Figure 41As shown in part (b), the annular rib-shaped second drive transmission portion 562n of the second output component 562b of the main component drive shaft 562 overlaps in phase with the annular rib-shaped control portion 575d5 disposed in the control ring 575d. Furthermore, in the axial direction, the end faces of the annular ribs are in contact with each other.

[0572] This state is the first phase during installation. Figure 41 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the rotation axis X (rotation axis) in the first phase during installation, with the transmission release mechanism 575 and the main component drive shaft 562 engaged with each other.

[0573] Figure 41 Part (b) is in Figure 41 Part (a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation X at SS3, wherein the second drive transmission portion 562n of the first output component 562a and the second output component 562b is cut in section.

[0574] During installation, in the first phase, the main component drive shaft 562 is not in its final position relative to the transmission release mechanism 575.

[0575] Here, the second output component 562b is movable relative to the first output component 562a and a certain distance relative to the axial direction, and the second output component 562b is pushed toward the box P in the axial direction by a push spring (not shown).

[0576] In addition, such as Figure 41 As shown in part (a), even during the first phase of installation, the first output component 562a remains in the state where the connecting component 577 is inserted. During the first phase of installation, when the motor (not shown) of the main assembly 2 rotates, the upstream drive shaft 562d and the first output component 562a rotate. However, in the natural state, the three first engaged surfaces 577h of the connecting component 577 are radially outside the diameter d51 of the drive transmission engagement portion 562g, therefore, in the disconnected state, the rotation of the main assembly drive shaft 562 cannot be transmitted to the connecting component 577.

[0577] On the other hand, the second drive transmission portion 562n, driven by the torque limiter 562c, contacts the end face of the control portion 575d5 of the control ring 575d while rotating. When the second drive transmission portion 562n rotates, its phase reaches between the control portions 575d5 located at three positions, and it moves in the direction of arrow N via a push spring (not shown). Thus, as... Figure 39 Part (c) and Figure 40As shown in part (a), the second drive transmission section 562n is positioned between the control sections 575d5. This state is the second phase during installation.

[0578] Depending on the phase of the main component drive shaft 562 and the transmission release mechanism 575, this phase can be the second phase immediately following the installation of the box P to the main component 2.

[0579] During installation, in the second phase, when the second drive transmission surface 562p and the second mating surface 575d9 are not in contact with each other, the control portion 575d5 retracts from the driven connection surface 577j in this state. The drive cut-off state, where rotation of the main component drive shaft 562 cannot be transmitted to the connecting member 577, is maintained.

[0580] [Driver-driven operation]

[0581] Next, the drive transfer operation when transitioning from the drive cut-off state to the drive transfer state will be described.

[0582] Figure 44 Part (a) shows the state of the drive cut-off operation when the drive transmission state transitions to the drive cut-off state.

[0583] At the start of the drive transmission operation, the control unit 576 is positioned in a first position that allows the control ring 575d to rotate, such as... Figure 38 Part (a) is shown. Here, since the operation of the control unit 576 is the same as in Embodiment 1, its description is omitted. When the control unit 576 is in the first position, the control unit 576 is not in contact with the control ring 575d, thus allowing the control ring 575d to rotate.

[0584] When the upstream drive shaft 562d from Figure 40 When the state shown in part (a) begins to rotate in the direction of arrow J, the second output component 562b connected to the upstream drive shaft 562d also rotates via torque limiter 562c. Under the action of torque limiter 562c, the second output component 562b rotates integrally with the first output component 562a until the torque required for the rotation of the second output component 562b becomes a predetermined value.

[0585] Therefore, when the drive transmission begins, the second output component 562b rotates relative to the stopped control ring 575d. The second drive transmission surface 562p provided on the second output component 562b reaches a position that contacts the second engaged surface (second drive force receiving portion, push force receiving portion) 575d9 provided on the control ring 575d.

[0586] The control ring 575d receives a driving force from the second output component 562b at the second mating surface 575d9 to begin rotating relative to the coupling component 577. That is, with the developing roller and the coupling component 577 stationary, the control ring 575d first receives a driving force (second driving force, second rotational force, pushing force) to begin movement.

[0587] The rotation of the drive connection surface 575d6 of the control ring 575d from Figure 40 The drive disconnection state 1 shown in part (a) (already in a non-contact state with drive relay part 577d) begins, as... Figure 44 As shown in part (a), the drive connection surface 575d6 begins to contact the introduction surface 577k of the connecting member 577. The introduction surface 577k is an inclined surface connecting the driven connection surface 577j and the arm portion 577g of the drive relay portion 577d, and the drive connection surface 575d6 advances in the rotational direction J while contacting the introduction surface 577k. The control portion 575d5 generates a force f52 on the introduction surface 577k at the contact position T52 where it contacts the introduction surface 577k.

[0588] Here, the drive relay portion 577d of the connecting component 577 is a cantilever beam including a support portion 577f as a fulcrum. The introduction surface 577k, which is the free end side of the drive relay portion 577d, receives a force f52 from the drive connection surface 575d6 at the contact position T52, thereby generating a bending moment M52 in the drive relay portion 577d. As a result, the drive relay portion 577d bends radially inward about the support portion 577f as a fulcrum, and moves radially inward through elastic deformation.

[0589] Furthermore, when the control ring 575d rotates relative to the connecting member 577, the rotation of the control ring 575d continues until the rotation-restricted end face 575d8 on the control ring 575d contacts the rotation-restricted end face 577m on the connecting member 577. The state in which the rotation-restricted end face 575d8 and the rotation-restricted end face 577m are in contact with each other is... Figure 44 Part (b) shows the drive transmission state. Figure 44 In the drive transmission state shown in part (b), the control part 575d5 contacts the driven connection surface 577j of the connecting member 577.

[0590] exist Figure 40In the drive-off state 1 shown in part (a), a gap s0 is provided between the inner diameter portion 577b of the connecting member 577 and the driven connecting surface 577j, and the relationship between the gap s0 and the thickness t of the control portion 575d5 in the control ring 575d is that the gap s0 < the thickness t. The thickness t of the control portion 575d5 is greater than the gap s0. Therefore, when the rotation of the control ring 575d continues in the drive transmission operation, the control portion 575d5 widens the gap s0, as shown in part (a). Figure 44 Part (b) is shown.

[0591] Since the control portion 575d5 is inserted into the gap s0, the gap between the inner diameter portion 577b of the connecting component and the driven connecting surface 577j is switched to gap s1. Specifically, gap s1 is approximately equal to the thickness t. In addition, the amount of bending that causes the drive relay portion 577d to elastically deform inward in the radial direction corresponds to the difference between the thickness t and the gap s0.

[0592] Here, when the control part 575d5 contacts the introduction surface 577k, the diameter of the inscribed circle of the three joined surfaces 577h is d53. The diameter d53 is greater than... Figure 40 The diameter d51 of the inscribed circle R51 in the drive cut-off state 1 shown in part (a) is smaller than the amount of radial inward elastic deformation of the drive relay part 577d. Additionally, the diameter of the inscribed circle R52, virtually drawn relative to the three joined surfaces 577h in the drive transmission state, is d52. The thickness t of the control part 575d5 is selected such that the diameter d52 generated by the deformation of the drive relay part 577d satisfies d52 relative to the diameter d50 at the outer periphery 562j of the drive transmission joining part 562g of the main component drive shaft 562. <d50。

[0593] Here, while the control section 575d5 continues to rotate via a drive transmission operation while in contact with the introduction surface 577g of the connecting component 577, Figure 44 The state shown in part (a) becomes Figure 44 The state shown in part (b). During this process, the diameter of the inscribed circle gradually decreases from the diameter d51 of the inscribed circle R51 in the drive cut-off state to the diameter d52 of the inscribed circle R52 in the drive transmission state. That is, the joined surface (joined part, drive force receiving part) 577h moves from the second position (non-joined position) on the radially outer side to the first position (joined position) on the radially inner side.

[0594] Thus, the engaged surface 577h of the connecting member 577 is switched to a state in which it can engage with the drive transmission surface 562h of the main component drive shaft 562, and a drive transmission state is established, wherein the rotation of the main component drive shaft 562 is transmitted to the downstream transmission member 571, such as... Figure 44Part (b) is shown.

[0595] Here, the setting and operation of the torque limiter 562c of the main component drive shaft 562 will be described with regard to the process of switching to the drive transmission state through drive transmission operation. In Embodiment 4, the torque limiter is disposed between the first transmission member of the cartridge and the control ring. However, in this embodiment, the torque limiter 562c is disposed on the main component drive shaft 562 of the main component of the image forming apparatus.

[0596] By operating the torque limiter 562c, the second output component 562b rotates integrally with the upstream drive shaft 562d until the torque acting on the second output component 562b reaches a predetermined level. Furthermore, when the torque acting on the second output component 562b is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the second output component 562b remains stationary under the action of the torque limiter 562c, but the main component drive shaft 562 can rotate.

[0597] During the drive transmission operation, the control section 575d5 rotates relative to the connecting member 577 while widening the gap s0. That is, during the drive transmission operation, the driven connecting surface 577j contacts the driving connecting surface 575d6, and load resistance is generated when the drive relay section 577d undergoes radial inward elastic deformation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission release mechanism 575 is provided with a return spring 575c, and a torque M5 acts on the control ring 575d in the direction of arrow K. When the second output member 562b rotates the control ring 575d in the rotation direction J, the torque M5 in the direction of arrow K is applied as load resistance. The idle torque of the torque limiter 562c must be set so that the rotation of the second output member 562b does not stop due to load resistance. In this embodiment, the radial inward elastic deformation at the drive relay section 577d is set to 1.6 mm, the torque M of the reset spring 575c is set to 1.5 N·cm, and the idling torque of the torque limiter 562c of the transmission release mechanism 575 is set to 4.9 N·cm.

[0598] Next, in order to Figure 44 In the drive transmission state transition state shown in part (b), the control ring 575d has reached the position where the rotationally restricted end face 575d8 and the rotationally restricted end face 577m are in contact with each other. In this state, the control ring 575d receives the load torque from the downstream transmission member 571 connected to the coupling member 577. That is, the second output member 562b that transmits drive to the control ring 575d also receives the load torque from the downstream transmission member 571.

[0599] The torque limiter 562c sets the idle torque to be lower than the load torque of the downstream transmission component 571, therefore, the downstream transmission component 571 cannot rotate. That is, the rotation of the second output component 562b and the control ring 575d relative to the connecting component 577 stops, and the rotation of the control ring 575d is restricted by the connecting component 577.

[0600] The position where the rotation-restricted end face 575d8 of the control ring 575d contacts the rotation-restricted end face 577m of the connecting component 577 is defined as the first position (first rotational position). The first rotational position is the position of the control ring 575d in the drive transmission state.

[0601] Here, the drive transmission operation will be described with respect to the rotation direction phase of the engaged surface 577h of the coupling member 577 in the state during the drive transmission operation. More specifically, the drive transmission operation in a combination of two phases will be described. When such... Figure 45 The first phase combination occurs when the rotational direction phase of the mated surface 577h shown in part (a) is located at the retraction portion 562k of the drive transmission mating portion 562g of the main component drive shaft 562. Next, when as Figure 44 When the rotational direction phase on the joined surface 577h shown in part (a) is placed on the outer peripheral portion 562j of the drive transmission joining portion 562g and the drive transmission surface 562h, a second phase combination occurs.

[0602] In the drive transmission operation, when the control ring 575d rotates relative to the connecting member 577, the control portion 575d5 of the control ring 575d causes the drive relay portion 577d of the connecting member 577 to elastically deform in the radial direction.

[0603] like Figure 45 As shown in part (a), in the case of the first phase combination, the engaged surface 577h is located at the retraction portion 562k, and therefore, the engaged surface 577h can move inward in the radial direction before contacting the drive transmission engagement portion 562g. Thus, once the drive transmission is received from the second output component 562b, the control ring 575d can reach the first rotational position. Figure 45 In part (a), the mating surface (matting part, driving force receiv...

Claims

1. A housing capable of being detachably mounted to a main component of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the housing comprising: developing roller; A first transmission component is used to transmit a driving force for rotating the developing roller by rotating about an axis. as well as A second transfer member is provided with a drive force receiving portion for receiving drive force by engaging with the first transfer member, for transferring drive force from the first transfer member toward the developing roller by rotating about the axis, wherein the drive force receiving portion is configured to perform forward and backward movements along the radial direction of the second transfer member between (a) a first receiving portion position where the drive force receiving portion engages with the first transfer member and (b) a second receiving portion position where the engagement with the first transfer member is released.

2. The box according to claim 1, further comprising a rotatable component capable of rotating about the axis between (a) a first rotational position for positioning the driving force receiving portion at the first receiving portion position and (b) a second rotational position for positioning the driving force receiving portion at the second receiving portion position or for allowing the driving force receiving portion to move from the first receiving portion position to the second receiving portion position.

3. The box according to claim 2, wherein the rotatable component is provided with a pushing portion for pushing the driving force receiving portion toward the second receiving portion position when the rotatable component moves to the second rotation position.

4. The box according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the rotatable component includes a retaining portion for retaining the driving force receiving portion in the first receiving portion position when the rotatable component is in the first rotational position.

5. The box according to claim 4, wherein the rotation radius of the retaining portion is greater than the rotation radius of the driving force receiving portion.

6. The box according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the rotatable member is connected to the first transmission member so as to be able to rotate together with the first transmission member, and wherein the connection between the rotatable member and the first transmission member is configured to be released when the torque used to rotate the rotatable member exceeds a predetermined level.

7. The box according to any one of claims 2-6, further comprising a torque limiter connecting the first transmission member and the rotatable member.

8. The box according to any one of claims 2-7, further comprising a control member for controlling the rotation of the rotatable component, the control member being movable between (a) a first control position for allowing the rotatable component to rotate and (b) a second control position for stopping the rotation of the rotatable component.

9. The box according to claim 8, wherein the control member is configured to move the rotatable member in a direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction when the rotation of the rotatable member stops in a predetermined rotation direction.

10. The box according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control component includes a locking portion for locking a locked portion disposed on the rotatable component, wherein the locking portion is movable between (a) an unlocked position retracting from the rotational trajectory of the locked portion and (b) a locked position for engaging the locked portion to stop rotation of the locked portion.

11. The cartridge according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the cartridge includes a photosensitive element, wherein the control element is configured to move to (a) the second control position according to movement of the developing roller away from the photosensitive element and to (b) the first control position according to movement of the developing roller toward the photosensitive element.

12. The box according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the box includes a photosensitive element.

13. The box according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the first transmission member includes an engagement portion for engaging with the driving force receiving portion.

14. The box of claim 13, further comprising a protrusion for engaging at least one of the engaging portion and the driving force receiving portion with the other of them.

15. The box according to claim 13 or 14, wherein one of the engaging portion and the driving force receiving portion is provided with a protrusion, and the other is provided with a recess for engaging with the protrusion.

16. The box according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the engaging portion and the driving force receiving portion are provided with corresponding protrusions configured to engage with each other.

17. The box according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein a plurality of said driving force receiving portions are provided.

18. The box according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the second receiving portion is positioned further away from the axis than the first receiving portion is positioned.

19. The box according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the second receiving portion is positioned closer to the axis than the first receiving portion.

20. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: The box according to any one of claims 1-19; The main component of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

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