Cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

[Task] To further develop conventional technology. [Solution] A cartridge is provided, including: a photosensitive member 4; a developing member 6 for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member 4; a coupling member 74 capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member 6; a movable portion 510 capable of moving between a driving force transmission position for allowing transmission of the driving force from the coupling member 74 to the developing member 6 and a driving force interruption position for interrupting transmission of the driving force from the coupling member to the developing member 6; a retaining portion for retaining the movable portion in the driving force interruption position when the movable portion is in the driving force interruption position, wherein the movable portion 510 is capable of occupying the driving force transmission position and the driving force interruption position in a state in which the developing member 6 is in a position at which toner can be deposited on the photosensitive member 6.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer employing an electrophotographic method, and a cartridge which is attachable to and detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Herein, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as "image forming apparatus") forms an image on a sheet-like recording material such as paper using an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a copier, a facsimile, a printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), and a multifunction machine (multifunction printer). The cartridge is a unit which is attachable to and detachable from the above-described image forming apparatus, and is a unit which includes a photosensitive member and / or a processing device (e.g., a charging member, a developing member, a cleaning member, etc.) which can act on the photosensitive member. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, the image forming apparatus employs a process cartridge system in which a drum and a processing device which can act on the drum are integrated in a cartridge, and the cartridge is attachable to and detachable from a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. With this process cartridge system, a maintenance operation of the image forming apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on a service person, so that operability can be significantly improved. Therefore, the process cartridge system can be widely used for the image forming apparatus.

[0003] Herein, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-337511 proposes a process cartridge provided with a clutch for performing drive switching so that a developing roller is driven during image formation and the drive to the developing roller is interrupted during non-image formation. Further, JP 2015-111221 discloses a structure for switching between transmission of the drive to the developing roller and interruption of the drive to the developing roller while the surface of a photosensitive drum and the developing roller are kept in contact with each other. SUMMARY

[0004] [PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED]

[0005] In JP 2001-337511, the clutch for switching the drive is provided at the end portion of the developing roller, and a rotation shaft and a crank mechanism including an arm connecting the rotation shaft, which is not aligned with the rotation axis, are used in order to switch the drive in conjunction with the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. However, the conventional techniques described in JP 2001-337511 and JP 2015-111221 still have room for further improvement. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to further develop the conventional techniques.

[0006] [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a cartridge is provided, which includes:

[0008] a photosensitive member;

[0009] a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member;

[0010] a coupling member capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member;

[0011] a movable portion capable of moving between a driving force transmission position for allowing transmission of the driving force from the coupling member to the developing member and a driving force interruption position for interrupting transmission of the driving force from the coupling member to the developing member;

[0012] a holding portion for holding the movable portion in the driving force interruption position when the movable portion is in the driving force interruption position,

[0013] wherein the movable portion is capable of occupying the driving force transmission position and the driving force interruption position in a state where the developing member is in a position in which toner is capable of being deposited on the photosensitive member.

[0014] [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, the prior art can be further developed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram of a driving interruption operation according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 4 is an assembled perspective view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a driving connection portion in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the engagement portion of the coupling in Example 1.

[0025] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the drive connection portion in Example 1.

[0026] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the structure of the parts of the drive connection portion during drive transmission in Example 1.

[0027] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the control member 510 itself in Example 1.

[0028] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the control member 510 at the time of drive connection and interruption in Example 1.

[0029] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the installation operation of the process cartridge to the device main assembly in Example 1.

[0030] Figure 15 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the control member 510 in Example 1.

[0031] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the drive connection operation in Example 1.

[0032] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the drive connection portion in Example 2.

[0033] Figure 18 is a sectional view of the clutch member in Example 2.

[0034] Figure 19 is a diagram showing the engagement portion between the clutch member and the coupling in Example 2.

[0035] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the control member 1510 in Example 2.

[0036] Figure 21 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the control member 1510 at the time of drive connection and interruption in Example 2.

[0037] Figure 22 is a diagram showing the drive interruption operation in Example 2.

[0038] Figure 23 is a diagram showing the drive connection operation in Example 2.

[0039] Figure 24 is an exploded view of the push member 1511 in Example 2.

[0040] Figure 25 is a diagram showing the driving connection and driving interruption operation when the push member in Embodiment 2 is used.

[0041] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the driving connection portion in Embodiment 3.

[0042] Figure 27 is an exploded view of the locking member 550 in Embodiment 3.

[0043] Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the tube control member 3510 itself in Embodiment 3.

[0044] Figure 29 is a diagram showing the driving interruption operation in Embodiment 3.

[0045] Figure 30 is a diagram showing the driving connection operation in Embodiment 3.

[0046] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the driving connection portion in Embodiment 4.

[0047] Figure 32 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the driving connection portion during driving transmission in Embodiment 4.

[0048] Figure 33 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the driving connection portion at the time of driving interruption in Embodiment 4.

[0049] Figure 34 is a diagram showing the driving interruption operation in Embodiment 4.

[0050] Figure 35 is a diagram showing the driving connection operation in Embodiment 4.

[0051] Figure 36 is a perspective view of the driving connection portion in Embodiment 5.

[0052] Figure 37 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the driving connection portion at the time of driving connection and driving interruption in Embodiment 5.

[0053] Figure 38 is a diagram showing the driving interruption operation in Embodiment 5.

[0054] Figure 39 is a diagram showing the driving connection operation in Embodiment 5.

[0055] Figure 40 is a perspective view of the driving connection portion in Embodiment 6.

[0056] Figure 41 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the drive connecting portion in Embodiment 6 at the time of drive connection and at the time of drive interruption.

[0057] Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 6.

[0058] Figure 43 is a diagram showing the drive interruption operation in Embodiment 6.

[0059] Figure 44 is a diagram showing the drive connection operation in Embodiment 6.

[0060] Figure 45 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the baffle position limiting pin in Embodiment 6 at the time of drive connection and at the time of drive interruption.

[0061] Figure 46 is a diagram showing the drive interruption operation in Embodiment 7.

[0062] Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship of the drive connecting portion in Embodiment 7 at the time of drive connection and at the time of drive interruption.

[0063] Figure 48 is a diagram showing the drive interruption operation in Embodiment 7.

[0064] Figure 49 is a diagram of the drive connection operation in Embodiment 7.

[0065] Figure 50 is an exploded view of the process cartridge in Embodiment 8.

[0066] Figure 51 is a diagram showing the operation of the control member in Embodiment 8.

[0067] Figure 52 is a side view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 8.

[0068] Figure 53 is a side view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 8.

[0069] Figure 54 is a side view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 8.

[0070] Figure 55 is an exploded view of the control member in Embodiment 9.

[0071] Figure 56 is a diagram showing the operation of the control member in Embodiment 9.

[0072] Figure 57 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control member in Embodiment 9.

[0073] Figure 58 is a diagram of the operation of the control member in Example 9.

[0074] Figure 59 is an exploded view of the control member in Example 10.

[0075] Figure 60 is a diagram of the operation of the control member in Example 10.

[0076] Figure 61 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the control member in Example 10.

[0077] Figure 62 is a diagram of the operation of the control member in Example 10.

[0078] Figure 63 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the control member in Example 10.

[0079] Figure 64 is a side view of the process cartridge according to Example 11.

[0080] Figure 65 is an exploded view of the process cartridge according to Example 11.

[0081] Figure 66 is a diagram showing the installation operation of the process cartridge to the device main assembly in Example 11.

[0082] Figure 67 is an exploded view of the process cartridge according to Example 12.

[0083] Figure 68 is a diagram of the operation of the control member in Example 12.

[0084] Figure 69 is a diagram of the operation of the control member in Example 12.

[0085] Figure 70 is a diagram of the operation of the control member in Example 12.

[0086] Figure 71 is a diagram of the operation of the control member in Example 12.

[0087] Figure 72 is a diagram of the operation of the control member in Example 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] Embodiments embodying the present application will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the size, material, shape, and relative arrangement of the components described in these embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the structure and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present application is applied. That is, the scope of the present application should not be limited to the embodiments to be described below.

[0089] (Embodiment 1)

[0090] Reference Figures 1 to 16 Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. In the following embodiments, an image forming apparatus capable of detachably mounting four cartridges (hereinafter referred to as process cartridges) is exemplified to explain the image forming apparatus. The number of process cartridges mounted on the image forming apparatus is not limited to the number in the embodiments. It can be appropriately selected according to the situation. Further, in the embodiments described below, as one aspect of the image forming apparatus, a laser beam printer is exemplified to explain.

[0091] [Exemplary Structure of Image Forming Apparatus]

[0092] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 500 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge P according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge P according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, as viewed from the driving side which is one end side in the axial direction (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction) of a photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum 4).

[0093] The image forming apparatus 500 is a four-color full-color laser printer that forms a color image using an electrophotographic process and on a recording material S. The image forming apparatus 500 is of a process cartridge type and forms a color image on a recording material S, in which a process cartridge P is detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus main assembly 502. Here, with respect to the image forming apparatus 500, the side on which a front door 111 is provided is the front side, and the side opposite to the front side is the back side (rear side). In addition, the right side of the image forming apparatus 500 is referred to as the driving side, and the left side is referred to as the non-driving side. Further, when the image forming apparatus 500 is viewed from the front side, the upper side is referred to as the upper side, and the lower side is referred to as the lower side. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500, as viewed from the non-driving side, in which the front side of the drawing sheet of the drawing is the non-driving side of the image forming apparatus 500, the right side of the drawing sheet of the drawing is the front side of the image forming apparatus 500, and the back side of the drawing sheet of the drawing is the driving side of the image forming apparatus 500.

[0094] In the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, four processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, namely, the first processing box PY, the second processing box PM, the third processing box PC, and the fourth processing box PK. Each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) has a similar electrophotographic processing mechanism and uses a different color developer (hereinafter referred to as toner). Rotational driving force is transmitted from the drive output section (not shown) of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus to the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK). A bias voltage (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) (not shown) is provided from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus to each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK).

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) in this embodiment includes a drum unit 8 that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 4, and includes a charging device and a cleaning device as processing devices that can act on the photosensitive drum 4. Figure 2 Each of the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) shown includes a developing unit 9, which includes a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected to each other. A more specific structure of the processing cartridge P will be described below.

[0096] The first processing cartridge PY contains yellow (Y) toner in the developer container 25 and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The second processing cartridge PM contains magenta (M) toner in the developer container 25 and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The third processing cartridge PC contains cyan (C) toner in the developer container 25 and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The fourth processing cartridge PK contains black (K) toner in the developer container 25 and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0097] The laser scanner unit 114, serving as an exposure device, is disposed above the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The laser scanner unit 114 outputs a laser beam U based on image information. The laser beam U travels through the exposure window 10 of the processing box P to scan and expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

[0098] The intermediate transfer belt unit 112, serving as a transfer component, extends below the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The intermediate transfer belt unit 112 includes a drive roller 112e, a guide roller 112c, and a tension roller 112b, with a flexible transfer belt 112a extending around these rollers. The lower surface of the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) of the first to fourth processing cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 112a. The contact portion between them constitutes the primary transfer portion. The primary transfer roller 112d is positioned inside the transfer belt 112a, opposite the photosensitive drum 4. The secondary transfer roller 106a contacts the guide roller 112c, with the transfer belt 112a located between them. The contact portion between the transfer belt 112a and the secondary transfer roller 106a constitutes the secondary transfer portion.

[0099] The feed unit 104 is located below the intermediate transfer belt unit 112. The feed unit 104 includes a sheet feed tray 104a (in which recording materials S are stacked) and a sheet feed roller 104b. The fixing device 107 and the paper discharge device 108 are located in the upper left part of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. Figure 2 The upper surface of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus serves as the discharge tray 113. The toner image is fixed onto the recording material S by a fixing device provided in the fixing unit 107, and then the recording material S is discharged into the discharge tray 113.

[0100] Image forming operations

[0101] The operation for forming a panchromatic image is as follows. The photosensitive drum 4 (alongside) of the first to fourth processing boxes P (PY, PM, PC, PK) Figure 3 The direction of the middle arrow A) is rotated at a predetermined speed. As the photosensitive drum rotates, the transfer belt 112a also moves in the forward direction (…). Figure 2 The photosensitive drum 4 is driven to rotate at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 4 (direction of the middle arrow C). The laser scanner unit 114 is also driven. Synchronously with the driving of the laser scanner unit 114, in each processing cartridge, the charging roller 5 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to a potential of a predetermined polarity. The laser scanner unit 114 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 4 with a laser beam U according to the image signal of each color. Thus, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The formed electrostatic latent image is driven at a predetermined speed (along the direction of the middle arrow C). Figure 3 The developing rollers 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) are rotated and developed (in the direction of the middle arrow D).

[0102] A yellow toner image corresponding to a yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4Y) of the first process cartridge PY by the electrophotographic image forming process operation as described above. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 112a. Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to a magenta component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4M) of the second process cartridge PM. Then, this toner image is superimposed on the yellow toner image already transferred onto the transfer belt 112a by primary transfer. Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to a cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4C) of the third process cartridge PC. Then, this toner image is superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images already transferred onto the transfer belt 112a by primary transfer. Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to a black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 (4K) of the fourth process cartridge PK. Then, this toner image is superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images already transferred onto the transfer belt 112a by primary transfer. In this way, an unfixed full-color toner image of the four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on the transfer belt 112a.

[0103] On the other hand, the recording material S is separated and fed one by one at predetermined controlled timings. The recording material S is introduced to the secondary transfer portion (that is, the contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 106a and the transfer belt 112a) at predetermined controlled timings. Thereby, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 112a is transferred all at once onto the surface of the recording material S while the recording material S is fed to the secondary transfer portion.

[0104] [Overall structure of process cartridges]

[0105] In this embodiment, the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) have the same electrophotographic process mechanism and contain toners of different colors and different amounts. Figure 3 The illustrated process cartridge P includes a photosensitive drum 4 and a process device capable of acting on the photosensitive drum 4. Here, the process device includes a charging roller 5 as a charging device for charging the photosensitive drum 4, a developing roller 6 as a developing member for developing a formed latent image by depositing a toner onto the photosensitive drum 4, and a cleaning blade 7 as a cleaning device for removing residual toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, and the like. The process cartridge P is divided into a drum unit 8 and a developing unit 9. The form of the cartridge that can be used with the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the form illustrated here. For example, the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 can be independently mounted to and detached from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, or the drum unit 8 is fixed to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and only the developing unit 9 can be mounted to and detached from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0106] [Structure of drum unit]

[0107] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the drum unit 8 includes the photosensitive drum 4, the charging roller 5, the cleaning blade 7, a drum frame 15, a waste toner storage portion 15a, a driving side cartridge cover member 520, a non-driving side cartridge cover member 521. The photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably supported by the driving side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 521 provided at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P. Further, as shown in Figure 4 , a photosensitive member coupling member 43 that inputs a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 4 is provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 4. The photosensitive member coupling member 43 engages with a coupler (not shown) that is a drum driving output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, so that a driving force of a driving motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 4. The charging roller 5 is supported by the drum frame 15 so as to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 4, and is thus driven to rotate by the photosensitive drum 4. In addition, the cleaning blade 7 is supported by the drum frame 15 so as to contact an outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 with a predetermined pressure. Untransferred residual toner removed from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 by the cleaning blade 7 is stored in the waste toner storage portion 15a inside the drum frame 15.

[0108] [Structure of developing unit]

[0109] As shown in Figure 3 , the developing unit 9 includes the developing roller 6, the developing blade 30, the developer container 25, and the like. The developer container 25 includes a toner storage portion 29 that stores toner to be supplied to the developing roller 6, and the developing blade 30 that regulates a thickness of a toner layer on an outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 6. The developing blade 30 is formed by mounting an elastic member 30b made of a metal sheet having a thickness of about 0.1 mm to a support member 30a made of a metal material having an L-shaped cross section in a manner of welding or the like. The developing blade 30 is mounted to the developer container 25 at two positions, i.e., one longitudinal end portion and the other longitudinal end portion, with fixing screws 30c. The developing roller 6 includes a metal core 6c and a rubber portion 6d. The developing roller 6 is rotatably supported by a driving side bearing 526 and a non-driving side bearing 27 mounted to the opposite longitudinal end portions of the developer container 25, respectively.

[0110] As shown in Figure 4As shown, a developing coupling member 74 that inputs a driving force for rotating the developing roller 6 is provided at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 9. The developing coupling member 74 engages with a coupler (not shown) that is a developing drive output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, and a driving force of a driving motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 is applied to the developing unit 9. The driving force input to the developing unit 9 is transmitted by a drive train (not shown) provided in the developing unit 9, so that the developing roller 6 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow D. Figure 3 A developing device cover member 533 that supports and covers the developing coupling member 74 and the drive train (not shown) is provided at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 9.

[0111] [Assembly of the drum unit and the developing unit]

[0112] Referring to Figure 4The assembly of the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 will be described. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected by a drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 provided at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P. The drive-side cartridge cover member 520 provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P is provided with a support hole 520a for supporting the developing unit 9 in a swingable (movable) manner. The non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P is provided with a cylindrical support portion 521a for supporting the developing unit 9 in a swingable manner. In addition, the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 are provided with support holes 520b and 521b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 4. Here, at one end side, an outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 533b of the developing device cover member 533 is fitted into the support hole 520a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 520. At the other end side, the support portion 521a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 is fitted into the hole of the non-drive-side bearing 27. Further, opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 4 are fitted into the support holes 520b and 521b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521, respectively. The drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 are fixed to the drum frame 15 by screws (not shown), an adhesive, or the like. That is, the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 are integrated with the drum frame 15 to provide the drum unit 8. Thereby, the developing unit 9 is supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 to be swingable (movable) with respect to the drum unit 8 (photosensitive drum 4). Here, an axis line connecting the support hole 520a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the support portion 521a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 at the center of rotation of the developing unit 9 is referred to as a swing axis line K. The cylindrical portion 533b of the developing device cover member 533 is coaxial with the developing coupling member 74, and the developing unit 9 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 through the developing coupling member 74 at the swing axis line K. When this driving force is interrupted by the structure described below, a repulsive force between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 urges the developing unit 9 to rotate around the swing axis line K in a manner slightly away from the drum unit 8a. Thereby, the contact pressure between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 can be reduced.

[0113] [Process cartridge mounting / dismounting structure]

[0114] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the cartridge tray (hereinafter simply referred to as a tray) 110 supporting the process cartridge will be described in more detail. Figure 5 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 in a state where the front door 111 is open, with the tray 110 located inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 in a state in which the front door 111 is opened, with the tray 110 positioned outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502.

[0115] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the tray 110 is movable relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 in the arrow X1 direction (pushing direction) and the arrow X2 direction (pulling-out direction). That is, the tray 110 is provided so as to be able to be pulled out and pushed into the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, and in a state in which the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 is placed on a horizontal plane, the tray 110 is configured to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction. Here, in a state in which the tray 110 is positioned outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 (in the state in Figure 6 , the position of the tray 110 is referred to as an outside position. In addition, in a case in which the tray 110 is positioned inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K) are spaced apart from the transfer belt 112a by a gap T1 (refer to Figure 5 ) when the front door is opened, the position of the tray 110 is referred to as a first inside position.

[0116] The tray 110 has a mounting portion 110a to which the process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are detachably mounted at the outside position as shown in Figure 6 . Each process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) mounted in the mounting portion 110a of the tray 110 in the outside position is supported on the tray 110 with the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 contacting the mounting portion 110a as shown in Figure 4 . When each process cartridge P is carried on the mounting portion 110a, as the tray 110 moves from the outside position to the first inside position, each process cartridge P moves inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. At this time, the gap T1 between the transfer belt 112a and the photosensitive drums 4 is maintained while each process cartridge P moves, as shown in Figure 5 . Thus, the tray 110 is able to move the process cartridges P inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 without the photosensitive drums 4 contacting the transfer belt 112a. When the tray 110 is positioned at the first inside position, the gap T1 is maintained between the photosensitive drums 4 and the transfer belt 112a.

[0117] Here, a direction perpendicular to the arrow X direction (X1, X2) in Figure 5 and perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drums 4 is referred to as the Z direction (arrows Z1, Z2 in Figure 5 ). The tray 110 is able to move from the first inside position to a second inside position in the direction of the arrow Z2 in Figure 5 . Figure 2 In the state shown, at the second inner position, the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are in contact with each other and can form an image. In this embodiment, the structure is such that, from the state of opening the front door 111 along... Figure 5 The operation of closing the front door 111 in the direction of the middle arrow R is linked to the tray 110 located in the first inner position along... Figure 5 The direction of the middle arrow Z2 moves to the second inner position.

[0118] As described above, the tray 110 can place multiple processing boxes P together in a position inside the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus where image forming operations can be performed.

[0119] [Structure of the driver connection section]

[0120] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The structure of the drive connection section will be explained here. The drive connection section is from... Figure 7 The developing drive output component 62 of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus shown is a mechanism that receives the drive, transmits the drive to the developing roller 6, and stops the drive transmission. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the processing cartridge P from the drive side, showing the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the developing apparatus cover member 533 with the latter removed. As described above, the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 is provided with openings 520a and 520b. The developing coupling member 74 is exposed through opening 520a. The developing coupling member 74 and... Figure 7 The developing drive output members 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K) of the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus shown in part (b) are engaged to transmit driving force from a motor (not shown).

[0121] The developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75 capable of transmitting driving force through the developing coupling member 74 are rotatably disposed. Figure 8 At the end of the developing unit 9 shown. As will be described in detail below, the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75 are coaxial and can engage with each other in the longitudinal direction, and when they are engaged, drive can be transmitted from the developing coupling member 74 to the rotatable member 75. The rotatable member 75 engages with a gear 801, which in turn engages with a developing roller gear 802. Gear teeth are formed on the gear 801 and the developing roller gear 802, and the gear teeth mesh with each other. Thus, the drive transmitted to the rotatable member 75 is transmitted to the developing roller 6 via the developing roller gear 802.

[0122] Between the drive side bearing 526 and the drive side cassette cover member 520, in order from the drive side bearing 526, there are provided a gear 801, a spring 70, a rotatable member 75, a sliding member 80, a developing coupling member 74, and a developing device cover member 533. The sliding member 80 is a part of the drive switching mechanism and is a coupling release member. These members are provided coaxially with the developing coupling member 74. Here, the drive side bearing 526 includes a cylindrical support portion 526c that protrudes in a longitudinal direction parallel to the swing axis K, and the developing device cover member 533 is provided with a fitting hole 533c that fits around the support portion 526c. A control member 510, which is a movable member that is movable between a first position and a second position and will be described later, is mounted on the support portion 526c so as to be able to swing therearound. Details will be described later. Although the control member 510 is mounted to the support portion 526c of the drive side bearing 526 in this embodiment, it can be mounted to other members, such as the developing device cover member 533 or the drive side cassette cover member 520. In this embodiment, the drive connection portion includes the gear 801, the developing roller gear 802, the spring 70, the rotatable member 75, the sliding member 80, the developing coupling member 74, and the developing device cover member 533.

[0123] Referring to Figure 9 The structure of the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75 will be described. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the engagement portion between the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75. The developing coupling member 74 includes a claw portion 74a as an engagement portion (coupling portion), and the rotatable member 75 includes a claw portion 75a as an engagement portion (coupling portion). The developing coupling member 74 has a surface 74b that contacts the sliding member 80 (this will be described later), and the rotatable member 75 has a surface 75d that contacts the sliding member 80 (this will also be described later). Here, the claw portions 74 and 75 are a plurality of claws that extend radially and are arranged equidistantly in a circumferential direction around their centers of rotation, respectively. The claw portion 74a and the claw portion 75a are configured to be able to engage with each other. That is, the developing coupling member 74 is configured to be connectable with the rotatable member 75. By this, the developing coupling member 74, which is engaged with and receives a driving force from the developing drive output member 62 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, rotates and thereby rotates the engaged rotatable member 75. In this embodiment, each of the claw portion 74a and the claw portion 75a has nine claws, but the number is not limited to such an example.

[0124] Further, as Figure 9As shown, a hole 75m is provided at the center of the rotatable member 75. The hole 75m is fitted to and penetrates the small-diameter cylindrical portion 74m of the developing coupling member 74. Thereby, the developing coupling member 74 is supported so as to be rotatable about its axis relative to the rotatable member 75 and so as to be slidable relative to the rotatable member 75.

[0125] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The structure of the developing coupling member 74, the rotatable member 75, the spring 70, the gear 801, and the sliding member 80 will be described. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the drive connection portion. Figure 11 Part (a) of Fig. 8 is a view of the gear 801 and the rotatable member 75 at the time of drive transmission, as viewed from the drive side, Figure 11 Part (b) of Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along Figure 11 Part (a) of Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in Figure 11 The developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 are not shown in Part (a) of Fig. 8.

[0126] The gear 801 includes a columnar portion 801a that mates with the rotatable member 75 and the sliding member 80, and a support portion 801b that supports the spring 70. The columnar portion 801a extends radially from the rotation center of the gear 801 and extends in the F2 direction. Here, in this embodiment, four columns 801a are provided as an example, but the number is not limited to such an example. The columnar portion 801a passes through the mating hole 75n, which is the drive transmission portion of the rotatable member 75, and the surface 801c of the columnar portion 801a and the cylindrical inner surface 80c of the sliding member 80 mate with each other in the longitudinal direction outside the mating hole 75. One end of the spring 70 is attached to the support portion 801b of the gear 801, and the other end is attached to the support portion 75b of the rotatable member 75, so that the rotatable member 75 is longitudinally pushed outward along the swing axis K in the F1 direction. Here, the support portion 801b is coaxially arranged with the rotation center of the gear 801, extends in the F2 direction, and is assembled to one end of the spring 70 to support the spring 70 so that the spring 70 does not fall off. The outer peripheral surface 75c of the rotatable member 75 is located inside the inner peripheral surface 801e of the gear 801, and the rotatable member 75 can slide inside the gear 801 along the direction of the swing axis K. The cylindrical inner surface 80c of the sliding member 80 is supported by the surface 801c of the columnar portion 801a so as to be able to rotate around the swing axis K and slide in the direction of the swing axis K, and its end surface 80d contacts the surface 75d of the rotatable member 75. Thus, the sliding member 80 receives the pushing force from the spring 70 and is constantly pushed in the F1 direction. The sliding member 80 has a cam surface 80a and a surface 80b facing the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74, and in Figure 11 the drive transmission state shown in part (b), the relationship between the distance H from the end surface 80d to the opposing surface 80b and the distance L from the surface 74b to the surface 75d is H < L. Therefore, the claw portions 75a and 74a can be engaged with each other by the rotatable member 75 pushed by the spring 70 and move in the F1 direction.

[0127] Referring to Figure 11 part (a), the drive transmission state when the claw portion 74a and the claw portion 75a are engaged with each other and the developing coupling member rotates with the drive input from the developing drive output member 62 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 will be described. When the rotatable member 75 rotates in the V2 direction, the drive transmission surface 75e located at the upstream end of the fitting hole 75n in the rotation direction contacts the drive transmission surface 801d of the columnar portion 801a of the gear 801. The gear 801 receives the rotational force in the V2 direction on the drive transmission surface 801d, rotates in the V2 direction, and transmits the rotation to the engaged developing roller gear 802 to drive the developing roller 6.

[0128] [Drive connection release structure]

[0129] Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , a structure for releasing the drive connection will be described. For better illustration, Figure 12 The control member 510 is shown, which controls the longitudinal position of the sliding member 80 to release the drive connection, and Figure 12 part (a) of Figure 12 part (b) of Figure 13 part (a) of Figure 13 part (b) of

[0130] The control member 510 has a supported hole 510a, a control lever portion 510b, a foot portion 510c, and a foot portion 510d. The control lever portion 510b has a cam surface 510g and an inclined surface 510h, and the foot portions 510c and 510d have respective surfaces 510e and 510f that receive force from the drive control member 540, which will be described below. The supported hole 510a of the control member 510 cooperates with the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526, so that it can oscillate about the axis of the support portion 526c.

[0131] Figure 13 part (a) of

[0132] In the drive transmission interrupted state shown in part (b) of Figure 13 part (b) of Figure 8) swing, and the regulating lever portion 510b of the regulating member 510 is interposed between the inclined surface 74c of the developing coupling member 74 and the cam surface 80a of the sliding member 80. This position of the regulating member 510 is referred to as a second position of the regulating member 510. This position is a driving force interruption position for interrupting the transmission of the driving force from the developing coupling member 74 to the developing roller 6. At this time, the cam surface 510g of the regulating lever portion 510b contacts the cam surface 80a of the sliding member 80, and the component JK of the force J applied from the regulating lever portion 510b to the sliding member 80 in the direction of the swing axis K urges the sliding member 80 to move in the F2 direction. With the movement of the sliding member 80 in the F2 direction, the rotatable member 75 also moves in the F2 direction, so that the claw portions 75a and 74a of the rotatable member 75 and the developing coupling member 74 disengage from each other, thereby releasing the driving connection. At this time, the regulating lever portion 510b receives the reaction force JS of the spring 70 as a pressing device from the surface 80b of the sliding member 80 in the F1 direction. The regulating lever portion 510b abuts against the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and tends to move in the F1 direction, but the surface 74d of the developing coupling member 74 abuts against the surface 533d of the developing device cover member 533 and thus stops. Thereby, the regulating lever portion 510b is sandwiched between the sliding member 80 and the developing coupling member 74, receives the reaction force of the spring 70 at the engagement portion, and is clamped to receive the resistance, and thus its position is restricted in a state free from external force. That is, the regulating lever portion 510b as a moving portion is sandwiched between the sliding member 80 and the developing coupling member 74 and is held in the driving force interruption position.

[0133] [Mounted to the main assembly]

[0134] Referring to Figure 14 The operation when the process cartridge P is mounted to the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 will be described. Figure 14 Part (a) of FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the process cartridge P is located at the first inner side position and the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are separated from each other as viewed from the driving side. Figure 14 Part (b) of FIG. 12 is a view of a state in which the process cartridge P is located at the second inner side position and the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are in contact with each other as viewed from the driving side. For better illustration, the driving side cartridge cover member 520 is omitted in part (a) of FIG. 12 and part (b) of FIG. 12. Figure 14 Part (a) of FIG. 12 and Figure 14 Part (b) of FIG. 12.

[0135] The image forming apparatus main assembly 502 includes a driving control member 540 corresponding to each process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The driving control member 540 is arranged below the regulating member 510 of the process cartridge P located at the first inner side position and the second inner side position (see FIG. 12). Figure 14(in the Z2 direction). The drive control member 540 includes a control portion 540a protruding toward the processing box P as a main component force application portion, and the control portion 540a includes a first force application surface 540b as a first main component force application portion and a second force application surface 540c as a second main component force application portion. The control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 is disposed below the lower surface of the space Q1 sandwiched between surfaces 510e and 510f, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. Furthermore, the drive control member 540 is arranged such that when the processing box P is in the first inner position ( Figure 14 Part (a) provides a gap T5 between itself and the control member 510. That is, as described above, the control member 510 of the processing cartridge P, which is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus by moving from the outer position to the first inner position via the tray 110, is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the apparatus without contacting the drive control member 540. When the processing cartridge P moves from the first inner position to the second inner position by closing the front door 111 as described above, the control part 540a enters the space Q1, as... Figure 14 Part (b) is shown.

[0136] Figure 15 It shows along Figure 14 Part (b) shows a view of the processing box P installed in the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, viewed in the direction of arrow VW. For better illustration, Figure 15 The drive control component 540, except for the control section 540a, is omitted. Furthermore, some parts of the processing box P are omitted. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the foot portion 510c, which serves as the retraction force receiving portion of the control member 510, and the foot portion 510d, which serves as the insertion force receiving portion, partially overlap in the direction along the swing axis K of the developing unit 9, thereby forming space Q1. Furthermore, when the processing cartridge P is positioned in the second inner position (image forming position) and the control portion 540a enters space Q1, the control portion 540a is configured to overlap with the foot portion 510c and the foot portion 510d in the direction along the swing axis K. Here, as... Figure 14 As shown in part (b), when the processing box P is positioned in the second inner position of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus and the control member 510 is in the first position, there is a gap T3 between the surface 510e of the foot portion 510c and the second force application surface 540c, and a gap T4 between the surface 510f of the foot portion 510d and the first force application surface 540b, wherein this position is referred to as the original position of the drive control member 540.

[0137] [Driver connection termination operation]

[0138] Reference Figure 1The operation of moving the control member 510 from a first position to a second position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, that is, the operation of releasing the aforementioned drive connection. Figure 1 This is a view of the processing box P, located at a second inner position inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, as viewed from the drive side. For better illustration, the drive-side cover member 520 is omitted here.

[0139] Figure 1 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position (first main component position). Here, as described above, in Figure 1 In the initial position of the drive control member 540, a gap T4 exists between the first force application surface and the foot portion 510d, which is a retraction force receiving portion for the processing box P located in the second inner position. Furthermore, a gap T3 exists between the second force application surface 540c and the foot portion 510c, which serves as an insertion force receiving portion. The drive control member 540 of this embodiment is configured to be able to move from its initial position along... Figure 1 In part (a), arrow W51 moves toward the position of the second main component. When the drive control component 540 moves from... Figure 1 When part (b) moves in the direction of arrow B1 in the W51 direction, the surface 540b of the first force application and the surface 510f of the foot part 510d abut against each other, and the control member 510 moves around the support part 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. Figure 1 The swing direction is indicated by arrow B1 in part (b). The support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 is coaxially fitted into the mounting hole 533c of the developing device cover member 533, and its axis is parallel to the swing axis K. When the control member 510 is in Figure 1 When rotated in the direction of arrow B1 in part (b), the control member 510 moves from the first position toward the second position. At this time, as Figure 13 As shown, the control rod portion 510b of the control member 510 is inserted between the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, thereby causing the sliding member 80 to move in the F2 direction, disengaging the claw portion 75a and the claw portion 74a from each other, thus releasing the drive connection. Furthermore, as... Figure 1As shown in part (c), even if the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a maintains a gap T6 between itself and the surface 510e of the foot part 510c of the control member 510, and they do not come into contact with each other. That is, the control member 510 does not receive any external force from the drive control member 540. Furthermore, since the control lever part 510b is clamped between the sliding member 80 and the developing coupling member 74 as described above, the control member 510 is held in the second position. As a result, the sliding member 80 cannot slide in the F1 direction, thereby maintaining the drive-released state.

[0140] [Driver connection operation]

[0141] Reference Figure 16 The operation of moving the control member 510 from the second position to the first position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, namely, the connection drive operation. Figure 16 This is a view of the processing box P located at the second inner position within the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, as viewed from the drive side. For better illustration, the drive-side box cover member 520 is omitted here.

[0142] Figure 16 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. The drive control member 540 is configured to move from the original position along... Figure 16 In part (a), the arrow W52 moves toward the position of the third main component. When the drive control member 540 of this embodiment moves from... Figure 16 The control member 510 moves in the state shown in part (a) until the surface 540c to which the second force is applied and the surface 510e of the foot part 510c abut against each other. Figure 16 In part (a), the direction of arrow W52 is from the original position along the direction of arrow B2. Figure 16 The control member 510 rotates toward the third main component position. As described above, the support portion 526c is fitted into the mounting hole 533c of the developing apparatus cover member 533, and the rotation axis of the control member 510 is parallel to the swing axis K. By swinging the control member 510 in the direction of arrow B2, the control member 510 moves from the second position toward the first position. At this time, refer to... Figure 13 The control lever portion 510b of the control member 510 described herein is moved away from between the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, thereby referring to Figure 11 The described rotatable member 75, which receives the pushing force, moves in the direction of arrow F1, thereby disengaging the drive connection. Furthermore, as... Figure 16As described above, by using the structure of the present embodiment, it is possible to switch between the second position and the first position of the governing member 510 by moving the drive control member 540 from the home position, thereby switching the drive connection state. Thereby, it is possible to switch the drive regardless of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6.

[0143] As described above, by using the structure of the present embodiment, it is possible to switch between the second position and the first position of the governing member 510 by moving the drive control member 540 from the home position, thereby switching the drive connection state. Thereby, it is possible to switch the drive regardless of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 are illustrated as examples of coaxial first and second rotatable members that can engage with each other to perform transmission and non-transmission of the drive force in the drive force transmission path from the developing coupling member 74 to the developing roller 6. The first and second rotatable members can be two members that are disposed at other sites in the transmission path and can occupy an engaged position in which they can engage with each other about the rotation axis to transmit the drive force and a non-engaged position in which they are separated from each other in the rotation axis direction and do not transmit the drive force. That is, the present application is not limited to the structure of the present embodiment.

[0145] (Embodiment 2)

[0146] Referring to Figures 17 to 25 A process cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and an image forming apparatus will be described. The process cartridge of the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, and the only difference is the structure of the governing member and its peripheral structure. Therefore, members including the same functions and structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0147] [Structure of drive connection portion]

[0148] Figure 17is a perspective view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side, showing a state in which the drive side cartridge cover member 520 and the developing device cover member 533 are removed. A gear 1801, a clutch 180, which is a drive transmission switching device including a transmission release mechanism, a developing coupling member 174, and the developing device cover member 533 are provided between the drive side bearing 526 and the drive side cartridge cover member 520. In addition, similarly to Embodiment 1, the management member 1510 is slidably installed to the support portion 526c of the drive side bearing 526. In this embodiment, the drive connection portion includes the gear 1801, the clutch 180, the developing coupling member 174, and the developing device cover member 533. In this embodiment, the drive transmission switching device 180 will be described as a spring clutch by way of example, and will be referred to as the spring clutch 180.

[0149] Referring to Figure 18 The spring clutch 180 will be outlined. The spring clutch 180 in this embodiment includes a control ring 180a, an output member 180b, an input inner ring 180c, a transmission inner ring 180d, and a transmission spring 180e. The input inner ring 180c as an input member is engaged with the developing coupling member 174 and rotates by receiving a driving force from the upstream side of the transmission path. The input inner ring 180c and the transmission spring 180e wound around the outer periphery thereof are in a state of restricting relative rotation by the fastening force (friction) of the transmission spring 180e as a transmission member, and the driving force is transmitted to the transmission spring 180e. The relative rotation between the input inner ring 180c and the transmission spring 180e is also restricted by the fastening force (friction) of the transmission spring 180e. Therefore, the rotation transmitted to the transmission spring 180e is transmitted to the transmission inner ring 180d by the fastening force of the transmission spring 180e. The transmission inner ring 180d is engaged with the output member 180b, and the output member 180b transmits the driving force at the engagement portion with the gear 1801 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, which will be described below. The control ring 180a as a control member is engaged with one end of the transmission spring 180e, and by rotating the control ring 180a in the direction opposite to the spring fastening direction, the fastening (degree of contact with each inner ring) of the spring can be released. As described above, during drive transmission, all the parts constituting the spring clutch 180 rotate together. In order to interrupt the drive transmission, the transmission spring 180e is released from the input inner ring 180c by stopping the rotation of the control ring 180a (reducing the frictional force between the transmission spring 180e and each inner ring), and the drive of the transmission inner ring 180d from the input inner ring 180c through the transmission spring 180e is no longer transmitted to the transmission inner ring 180d, thereby interrupting the transmission.

[0150] Further, the structure of the spring clutch 180 is not limited to this example, and the number of inner rings can be one. In this case, the end of the transmission spring 180e opposite the end engaged with the control ring 180a can be directly engaged with the output member 180b to transmit rotation. Further, the drive transmission switching device can be a form other than a spring clutch, and can be a device configured such that the rotation transmission portion expands in the radial direction or moves in the circumferential direction to disconnect the drive by partially stopping the rotation. That is, various structures conventionally known can be employed as long as a transmission state in which the drive is transmitted by limiting the relative rotation between the members that transmit the drive force and a non-transmission state in which the drive is not transmitted by allowing the relative rotation can be formed.

[0151] Referring to Figure 19 The assembly of the gear 1801, the spring clutch 180, and the developing coupling member 174 will be described. Figure 19 Part (a) of FIG. 18 shows the assembly of the spring clutch 180 and the developing coupling member 174, Figure 19 Part (b) of FIG. 18 shows the assembly of the spring clutch 180 and the gear 1801. The input inner ring 180c of the spring clutch 180 is provided with input grooves 180f, and the developing coupling member 174 is provided with claw portions 174a. By engaging the claw portions 174a with the input grooves 180f, when the developing coupling member 174 rotates, the input inner ring 180c rotates and can transmit the drive. The output member 180b of the spring clutch 180 is provided with output claws 180g, and the gear 1801 is provided with transmission grooves 1801a. By engaging the output claws 180g with the transmission grooves 1801a, when the output member 180b rotates, the gear 1801 rotates and can transmit the drive. Thereby, the drive force input to the developing coupling member 174 is transmitted to the gear 1801 to rotate the developing roller gear 802, thereby driving the developing roller 6. In this embodiment, three claw portions 174a, three input grooves 180f, three output claws 180g, and three transmission grooves 1801a are provided, but the number is not limited to these examples.

[0152] [Drive disconnect structure]

[0153] Referring to Figure 20 and Figure 21 The drive disconnect structure will be described. Figure 20 A pipe and control member 1510 for stopping the rotation of the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180 so as to disconnect the drive is shown, Figure 21 is a view seen from the drive side and shows the positional relationship between the pipe and control member 1510 and the spring clutch 180 in the drive transmission state and the drive interruption state.

[0154] Referring to Figure 20The structure of the control member 1510 will be described. The control member 1510 has a supported hole 1510a, a control lever portion 1510b, a foot portion 1510c, and a foot portion 1510d. The control lever portion 1510b has a control surface 1510g for stopping the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180 and a contact surface 1510h that contacts the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180. In addition, similarly to Embodiment 1, the foot portion 1510c and the foot portion 1510d respectively have surfaces 1510e and 1510f that are surfaces for receiving force from the drive control member 540. Furthermore, as in Embodiment 1, the supported hole 1510a cooperates with the support portion 526c of the drive side bearing 526 so that it can swing around the axis of the support portion 526c.

[0155] Referring to Figure 21 part (a), the positional relationship between the control member 1510 and the spring clutch 180 in the drive transmission state will be described. The control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180 is provided with a control portion 180 having an engaged portion that engages with the control member 1510. The control portion 180h is a claw-shaped portion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the control ring 180a. Here, the reference sign Rb indicates the locus of the radially free end of the control portion 180h when the spring clutch 180 receives a driving force and rotates in the V2 direction. When the control member 1510 is observed from the center (swing axis K) of the spring clutch 180 to be located outside the locus Rb, the control ring 180a can rotate in the V2 direction, thereby transmitting the drive. This position of the control member 1510 is referred to as a first position of the control member 1510 as a non-engaged position.

[0156] Referring to Figure 21 part (b), the positional relationship between the control member 1510 and the spring clutch 180 in the drive disconnection state will be described. The control member 1510 is swung around the support portion 526c of the drive side bearing 526 Figure 17) in the B1 direction as a movement around an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the control ring 180a, and when the control surface 1510g enters the locus Rb, the control portion 180h, which is rotating in the V2 direction by receiving a driving force, hits the control surface 1510g. Here, the force received by the control surface 1510g from the control portion 180h at the contact surface between the control portion 180h and the control surface 1510g is a rotational force JB. It is desirable to adjust the length of the control lever portion 1510b and the length of the control portion 180h so that the rotational force JB in the V2 rotational direction is generated in a region Q2 that is perpendicular to an imaginary line connecting the axial center N of the supported hole 1510a and the axis of oscillation K (i.e., the center of rotation of the spring clutch 180). By this adjustment, the control portion 180h that hits the control surface 1510g pulls the control lever portion 1510b in the V2 rotational direction and rotates the control member 1510 in the B1 direction. Thereby, the contact surface 1510h provided on the control lever portion 1510b of the control member 1510 that has been rotated in the B1 direction can hit the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180 serving as the second engaged portion, thereby controlling the position in the B1 direction. At this time, the control member 1510 hits the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180 serving as the second engaged portion at the contact surface 1510h and hits the control portion 180h serving as the first engaged portion at the control surface 1510g. In the region Q2 (i.e., a region sandwiched between a first imaginary line passing through the axis of oscillation K of the spring clutch 180 and a second imaginary line passing through the axial center N of the control member 1510), the locus of movement of the control portion 180h and the locus of movement of the control member 1510 as a moving portion intersect each other. Thereby, the position of the control member 1510 is fixed when it receives the rotational force JB, unless it receives another external force. By stopping the rotation of the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 by the control member 1510, i.e., by stopping the rotation of the control ring 180a, the driving force input from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 can be disconnected. This position of the control member 1510 is referred to as the second position of the control member 1510 as an engaged position.

[0157] [Drive connection release operation]

[0158] Referring to Figure 22 The operation of moving the control member 1510 from the first position to the second position within the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, i.e., the above-described operation of disconnecting the drive, will be explained. Figure 22 is a view of the process cartridge P disposed in a second, inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as viewed from the drive side. The drive side cartridge cover member 520 is omitted for better illustration.

[0159] As Figure 22As shown in part (a), when the control member 1510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position, the control ring 180a can rotate along the V2 direction and transmit drive. When the drive control member 540 is in the original position... Figure 22 When part (a) moves along the W51 direction and the surface 1510f of the first force application surface 540b and the foot portion 1510d of the control member 1510 comes into contact with each other, the control member 1510 moves along... Figure 22 In part (b), the arrow B1 swings. That is, the control member 1510 moves from the first position to the second position. In the second position, as shown... Figure 21 As shown in part (b), by inserting the control lever portion 1510b of the control member 1510 into the trajectory Rb of the free end of the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180, the control surface 1510g stops the rotation of the control portion 180h. As a result, the rotation of the control ring 180a stops, and the spring 180e of the spring clutch 180 relaxes, thereby disengaging the drive. Furthermore, as... Figure 22 As shown in part (c), even if the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a maintains a gap T6 between itself and the surface 1510e on the foot part 1510c of the control member 1510, and they do not contact each other. Therefore, as Figure 21 As shown, the control part 180h pulls the control lever part 1510b along the V2 direction, so that the control member 1510 is held in the second position and the drive is kept off.

[0160] [Driver connection operation]

[0161] Reference Figure 23 The operation of moving the control member 1510 from the second position to the first position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, namely, the operation of connecting the drive device. Figure 23 This is a view of the processing box P located at the second inner position within the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, as seen from the drive side. For better illustration, the drive-side box cover member 520 is omitted.

[0162] Figure 23 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 1510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. When the drive control member 540 rotates in the direction of arrow B2 to... Figure 23 When part (b) moves along the W52 direction and the surfaces 1510e of the second force-applying member 540c and the foot portion 1510c of the control member come into contact with each other, the control portion 1510 moves along... Figure 23 The direction of arrow B2 in part (b) rotates. That is, the control member 1510 moves from the second position toward the first position. At this time, as... Figure 21 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 15, the tube control lever portion 1510b is rotated in the B2 direction from the state in which it is pulled in the V2 direction by the control portion 180h, and thus, the rotation force JB is applied to the drive control member as a load. Here, the rotation force JB as a load is a force that resists (tends to push back) the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180, and thus, it is a force in the same direction as the elastic force of the spring 180e, tending to return the control ring 180a to its original position. Therefore, when it is desired to reduce the rotation force JB, it is preferable to change the spring constant, but it is ideal to determine it in balance with the necessary transmission performance of the clutch itself. In Figure 23 In the state of part (b) of FIG. 15, the tube control lever portion 1510b is moved away from the locus Rb, and the drive is transmitted. In addition, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 15, even if the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction and returned to the original position, the control portion 540a remains with a gap T9 from the surface 1510f on the foot portion 1510d of the tube control member 1510, and they do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, when the tube control member 1510 is held in the first position, the drive transmission state is maintained. Figure 23 In the state of part (b) of FIG. 15, the tube control lever portion 1510b is moved away from the locus Rb, and the drive is transmitted. In addition, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 15, even if the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction and returned to the original position, the control portion 540a remains with a gap T9 from the surface 1510f on the foot portion 1510d of the tube control member 1510, and they do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, when the tube control member 1510 is held in the first position, the drive transmission state is maintained.

[0163] [Other Structures]

[0164] Referring to Figure 24 and Figure 25 , other structures of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the position of the drive control member 540 when there is a gap between the drive control member 540 and the tube control member 1510 is referred to as the original position, but the structure is not necessarily limited to one including a gap. As an example of a structure in which the tube control member 1510 and the drive control member 540 come into contact with each other at the original position, there is a structure in which a push member 1511 is installed to the tube control member 1510. Referring to Figure 24 and 25 , the structure in which the push member 1511 is installed to the tube control member 1510 will be described.

[0165] Referring to Figure 24 part (a) and Figure 24 part (b), an overview of the push member 1511 will be described. The push member 1511 includes a free end portion 1511a and a spring 1511b that is a compression coil spring. Figure 24The state in which the spring 1511b of the push member 1511 is removed from the free end portion 1511a and the support portion 1510i provided on the surface 1510e of the tube control member 1510 is shown. The spring 1511b of the push member 1511 is provided with an end turn portion at each opposite end portion, and is fixed by press-fitting the support portion 1510i of the tube control member 1510 to the inner diameter of the end turn portion at one end. The end turn portion of the other end is fixed to the free end portion 1511a of the push member 1511. In addition, a protruding portion 1510j (whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the support portion 1510i of the tube control member 1510) passes through the inside of the elastic portion of the spring 1511b of the push member 1511 to restrict the contraction direction of the spring 1511b to the arrow S1 direction or the arrow S2 direction.

[0166] Referring to Figure 25 The switching operation of the drive transmission state inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 will be described. In this configuration, the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540 and the free end portion 1511a of the push member 1511 are in contact with each other at the original position. Figure 25 Part (a) of FIG. 15 shows the state in which the tube control member 1510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. In this state, the free end portion 1511a of the push member 1511 is in contact with the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540. Figure 25 In the state of part (a) of FIG. 15, the spring 1511b of the push member 1511 is slightly compressed, and the tube control rod portion 1510k of the tube control member 1510 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 533f of the developing device cover member 533. Therefore, the tube control member 1510 is fixed at the position at which the tube control rod portion 1510k contacts the outer peripheral surface 533f of the developing device cover member 533, thereby reliably maintaining the drive transmission state.

[0167] Here, when the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction, the tube control member 1510 is moved from the first position toward the second position as shown in part (b) of FIG. 15, and the tube control surface 1510g of the tube control member 1510 and the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 abut each other. Thereby, the rotation of the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 is stopped, and the drive is disconnected. In the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 15, the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540 and the free end portion 1511a of the push member 1511 are spaced apart from each other. The free end portion 1511a of the push member 1511 can be in slight contact with the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540 as long as it does not affect the control of the tube control member 1510 by the drive control member 540. That is, this configuration can be such that the contact between the push member 1511 and the drive control member 540 is maintained even in the second position. Figure 25 Figure 25 In the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 15, the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540 and the free end portion 1511a of the push member 1511 are spaced apart from each other. The free end portion 1511a of the push member 1511 can be in slight contact with the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540 as long as it does not affect the control of the tube control member 1510 by the drive control member 540. That is, this configuration can be such that the contact between the push member 1511 and the drive control member 540 is maintained even in the second position. ​

[0168] Subsequently, as shown in part (c) of Figure 25 , when the drive control member 540 moves in the W52 direction and returns to its original position, the second force application surface 540c of the drive control member 540 abuts against the free end portion 1511a of the pressing member 1511, and the spring 1511b is compressed. Accordingly, the control member 1510 receives the torque MB about the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 in the B1 direction generated by the force JB applied by the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180, and the torque MS about the support portion 526c in the B2 direction generated by the force JB applied by the spring 1511b of the pressing member 1511. In Figure 25 the state of part (c) of

[0169] , MB > MS, and thus, the control member 1510 does not move from the second position. That is, the drive-disconnected state is maintained. Figure 25 Furthermore, when the drive control member 540 moves in the W52 direction, the torque relationship becomes MB < MS, and as shown in part (d) of

[0170] , the control member 1510 moves from the second position to the first position, thereby transmitting the drive.

[0171] As described above, by using the structure of the present embodiment, the drive transmission state can be switched between the first position and the second position of the control member 1510 by moving the drive control member 540 from the original position. Thus, the drive can be switched regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed.

[0172] Referring to Figures 26 to 30 , the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described. The process cartridge of this embodiment is substantially the same as the process cartridge of Embodiment 2, except for the structure of the locking member 550 and its peripheral structure, which will be described below. Therefore, members having the same functions and structures are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0173] [Structure of Drive Connection Portion]

[0174] Figure 26is a perspective view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side, showing a state in which the drive side cartridge cover member 520, the developing device cover member 3533, and the lock member 550 are removed. A gear 1801, a spring clutch 180 (which serves as a drive transmission switching device including a transmission release mechanism), a developing coupling member 174, and the developing device cover member 533 are provided between the drive side bearing 526 and the drive side cartridge cover member 520. In addition, a management member 3510 (an example of a movable member) is swingably mounted to a support portion 526c of the drive side bearing 526. In this embodiment, the drive connection portion includes the gear 1801, the spring clutch 180, the developing coupling member 174, the developing device cover member 3533, the management member 3510, and the lock member 550.

[0175] Referring to Figure 27 An overview of the lock member 550 as the second biasing device will be described. The lock member 550 includes a free end portion 550a and a spring 550b, which is a compression coil spring. Figure 27 A state in which the spring 550b of the lock member 550 is removed from the free end portion 550a and a support portion 3533d of the developing device cover member 3533 is shown. The spring 550b of the lock member 550 is provided with an end turn portion at the opposite end portion, and is fixed by press-fitting the support portion 3533d of the developing device cover member 3533 to the inner diameter of the end turn portion at one end. The end turn portion at the other end is fixed to the free end portion 550a of the lock member 550. A protruding portion 3533e (which has a diameter smaller than the support portion 3533d of the developing device cover member 3533) passes through the inside of the elastic portion of the spring 550b of the lock member 550, and limits the contraction direction of the spring 550b to the arrow S1 or arrow S2 direction.

[0176] [Drive disconnect operation]

[0177] Referring to Figure 28 part (a) of Fig. 10, and Figure 28 part (b) of Fig. 10, a structure of the management member 3510 for stopping the rotation of the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180 to disconnect the drive will be described. The management member 3510 includes a support hole 3510a, a lever portion 3510b, a foot portion 3510c, and a foot portion 3510d. The lever portion 3510b includes a surface 3510g for stopping the control ring 180a of the spring clutch 180. In addition, the foot portion 3510c and the foot portion 3510d have surfaces 3510e and 3510f, which respectively receive a force from the drive control member 540. In addition, the support hole 3510a cooperates with the support portion 526c of the drive side bearing 526 so that it can swing about the axis of the support portion 526c Figure 26 ).

[0178] Reference Figure 29 This describes the drive connection interruption operation inside the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. Here, when the spring clutch 180 receives driving force and rotates in the V2 direction, the movement trajectory of the radial free end of the control section 180h is referred to as rb. Figure 29 As shown in part (a), when the control surface 3510g of the control member 3510, viewed from the center (oscillation axis K) of the spring clutch 180, is positioned outside the track rb, the control ring 180a rotates in the V2 direction and transmits drive. Furthermore, when the control member 3510 oscillates in the B1 direction about the axis of the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526, the control member 3510 is positioned such that the control lever portion 3510b abuts against the free end 550a. This position of the control member 3510 is referred to as the first position of the control member 3510.

[0179] Figure 29 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 3510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. When the drive control member 540 is in the first position... Figure 29 When part (a) moves along the W51 direction, such that when the first force application surface 540b and the surface 3510f of the foot of the control member 3510 abut against each other, the control member 3510 swings from the first position around the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 along the B1 direction, and the control surface 3510g abuts against the free end 550a of the locking member 550. At this time, as Figure 29 As shown in part (b), the spring 550b of the locking member 550 is compressed by the component of the force Jc acting in the B1 direction from the control member 3510 in the S1 direction, and the free end 550a moves in the S1 direction. This allows the control member 3510 to swing further in the B1 direction, and as... Figure 29As shown in part (c), the control surface 3510g abuts against the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180. Furthermore, the free end 550a of the locking member 550 moves in the S2 direction while in contact with the control surface 3510g of the control member 3510 due to the restoring force of the spring 550b. At this time, on the contact surface between the free end 550a of the locking member 550 and the control surface 3510g of the control member 3510, the control surface 3510g receives a force JB as a pushing force from the free end 550a. Here, the direction of the force JB received by the control surface 3510g from the free end 550a is the direction of the torque acting in the B1 direction centered on the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526. Therefore, the position of the control member 3510 is fixed by the control surface 3510g abutting against the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180. In this way, the control member 3510 stops the control section 180h, that is, stops the rotation of the control ring 180a, thereby interrupting the driving force input from the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus to the developing coupling member 174. This position of the control member 3510 is referred to as the second position of the control member 3510.

[0180] In addition, such as Figure 29 As shown in part (d), even if the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction and returns to its original position, the control part 540a remains spaced apart from the surfaces 3510e and 3510f of the control member 3510, so they do not come into contact with each other. As Figure 29 As shown in part (c), the control member 3510 receives a force JB from the free end 550a of the locking member 550. Therefore, the control surface 3510g abuts against the outer peripheral surface 180j of the spring clutch 180 and is fixed in place, preventing it from swinging in the B2 direction. In other words, the control member 3510 remains in the second position, stopping the control ring 180a and maintaining the drive disengaged state.

[0181] [Driver connection operation]

[0182] Reference Figure 30 The operation of moving the control member 3510 from a second position to a first position within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus will be described, i.e., the operation of establishing a drive connection. Figure 30 Part (a) shows the state where the control member 3510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. When the drive control member 540 is in the second position... Figure 30 When part (a) moves along the W52 direction, the surface 540c on which the second force is applied and the surface 3510e of the foot portion 3510c of the control member 3510 come into contact with each other. At this time, as Figure 30As shown in part (b), the spring 550b of the lock member 550 is compressed by the component of the force Jc from the control member 3510 in the S1 direction in the B2 direction, so that the free end 550a moves in the S1 direction. Thus, as shown in part (c), the control member 3510 is allowed to further swing in the B2 direction and move to the first position, the control member 3510 moves outward from the locus rb, and the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 and the control surface 3510g of the control member 3510 are separated from each other. That is, the control ring 180a becomes rotatable and the drive is transmitted. Further, as shown in part (d), even if the drive control member 540 moves in the W51 direction and returns to the original position, the control portion 540a is spaced apart from the surfaces 3510e and 3510f of the control member 3510 by a certain gap, so they do not abut each other. Therefore, the control member 3510, which does not generate a rotational force, cannot move in the S1 direction past the free end 550a of the spring of the lock member 550 which is pushed in the S2 direction, so it cannot swing in the B1 direction. In other words, the control member 3510 is held in the first position, and the drive transmission state is maintained. Figure 30 Figure 30

[0183] As described above, by using the structure of the present embodiment, it is possible to switch the drive transmission state by moving the drive control member 540 from the original position to switch between the first position and the second position of the control member 3510, thereby switching the drive. Thus, regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed, it is possible to switch the drive.

[0184] (Embodiment 4)

[0185] Referring to Figures 31 to 35 A process cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure and an image forming apparatus will be described. In this structure, a toggle structure is used to switch the transmission and interruption of the drive transmission portion. The process cartridge of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 2, and the only difference is the structure of the control member and its peripheral structure. Therefore, members having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0186] [Structure of drive connection portion]

[0187] Figure 31 ​​is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side. A gear 1801, a spring clutch 180, a developing coupling member 174, and a developing device cover member 4533 are provided between the drive side bearing 526 and the drive side cartridge cover member 520. Further, similarly to Embodiment 2, the management member 4510 is swingably mounted to the support portion 526c of the drive side bearing 526. One end 4601c of a toggle spring 4601 as a tension spring is engaged with a boss 4533d of the developing device cover member 4533, and the other end 4601d of the toggle spring 4601 is engaged with a boss 4510d of the management member 4510. The toggle mechanism of this embodiment will be described hereinafter. Thus, in this embodiment, the drive connection portion includes the gear 1801, the spring clutch 180, the developing coupling member 174, the developing device cover member 4533, and the toggle spring 4601. In this embodiment, the structure of the spring clutch 180 is the same as that of Embodiment 2, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the assembly of the gear 1801, the spring clutch 180, and the developing coupling member 174 is the same as that of Embodiment 2, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0188] [Toggle mechanism of this embodiment]

[0189] Referring to Figure 32 and Figure 33 , the toggle mechanism of this embodiment will be described. Figure 32 Part (a) of Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the management member 4510 is not in contact with the spring clutch 180, Figure 32 Part (b) of Fig. 18 is Figure 32 Part (a) of Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the management member 4510 is not in contact with the spring clutch 180,

[0190] Referring to Figure 33The state in which the control member 4510 is in contact with the spring clutch 180 will be described. At this time, the line M2 connecting the center of the boss 4533d of the developing device cover member 4533 and the center of the boss 4510d of the control member 4510 is located to the right of the line M1 connecting the center of the boss 4533d of the developing device cover member and the center of the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 in the figure. Therefore, the control member 4510 rotates about the support portion 526c of the drive-side bearing 526 in the L2 direction. This is because the control member 4510 moves toward the spring clutch 180, and the surface 4510n of the control member 4510 abuts against the surface 4533n of the developing device cover member 4533, thereby maintaining the posture of the control member 4510. Thereafter, the surface 4510g of the control member 4510 and the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 come into contact with each other. The operation of the spring clutch 180 at this time is the same as in Embodiment 2, so its description is omitted here. The clutch is thus engaged and can transmit drive from the main assembly side. It should be noted that the operation of disengaging the drive of the spring clutch 180 is the same as in Embodiment 2, so the description is omitted here.

[0191] [Connection operations in the driver connection section]

[0192] Reference Figure 34 The operation describes the process of the processing box P being disconnected from the drive of the main component of the image forming apparatus P by the drive control member 540 within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus, and then being connected to the drive. Figure 34 Part (a) shows the state where the drive of the drive control member 540, which was in its original position, is disconnected. Figure 34 Part (b) shows the drive control component 540 from Figure 34 The state of part (a) moves to the first position along the W51 direction. Figure 34 Part (c) shows the drive control component 540 from Figure 34 The state of part (b) moves along the W52 direction to its original position and drives the connected state. Details and reference numerals identical to those in Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0193] like Figure 34 As shown in part (a), when the drive of the drive control member 540 is disengaged and the drive control member 540 is in its original position, the drive control member 540 is not in contact with the control member 4510, but is separated from the control member 4510 with gaps T43 and T44 between them. When the drive control member 540 moves from this state along the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b and the surface 4510f of the foot portion 4510d of the control member 4510 come into contact with each other, and the control member 4510 moves along... Figure 34Part (b) shows the rotation in the L2 direction. Due to this rotation, the surface 4510g of the control member 4510 and the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180 come into contact with each other. This establishes clutch engagement, allowing drive to be transmitted from the main assembly side. (See above reference...) Figure 33 As described, in this state, the toggle spring 4601, which acts as a third biasing device, brings the surface 4510n of the control member 4510 into contact with the surface 4533n of the developing apparatus cover member 4533, thereby maintaining its orientation. Thereafter, as... Figure 34 As shown in part (c), the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction and then returns to its original position. In this state, the drive control member 540 does not exert any force on the control member 4510 because there is a gap T46 between itself and the control member 4510. Therefore, the control member 4510 remains... Figure 33 The posture shown is maintained, and the drive is stably connected.

[0194] [Interrupt operation of the driver connection section]

[0195] Reference Figure 35 The operation of the drive control member 540 within the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus relative to the main component, from a connected state to a disconnected state, will be described. Figure 35 Part (a) shows the state where the drive control component 540 is in its original position and the drive connection is established. Figure 35 Part (b) shows the drive control component 540 from Figure 35 Part (a) shows the state moving to the second position along the W52 direction, and Figure 35 Part (c) shows the drive control component 540 from Figure 35 Part (b) moves along the W51 direction to its original position and the drive is disconnected. Details and reference numerals identical to those in Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0196] When the drive control member 540 moves along the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c and the surface 4510e of the foot portion 4510c of the control member 4510 come into contact with each other, and the control member 4510 moves along the W52 direction. Figure 33 Part (b) shows the L1 direction rotation. This rotation separates the surface 4510g of the control member 4510 from the control portion 180h of the spring clutch 180. This disengages the clutch, preventing the transmission of drive from the main assembly side. (See above reference...) Figure 32 As described above, in this state, the surface 4510m of the control member 4510 abuts against the boss 4533m of the developing apparatus cover member 4533 by the action of the toggle spring 4601, thereby maintaining its posture. Thereafter, as... Figure 35 As shown in part (c), the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction, and the drive control member 540 returns to the original position. In this state, the drive control member 540 does not apply a force to the tube control member 4510 because a gap T47 is provided between itself and the tube control member 4510. Therefore, the tube control member 4510 remains in the Figure 32 attitude shown, and the drive is stably disconnected.

[0197] As described above, by using this embodiment, switching between contact and separation of the tube control member 4510 is stably performed by the toggle mechanism associated with the operation of the drive control member 540, so that the drive can be stably switched regardless of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6.

[0198] (Embodiment 5)

[0199] Referring to Figures 36 to 39 , a process cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure will be described with an image forming apparatus. This structure is a structure in which the engaging portions use gear engagement. The process cartridge of this embodiment is substantially the same as the process cartridge of Embodiment 1, and the only difference is that the structure of the tube control member and its peripheral structure are different. Therefore, members having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0200] [Structure of drive connection portion]

[0201] Figure 36 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side, showing a state in which the drive side cartridge cover member 6520 and the developing device cover member 6533 are removed. The developing coupling gear 6801 and the developing device cover member 6533 are provided between the drive side bearing 526 and the drive side cartridge cover member 6520. The coupling portion 6801a is provided at the end of the developing coupling gear 6801 and is exposed through the drive side cartridge cover member 6520 to receive a drive force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. In addition, the idler gear 6803 is provided at a position where it engages with the developing coupling gear 6801 and the distance between the axes thereof remains constant. The idler gear 6803 is connected to the idler gear 6804 that transmits drive to the developing roller gear 802 through the tube control member 6510 as a support member. The tube control member 6510 is provided with the rotation axes 6510a and 6510b of the idler gears 6803 and 6804, respectively. That is, the idler gear 6803 is rotatably supported by the rotation axis 6510a, and the idler gear 6504 is rotatably supported by the rotation axis 6510b. It is sandwiched between the plate member 6511 and the tube control member 6510 to serve as a retainer.

[0202] In the control member 6510, the rotation shaft 6510a of the idler gear 6803 is rotatably supported by the holding portion 6520a of the driving side box cover member 6520. In other words, the control member 6510 is configured to be able to swing with the rotation shaft 6510a of the idler gear 6803 as a center of rotation with respect to the driving side box cover member 6520. In other words, the idler gear 6804 is configured to be able to swing with respect to the driving side box cover member 6520 around the idler gear 6803. The control member 6510 can be supported by another member such as the drum unit 8. In this case, the idler gear 6804 can be able to swing around the axis of the idler gear 6803 with respect to the drum unit 8.

[0203] [Drive disconnection operation]

[0204] Referring to Figure 37 A switching operation from the drive transmission state to the drive interruption state will be described. Figure 37 Part (a) of FIG. 68 shows only the state of the gears and the control member when the drive is transmitted to the developing roller gear 802 and Figure 37 Part (b) of FIG. 68 shows only the state of the gears and the control member when the drive is disconnected.

[0205] The coupling portion 6801a of the developing coupling gear 6801 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 to rotate in the V2 direction. The driving force is transmitted to the developing roller gear 802 through the idler gears 6803 and 6804. At this time, the control member 6510 generates a moment around the rotation shaft 6510a in the arrow V3 direction by engaging with the idler gears 6803 and 6804. Further, since the idler gear 6804 receives a force in the pressure angle direction F6 by engaging with the developing roller gear 802, the idler gear 6804 is pulled in the arrow V3 direction. This is because the swing fulcrum (rotation shaft 6510a) of the idler gear 6804 is disposed on the W52 side of the line connecting the developing coupling gear 6801 and the developing roller gear 802, so that the control member 6510 is not forced in the disengagement direction (arrow V4 direction). Therefore, the moment in the arrow V3 direction is always acting on the control member 6510, and the drive transmission is maintained in a state in which the idler gear 6804 and the developing roller gear 802 continue to engage with each other (part (a) of FIG. 68). At this time, the position of the control member 6510 is referred to as a first position (part (b) of FIG. 68). Figure 37 Figure 37

[0206] In order to interrupt the drive transmission, the control member 6510 is moved in the W52 direction to move the idler gear 6804 in the arrow V4 direction, thereby disconnecting the drive between the idler gear 6804 and the developing roller gear 802. At this time, the position of the control member 6510 is referred to as a second position.

[0207] [Drive connection and disconnection operation] ​​

[0208] Referring to Figure 38 The operation of moving the control member 6510 from the first position to the second position within the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, i.e., the above-described drive disconnection operation, will be described. Figure 38 is a view of the process cartridge P located at a second inner side position within the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, viewed from the drive side. The drive side cartridge cover member 6520 is omitted for better illustration. Figure 38 Part (a) of Figure 38 Part (b) of Figure 38 Part (c) of

[0209] When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c comes into contact with the surface 6510e on the foot portion 6510c of the control member 6510, and the control member 6510 is rotated about the rotation axis 6510a in the arrow V4 direction. Figure 38 The axis of the rotation axis 6510a in part (b) of Figure 37 part (b) and Figure 63 part (b)) of

[0210] Further, the drive control member 540 is moved in the direction of the arrow W51 in part (b) of Figure 38 to return to the home position. At this time, as described above, the control member 6510 receives the moment in the V3 direction from the idler gear 6803 as the third gear and tends to return to the first position, but it is pushed by the tension spring 6530 in the V4 direction. The spring pressure of the tension spring 6530 as the fourth pushing means is selected to hold the control member 6510 in the second position and prevent the control member 6510 from moving to the second position when it is in the first position.

[0211] Here, the moment generated by the meshing force between idler gears 6803 and 6804 is moment Ml, the moment generated by the meshing force between idler gear 6804 and developing roller gear 802 is moment M2, and the moment generated by tension spring 6530 is moment M3. In the second position, the moment about rotation axis 6510a satisfies M3 > Ml.

[0212] That is, the drive connection state is maintained by "M3 < Ml + M2". For example, assuming that the moment generated by the force applied from drive control member 540 is moment M4 (the moment required to switch the tube control member 6510), the drive connection is disconnected by the moment becoming "M3 + M4 > Ml + M2". Thus, by the disconnection of the drive connection, moment M2 = 0, and "M3 + M4 > Ml". By the return of drive control member 540 to the original position, moment M4 = 0 and "M3 > Ml".

[0213] That is, the moment generated by the spring pressure of tension spring 6530 in the V4 direction is greater than the moment generated by the meshing force of idler gears 6803 and 6804 in the V3 direction. Thus, tube control member 6510 is urged in the V4 direction and held in the second position.

[0214] Thus, second force application surface 540c of control portion 540a is spaced apart from surface 6510e of foot portion 6510c of tube control member 6510 by gap T60 and is not in contact with it (part (c) of FIG. 15). Figure 38 Further, first force application surface 540b is spaced apart from surface 6510f of foot portion 6510d of tube control member 6510 by gap T61. Thus, tube control member 6510 is located in the second position without contacting drive control member 540, and the drive disconnected state is maintained (part (b) of FIG. 15). Figure 37

[0215] [Drive connection operation]

[0216] Referring to Figure 38 and Figure 39 An operation of moving tube control member 6510 from the second position to the first position within image forming apparatus main assembly 502, i.e., the connection drive operation, will be described. Figure 39 is a view of process cartridge P located at the second inner side position within image forming apparatus main assembly 502, viewed from the drive side. Drive side cartridge cover member 6520 is omitted for better illustration. Figure 39 The state in which tube control member 6510 has been moved from the second position to the first position is shown.

[0217] ​When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b and the surface 6510f of the foot portion 1510d of the pipe control member 6510 come into contact with each other, and the pipe control member 6510 is rotated in the arrow V3 direction along with the drive control member 540. Figure 39 That is, the pipe control member 6510 is moved from the second position toward the first position. Then, as described above, the idler gear 6804 is engaged with the developing roller gear 802 to connect the drive Figure 37 of part (a)).

[0218] Even if the drive control member 540 is moved in the arrow W52 direction and returned to the original position Figure 38 of part (a)), the control portion 540a is spaced apart from the surface 6510f of the foot portion 6510d of the pipe control member 6510 with the gap T62, and they do not come into contact with each other. Further, the second force application surface 540c is spaced apart from the surface 6510e of the foot portion 6510c of the pipe control member 6510 with the gap T63. Thus, the pipe control member 6510 is seated in the first position without contacting the drive control member 540, and the drive connection state is maintained Figure 37 of part (a)). In the first position, the moment about the rotation axis 6510a satisfies M1+M2>M3. That is, in the first position, the moment in the V3 direction generated by the engagement force between the idler gears 6803 and 6804 and the engagement force between the idler gear 6804 and the developing roller gear 802 is larger than the moment in the V4 direction generated by the spring pressure of the tension spring 6530. Thus, the pipe control member 6510 is urged in the V3 direction to maintain the first position.

[0219] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the drive control member 540 moves the pipe control member 6510 to the first position and the second position, whereby it is possible to switch the drive transmission state of the idler gear 6804 and the developing roller gear 802. Thereby, it is possible to switch the drive regardless of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6.

[0220] (Embodiment 6)

[0221] With reference to Figures 40 to 45 , a process cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure and an image forming apparatus will be described. In the structure of this embodiment, a moving member and an engaging portion are provided in a laser shutter plate unit (or a shutter plate unit). The process cartridge of this embodiment is substantially the same as the process cartridge of Embodiment 1, and the only difference is that the structure of the pipe control member as the moving member and the structure around it are different. Thus, members having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0222] Further, in this embodiment, by providing the laser shield unit in the process cartridge, it is possible to switch between a reachable state (laser shield unit does not block the laser beam) and an unreachable state (laser shield unit blocks the laser beam) of the laser beam emitted in accordance with the image signal applied from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to the photosensitive drum, as the electrophotographic image forming process operation described above. Thereby, it is possible to switch between the enablement and disablement of the image forming operation regardless of the structure of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller or the interrupt operation of the drive connection portion and the like, which is described in other embodiments. In another embodiment, if the contact / separation state between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller or the connection state of the drive connection portion cannot be stably controlled, a problem can occur in the image forming operation. For example, an image problem (such as poor image density due to contact pressure and a band due to the drive connection portion) can occur. However, in this embodiment, the reachable state and the unreachable state of the laser beam from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus outside the process cartridge are switched, and thus the possibility of damage to the parts (photosensitive drum, developing roller, gear, and the like) related to the image forming apparatus inside the process cartridge is small. Thereby, it is possible to stably switch between the enablement and disablement of the image forming operation as the electrophotographic image forming process operation.

[0223] [Overall structure of process cartridge with laser shield unit]

[0224] Referring to Figure 40 and Figure 41 , the overall structure of the process cartridge P will be described. Figure 40 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side. As Figure 40 indicated, the process cartridge P has a structure in which the drum unit 8, the developing unit 9, and the laser shield unit 77 are sandwiched between the drive side cartridge cover member 7520 and the non-drive side cartridge cover member 7521 and are thereby fixedly supported. Figure 41 is a view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side, and the drive side cartridge cover member 7520 shown in Figure 40 is not shown in order to better illustrate the structure. Figure 41The photosensitive drum 4, the charging roller 5, the cleaning blade 7, and the drum frame 7015 are shown, and a part of the drum unit 8 is not shown. The developing unit 9 is shown as having the laser shield unit 77 mounted thereon as a shielding member. The laser shield unit 77 includes a shield moving member 7510 (or a moving member) and a laser shield 7511 as a shielding portion. A shield side rotation support portion 7510a of the shield moving member 7510 is rotatably supported by a cover side rotation support portion 7533a of a developing device cover member 7533 provided in the developing unit 9. The rotation center of the shield side rotation support portion 7510a and the rotation center of the cover side rotation support portion 7533a are the same as the swing axis K as the rotation center of the developing unit 9 and the developing coupling gear 7801. That is, the laser shield unit 77 is rotatably supported on the shield opening direction K71 and the shield closing direction K72 about the swing axis K.

[0225] Figure 40 Part (a) of FIG. 7A and Figure 41 Part (a) of FIG. 7A shows a state in which the laser shield unit 77 is fixed at a position at which the laser beam U is blocked. Figure 40 Part (b) of FIG. 7A and Figure 41 Part (b) of FIG. 7A shows a state in which the laser shield unit 77 is fixed at a position at which the laser beam U is not blocked. The detailed structure for fixing the laser shield unit 77 at each position will be described below. The shield moving member 7510 is provided with two phase fixing holes for fixing the position of the laser shield unit 77, that is, a closing phase hole 7510c and an opening phase hole 7510d. By inserting and removing the free end of the shield position limiting pin 7512 provided in the developing unit 9 into and from these two phase fixing holes, the laser shield unit 77 can be fixed at any phase. Here, the closing phase hole 7510c and the opening phase hole 7510d are arranged on the same circumference Kr centered on the swing axis K. Thereby, when the laser shield unit 77 is rotated to any phase about the swing axis K, the free end of the shield position limiting pin 7512 can be inserted into and removed from the corresponding hole.

[0226] Figure 41 Part (a) of FIG. 7A shows a state in which the laser shield unit 77 is fixed at a position for blocking the laser beam U, that is, the free end of the shield position limiting pin 7512 enters the closing phase hole 7510c, and the position of the shield moving member 7510 is in the closing position. The position of the moving member at this time is referred to as a first position.

[0227] Figure 41Part (b) of FIG. 7 shows a state in which the laser shutter unit 77 is fixed at an open position that does not block the laser beam U, i.e., the free end of the shutter position restricting pin 7512 enters the open phase hole 7510d, and the position of the shutter moving member 7510 is fixed. The position of the moving member at this time is referred to as a second position.

[0228] Details of the structure and operation of the shutter position restricting pin 7512 will be described below. In addition, the shutter moving member 7510 has an opening direction pressing surface 7510f and a closing direction pressing surface 7510e as external force receiving surfaces for rotation about the swing axis K. The laser shutter unit 77 can be rotated in the shutter opening direction K71 by receiving a rotational force at the opening direction pressing surface 7510f, and can be rotated in the shutter closing direction K72 by receiving a rotational force at the closing direction pressing surface 7510e. Thereby, regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 proceeds, even when the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are always in contact with each other, the laser beam U can be switched between a state of reaching the photosensitive drum and a state of not reaching the photosensitive drum, and by this switching, it is possible to switch between enabling and disabling of the image forming operation as an electrophotographic image forming process operation.

[0229] The first position is not limited to a position in which the laser shutter unit 77 covers the photosensitive drum 4 so as to substantially completely prevent the photosensitive drum 4 from being exposed to the outside of the cartridge. For example, it can be positioned to partially cover the photosensitive drum 4 from the outside of the cartridge (an exposure portion can remain to some extent) to the extent that the exposure of the laser beam U can be substantially blocked. As for the second position, the degree of exposure can be arbitrarily selected as long as the photosensitive drum 4 is more exposed to the laser beam U than when in the first position so that the photosensitive drum 4 can be exposed by the laser beam U.

[0230] [Detailed structure of the process cartridge having the laser shutter unit]

[0231] Referring to Figure 42 The detailed structure of the process cartridge P will be described. Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side. In this figure, the drive side cartridge cover member 7520, the non-drive side cartridge cover member 7521, the drum unit 8, the developing unit 9, and the laser shutter unit 77 are removed.

[0232] The drum frame 7015 in the drum unit 8 is configured not to obstruct the movement of the laser shield unit 77 and also not to interfere with the laser shield 7511 when the laser shield unit 77 is rotated. The shape of the laser shield 7511 provided in the laser shield unit 77 and the shape of the drum frame 7015 can be changed in consideration of the incident angle of the laser beam U and the width of the incident light. Similar to the drum frame 7015, the developer container 7025 provided in the developing unit 9 is configured not to obstruct the movement of the laser shield unit 77 and also not to interfere with the laser shield 7511 when the laser shield unit 77 is rotated. The developing coupling gear 7801 is rotatably held by a drive side bearing 7526 mounted to the developer container 7025 and a developing device cover member 7533, and a shield position limiting pin 7512 and a shield position control spring 7513 are also held. Details of the holding structure of the shield position limiting pin 7512 and the shield position control spring 7513 will be described hereinafter. The laser shield unit 77 includes a shield moving member 7510 and a laser shield 7511. The laser shield unit 77 is integrated by the shield moving member screw hole 7510b and the laser shield screw hole 7511a and the screw B71. As described above, on the drive side of the laser shield unit 77, the shield side rotation support portion 7510a is rotatably supported by the cover side rotation support portion 7533a of the developing device cover member 7533 provided in the developing unit 9. On the other hand, on the non-drive side of the laser shield unit 77, the bearing side rotation support portion 7527a of the non-drive side bearing 7527 provided on the non-drive side of the developing unit 9 is fitted into and supported by the non-drive side cartridge cover member rotation support hole 7521a of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 7521 and the laser shield rotation support portion 7511b. Thereby, the laser shield rotation support portion 7511b is rotatably supported.

[0233] [Switching operation between opening and blocking laser beams]

[0234] Referring to Figures 43 to 45 An operation of switching between opening and closing the laser beam by operating the laser shield unit 77 will be described. Figure 43 An operation of the laser shield unit 77 from the laser beam blocking state to the laser beam opening state is shown. Figure 44 An operation of the laser shield unit 77 from the laser beam opening state to the laser beam blocking state is shown. Figure 45 An operation of the shield moving member 7510 and the shield position limiting pin 7512 from the laser beam blocking state to the laser beam opening state is shown. Figure 43 and Figure 44 is a view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side, and the drive side cartridge cover member 7520 shown in Figure 40 is not shown, and the drive control member 540 is shown.

[0235] like Figure 43 As shown in part (a), the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 is in a first position to block the laser beam U in a state where the photosensitive drum cannot be irradiated by the laser beam (i.e., the laser beam blocking state). At this time, the drive control member 540 is placed in its original position, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 does not contact the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, a gap T71 is provided between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressing surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T72 is provided between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressing surface 7510f.

[0236] Figure 45 Part (a) is along Figure 43 A cross-sectional view taken along line DA-DA passing through the closed phase hole 7510c and the open phase hole 7510d in part (a). As described above, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 and the baffle position control spring 7513 (which is a compression helical spring acting as a pressing device) are held at their opposite ends by the developing device cover member 7533 and the drive-side bearing 7526. The baffle position limiting pin 7512 is fitted in and supported by the cover-side control pin support hole 7533b and control pin support hole 7526c. The baffle position control spring 7513 is a compression helical spring, and its opposite ends are held by the pin-side control spring support portion 7512a and the bearing-side control spring support portion 7526b. The baffle position limiting pin 7512 is movable in the S71 and S72 directions (parallel to the swing axis K). The baffle position control spring 7513 contacts the bearing-side control spring force receiving surface 7526a and the pin-side control spring force receiving surface 7512b, and pushes the baffle position limiting pin 7512 in the S71 direction. The control pin abutment surface 7512c of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 abuts against the developing apparatus cover member 7533, and its movement in the S71 direction is restricted. Here, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the closing phase hole 7510c of the baffle moving member 7510, and the rotational movement of the baffle moving member 7510 can be restricted and fixed. Thus, the laser baffle unit 77 is fixed in the first position blocking the laser beam U.

[0237] Figure 43Part (b) shows the state in which the laser baffle unit 77 rotates along the baffle opening direction K71 and moves from a first position where the laser beam U is blocked to a second position where the laser beam U is not blocked. At this time, the drive control member 540 is moving from its original position along the W52 direction, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 pushes the baffle moving member 7510 along the W52 direction. That is, a gap T73 exists between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is no gap between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f.

[0238] Figure 45 Part (b) is along the passage Figure 43 A cross-sectional view taken along line DB-DB of part (b) of the closed phase hole 7510c and the open phase hole 7510d. At this time, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is in the middle of its movement from the closed phase hole 7510c to the open phase hole 7510d, and is moving away from the direction of F72. Figure 45 The position shown in part (a). When the baffle moving member 7510 moves along the W52 direction, as the baffle moving member 7510 rotates, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 receives an external force along the F71 direction, such as Figure 43 As shown in part (a), the shape of the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 causes component forces to be generated in directions F72 and F73. Thus, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 receives a force along the F71 direction to move in the S72 direction, thereby changing the state from... Figure 45 The state shown in part (a) changes to Figure 45 The state shown in part (b) indicates that the baffle position control spring 7513 is in a compressed state at this time.

[0239] like Figure 43 As shown in part (c), the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 is in a second position that does not block the laser beam U, and is in a state where the laser beam can irradiate the photosensitive drum, i.e., the laser beam is open. At this time, the drive control member 540 is more than in the W52 direction. Figure 43 The position shown in part (b) moves further, and the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 stops in a manner that keeps in contact with the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, there is a gap T74 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed-direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is no gap between the second force application surface 540c and the open-direction pressed surface 7510f.

[0240] Figure 45Part (c) is along the passage Figure 43 A cross-sectional view of the DC-DC line taken from part (c) with the phase aperture 7510c closed and the phase aperture 7510d open. (See diagram below.) Figure 45 As shown in part (c), the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is located in the open phase hole 7510d of the baffle moving member 7510, so that the rotational movement of the baffle moving member 7510 can be limited and fixed. Thus, the laser baffle unit 77 is fixed in a second position that does not block the laser beam U.

[0241] Figure 44 Part (a) shows the location of the processing box P during the image forming operation. (e.g.) Figure 44 As shown in part (a), the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 is in the position as shown in part (a). Figure 45 The second position is shown in part (c). At this time, the drive control member 540 has moved from... Figure 43 The position shown in part (c) is moved to the original position. At this time, the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 does not contact the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, there is a gap T75 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed-direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T76 between the second force application surface 540c and the open-direction pressed surface 7510f. In addition, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is in the position of Figure 45 The state shown in part (c).

[0242] Figure 44 Part (b) shows the state after the image forming operation is completed, where the laser baffle unit 77 rotates along the baffle closing direction K72 and moves from a second position that does not block the laser beam U to a first position that blocks the laser beam U. Figure 44 As shown in part (b), the baffle moving member 7510 and the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 are in the position as shown in part (b). Figure 43 The second position is shown in part (b). At this time, the drive control member 540 moves away from the original position in the W51 direction, and the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 pushes the baffle moving member 7510 in the W51 direction. That is, there is no gap between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is a gap T77 between the second force application surface 540c and the open direction pressed surface 7510f. In addition, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is in the above-described position. Figure 45 The state shown in part (b).

[0243] Figure 44Part (c) shows the state where the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 moves back to the first position to block the laser beam U after the image forming operation is completed. Figure 44 As shown in part (c), the baffle moving member 7510 and the laser baffle 7511 of the laser baffle unit 77 are in the position as shown in part (c). Figure 43 Part (a) shows the first position to block the laser beam U.

[0244] At this point, the drive control component 540 has moved further along the W51 direction by more than [a certain amount]. Figure 44 The position shown in part (b) is such that the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 stops in contact with the baffle moving member 7510. That is, there is no gap between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T78 exists between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f. Furthermore, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is in the position shown in part (b). Figure 45 The state shown in part (a).

[0245] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, the laser baffle unit 77 can be fixed in any phase of the first and second positions. Thus, regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed, even when the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are always in contact with each other, the laser beam U can switch between an accessible and inaccessible state relative to the photosensitive drum, and can switch between enabling and disabling the image forming operation, which is an electrophotographic image forming process. In this embodiment, the laser baffle unit 77 is configured to switch between the accessible and inaccessible states of the laser beam U by rotating about the swing axis K. The opening and closing action of the baffle is not limited to rotational movement, but can be, for example, sliding movement or a foldable structure. Furthermore, in this structure, the components constituting the baffle, etc., are supported on the developing unit side, but they can also be supported on the drum unit side.

[0246] Although described again, in this embodiment, the closing phase hole 7510c as the first recess is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the shutter moving member 7510, and the opening phase hole 7510d as the second recess is also recessed in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the shutter moving member 7510. The shutter position limiting pin 7512 is configured to be able to move forward and backward in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the shutter moving member 7510 as the first protrusion or the second protrusion. According to the position of the shutter moving member 7510, the shutter position limiting pin 7512 is fitted into the closing phase hole 7510c or the opening phase hole 7510d, thereby functioning as an engagement portion that holds the shutter moving member 7510 at a predetermined position. The outer peripheral edge of the free end surface of the shutter position limiting pin 7512 is a tapered inclined surface, and the closing phase hole 7510c and the opening phase hole 7510d each have a mortar-like recess shape that expands toward the opening. That is, the contact surfaces between the shutter position limiting pin 7512 and the closing phase hole 7510c and the opening phase hole 7510d are inclined with respect to the moving direction of the shutter moving member 7510 and the advancing / retracting direction of the shutter position limiting pin 7512, respectively. This structure functions as a force application portion (first force application portion, second force application portion) for applying a force for moving the shutter position limiting pin 7512 in the retracting direction to the shutter position limiting pin 7512 when the shutter moving member 7510 moves.

[0247] Here, the structure of the shutter position limiting pin 7512, the closing phase hole 7510c, and the opening phase hole 7510d is not limited to the structure described in the present embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, one protrusion and two recesses are combined, but various combinations can be conceived. For example, a combination structure in which two protrusions are provided, one of which becomes a first protrusion that is fitted into a first recess when the moving member (shutter member) is in a first position, and the other of which becomes a second protrusion that is fitted into a second recess when the moving member is in a second position can be conceived. Alternatively, one recess is provided for both protrusions, and one protrusion is fitted into the common recess when the moving member is in the first position, and the other protrusion is fitted into the common recess when the moving member is in the second position. In this embodiment, the shutter position limiting pin 7512 as the protrusion is provided on the cartridge frame side, and the closing phase hole 7510c and the opening phase hole 7510d as the recesses are provided on the moving member side, but the present application is not limited to this structure. That is, the protrusion can be provided on the moving member side, and the recess can be provided on the cartridge frame side. Furthermore, the structure can be provided such that the cartridge frame side is provided with a first protrusion that is fitted when the moving member is in the first position, and the moving member side is correspondingly provided with a first recess; a second protrusion that is fitted when the moving member is in the second position is provided on the moving member side, and a second recess is provided on the cartridge frame side. Alternatively, the reverse combination can be used.

[0248] (Example 7)

[0249] Referring to Figures 46 to 49 A process cartridge according to Example 7 of the present disclosure will be described. The process cartridge of this example is substantially the same as the process cartridge of Example 6, with the exception of the structure of the electric contact shutter unit 87 and its peripheral structure, which will be described below. Therefore, members including the same functions and structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0250] Further, in this example, by providing the electric contact shutter unit 87 in the process cartridge, it is possible to switch between a state in which a bias voltage applied from the electric contact 503 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, which will be described below, can be supplied to the process cartridge P (the contact shutter unit does not block the bias voltage) and a state in which the bias voltage cannot be supplied (the contact shutter unit blocks the bias voltage). Thereby, it is possible to switch between enabling and disabling the image forming operation regardless of the structure of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 and regardless of how the connection / disconnection operation of the drive connection portion shown in the other examples is performed. Although this example employs the laser shutter unit 77 as in Example 6, it is not necessary to switch between a state in which the laser beam can reach the photosensitive drum 4 and a state in which the laser beam cannot reach the photosensitive drum 4.

[0251] [Overall structure of process cartridge with contact shutter unit]

[0252] Referring to FIG. 46 The overall structure of the process cartridge P will be described. FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P and the electric contact 503 viewed from the non-drive side. As FIG. 46 indicated, the contact shutter unit 87 is sandwiched between the non-drive side cartridge cover member 8521 and the non-drive side bearing 7527 and is fixedly held. The contact 503, which is a main body electrode portion, is a compression coil spring and can contract in the S81 or S82 direction, which is a longitudinal direction. The contact 503 is always compressed in the case where its end portion in the S82 direction is fixed, and it pushes the process cartridge P in the S81 direction. When the electrode portion 7527b of the contact 503 and the non-drive side bearing 7527 contact each other, a bias voltage applied from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 is supplied to the process cartridge P. Here, FIG. 46 part (a) of Fig. 8 shows a state in which the contact shutter unit 87 blocks the bias voltage supplied from the contact 503. In FIG. 46 the state shown in part (a) of Fig. 8, the contact 503 is in contact with the contact shutter 8511, which will be described below, so that no bias voltage is supplied to the process cartridge P, and imaging cannot be performed. FIG. 46Part (b) of FIG. 8 shows a position in which the contact shutter unit 87 is open without blocking the bias voltage supplied from the contact 503. In FIG. 46 In the state of part (b) of FIG. 8, the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-driving side bearing 7527 are in contact with each other, so that the bias voltage is supplied to the process cartridge P, and imaging can be performed.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 47 An outline of the contact shutter unit will be described. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P viewed from the driving side, and only the electric contact shutter unit 87, the non-driving side cartridge cover member 8521, the contact 503, and a part of the laser shutter 7511 are shown for better illustration of the structure. In addition, it shows the contact fixing pin 8512 (to be described later) of the contact shutter unit 87 in a state of being removed from the support hole 8521c of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 8521. The contact shutter unit 87 includes a spring 8510 which is a torsion coil spring, a contact shutter 8511 (an example of a moving member), and a contact fixing pin 8512. The spring 8510 is fixed to a support portion 8521a of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 8521. In addition, a position of an end portion 8510a of the spring 8510 viewed from the driving side in a clockwise direction is limited by a limiting surface 8521b of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 8521. The contact shutter 8511 is provided with a fixing hole 8511a for fixing a position of the contact shutter unit 87. The contact fixing pin 8512 is inserted through the fixing hole 8511a of the contact shutter 8511, and a free end portion of the contact fixing pin 8512 is inserted into and fixed by the support hole 8521c of the non-driving side cartridge cover member 8521. Thereby, the contact shutter 8511 is rotatably supported in a shutter opening direction K81 and a shutter closing direction K82 about a swing axis L which is an axis of the contact fixing pin 8512.

[0254] In FIG. 47 part (a) of FIG. 8, the contact shutter unit 87 is fixed at a position for blocking the bias voltage supplied from the contact 503. That is, the contact shutter 8511 is fixed between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-driving side bearing 7527. The position of the contact shutter 8511 at this time is referred to as a first position.

[0255] In FIG. 47 part (b) of FIG. 8, the contact shutter unit 87 is fixed at an open position which does not block the bias voltage supplied from the contact 503. That is, the contact shutter 8511 is fixed not to be disposed between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-driving side bearing 7527. The position of the contact shutter 8511 at this time is referred to as a second position.

[0256] The contact shutter 8511 includes an arm portion 8511b as an external force receiving surface for rotation in the K81 direction about the swing axis L. Further, the arm portion 8511b of the contact shutter 8511 is in contact with the end portion 8510b of the spring 8510. The laser shutter 7511 as the movable member is rotated in the K81 direction, and the arm portion 8511b receives a rotational force from the force application surface 7511c, thereby rotating the contact shutter 8511 in the shutter opening direction K81 to the second position. In addition, the position of the laser shutter 7511 as the movable member at this time is the second holding position. Here, when the contact shutter 8511 is in the second position, the spring 8510 receives a force in the coil winding direction. Therefore, when the laser shutter 7511 is rotated in the K82 direction and the external force applied from the laser shutter 7511 to the arm portion 8511b of the contact shutter 8511 disappears, the arm portion 8511b receives a rotational force in a direction in which the torsion angle of the arm portion 8511b is increased by the urging force of the spring 8510, so that the contact shutter 8511 is rotated in the shutter closing direction K82 to the first position. In addition, the position of the laser shutter 7511 as the movable member at this time is the first holding position. The holding of the contact shutter 8511 in the first position and the second position by the engagement of the laser shutter 751 is achieved by the engagement mechanism of the shutter moving member 7510 described in Embodiment 6, and thus the description is omitted. As a result, regardless of how the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 is performed, even when the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 always contact each other, the bias voltage applied to the process cartridge P can be switched between the enabled state and the disabled state, so that the image forming operation as the electrophotographic image forming process operation can be switched between the enabled state and the disabled state.

[0257] [Switching operation for opening and closing the laser beam]

[0258] Referring to FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 , the operation of switching between supplying the bias voltage and not supplying the bias voltage by the operation of the contact shutter unit 87 will be described. FIG. 48 The operation of the contact shutter unit 87 from the bias voltage non-supply state to the bias voltage supply state is shown. FIG. 49 The operation of the contact shutter unit 87 from the bias voltage supply state to the bias voltage non-supply state is shown. FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 is a view of the process cartridge P viewed from the non-driving side, and in order to better illustrate the structure, the non-driving side cartridge cover member 8521 as shown in FIG. 46 is not shown, but the driving control member 540 of the main assembly is shown.

[0259] FIG. 48Part (a) shows the contact baffle 8511 of the contact baffle unit 87 in a first position fixed between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527, and the bias voltage cannot be supplied from the contact 503 to the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527. At this time, the drive control member 540 is positioned in its original position, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 does not contact the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, there is a gap T71 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed-direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and a gap T72 between the second force application surface 540c and the open-direction pressed surface 7510f. Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 6, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the closing phase hole 7510c of the baffle moving member 7510, thereby limiting the rotation of the baffle moving member 7510 to fix it therein.

[0260] FIG. 48 Part (b) shows the state in which the contact baffle 8511 moves from a first position that blocks the bias voltage to a second position that does not block the bias voltage. FIG. 48 As shown in part (b), the drive control member 540 moves from its original position along the W52 direction, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 pushes the baffle moving member 7510 along the W52 direction. That is, a gap T73 exists between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is no gap between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f. When the baffle moving member 7510 is pushed in the W52 direction and the laser baffle unit 77 rotates in the K81 direction, the force application surface 7511c of the laser baffle 7511 and the arm portion 8511b of the contact baffle 8511 come into contact with each other. When the laser baffle unit 77 rotates further in the direction K81 from this state, the contact baffle 8511 receives a rotational force from the laser baffle 7511 to rotate in the baffle opening direction K81. Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 6, when the baffle moving member 7510 rotates, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 receives along the F71 direction ( FIG. 45 The external force. At this time, the baffle position control spring 7513 is in a compressed state.

[0261] FIG. 48Part (c) shows the second position, in which the contact baffle 8511 of the contact baffle unit 87 is fixed and not positioned between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527. By moving the contact baffle 8511 from the first position to the second position, the contact 503, acting as a compression coil spring, moves from... FIG. 48 Part (b) shows the state along direction S81 ( FIG. 46 The contact 503 extends to bring the non-drive-side bearing 7527 into contact with each other. This allows a bias voltage to be supplied from the contact 503 to the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive-side bearing 7527, enabling an image forming operation as an electrophotographic image forming process. At this time, the drive control member 540 moves further in the W52 direction beyond... FIG. 48 The position shown in part (b) is such that the control part 540a of the drive control member 540 is stationary when it contacts the baffle moving member 7510. That is, there is a gap T74 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closed-direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is no gap between the second force application surface 540c and the open-direction pressed surface 7510f. Furthermore, as described in embodiment 6, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 enters the open phase hole 7510d of the baffle moving member 7510, thereby limiting the rotational movement of the baffle moving member 7510 to fix it therein.

[0262] FIG. 49 Part (a) shows the location of the processing box P during the image formation operation. FIG. 49 As shown in part (a), the drive control component 540 has been... FIG. 48 The position shown in part (c) is moved to the original position, and the control part 540a is in a position where it does not contact the baffle moving member 7510. That is, in this state, there is a gap T75 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the pressing surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510 in the closing direction, and a gap T76 between the second force application surface 540c and the pressing surface 7510f in the opening direction. Even FIG. 49 In part (a) of the state, as described in Embodiment 6, the free end of the baffle position limiting pin 7512 is also located in the open phase hole 7510d of the baffle moving member 7510, and therefore, the laser baffle 7511 is fixed as follows: FIG. 48 The same position as shown in part (c). That is, the contact baffle 8511 is in the same position as shown in part (c). FIG. 48 The second position is shown in part (c).

[0263] FIG. 49Part (b) shows the state after the image forming operation is completed, where the contact baffle 8511 moves from its second position, where it does not block the bias voltage, to its first position, where it blocks the bias voltage. FIG. 49 As shown in part (b), the drive control member 540 moves from its original position along the W51 direction, and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 pushes the baffle moving member 7510 along the W51 direction. That is, in this state, there is no gap between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction pressed surface 7510e of the baffle moving member 7510, and there is a gap T77 between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction pressed surface 7510f. When the baffle moving member 7510 is pushed in the W51 direction and the laser baffle unit 77 rotates in the K82 direction, the force application surface 7511c of the laser baffle 7511 and the arm portion 8511b of the contact baffle 8511 separate from each other. At this time, the arm portion 8511b of the contact baffle 8511 receives rotational force in the direction of increasing torsion angle through the pushing force of the spring 8510, and the contact baffle 8511 rotates in the baffle closing direction K82. Furthermore, as described in Embodiment 6, when the baffle moving member 7510 rotates, the baffle position limiting pin 7512 receives force in the opposite direction F71 (…). FIG. 45 The external force. At this time, the baffle position control spring 7513 is in a compressed state.

[0264] FIG. 49 Part (c) shows that after the image forming operation is completed, the contact baffle 8511 of the contact baffle unit 87 is positioned in a first position between the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive side bearing 7527. By moving the contact baffle 8511 from the second position to the first position, the contact 503, acting as a compression coil spring, moves from... FIG. 48 Part (b) shows the state along the S82 direction ( FIG. 46 The contact 503 contracts and overlaps with the baffle 8511. That is, the contact 503 and the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive-side bearing 7527 are spaced apart. Therefore, bias voltage cannot be supplied from the contact 503 to the electrode portion 7527b of the non-drive-side bearing 7527, i.e., the image forming operation, as part of the electrophotographic image forming process, becomes infeasible. At this time, the drive control member 540 moves further in the W51 direction beyond... FIG. 49The control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 is stopped in contact with the shaft of the moving member 7510 at the position shown in part (b). That is, there is no gap between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the closing direction-pressed surface 7510e of the shutter moving member 7510, and a gap T78 is formed between the second force application surface 540c and the opening direction-pressed surface 7510f. Further, as described in Embodiment 6, the free end portion of the shutter position limiting pin 7512 enters the closing phase hole 7510c of the shutter moving member 7510, thereby restricting the rotation of the shutter moving member 7510 to fix it thereto.

[0265] As described above, by using the structure of the present embodiment, by moving the drive control member 540 from the home position, it is possible to switch the contact shutter 8511 between the first position and the second position at an arbitrary phase. Thereby, regardless of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6, even when the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 always contact each other, it is possible to switch between the enablement and disablement of the image forming operation as the electrophotographic image forming process operation by switching between the enablement and disablement of the bias voltage supply.

[0266] In the present embodiment, the contact shutter 8511 as the electrode cover member is configured to cover the electrode portion 7527b, but the structure is not limited to such an example. For example, the contact shutter 8511 can move (retract) the electrode portion 7527b in the normal direction of the electrode surface. That is, a retracting mechanism (retreating mechanism) is capable of moving between a predetermined position at which the electrode portion 7527b is electrically connected to the contact 503 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and a retracted position at which the electrode portion 7527b is retracted away from the contact 503 and spaced apart from the contact 503. The contact shutter 8511 as the moving member is configured to be capable of moving between a second position at which the electrode portion 7527b is disposed at the predetermined position and a first position at which the electrode portion 7527b is disposed at the retracted position. The structure for holding the contact shutter 8511 at the first position and the second position can be the same as the above-described embodiments. Alternatively, the contact 503 as the main body electrode portion and the electrode portion 7527b as the cartridge side electrode portion can be configured to be capable of moving front and back.

[0267] Further, the structure for breaking the electrical connection path is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiments. It is not limited to between the contact of the image forming apparatus main assembly and the contact of the cartridge, and a path interruption structure similar to the present embodiment can be provided midway through the electrical path within the cartridge. Further, the retraction structure of the above-described electrode portion is not limited to the structure in which the cartridge side electrode portion is capable of moving front and back, and the electrode portion of the image forming apparatus can be provided to be capable of moving front and back, or both can move front and back.

[0268] (Example 8)

[0269] Referring to FIG. 50 to FIG. 54 A process cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of the present disclosure will be described. The process cartridge of this embodiment is substantially the same as the process cartridge of Embodiment 1, except that the structure of the control member and its peripheral structure are different. Therefore, members having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0270] [Structure of control member]

[0271] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P viewed from the drive side. FIG. 51 Part (a) of FIG. 51 Part (b) of FIG. 51 Part (c) of

[0272] As shown in FIG. 50 , the control member 9510 is provided with a supported hole 9510a fitted in a support portion 9526a of the drive side bearing 9526, and is able to swing around the support portion 9526a. In addition, a tension spring 9511 is fitted into the support portion 9526a of the drive side bearing 9526 and a support portion 9510b of the control member 9510. As shown in FIG. 51 , the tension spring 9511 urges the control member 9510 in the Z1 direction in part (a) of FIG. 51 The control member 9510 is provided with foot portions 9510e and 9510g which can protrude in the Z2 direction from the developing unit 9. The foot portion 9510e is provided with a first force receiving portion (insertion force receiving portion) 9510f which receives a force from the drive control member 540, and the foot portion 9510g is provided with a second force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion) 9510h which receives a force from the drive control member 540.

[0273] By closing the front door 111, a cartridge pressing member (not shown) in the device main assembly urges the control member 9510 in the Z2 direction in part (a) of FIG. 51The Z2 direction in part (b) of the above is lowered to press the pressed portion 9510c, thereby moving the tube control member 9510 in the Z2 direction. Then, the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 enters the space Q9 interposed between the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h. At this time, there is a gap T93 between the first force receiving portion 9510f of the foot portion 9510e and the second force applying surface 540c, and there is a gap T92 between the second force receiving portion 9510f of the foot portion 9510g and the first force applying surface 540b. In addition, the tube control lever portion 9510d is disposed at a position where the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 do not contact each other. The position of this tube control member 9510 is referred to as a first position. At this time, while the tube control member 9510 is held at the first position, the drive connection state is maintained.

[0274] When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W52 direction, the second force applying surface 540c contacts the first force receiving portion 9510f of the tube control member 9510, and the tube control member 9510 is rotated in the direction of arrow V91 in part (b) of the above. FIG. 51 Then, the tube control lever portion 9510d of the tube control member 9510 is disposed at a position between the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and the surface 80b of the sliding member 80. The position of this tube control member 9510 is referred to as a second position. Thus, the drive connection is maintained in the interrupted state.

[0275] When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction, the first force applying surface 540b abuts against the second force receiving portion 9510h of the tube control member 9510, and the tube control member 9510 is rotated in the direction of arrow V92 in part (b) of the above. FIG. 51 Then, the tube control lever portion 9510d is separated from the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, and the drive connection is established.

[0276] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, it is possible to switch between the second position and the first position of the tube control member 9510 by moving the drive control member 540, thereby switching the drive connection state. Thereby, it is possible to switch the drive connection state regardless of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6.

[0277] [Layout Details - Part 1]

[0278] With reference to FIG. 52 The arrangement of the tube control member 9510 will be described in detail. FIG. 52 is a view of the process cartridge P as viewed from the drive side in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4. The tube control member 9510 is disposed at the first position. The drive side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted for better illustration.

[0279] As FIG. 52 shown, the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 4 is M1, the rotation axis (rotation center) of the developing roller 6 is M2, and a straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis (rotation center) K of the developing link member 74 is a line N1. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the photosensitive member link member 43 is coaxial with the rotation axis M1. When an area is divided by the line N1, the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6, the first force receiving portion 9510f, and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged in the same area divided by the line N1. Further, the distance between the rotation axis K of the developing link member 74 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 is e1, the distance between the rotation axis K of the developing link member 74 and the first force receiving portion 9510f is e2, and the distance between the rotation axis K and the second force receiving portion 9510h is e3. In this case, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged so that the distances e2 and e3 are greater than the distance e1. By arranging the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in this way, it is possible to reduce the force required to move the control member 9510 to the first position and the second position.

[0280] [Layout details - Part 2]

[0281] With reference FIG. 53 to the arrangement of the control member 9510 will be described in detail. FIG. 53 is a view of the process cartridge P as viewed from the drive side in the direction of the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 or the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller. The control member 9510 is disposed in the first position. For better illustration, the drive side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted.

[0282] As FIG. 53 shown, an imaginary straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 is an imaginary line N2. When an area is divided by the imaginary line N2 (the upper area is an area AU1 and the lower area is an area AD1), at least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h is disposed in the area AD1, which is opposite to the area in which the rotation axis K of the developing link member 74 is provided. As described in Embodiment 1, the drive member for driving the member provided in the developing unit 9 is arranged in the area AU1. Therefore, arranging at least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in the area AD1 instead of the area AU1 achieves an effective layout that avoids interference between the members. This leads to miniaturization of the process cartridge P and the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus.

[0283] Further, a line that is perpendicular to the imaginary line N2 and that passes through a contact point between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 (a gap between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 in a configuration in which the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 do not contact each other) is an imaginary line N3. When an area is divided by the imaginary line N3, an area in which at least a part of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h is arranged is opposite to an area in which the rotation axis Ml of the photosensitive drum 4 is provided. In the above description, when a boundary is divided by the imaginary line N2, the area AUl and the area ADl are areas in which the rotation axis K or the developing coupling member 74 is provided and areas in which the rotation axis K or the developing coupling member 74 is not provided, as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis M2. However, as another definition, when an area is divided by the imaginary line N2, the area AUl and the area ADl can be defined as areas in which the charge roller 5 or the rotation axis M5 of the charge roller 5 is provided and areas in which the charge roller 5 or the rotation axis M5 of the charge roller 5 is not provided, respectively, as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis M2.

[0284] As a further definition, when an area is divided by the imaginary line N2, the area AUl and the area ADl can be defined as areas in which the developing blade 30, the approach point 30d (refer to FIG. 54 ), or the rotation axis M7 (refer to FIG. 54 ) of the stirring member 31 is provided and areas in which the developing blade 30, the approach point 30d (refer to FIG. 54 ), or the rotation axis M7 (refer to FIG. 54 ) of the stirring member 31 is not provided, respectively, as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis M2. The approach point 30d is a position at which the developing blade 30 is closest to the surface of the developing roller 6. In a general electrophotographic cartridge, particularly in a process cartridge used with an image forming apparatus of an in-line layout, it is not possible for other members of the process cartridge to be provided in the area ADl. In addition, when the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged in the area ADl, the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 also has the following advantages. That is, the drive control member 540 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 is provided in a lower portion of the process cartridge P and moves substantially horizontally (in the W51 and W52 directions, i.e., the direction in which the photosensitive drum 4 or the process cartridge P is arranged, in this embodiment) to press the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h. With this configuration, the drive control member 540 and its drive mechanism can be provided relatively simply or compactly. This is particularly significant in an image forming apparatus of an in-line layout. Thus, it is expected that the arrangement of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in the area ADl contributes to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502.

[0285] As described above, reference has been made to FIG. 53The arrangement of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h is described, and it is apparent from other figures that the relationship is the same. When the direction perpendicular to the imaginary line N2 is the VD1 direction, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are arranged at a position that protrudes at least in the VD1 direction from the developing unit 9. Thus, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h can be arranged so that the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 can contact the second force receiving portion 9510h, and the second force application surface 540c can contact the first force receiving portion 9510f.

[0286] Further, the diameter of the developing roller 6 of this structure is smaller than the diameter of the photosensitive drum 4. By arranging the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in this way, a drive transmission portion (not shown) including a gear train or the like for transmitting a driving force from the developing coupling member 74 to the developing roller is able to be arranged in a space-saving manner so as to avoid interference with the photosensitive drum 4. Thereby, the process cartridge P can be downsized.

[0287] [Layout Details - Part 3]

[0288] Reference FIG. 54 A concept similar to the concept described above of providing at least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in the area AD1 will be described. FIG. 54 is a view of the process cartridge P as viewed from the drive side in the direction along the rotation axis M1 of the developing unit 9, the rotation axis K, or the rotation axis M2. The arrangement of the tube control member 9510 described below is substantially common to the first position and the second position, so only the first position will be described, and the description regarding the second position will be omitted. The rotation axis of the toner supply roller (developer supply member) 32 is the rotation axis (rotation center) M6. Further, the process cartridge P includes the stirring member 31 that rotates and stirs the developer accommodated in the developing unit 9, and the rotation axis of the stirring member 31 is the rotation axis (rotation center) M7.

[0289] An imaginary line connecting the rotational axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotational axis M5 of the charging roller 5 that is a charging member is an imaginary line N10. Among the intersection points between the imaginary line N10 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, the intersection point farther from the rotational axis M5 is an intersection point MX1. An imaginary tangent line to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 passing through the intersection point MX1 is a tangent line (predetermined tangent line) N11. The region divided by the tangent line N11 is a region AU2, where the resulting region AU2 includes the rotational axis M1, the charging roller 5, the rotational axis M5, the developing link member 74, the rotational axis K, the developing blade 30, the approach point 30d, the toner supply roller 32, the rotational axis M6, and the stirring member 31, the rotational axis M7, or the pressed portion 9510c, and the resulting region AD2 (predetermined region) does not include these. Further, the regions AU2 and AD2 can be defined in another way as follows. That is, the direction VD10 is a direction parallel to the direction from the rotational axis M5 to the rotational axis M1 and pointing in the same orientation, and the most downstream portion of the photosensitive drum 4 with respect to the direction VD10 is the intersection point MX1. Then, with respect to the direction VD10, the region on the upstream side of the most downstream portion MX1 is the region AU2, and the region on the downstream side thereof is the region (predetermined region) AD2. The regions AU2 and AD2 defined in either way are the same.

[0290] At least a portion of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h is arranged in the AD2 region. The arrangement of at least a portion of each of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in the region AD2 in this way contributes to the downsizing and cost reduction of the process cartridge P and the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. This is the same reason as that of the arrangement of at least a portion of each of the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h in the region AD1. Further, the management member 9510, the first force receiving portion 9510f, and the second force receiving portion 9510h are displaced at least in the VD10 direction by the movement in the Z1 and Z2 directions. With this displacement in the VD10 direction, interference of the management member 9510, the first force receiving portion 9510f, and the second force receiving portion 9510h with the drive control member 540 can be avoided at the time of insertion or removal of the process cartridge P into or from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502.

[0291] When the tube management member 9510 is in the first position, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h are disposed at positions that protrude from the developing unit 9 at least in the VD10 direction. Thus, the first force receiving portion 9510f and the second force receiving portion 9510h can be arranged so that the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 can contact the second force receiving portion 9510h, and the second force application surface 540c can contact the first force receiving portion 9510f. The positional relationship of the respective force receiving portions described above is the same in all of the embodiments described below.

[0292] (Embodiment 9)

[0293] Referring to FIG. 55 to FIG. 58 A process cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present disclosure and an image forming apparatus will be described. The process cartridge of this embodiment is substantially the same as the process cartridge of Embodiment 1, except that the structure of the tube management member and its peripheral structure are different. Therefore, members having the same function and structure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0294] [Structure of Tube Management Member]

[0295] FIG. 55 is a diagram for illustrating disassembly and assembly of the tube management member 10510. FIG. 56 Part (a) of is a perspective view of only the tube management member 10510 and the drive side bearing 10526. FIG. 56 Part (b) of is a side view of only the tube management member 10510 and the drive side bearing 10526. FIG. 56 Part (c) of is a side view of only the tube management member 10510 and the drive side bearing 10526 being pressed by the cartridge pressing member.

[0296] In Embodiment 9, the tube management member 10510 in Embodiment 8 is divided into two parts and connected to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 55 the tube management member 10510 is divided into an upper tube management member 10510U and a lower tube management member 10510D. The shaft 10510Da is provided on the lower tube management member 10510D. Further, as shown in FIG. 56As shown in part (a) of FIG. 105, the lower control member 10510D is provided with foot portions 10510De and 10510g, which can protrude in the Z2 direction from the developing unit. A first force receiving portion (insertion force receiving portion) 10510Df is provided on the foot portion 10510De, and a second force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion) 10510Dh is provided on the foot portion 10510Dg, and they receive a force from the drive control member 540. The upper control member 10510U has an opening 10510Uj on a surface facing the lower control member 10510D.

[0297] A pair of elliptical holes 10510Uk is provided across the opening 10510Uj. A spring holding portion 10510Dj is provided on the lower control member 10510D. One end of the compression spring 10512 is fitted to the spring holding portion 0510Dj, the other end is inserted from the opening 10510Uj, and is supported by a holding portion (not shown) behind it, and then each shaft is fitted into each elliptical hole 10510Uk. At this time, the control member 10510 is preferably made of a plastic material, because it is possible to assemble while expanding the opening 10510. When a hard material is used, the shaft 10510Da can be a separate member. For example, a parallel pin can be used as the shaft 10510Da and assembled by press fitting.

[0298] The upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D are connected by the elliptical hole 10510Uk and the pair of shafts 10510Da, and the upper control member 10510U is pushed away from the lower control member 10510D by the compression spring 10512. In addition, the lower control member 10510D is capable of rotating about the shaft 10510Da with respect to the upper control member 10510U. In addition, it is configured to be capable of moving in a direction along the elliptical hole 10510Uk with respect to the upper control member 10510U. The connection portion connecting the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D configured as described above can take a first state that allows elastic deformation and a second state that restricts elastic deformation. Details will be described below.

[0299] [Description of the operation of the control member]

[0300] Referring to FIG. 56 Parts (a) to FIG. 56 Part (c) of FIG. 105, the operation of the control member 10510 is explained. As described in Embodiment 8, after the process cartridge P is completely inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, in association with the operation of closing the front door 111, the control member 10510 is pressed by the cartridge pressing member (not shown). FIG. 56 Parts (a) and FIG. 56Part (b) shows the control member 10510 in a state where it is not pushed by the box pressing member (free state), and FIG. 56 Part (c) shows the state (locked state) in which the control member 10510 is pushed by the box pressing member.

[0301] like FIG. 56 As shown in part (a), the lower control member 10510D is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove 10526b centered on a support portion 10526a disposed in the drive-side bearing 10526, and the shaft 10510Da is assembled in this arc-shaped guide groove. As described above, the lower control member 10510D is capable of swinging relative to the upper control member 10510U around the support portion 10526a. Furthermore, the upper control member 10510U is capable of swinging around the support portion 10526a of the drive-side bearing 10526 and can move in the Z1 and Z2 directions.

[0302] like FIG. 56 As shown in part (b), in the above structure, when the control member 10510 is not pushed by the box pressing member (free state), the lower control member 10510D can rotate about the axis 10510Da. Therefore, even if the lower control member 10510D receives force from the drive control member 540 and rotates, the force will not be transmitted to the upper control member 10510U.

[0303] Reference FIG. 56 Part (c) will describe the operation of the control member 10510 in the state where it is pushed by the box pressing member (locked state). The upper control member 10510U moves in the Z2 direction by being pushed downward by the box pressing member, overcoming the pushing force of the spring 10512. FIG. 56 As shown in part (a), the joining portion (square shaft portion) 10510Dk is assembled into the joined portion (square hole portion) 10510Um, making the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D integral. That is, the swinging motion of the lower control member 10510D relative to the upper control member 10510U about the shaft 10510Da is restricted. In this state, the integral control member 10510 can swing about the support portion 10526a, which serves as the center of rotation, while the shaft 10510Da... FIG. 56 The control member 10510 moves within the arc-shaped guide groove 10526b shown in part (a). Therefore, when the box pressing member is pressed along the Z2 direction, the control member 10510 can move in the same manner as the control member 9510 in embodiment 8.

[0304] [Install the processing box to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus]

[0305] Reference FIG. 56 Part (a) and FIG. 57Part (b) of FIG. 10 will describe the operation of the control member 10510 at the time of insertion of the process cartridge in Example 9. FIG. 57 Part (a) of FIG. 10 shows a state in which the process cartridge P is in the process of being inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. FIG. 57 Part (b) shows a state in which the process cartridge P is in the process of being detached from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. The drive-side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted for better illustration. As described above, when the upper control member 10510U is not pushed by the cartridge pressing member (free state), the lower control member 10510D is rotatable about the shaft 10510Da. In this example, the lower control member 10510D is in the same position as the first position of the control member 9510 in Example 8 (refer to FIG. 57 Part (b) of FIG. 10). Therefore, as in Example 8, when the process cartridge P installed on the tray 110 (not shown) is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 in the direction of the arrow X1, the drive control member 540 interferes with the lower control member 10510D. However, due to the above structure, as shown in Part (a) of FIG. 10, it is possible to avoid the rotation of the lower control member 10510D about the shaft 10510Da and the mutual interference of the drive control member 540 and the lower control member 10510D and the inability of the cartridge to be inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly. FIG. 51

[0306] Next, when the process cartridge P is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the front door 111 is closed, as described above, the upper control member 10510U is pushed downward in the Z2 direction by the cartridge pressing member. Then, FIG. 57 The engaging portion (square shaft portion) 10510Dk shown in Part (a) of FIG. 10 is fitted into the engaged portion (square hole portion) 10510Um. That is, the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D are integrated and perform substantially the same function as the control member 9510 of Example 8.

[0307] [Detachment of the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus main assembly]

[0308] Conversely, as FIG. 56 ​As shown in part (b) of FIG. 10, when the process cartridge P is removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 (X2 direction), the drive control member 540 interferes with the lower tube control member 10510D. However, since the lower tube control member 10510D is in the free state as described above, it is not integrated with the upper tube control member 10510U and thereby rotates around the shaft 10510Da. Thus, it is possible to prevent the drive control member 540 and the lower tube control member 10510D from interfering with each other and being unable to be removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. In this embodiment, the process cartridge usable for a color image forming apparatus is described. Thus, four process cartridges are provided with four drive control members. Thus, according to the work station, FIG. 57 The operation shown in FIG. 10 is repeated at most four times.

[0309] The structure is such that the lower tube control member 10510D returns from the position shown in part (b) of FIG. 10 to the neutral position shown in part (a) of FIG. 10. FIG. 57 FIG. 57 The structure is such that the lower tube control member 10510D returns from the position shown in part (b) of FIG. 10 to the neutral position shown in part (a) of FIG. 10.

[0310] [Operation of the tube control member for driving connection / disconnection]

[0311] Referring to FIG. 56 the operation of the tube control member 10510 at the time of driving connection and driving disconnection will be described. FIG. 58 Part (a) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the tube control member 10510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. FIG. 58 Part (b) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the tube control member 10510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. For better illustration, the drive side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted. Further, the driving connection operation and the driving disconnection operation of the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75 and the operation of the drive control member 540 are the same as in Embodiment 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted. As described above, when the process cartridge P is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the front door 111 is closed, the upper tube control member 10510U is pushed downward in the Z2 direction by the cartridge pressing member. Then, the upper tube control member 10510U and the lower tube control member 10510D are integrated.

[0312] ​At this time, a gap T103 exists between the first force receiving portion 10510Df of the foot portion 10510De and the second force applying surface 540c, and a gap T102 exists between the second force receiving portion 10510Dh of the foot portion 10510Dg and the first force applying surface 540b. In addition, the tube control lever portion 10510Ud, which is a moving portion, is disposed at a position at which the developing coupling member 74 and the slide member 80 do not contact each other. The position of the tube control member 10510 is referred to as a first position. At this time, the drive connection state is maintained while the tube control member 10510 is held at the first position.

[0313] Further, when the drive control member 540 is moved in the W52 direction, the second force applying surface 540c abuts against the first force receiving portion 10510Df of the lower tube control member 10510D, and the tube control member 10510 rotates around the support portion 10526a in the portion (a) in the arrow V101 direction. Then, the tube control lever portion 10510Ud of the upper tube control member 10510U becomes to be located between the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and the surface 80b of the slide member 80. Thus, the drive disconnection is maintained. The position of the tube control member 10510 is referred to as a second position. At this time, with respect to the lower tube control member 10510D, a gap T104 exists between the first force receiving portion 10510Df and the second force applying surface 540c, and a gap T105 exists between the second force receiving portion 10510Dh of the foot portion 10510Dg and the first force applying surface 540b. When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction, the first force applying surface 540b comes into contact with the second force receiving portion 10510Dh of the lower tube control member 10510D, and the tube control member 10510 rotates around the support portion 10526a in the portion (b) in the arrow V102 direction. Then, the tube control lever portion 10510Ud is separated from the developing coupling member 74 and the slide member 80, and the drive connection is established. FIG. 58 FIG. 58 Further, when the drive control member 540 is moved in the W52 direction, the second force applying surface 540c abuts against the first force receiving portion 10510Df of the lower tube control member 10510D, and the tube control member 10510 rotates around the support portion 10526a in the portion (a) in the arrow V101 direction. Then, the tube control lever portion 10510Ud of the upper tube control member 10510U becomes to be located between the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and the surface 80b of the slide member 80. Thus, the drive disconnection is maintained. The position of the tube control member 10510 is referred to as a second position. At this time, with respect to the lower tube control member 10510D, a gap T104 exists between the first force receiving portion 10510Df and the second force applying surface 540c, and a gap T105 exists between the second force receiving portion 10510Dh of the foot portion 10510Dg and the first force applying surface 540b. When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction, the first force applying surface 540b comes into contact with the second force receiving portion 10510Dh of the lower tube control member 10510D, and the tube control member 10510 rotates around the support portion 10526a in the portion (b) in the arrow V102 direction. Then, the tube control lever portion 10510Ud is separated from the developing coupling member 74 and the slide member 80, and the drive connection is established.

[0314] According to the structure of the above-described embodiment, the same effects as those of Embodiment 8 can be obtained. In this embodiment, the lower tube control member 10510D including the first force receiving portion 10510Df and the second force receiving portion 10510Dh is movable with respect to the upper tube control member 10510U and other portions of the process cartridge P. In this embodiment, the movement causes the first force receiving portion 10510Df and the second force receiving portion 10510Dh to be displaced in the Z2 direction, so that at least the direction VD1 ( FIG. 58 FIG. 53 ​​The lower control member 10510D can move upwards depending on the position of the upper control member 10510U. It can switch between a state where it can move independently (free state) and a state where it is fixed to the upper control member 10510U (locked state). Therefore, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into or removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, interference from the lower control member 10510D with the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, especially the drive control member 540, can be avoided, thus preventing the processing cartridge from being installed or removed.

[0315] (Example 10)

[0316] Reference FIG. 54 Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, structures and operations that differ from those in the above embodiments will be mainly described, and descriptions of identical structures and operations will be omitted. Furthermore, for structures corresponding to those in the above embodiments, the same reference numerals or designations are used, or the reference numerals or designations in the first half are changed, while the reference numerals and designations in the second half are the same.

[0317] [Structure of Control Components]

[0318] FIG. 59 to FIG. 63 Part (a) shows the state of the upper control component 11510U and the lower control component 11510D before assembly. FIG. 59 Part (b) shows the assembled state of the upper control member 11510U and the lower control member 11510D. In Embodiment 10, as... FIG. 59 As shown, during the insertion of the processing box P, the control component corresponding to the control component 9510 in Embodiment 8 is in the longitudinal direction ( FIG. 59 The control member 11510 avoids the drive control member 540 in the Y1 and Y2 directions of part (d). The Y1 and Y2 directions are parallel to the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 in Embodiment 1. The insertion and removal of the control member 11510 when avoiding the drive control member 540 will be described below.

[0319] like FIG. 60 As shown, the control component 11510 has a specific structure consisting of two parts: an upper control component 11510U and a lower control component 11510D. The upper control component 11510U is positioned along the directions (X1 and X2 directions) relative to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus for inserting and removing the processing box. FIG. 59 A pair of elliptical holes facing each other along the X1 and X2 directions are provided at the portion overlapping with the lower control member 11510D. Shaft 11510Da is provided on the lower control member 11510D. Furthermore, as... FIG. 57As shown in part (a), the lower control member 11510D has foot portions 11510De and 11510Dg that can extend from the developing unit 9 in the Z2 direction. A first force receiving portion (insertion force receiving portion) 11510Df is provided on the foot portion 11510De, and a second force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion) 11510Dh is provided on the foot portion 11510Dg, and they receive forces from the drive control member 540. A compression spring 11512 is provided between the upper control member 11510U and the lower control member 11510D. One end of the compression spring 11512 is supported by the retaining portion (not shown) of the upper control member 11510U, and the other end is fitted into the retaining portion 11510Dj of the lower control member 11510D, such that the shaft 11510Da is fitted into the elliptical hole 11510Uk. FIG. 59 Part (b)).

[0320] The control member 11510 assembled in this manner is preferably made of plastic material because the free end 11510Uj of the upper control member 11510U widens when the shaft 11510Da is fitted into the elliptical hole 11510Uk. When using a control member 11510 made of a rigid material, the shaft 11510Da and the lower control member 11510D can be separate components. For example, the shaft 11510Da can ultimately be press-fitted into the lower control member 11510D.

[0321] [Description of the operation of the control component]

[0322] Reference FIG. 59 Part (a) to FIG. 60 Part (e) describes the operation of control component 11510. FIG. 60 Part (a) shows the state in which the upper control member 11510U is not pushed by the box pressing member in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus (free state). FIG. 60 Part (b) only shows from FIG. 60 Control component 11510 observed from the drum unit side in part (a). FIG. 60 Part (c) shows FIG. 60 Enlarged view of the lower control component 11510D in part (b). FIG. 60 Part (d) shows the state (locked state) in which the upper control member 11510U is pushed by the box pressing member in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 60 Part (e) only shows from FIG. 59 Control component 11510 observed from the drum unit side in part (d).

[0323] Reference FIG. 59 Parts and FIG. 60Part (d) will describe the state of the control member 11510 when it is not pressed by the box pressing member (free state). By fitting the elliptical hole 11510Ua to the support portion 11526Ua of the drive-side bearing 11526, the upper control member 11510U can move along the longitudinal direction of the elliptical hole 11510Ua and along the Z1 and Z2 directions, and can swing about the support portion 11510Ua. When not pressed by the box pressing member, the lower control member 11510D is supported by the shaft 11510Da and can swing about the shaft 11510Da relative to the upper control member 11510U in the directions of arrows Y3 and Y4 (free state). In this free state, for example by the force of the aforementioned compression spring 11512, the lower control member 11510D supports the shaft 11510Da and remains able to swing relative to the upper control member 11510U. In its free state, the lower control member 11510D needs to avoid interference with the drive control member 540 when the cartridge is inserted into or removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, as will be described below. For example, as FIG. 59 As shown in part (c), the spring seat surface 11510Dn of the lower control member 11510D receives the pushing force of the compression spring 11512, thereby maintaining a state of oscillation relative to the upper control member 11510U in the Y4 direction. Therefore, when the lower control member 11510D is oscillating in the Y4 direction, the seat surface 11510Dn of the lower control member 11510D faces the seat surface 11510Uq of the upper control member 11510U. Thus, the elastic force of the compression spring 11512 provided between the upper control member 11510U and the lower control member 11510D causes the lower control member 11510D to maintain its oscillating state using a torque about the axis 11510Da in the Y4 direction.

[0324] Reference FIG. 60 Part (b) FIG. 60 Part (d) and FIG. 59 Part (e) will describe the operation of the upper control member 11510 in the state where it is pushed by the box pressing member (locked state). The upper control member 11510U moves in the Z2 direction by overcoming the pushing force of the spring 11512 by being pushed downward by the box pressing member. In the state where the upper control member 11510U is pushed by the box pressing member, FIG. 61Part (b) shows the free end 11510Up of the upper control member 11510U being fitted into the square hole portion 11510Dm of the lower control member 11510D. Then, the upper control member 11510U and the lower control member 11510D become integrated, and the lower control member 10510D's swing relative to the upper control member 10510U about the axis 10510Da is restricted (locked state). In this state, the integrated control member 11510 can swing about the support portion 11526a, which serves as the rotation center, in the V111 and V112 directions. Therefore, when pressed by the box pressing member along the Z2 direction, the control member 11510 can move in the same manner as the control member 9510 in Embodiment 8.

[0325] [Install the processing box to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus]

[0326] Reference FIG. 61 Parts (a), (b), and (c) will describe the operation of the control component 11510 when the processing box is inserted in Embodiment 10. FIG. 61 Part (a) shows the state of the processing box P during the process of being inserted into the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 61 Part (b) shows the view from the developing unit side. FIG. 61 The state of part (a). FIG. 61 Part (c) shows from FIG. 60 Part (a) shows the state of further insertion of the processing cartridge. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted.

[0327] As described above, when the upper control member 11510U is not pushed by the box pressing member (free state), the lower control member 11510D can rotate around the axis 11510Da, as... FIG. 60 As shown in part (b), when the processing cartridge P mounted on the cartridge tray (not shown) is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus in the direction of arrow X1 or removed in the direction of arrow X2, the lower control member 11510D is inserted and simultaneously retracts further relative to the drive control member 540 in the longitudinal direction (Y2 direction). This is because the lower control member 11510D is held in place by the action of the aforementioned compression spring 11512. FIG. 59 The state is shown in part (b). Furthermore, the inclined surface 11510Dp is provided on the lower control member 11510D, and when it collides with the drive control member 540, the lower control member 11510D retracts in the Y2 direction. Therefore, interference between the drive control member 540 and the lower control member 11510D, preventing them from being inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, can be prevented.

[0328] Next, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus and the front door 111 is closed, as described above, the upper control member 11510U is pushed downward in the Z2 direction by the cartridge pressing member. Then, FIG. 62 The free end 11510Up of the upper control member 11510U shown in part (b) is fitted into the square hole portion 11510Dm of the lower control member 11510D. In other words, the upper control member 10510U and the lower control member 10510D are integrated and perform substantially the same function as the control member 9510 of embodiment 8.

[0329] [Disassemble the processing box from the main component of the image forming apparatus]

[0330] Reference FIG. 62 Part (a) FIG. 62 Part (b) and FIG. 62 Part (c) describes the operation of control component 11510 when the processing box is removed. FIG. 62 Part (a) shows the state in which the processing box P is being removed from the main component 502 of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 62 Part (b) shows the view from the drum unit side. FIG. 62 The state of part (a). FIG. 62 Part (c) shows from FIG. 62 Part (a) and FIG. 61 Part (b) shows the state of further removal of the processing cartridge. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 9520 and the developing device cover component 9533 are omitted.

[0331] like FIG. 62 As shown in part (b), when the processing cartridge P is removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus (X2 direction), the lower control member 11510D is removed along the longitudinal direction (Y2 direction). Furthermore, the lower control member 11510D is provided with an inclined surface 11510Dq, and when it collides with the drive control member 540, the lower control member 11510D further retracts along the Y2 direction. Therefore, interference between the drive control member 540 and the lower control member 11510D can be prevented, thus preventing its removal from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, a processing cartridge that can be used in a color image forming apparatus is described. Therefore, four processing cartridges and four drive control members are provided. Therefore, according to the workstation, FIG. 63 and FIG. 63 The operation shown can be repeated a maximum of four times. As described above, when the processing cartridge P is inserted into or removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, the lower control member 11510D is in a free state.

[0332] [Operation of control components for driving connection / disconnection]

[0333] Referring to FIG. 63 The operation of the management member 11510 at the time of driving connection and driving disconnection will be described. FIG. 63 Part (a) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the management member 11510 is in the first position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. FIG. 62 Part (b) of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the management member 11510 is in the second position and the drive control member 540 is in the original position. For better illustration, the drive-side cassette cover 9520 and the developing device cover member 9533 are omitted. In addition, the driving connection operation and the driving disconnection operation of the developing coupling member 74 and the rotatable member 75 and the operation of the drive control member 540 are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0334] As described above, when the process cartridge P is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the front door 111 is closed, the upper management member 11510U is pushed down in the Z2 direction by the cassette pressing member. Then, the upper management member 10510U and the lower management member 10510D become integrated (part (a) of FIG. 11). At this time, there is a gap T113 between the first force receiving portion 11510Df of the foot portion 11510De and the second force application surface 540c, and there is a gap T112 between the second force receiving portion 11510Dh of the foot portion 11510Dg and the first force application surface 540b. In addition, the management lever portion 11510Ud is in a position in which the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 do not contact each other. This position of the management member 11510 is referred to as the first position. At this time, the driving connection state is maintained while the management member 11510 is maintained in the first position. FIG. 63 In addition, when the drive control member 540 is moved in the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c abuts against the first force receiving portion 11510Df of the lower management member 11510D, so that the management member 11510 is pushed in the Z2 direction around the center of the support portion 11526a. As a result, the management lever portion 11510Ud is moved in the W52 direction, and the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80 are brought into contact with each other. Thus, the driving connection state is established (part (b) of FIG. 11).

[0335] FIG. 64 to FIG. 66 ​the direction of arrow V111 in part (a). Then, the lever portion 11510Ud of the upper control member 11510U is positioned between the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and the surface 80b of the sliding member 80. Thus, the drive disconnection is maintained. The position of this control member 10510 is referred to as a second position. At this time, with respect to the lower control member 11510D, there is a gap T115 between the first force receiving portion 11510Df and the second force application surface 540c, and there is a gap T114 between the second force receiving portion 11510Dh of the foot portion 11510Dg and the first force application surface 540b. When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b abuts against the second force receiving portion 11510Dh of the lower control member 11510D, and the control member 11510 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow V111 in part (b) about the center of the support portion 11526a. When the lever portion 11510Ud is separated from the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, the drive connection is established. FIG. 64 the direction of arrow V111 in part (a). Then, the lever portion 11510Ud of the upper control member 11510U is positioned between the surface 74b of the developing coupling member 74 and the surface 80b of the sliding member 80. Thus, the drive disconnection is maintained. The position of this control member 10510 is referred to as a second position. At this time, with respect to the lower control member 11510D, there is a gap T115 between the first force receiving portion 11510Df and the second force application surface 540c, and there is a gap T114 between the second force receiving portion 11510Dh of the foot portion 11510Dg and the first force application surface 540b. When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b abuts against the second force receiving portion 11510Dh of the lower control member 11510D, and the control member 11510 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow V111 in part (b) about the center of the support portion 11526a. When the lever portion 11510Ud is separated from the developing coupling member 74 and the sliding member 80, the drive connection is established.

[0336] According to the structure of the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of Embodiment 8 can be provided.

[0337] Further, in this embodiment, the lower control member 11510D including the first force receiving portion (insertion force receiving portion) 11510Df and the second force receiving portion (retreat force receiving portion) 11510Dh is movable with respect to the upper control member 11510U and other components of the process cartridge P. In this embodiment, this movement displaces the first force receiving portion 11510f and the second force receiving portion 11510h at least in the Y2 direction (a direction parallel to the rotation axis M1 in Embodiment 8). Then, with the position of the upper control member 11510U, it is possible to switch between a state in which the lower control member 11510D is independently movable (a free state) and a state in which the lower control member 11510D is fixed to the upper control member 11510U (a locked state). Thereby, when the process cartridge P is inserted into or removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, by taking the free state, it is possible to avoid the lower control member 11510D and the drive control member 540 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 interfering with each other to cause the process cartridge to be unable to be inserted and removed.

[0338] (Embodiment 11)

[0339] Reference FIG. 65A process cartridge according to Embodiment 11 of the present disclosure will be described. The process cartridge of this embodiment is the same as the process cartridge of Embodiment 1 except for the structure of the cartridge cover member and its peripheral structure, which will be described below. Therefore, components having the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0340] In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 1, the drive can be switched without relying on the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6, and the component structure and operation of the drive control member 540 provided in the image forming apparatus main assembly and the tube control member 510 provided in the process cartridge are the same as in Embodiment 1. According to the structure of this embodiment, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be provided. In addition to the operation described in Embodiment 1, a structure is provided with which the process cartridge or the developing unit is further moved in the vertical direction until the image forming operation. With this operation, when the process cartridge is inserted into or taken out of the apparatus main assembly, a greater vertical distance from the drive control member can be provided compared to Embodiment 1, and thus the possibility of interference with the drive control member and resulting inability to insert and take out the process cartridge can be further reduced.

[0341] [Structure of process cartridge including developing unit moving member]

[0342] Reference FIG. 5 and FIG. 53 A structure in which the developing unit as a process cartridge is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum of the drum unit will be described. As described in Embodiment 1, the vertical direction Z in this embodiment refers to a direction perpendicular to the arrow X direction (X1, X2) and perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 4 (arrows Z1 and Z2) in FIG. 64 . That is, the process cartridge according to this embodiment is configured so that the drum unit as a first unit and the developing unit as a second unit can be moved relative to each other in the vertical direction. The direction of this relative movement (Z1, Z2) is a direction intersecting the imaginary line N2 shown in FIG. 64 .

[0343] As shown in FIG. 64 , the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are held as a whole by the cartridge cover member to form the process cartridge. FIG. 64 is a side view of the process cartridge as viewed from the drive side.

[0344] Here, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 65 , in this embodiment, the developing unit 9 is held in a position raised in the arrow Z1 direction compared to Embodiment 1. That is, the positional relationship is such that the drive control member 540 described in Embodiment 1 does not operate the tube control member 510. As shown in FIG. 64As shown in section (b), in this embodiment, the vertical position of the developing unit 9 is the same as in Embodiment 1. That is, the positional relationship allows the drive control member 540 described in Embodiment 1 to operate the control member 510. The detailed structure (structure of the developing unit moving member) will be described below, wherein the developing unit 9 is vertically movably held by the developing unit moving member, which is a vertically moving member disposed in the processing cartridge.

[0345] The structure in which the developing unit 9 is movably held in the directions of arrows Z1 and Z2 (vertical direction) will be described in detail. FIG. 65 This is a perspective view of the processing cartridge from the non-drive side, and an exploded view of the moving components of the developing unit. For better illustration, the drum unit is not shown. FIG. 64 and FIG. 65 As shown, the developing unit moving component, which is a vertical moving component, is an integrated unit component, including a driving-side developing unit moving bearing 1250, driving-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B, and a driving-side cover component 1252.

[0346] The drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 has a drive-side developing unit cylindrical receiving portion 1250b for axially supporting the cylindrical portion 533b of the developing apparatus cover member, thereby achieving assembly support. Furthermore, the drive-side outer cylindrical portion 1250a of the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 is supported by the drive-side cover member sliding portion 1252a of the drive-side cover member, enabling assembly. The drive-side cover member sliding portion 1252a has an elliptical hole shape parallel to the vertical direction (the direction of arrows Z1 and Z2), allowing the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 and the developing unit to move in the vertical direction.

[0347] In this embodiment, such as FIG. 64 As shown in part (a), the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 and the developing unit 9 are held in contact with the upper side (Z1 direction) of the elliptical hole of the drive-side cover member sliding part 1252a. FIG. 64As shown, drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B are respectively mounted to drive-side moving spring fixing bosses 1250c and 1250e of drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250. Drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B are push springs, and the moving spring contact surfaces (moving bearing side) 1251c and 1251e abut against drive-side moving spring fixing bosses 1250c and 1250e, while the moving spring contact surfaces (cover side) 1251d and 1251f are mounted to abut against drive-side cover member moving spring receiving portions 1252d and 1252f. Thus, the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 and developing unit 9 are pushed relative to the drive-side cover member 1252 in the Z1 direction by the spring pressure of drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B.

[0348] like FIG. 64 As shown in part (b), the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250 and the developing unit 9 are held in contact with the lower side (Z2 direction) of the elliptical hole in the sliding portion 1252a of the drive-side cover member. FIG. 64 In part (b), the vertical position of the drum unit 8, including the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing unit 9, is the same as in embodiment 1. That is, the developing coupling member 74 of the developing unit 9 is located on the axis of the swing shaft K. In this state, the drive control member 540 and the control member 510 are in an interoperable position and image forming operations can be performed. In order to move the developing unit 9 from FIG. 64 The position shown in part (a) is moved to FIG. 66 The vertical position shown in part (b) applies the developing unit moving pressure HF (also known as vertical thrust pressure) in the Z2 direction, which is the thrust pressure from the main component of the image forming apparatus.

[0349] For example, in connection with the operation of closing the front door described in Embodiment 1, the main component-side vertical moving member (not shown) contacts and presses the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250, thereby generating a pushing force in the vertical direction (Z2 direction). At this time, by designing the pushing force of the main component-side vertical moving member to be greater than the pressure spring pushing force of the drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B, it can move in the Z2 direction, and it moves to... FIG. 66 The developing unit position is shown in part (b). On the other hand, by removing the contact pressure between the main component-side vertical moving member and the drive-side developing unit moving bearing 1250, in connection with the operation of opening the front door, the position of the developing unit 9 can be returned to the position by the pressure springs of the aforementioned drive-side developing unit moving springs 1251A and 1251B. FIG. 66 The state shown in part (a).

[0350] [Structure of process cartridge with cartridge moving member]

[0351] FIG. 66 The process of integrally holding the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 by the cartridge cover member to form the process cartridge and installing the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 in the tray and the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is shown. FIG. 66 is a view from the driving side.

[0352] FIG. 66 Part (a) of shows a state before the tray and the driving side tray member 1211 provided on the tray are pulled out of the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge is installed. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 66 As shown in part (a) of, the process cartridge (in which the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are integrally held by the side cover member) can be installed to and detached from the driving side tray member 1211 provided on the tray, and it can be installed in the Z1 direction and can be removed by lifting it in the Z1 direction. Here, the driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B are installed to the driving side cartridge cover member 1262 and fixed to the cartridge side cartridge moving spring contact surfaces 1262d and 1262e. Here, the driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B are push springs. The driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B are fixed to the bosses provided on the driving side cartridge cover member 1262 by any method such as press fitting and adhesion.

[0353] FIG. 66 Part (b) of shows a state in which the process cartridge is installed to the driving side tray member 1211 provided on the tray, the tray has been inserted into the image forming apparatus, and the front door of the image forming apparatus is open. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 66 As shown in part (b) of, in the process cartridge installed in the Z2 direction, the driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B provided on the driving side cartridge cover member 1262 contact the driving side cartridge moving spring contact surfaces 1211d and 1211e on the tray side. In FIG. 66 In the state of part (b) of, the driving control member 540 provided in the image forming apparatus and the pipe control member 510 provided on the process cartridge are in positions vertically separated from each other, so that even if the driving side tray member 1211 moves in the X1 and X2 directions as the tray insertion / removal direction, its insertion / removal can be performed without interference (the driving control member 540 is shifted to the rear side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the driving side tray member 1211, and has a positional relationship without interference at the time of insertion and removal). As shown in part (b) of FIG. 66 As shown in part (b) of, it is necessary to design so that the spring force of the driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B is sufficient to separate the driving control member 540 and the pipe control member 510 from each other, thereby prohibiting interaction.

[0354] FIG. 66 Part (c) of FIG. 12 shows a state in which the front door of the image forming apparatus is closed and the process cartridge is vertically moved to the image forming position. At this time, as in the above-described method, the main assembly side vertical moving member (not shown) pushes the process cartridge in the Z2 direction when the front door is closed. As shown in part (c) of FIG. 12, the contact between the driving side cartridge positioning portions (cartridge side) 1262a and 1262b of the driving side cartridge cover member 1262 provided on the process cartridge and the driving side cartridge positioning portions (tray side) 1211a and 1211b provided on the driving side tray member 1211 restricts movement in the Z2 direction, and the position in the Z2 direction is fixed. In addition, the driving side cartridge rotation stopper (cartridge side) 1262c of the driving side cartridge cover member 1262 has a recessed shape formed by cutting, and the driving side cartridge rotation stopper (tray side) 1211c provided in the driving side tray member 1211 has a protruding shape, in which rotational movement in the X1 and X2 directions is restricted by the protruding shape portion entering the recessed shape portion. FIG. 67 to FIG. 72 In addition, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 12, the positioning positions of the driving side cartridge positioning portions 1211a and 1211b provided on the driving side tray member 1211 are designed such that the driving control member 540 and the management control member 510 can interact in the vertical direction, thereby enabling stable operation of the image forming operation described in Embodiment 1. At this time, the driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B are in a state further compressed than the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 12, and by being designed such that the pushing force of the main assembly side vertical moving member is greater than the pressure spring pushing force of the driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B, movement as shown in part (c) of FIG. 12 can be performed.

[0355] FIG. 71 In addition, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 12, the positioning positions of the driving side cartridge positioning portions 1211a and 1211b provided on the driving side tray member 1211 are designed such that the driving control member 540 and the management control member 510 can interact in the vertical direction, thereby enabling stable operation of the image forming operation described in Embodiment 1. At this time, the driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B are in a state further compressed than the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 12, and by being designed such that the pushing force of the main assembly side vertical moving member is greater than the pressure spring pushing force of the driving side cartridge moving springs 1270A and 1270B, movement as shown in part (c) of FIG. 12 can be performed. FIG. 67 FIG. 68

[0356] In this embodiment, the vertical moving member is provided on the driving side, but by providing a similar structure on the non-driving side, the developing device can be horizontally vertically moved. In addition, from the viewpoint of reducing costs, a structure in which the developing unit moving member is provided only on the driving side can be adopted. In this case, only the driving side of the developing unit or the process cartridge is lifted in the Z1 direction, and it is in a tilted state. Even in the structure provided only on the driving side, the driving control member 540 provided on the driving side of the image forming apparatus can be separated from the management control member 510 in the vertical direction, and thus, it is easy to avoid the possibility that the driving control member interferes with insertion or removal when the device is taken out, resulting in the inability to insert or remove the process cartridge. In addition to the image forming operation in Embodiment 1, the structure in which the process cartridge or the developing unit is further moved has been described, but the structure of other embodiments and the structure of the vertical moving member of the present embodiment can be combined.​​​

[0357] (Example 12)

[0358] Reference FIG. 68 to FIG. 70 This section describes a processing box and image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 12 of this disclosure. The processing box of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, differing only in the structure of the control member 13510 and its surrounding structure. Therefore, members with the same function and structure are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the operation of the drive connection operation, drive disconnect operation, and drive control member 540 is the same as in Embodiment 1, and therefore their descriptions are omitted. In this embodiment, as... FIG. 68 As shown in part (a), during the insertion of the processing cartridge P into and removal of the processing cartridge P from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, the control member 13510 disengages from the drive control member 540 in the longitudinal direction (arrow Y2 direction). When installation is complete, the control member 13510 is in the same longitudinal position as the drive control member 540, and the drive disconnection operation is feasible as in Embodiment 1.

[0359] [Driver-side processing box structure]

[0360] FIG. 67 A perspective view of the processing box P as seen from the drive side is shown. In this embodiment, the control member 13510 is provided with a first elliptical hole 13510x and a second elliptical hole 13510y (see...). FIG. 68 The outer diameter of the second support portion 13533k of the developing device cover member 13533 mates with the inner walls of the first elliptical hole 13510x and the second elliptical hole 13510y, thereby supporting it to be able to swing about two swing axes, as will be described below. Additionally, the tension spring 13511 causes the control member 13510 and the developing device cover member 13533 to attract each other. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 13533b of the developing device cover member 13533 mates with the support hole 520a of the drive-side cover member 520.

[0361] [Description of the structure and operation of the control components]

[0362] Reference FIG. 68 The structure of the drive-side control component 13510 in this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 69 Part (a) is along the longitudinal direction of the processing box P. FIG. 69 The front view of the control component 13510 itself, observed from the direction of the middle arrow Y1, and... FIG. 70 Part (b) and FIG. 70Part (c) of FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the control member 13510 itself. The control member 13510 includes a pressed portion 13510c, a control rod portion 13510d, a foot portion 13510e, a foot portion 13510g, a first elliptical hole 13510x, and a second elliptical hole 13510y. The foot portions 13510e and 13510g have surfaces 13510f and 13510h that receive force from the drive control member 540. The longitudinal directions LH of the first elliptical hole 13510x and the second elliptical hole 13510y are the same, and the upward direction (approximately Zl direction) is indicated by an arrow LH1, and the downward direction (approximately Z2 direction) is indicated by an arrow LH2. An axis perpendicular to the LH direction and perpendicular to the elliptical hole depth direction (Yl direction) that forms the first elliptical hole 13510x is referred to as an axis HX. The control member 13510 has a cylindrical surface 13510z centered on the axis HX. The Yl direction is parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the first elliptical hole 13510x and the second elliptical hole 13510y are arranged such that the vertex in the arrow LH1 direction is common. Furthermore, the first elliptical hole 13510x and the second elliptical hole 13510y communicate with each other, and the diameter of the first elliptical hole 13510x is greater than the diameter of the second elliptical hole 13510y. Furthermore, the length of the first elliptical hole 13510x is set to be greater than the length of the second elliptical hole 13510y.

[0363] FIG. 67 Part (a) of FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the developing device cover member 13533 alone, FIG. 70Part (b) is a perspective view showing the developing apparatus cover member 13533 and the control member 13510. The second support portion 13533k of the developing apparatus cover member 13533 is formed by a first cylindrical portion 13533kb, a second swing portion 13533ka having a spherical surface, and a second cylindrical portion 13533kc with a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion 13533kb. Here, the axis passing through the center of the first cylindrical portion 13533kb and the second cylindrical portion 13533kc is referred to as HY. The axis perpendicular to this axis HY and passing through the center of the spherical surface of the second swing portion 13533ka is the same as the aforementioned axis HX. In this embodiment, the second swing portion 13533ka has a spherical surface, but the invention is not limited to this, as long as it is a surface within a range that does not impede movement. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the first elongated oval hole 13510x and the second elongated oval hole 13510y of the control member 13510 are similarly arranged so as not to obstruct the swing relative to the first cylindrical portion 13533kb and the second cylindrical portion 13533kc in the directions of arrows YA and YB and arrows BA and BB, and the diameter and positional relationship in the LH direction are not limited to this example.

[0364] FIG. 70 The diagram shows the state in which the control component 13510 and the tension spring 13511 are installed to the developing apparatus cover component 13533. FIG. 70 Part (a) is along the longitudinal direction ( FIG. 71 The view of the processing box P (observed in the direction of arrow Y2). The longitudinal direction of the processing box P is parallel to the swing axis K described in Embodiment 1. The control member 13510 is supported by the second support portion 13533k of the developing device cover member 13533 so that it can swing about the axis HY in the directions of arrows BA and BB. FIG. 67 Part (b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA parallel to the LH direction and passing through the center (HY) of the second support portion 13533k. When the inner walls of the second swing portion 13533ka and the first elliptical hole 13510x come into contact with each other, the control member 13510 receives a force from the tension spring 13511 in the F1 direction. Here, the spring hook portion 13510s of the control member 13510 is positioned downstream of the contact portion between the second swing portion 13533ka and the first elliptical hole 13510x in the Y2 direction, thus generating a torque about the axis HX by the spring force, and it swings about the axis HX. The control member 13510, swinging in the direction of arrow YA, determines its posture by contacting the moving member control portion 13533s of the developing device cover member 13533, and the foot portions 13510e and 13510g protrude in the Y2 direction. This position is the standby position of the control member 13510.

[0365] Next, when from FIG. 71 When part (b) is pushed into surface 13510f along the direction of arrow ZA at the position shown, a torque is generated about axis HX in the direction of arrow YB because it is located downstream of the contact portion between the second swing portion 13533ka and the first elliptical hole 13510x along the Y2 direction. As a result, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 move along the Y1 direction to... FIG. 71 The posture shown in part (c). This position is the operating position of the control member 13510. The amount of pressure along the ZA direction is controlled by the pressing member 130 of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus (not shown). FIG. 71 The amount of movement along the ZA direction is determined. To limit the rotation of the control component 13510 about the axis HZ, which is perpendicular to axes HY and HX, the cylindrical surface 13510z is arranged to contact the drive-side bearing 526 (see...). FIG. 71 Furthermore, the contact portion between the second cylindrical portion 13533kc and the second elliptical hole 13510y also has a similar rotation-limiting effect. Using the above structure, the control member 13510 is supported so that it can swing in two directions around the axes HY and HX.

[0366] [Install the processing box to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus]

[0367] Next reference FIG. 71 The operation of the control member 13510 of the processing box P when the processing box P is installed in the main assembly 502 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 71 Part (a) is a view taken from the front door side of the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus with the processing box P mounted on the tray 110 (not shown) and before the front door 111 is closed. To better illustrate the structure, FIG. 72 Part (a) omits components other than the processing box P, the pressing member 130, and the drive control member 540. FIG. 72 In the state of part (a), when the tray 110 is installed, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 are in a standby position that swings along the YA direction as described above. In addition, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 are located away from the drive control member 540 in the direction of arrow Y2.

[0368] FIG. 72 Part (b) shows from FIG. 72The state of part (a) is the closed state of the front door 111. As in embodiment 9, when the front door 111 is closed, the pressing member 130 in the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus lowers in the ZA direction, and the force applying part 130a contacts the pressed part 13510c of the control member 13510. As a result, the foot parts 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 swing in the YB direction via the swing mechanism described above and reach the operating position. When this operation is completed, the first force applying surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the surface 13510h of the control member 13510 (see FIG. 71 ) are opposite each other, and a second force is applied to surfaces 540c and 13510f (see FIG. 72 They are positioned opposite each other. That is, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 and the control portion 540a of the drive control member 540 are arranged to overlap each other in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2. When the processing cartridge P is to be removed from the main assembly 502 of the image forming apparatus, the operation is the reverse of the installation operation described above, and the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the control member 13510 are moved from the operating position to the standby position by opening the front door 111.

[0369] [Switching between driver connection and driver disconnection]

[0370] Reference FIG. 72 This will describe the switching operation between driver connection and driver disconnection. FIG. 72 Part (a) is viewed from the drive side. ​ The view of part (b) is in a state where, for better illustration, the drive-side box cover member 520 and the developing device cover member 13533 are not shown. ​ In the state of part (a), there is a gap T131 between the first force application surface 540b of the drive control member 540 and the surface 13510h of the control member 13510, and a gap T132 between the second force application surface 540c and the surface 13510f. Additionally, the control lever part 13510d is in a position where the developing coupling member 74 (not shown) and the sliding member 80 are not in contact with each other. This position of the control member 13510 is referred to as the first position. At this time, the drive connection state is maintained, and the control member 13510 is held in the first position.

[0371] Further, when the drive control member 540 is moved in the W52 direction, the second force application surface 540c abuts against the surface 13510f of the tube member 13510 to swing the tube member 13510 in the BA direction about the axis HY. Then, the tube lever portion 13510d of the tube member 13510 is positioned between the inclined surface 74c (not shown) of the developing coupling member 74 and the cam surface 80a of the slide member 80 (part (b) of FIG. 7). ​ ​ When the drive control member 540 is moved in the W51 direction from the state of part (b) of FIG. 7, the first force application surface 540b comes into contact with the surface 13510h of the tube member 13510 to rotate the tube member 13510 in the BB direction about the axis HY as a center of rotation. Then, the tube lever portion 13510d is separated from the developing coupling member 74 and the slide member 80, and the drive connection state is established.

[0372] As described above, by using the structure of this embodiment, it is possible to switch between the first position and the second position of the tube member 13510 by moving the drive control member 540, thereby switching the drive connection state. Thereby, it is possible to switch the drive connection state regardless of the contact / separation operation between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6.

[0373] In this embodiment, the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the tube member 13510 are provided so as to be movable in the YA direction. By so doing, when the process cartridge P is inserted into or removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, interference of the foot portions 13510e and 13510g with the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 (particularly, the drive control member 540) and thereby hindrance of the insertion or removal of the cartridge are avoided. In addition, in this embodiment, when the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the tube member 13510 are moved from the standby position to the operation position, the amount of movement of the foot portions 13510e and 13510g in the pressing direction (ZA direction) of the pressing member 130 is small. Therefore, it is possible to select a small amount of movement of the pressing member 130 required to move the foot portions 13510e and 13510g of the tube member 13510 from the standby position to the operation position, thereby achieving miniaturization of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502.

[0374] The structures of the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other as much as possible, provided that there is no technical conflict.

[0375] [Industrial applicability]

[0376] A cartridge that transmits a driving force from a coupling member to a developing member is provided, and an image forming apparatus including the cartridge is provided.​

[0377] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the following claims are presented to define the scope of the present application.

[0378] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-156776 filed on September 17, 2020, and incorporates its entire description herein.

Claims

1. A box, comprising: Photosensitive components; A developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member; A connecting member capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member; The movable portion is movable between a drive force transmission position and a drive force interruption position, the drive force transmission position being used to allow drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member, and the drive force interruption position being used to interrupt drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member. A retaining portion is provided for holding the movable portion in the drive force interruption position so that the movable portion is restricted in the drive force interruption position. When the developing member is in a position where the toner can be deposited on the photosensitive member, the movable part can occupy the driving force transmission position and the driving force interruption position.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member, the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member being disposed in a drive force transmission path from the connecting member to the developing member and having a common axis, wherein the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are capable of occupying an engaged position and a non-engaged position, wherein in the engaged position the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are engaged with each other to transmit drive force, and in the non-engaged position the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are disengaged from each other so as not to transmit drive force. When the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are engaged with each other, the movable part separates the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member from each other at the position where the driving force is interrupted by applying a force to at least one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member to disengage the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member.

3. The box according to claim 2, further comprising a pressing device for pressing at least one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member to position the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member in the engagement position, wherein the force applied by the movable portion to at least one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member at the drive force interruption position is used to overcome the pressing force of the pressing device.

4. The box according to claim 3, wherein in the drive force interruption position, the movable portion is inserted between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member by overcoming the pushing force of the pushing device when the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are in the engagement position, thereby positioning the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member in the non-engaged position; and in the drive force transmission position, the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are positioned in the engagement position by retracting the movable portion from between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, wherein the movable portion is held in the drive force interruption position by being clamped between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member via the pushing force of the pushing device.

5. The box according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second rotatable member receives a driving force from the first rotatable member by engaging with the first rotatable member about a rotation axis, and the second rotatable member is movable along the direction of the rotation axis between an engaged position for engaging with the first rotatable member and a non-engaged position not engaged with the first rotatable member, wherein the pushing device pushes the second rotatable member to position it at the engaged position, and the retaining portion includes the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member.

6. The box according to claim 3, further comprising a second pushing device for applying a pushing force to the movable portion disposed at the drive force interruption position, the pushing force including a component force for displacing the movable portion at the drive force interruption position.

7. The box according to claim 6, wherein the second pushing device applies a pushing force to the movable portion disposed at the driving force transmission position, the pushing force including a component force for placing the movable portion at the driving force transmission position.

8. The box according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the retaining portion includes the second pushing device.

9. The box of claim 3, further comprising a third pushing device for applying a force to the movable portion, wherein the third pushing device applies a force to the movable portion for placing the movable portion at the driving force transmission position as the movable portion moves from the driving force transmission position toward the driving force interruption position until the movable portion reaches a predetermined position, and when the movable portion exceeds the predetermined position, the third pushing device applies a pushing force to the movable portion for placing the movable portion at the driving force interruption position.

10. The box according to claim 9, wherein the third pushing device comprises a toggle spring, one end portion of the toggle spring being fixed to the frame of the box and the other end portion being fixed to the movable part.

11. The box according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the retaining portion includes the third pressing device.

12. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a clutch disposed in the drive force transmission path from the connecting member to the developing member, the clutch comprising: An input component that can rotate by receiving driving force on the upstream side of the driving force transmission path; An output component that can rotate coaxially with the input component by receiving a driving force from the input component; A transmission member capable of assuming a transmission state and a non-transmission state, wherein in the transmission state, relative rotation between the input member and the output member is restricted to allow simultaneous rotation of the input member and the output member, thereby transmitting driving force from the input member to the output member; and in the non-transmission state, relative rotation between the input member and the output member is permitted, thereby preventing the transmission of driving force from the input member to the output member. And a control member for switching states between the transmission state and the non-transmission state, wherein the movable portion disposed at the driving force interruption position interrupts the driving force transmission from the input member to the output member by acting on the control member to cause the transmission member to enter the transmission state.

13. The box of claim 12, wherein the transmission member contacts the input member in the transmission state and rotates integrally with the input member by limiting the relative rotation via friction with the input member, and the control member controls the relative rotation by controlling the degree of contact between the input member and the transmission member, and the movable portion interrupts the transmission of driving force from the input member to the output member at the driving force interruption position by acting on the control member to reduce the friction between the input member and the transmission member.

14. The box of claim 13, wherein the clutch is a spring clutch, and the transmission member is a spring wound around the periphery of the input member, the control member engages with an end of the spring, and the clutch transmits driving force through integral rotation of the input member, the spring, the output member, and the control member, wherein the transmission of driving force from the input member to the output member is interrupted by releasing the spring's fastening to the input member by limiting the rotation of the control member via the movable portion at the driving force interruption position.

15. The box of claim 14, wherein the control member includes an engaged portion, the axis of rotation of the movable portion is parallel to the axis of rotation of the control member, and the movable portion is switchable between an engaged position in which the movable portion engages with the engaged portion and a non-engaged position in which the movable portion does not engage with the engaged portion.

16. The box of claim 15, wherein the rotational movement direction of the control member is opposite to the movement direction of the movable portion from the non-engaged position toward the engaged position, and the engaged portion includes a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion, the first engaged portion engaging the movable portion disposed at the engaged position in a manner opposite to the rotational direction of the control member, and the second engaged portion engaging the movable portion disposed at the engaged position in a manner opposite to the movement direction of the movable portion from the non-engaged position toward the engaged position.

17. The box of claim 16, wherein the second engaged portion is the outer peripheral surface of the control member, and the first engaged portion is a claw-shaped portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface.

18. The box according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, when viewed along the rotation axis of the control member or the rotation axis of the movable portion, the movement trajectory of the first engaged portion and the movement trajectory of the movable portion intersect each other in a region between a first imaginary line passing through the rotation center of the control member and a second imaginary line passing through the rotation center of the movable portion, the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line being perpendicular to the line connecting the rotation center of the control member and the rotation center of the movable portion.

19. The box of claim 16, wherein the retaining portion comprises the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion.

20. The box of claim 15, further comprising a limiting portion for limiting movement of the movable portion from the engaged position toward the unengaged position.

21. The box of claim 15, further comprising a second pressing device for applying a pressing force to the movable portion disposed at the engagement position, the pressing force including a component force for displacing the movable portion at the engagement position.

22. The box of claim 21, wherein the second pushing device applies a pushing force to the movable portion disposed in the non-engaged position, the pushing force including a component force for displacing the movable portion in the non-engaged position.

23. The box according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the retaining portion includes the second pushing device.

24. The box of claim 15, further comprising a third pushing device for applying a force to the movable portion, wherein the third pushing device applies a force to the movable portion for placing the movable portion in the non-engaged position as the movable portion moves from the non-engaged position toward the engaged position until the movable portion reaches a predetermined position, and when the movable portion exceeds the predetermined position, the third pushing device applies a pushing force to the movable portion for placing the movable portion in the engaged position.

25. The box of claim 24, wherein the third pressing device comprises a toggle spring, one end portion of which is fixed to the frame of the box and the other end portion of which is fixed to the movable portion.

26. The box according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the retaining portion includes the third pressing device.

27. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other, the first gear and the second gear being disposed in a drive force transmission path from the connecting member to the developing member, wherein the movable portion supports one of the first gear and the second gear, and the movable portion, at the drive force transmission position, positions one of the first gear and the second gear in an engagement position where one of the first gear and the second gear engages with the other gear, and the movable portion, at the drive force interruption position, positions the first gear and the second gear in a non-engagement position where the first gear and the second gear do not engage with the other gear.

28. The box of claim 27, further comprising a third gear meshing with the other gear of the first gear and the second gear in the drive force transmission path, and a fourth pushing device for applying a pushing force to position the movable portion in the drive force interruption position, wherein when the movable portion is in the drive force interruption position, the torque M3 generated by the pushing force of the fourth pushing device for positioning the movable portion in the drive force interruption position is greater than the torque M1 generated by the engagement between the other gear and the third gear for positioning the movable portion in the drive force transmission position, and when the movable portion is in the drive force transmission position, the torque M3 is less than the sum of the torque M1 and the torque M2 generated by the engagement between the first gear and the second gear for positioning the movable portion in the drive force transmission position.

29. The box according to claim 28, wherein the fourth pushing device is a tension spring, one end portion of which is fixed to the frame of the box and the other end portion is fixed to the movable part.

30. The box of claim 28, wherein the retaining portion is a combination of the first gear and the second gear that engage with each other when the movable portion is in the position where the driving force is interrupted.

31. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 20 and 27 to 30, further comprising a force receiving portion for receiving a force that moves the movable portion, wherein, when viewed along the direction of the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive member or the rotation axis M2 of the developing member, the force receiving portion is movable in a direction intersecting with an imaginary line N2 connecting the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M2.

32. The box according to claim 31, wherein at least a portion of the force receiving portion is disposed in a region within a region divided by the imaginary line N2, wherein the region does not include the rotation axis K of the connecting member.

33. The cartridge of claim 31, wherein at least a portion of the force receiving portion is disposed in a region defined by an imaginary line N3 perpendicular to the imaginary line N2 and passing through the area between the photosensitive member and the developing member, wherein the region does not include the rotation axis M1.

34. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 20, and 27 to 30, further comprising a force receiving portion for receiving a force for moving the movable portion, and a charging member for charging the photosensitive member, wherein, when viewed along the direction of the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive member or the rotation axis M2 of the developing member, the force receiving portion is movable in a direction intersecting an imaginary line N10 connecting the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M5 of the charging member.

35. The box according to claim 34, wherein at least a portion of the force receiving portion is disposed in a region defined by a tangent N11 at one of the intersections between the surface of the photosensitive member and the imaginary line N10 and the surface of the photosensitive member, the one intersection being further away from the rotation axis M5 than the other intersection, wherein the one region does not include the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis M2 or the rotation axis M5.

36. The box of claim 31, wherein the movable portion and the force-receiving portion are integral with each other.

37. The box according to claim 31, wherein the movable portion and the force receiving portion are interconnected and capable of taking a first state in which the force receiving portion can move relative to the movable portion and a second state in which the force receiving portion and the movable portion can move integrally with each other.

38. The box of claim 37, wherein the connecting portion connecting the movable portion and the force receiving portion to each other is elastic, wherein the connecting portion is elastically deformable in the first state and the elastic deformation of the connecting portion is limited in the second state.

39. The box according to any one of claims 1, 20, and 27 to 30, further comprising: The first unit includes the photosensitive element and a first frame supporting the photosensitive element; And a second unit, the second unit including the developing member and a second frame supporting the developing member and the connecting member, wherein when viewed along the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive member or the rotation axis M2 of the developing member, the first unit and the second unit are movable relative to each other in a direction intersecting the direction of the imaginary line N2 connecting the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M2.

40. The box according to claim 39, wherein the movable portion is disposed on the second unit.

41. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 20, and 27 to 30, further comprising a force receiving portion for receiving a force for moving the movable portion, wherein the force receiving portion is movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive member or the rotation axis of the developing member.

42. The cartridge of claim 41, wherein the force receiving portion is oscillating about an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member or the rotation axis of the developing member.

43. A housing capable of being used with a main component of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a force application portion of the main component, the housing comprising: Developing components; A connecting member capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member; The movable part is movable between a drive force transmission position and a drive force interruption position, the drive force transmission position being used to allow drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member, and the drive force interruption position being used to interrupt drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member. A retaining portion is used to restrict the movement of the moving portion toward the driving force transmission position so as to hold the moving portion at the driving force interruption position; The force receiving section is capable of receiving from the main component force applying section a force for moving the moving section from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position. After the moving part receives force from the main component force application part through the force receiving part and moves from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position, when the main component force application part separates from the force receiving part, the moving part is held by the holding part at the driving force interruption position.

44. The box of claim 43, wherein the force receiving portion is further capable of receiving a force from the main component force applying portion for moving the moving portion from the drive force interruption position to the drive force transmission position.

45. The box according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the force receiving portion contacts the main component force applying portion only when the moving portion moves from the drive force transmission position to the drive force interruption position and when the moving portion moves from the drive force interruption position to the drive force transmission position, and the force receiving portion separates from the main component force applying portion when the moving portion is held at the drive force interruption position and when the moving portion is held at the drive force transmission position.

46. ​​The box according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the force receiving portion comprises: A first force receiving section is configured to receive from the main component force applying section a force for moving the moving section from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position; The second force receiving portion is configured to receive from the main component force applying portion a force for moving the moving portion from the drive force interruption position to the drive force transmission position, wherein the first force receiving portion contacts the main component force applying portion only when the moving portion moves from the drive force transmission position to the drive force interruption position, and the first force receiving portion separates from the main component force applying portion when the moving portion moves from the drive force interruption position to the drive force transmission position, when the moving portion is held at the drive force interruption position, and when the moving portion is held at the drive force transmission position, and wherein the second force receiving portion contacts the main component force applying portion at least when the moving portion moves from the drive force interruption position to the drive force transmission position, when the moving portion is held at the drive force interruption position, and when the moving portion is held at the drive force transmission position.

47. The box of claim 46, wherein as the moving portion moves from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position, the second force receiving portion separates from the main component force applying portion.

48. A housing capable of being used with a main component of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a main component force applying portion movable between a first main component position and a second main component position, the housing comprising: Developing components; A connecting member capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member; The movable part is movable between a drive force transmission position and a drive force interruption position, the drive force transmission position being used to allow drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member, and the drive force interruption position being used to interrupt drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member. A retaining portion is used to limit the movement of the moving portion toward the driving force transmission position in order to hold the moving portion at the driving force interruption position; as well as The force receiving section is capable of receiving a force from the force applying portion of the main component moving from the first main component position toward the second main component position, for moving the moving portion from the drive force transmission position to the drive force interruption position. Wherein, after the moving part receives the force from the main component force applying part moving from the first main component position toward the second main component position through the force receiving part and moves from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position, when the main component force applying part moves from the second main component position toward the first main component position, the moving part is held by the holding part at the driving force interruption position.

49. The box of claim 48, wherein the force receiving portion is capable of receiving a force from the main component force applying portion moving from the second main component position toward the third main component position for moving the moving portion from the drive force interruption position to the drive force transmission position, the third main component position being opposite to the first main component position and the second main component position.

50. The box of claim 49, wherein the force receiving portion contacts the main component force applying portion only when the main component force applying portion moves between the first main component position and the second main component position and when the main component force applying portion moves between the first main component position and the third main component position, and the force receiving portion separates from the main component force applying portion when the main component force applying portion is in the first main component position.

51. The box according to claim 49, wherein the force receiving portion comprises: A first force receiving section is configured to receive from the main component force applying section a force for moving the moving section from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position; And a second force receiving portion, the second force receiving portion being used to receive a force for moving the moving portion from the driving force interruption position to the driving force transmission position, wherein the first force receiving portion contacts the main component force applying portion only when the main component force applying portion moves between the first main component position and the second main component position, and the first force receiving portion separates from the main component force applying portion when the main component force applying portion is positioned at the first main component position and when the main component force applying portion moves between the first main component position and the third main component position.

52. The box of claim 51, wherein the second force receiving portion separates from the main component force applying portion only when the main component force applying portion moves between the first main component position and the second main component position.

53. The cartridge of claim 52, further comprising a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member having a common axis of rotation and disposed in a drive force transmission path from the connecting member to the developing member, wherein the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are capable of occupying an engaged position and a non-engaged position, wherein in the engaged position the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member engage with each other to transmit drive force, and in the non-engaged position the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are separated from each other so as not to transmit drive force, wherein the moving portion disposed in the drive force interruption position applies a force to at least one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member disposed in the engaged position to separate the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member from each other.

54. The box of claim 53, further comprising a pressing device for pressing at least one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member to position the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member in the engagement position, wherein the force applied to at least one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member by the moving portion located at the drive force interruption position is used to overcome the pressing force of the pressing member.

55. The box of claim 54, wherein in the drive force interruption position, the movable portion is inserted between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member by overcoming the pushing force of the pushing device when the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are in the engagement position, thereby positioning the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member in the non-engaged position; and in the drive force transmission position, the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member are positioned in the engagement position by retracting the movable portion from between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, wherein the movable portion is held in the drive force interruption position by being clamped between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member via the pushing force of the pushing device.

56. The box according to claim 54 or 55, wherein the second rotatable member receives a driving force from the first rotatable member by engaging with the first rotatable member about a rotation axis, and the second rotatable member is movable along the direction of the rotation axis between an engaged position for engaging with the first rotatable member and a non-engaged position not engaged with the first rotatable member, wherein the pushing device pushes the second rotatable member to position it at the engaged position, and the retaining portion includes the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member.

57. The box of claim 54, further comprising a second pushing device for applying a pushing force to the movable portion disposed at the drive force interruption position, the pushing force including a component force for displacing the movable portion at the drive force interruption position.

58. The box of claim 57, wherein the second pushing device applies a pushing force to the movable portion disposed at the driving force transmission position, the pushing force including a component force for placing the movable portion at the driving force transmission position.

59. The box according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the retaining portion includes the second pressing device.

60. The box of claim 54, further comprising a third pushing device for applying a force to the movable portion, wherein the third pushing device applies a force to the movable portion as it moves from the driving force transmission position toward the driving force interruption position for placing the movable portion at the driving force transmission position until the movable portion reaches a predetermined position, and when the movable portion exceeds the predetermined position, the third pushing device applies a pushing force to the movable portion for placing the movable portion at the driving force interruption position.

61. The box of claim 60, wherein the third pushing device comprises a toggle spring, one end portion of the toggle spring being fixed to the frame of the box and the other end portion being fixed to the moving part.

62. The box according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the retaining portion includes the third pressing device.

63. The cartridge of claim 53, further comprising a clutch disposed in the drive force transmission path from the coupling member to the developing member, the clutch comprising: An input component that can rotate by receiving driving force on the upstream side of the driving force transmission path; An output component that can rotate coaxially with the input component by receiving a driving force from the input component; A transmission member capable of assuming a transmission state and a non-transmission state, wherein in the transmission state, relative rotation between the input member and the output member is restricted to allow simultaneous rotation of the input member and the output member, thereby transmitting driving force from the input member to the output member; and in the non-transmission state, relative rotation between the input member and the output member is permitted, thereby preventing the transmission of driving force from the input member to the output member. And a control member for switching states between the transmission state and the non-transmission state, wherein the moving portion disposed at the driving force interruption position interrupts the driving force transmission from the input member to the output member by acting on the control member to cause the transmission member to enter the transmission state.

64. The box of claim 63, wherein the transmission member contacts the input member in the transmission state and rotates integrally with the input member by limiting the relative rotation via friction with the input member, and the control member controls the relative rotation by controlling the degree of contact between the input member and the transmission member, and the moving portion interrupts the transmission of driving force from the input member to the output member at the driving force interruption position by acting on the control member to reduce the friction between the input member and the transmission member.

65. The box of claim 64, wherein the clutch is a spring clutch, and the transmission member is a spring wound around the periphery of the input member, the control member engages with an end of the spring, and the clutch transmits driving force through integral rotation of the input member, the spring, the output member, and the control member, wherein the transmission of driving force from the input member to the output member is interrupted by releasing the spring's fastening to the input member by limiting the rotation of the control member via the moving portion at the driving force interruption position.

66. The box of claim 65, wherein the control member includes an engaged portion, the axis of rotation of the movable portion is parallel to the axis of rotation of the control member, and the movable portion is switchable between an engaged position in which the movable portion engages with the engaged portion and a non-engaged position in which the movable portion does not engage with the engaged portion.

67. The box of claim 66, wherein the rotational movement direction of the control member is opposite to the movement direction of the moving portion from the non-engaged position toward the engaged position, and the engaged portion includes a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion, the first engaged portion engaging the moving portion disposed at the engaged position in a manner opposite to the rotational direction of the control member, and the second engaged portion engaging the moving portion disposed at the engaged position in a manner opposite to the movement direction of the moving portion from the non-engaged position toward the engaged position.

68. The box of claim 67, wherein the second engaged portion is the outer peripheral surface of the control member, and the first engaged portion is a claw-shaped portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface.

69. The box according to claim 67, wherein, when viewed along the rotation axis of the control member or the rotation axis of the moving part, the movement trajectory of the first engaged portion and the movement trajectory of the moving part intersect each other in a region between a first imaginary line passing through the rotation center of the control member and a second imaginary line passing through the rotation center of the moving part, the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line being perpendicular to the line connecting the rotation center of the control member and the rotation center of the moving part.

70. The box of claim 67, wherein the retaining portion comprises the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion.

71. The box according to claim 66 or 70, further comprising a limiting portion for limiting movement of the movable portion from the engaged position toward the unengaged position.

72. The box according to claim 66 or 70, further comprising a second pressing device for applying a pressing force to the movable portion disposed at the engagement position, the pressing force including a component force for displacing the movable portion at the engagement position.

73. The box of claim 72, wherein the second pushing device applies a pushing force to the movable portion disposed in the non-engaged position, the pushing force including a component force for displacing the movable portion in the non-engaged position.

74. The box according to claim 72, wherein the retaining portion includes the second pushing device.

75. The box according to claim 66 or 70, further comprising a third pushing device for applying a force to the movable portion, wherein the third pushing device applies a force to the movable portion moving from the non-engaged position toward the engaged position for placing the movable portion in the non-engaged position until the movable portion reaches a predetermined position, and when the movable portion exceeds the predetermined position, the third pushing device applies a pushing force to the movable portion for placing the movable portion in the engaged position.

76. The box of claim 75, wherein the third pushing device comprises a toggle spring, one end portion of which is fixed to the frame of the box and the other end portion of which is fixed to the movable part.

77. The box according to claim 75, wherein the retaining portion includes the third pressing device.

78. The cartridge of claim 76, further comprising a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other, the first gear and the second gear being disposed in a drive force transmission path from the connecting member to the developing member, wherein the movable portion supports one of the first gear and the second gear, and the movable portion, at the drive force transmission position, positions one of the first gear and the second gear in an engagement position where one of the first gear and the second gear engages with the other gear, and the movable portion, at the drive force interruption position, positions the first gear and the second gear in a non-engagement position where the first gear and the second gear do not engage with the other gear.

79. The box of claim 78, further comprising a third gear meshing with the other gear of the first gear and the second gear in the drive force transmission path, and a fourth pushing device for applying a pushing force to position the movable portion in the drive force interruption position, wherein when the movable portion is in the drive force interruption position, the torque M3 generated by the pushing force of the fourth pushing device for positioning the movable portion in the drive force interruption position is greater than the torque M1 generated by the engagement between the other gear and the third gear for positioning the movable portion in the drive force transmission position, and when the movable portion is in the drive force transmission position, the torque M3 is less than the sum of the torque M1 and the torque M2 generated by the engagement between the first gear and the second gear for positioning the movable portion in the drive force transmission position.

80. The box according to claim 79, wherein the fourth pushing device is a tension spring, one end portion of which is fixed to the frame of the box and the other end portion is fixed to the moving part.

81. The box according to claim 79, wherein the retaining portion is a combination of the first gear and the second gear that engage with each other when the moving portion is in the position where the driving force is interrupted.

82. The cartridge of claim 71 further includes a photosensitive member, wherein, when viewed along the direction of the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive member or the rotation axis M2 of the developing member, the force receiving portion is movable in a direction intersecting with an imaginary line N2 connecting the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M2.

83. The box according to claim 82, wherein at least a portion of the force receiving portion is disposed in a region within a region divided by the imaginary line N2, wherein the region does not include the rotation axis K of the connecting member.

84. The cartridge of claim 82, wherein at least a portion of the force receiving portion is disposed in a region defined by an imaginary line N3 perpendicular to the imaginary line N2 and passing through the area between the photosensitive member and the developing member, wherein the region does not include the rotation axis M1.

85. The cartridge of claim 71 further includes a photosensitive element and a charging element for charging the photosensitive element, wherein, when viewed along the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive element or the rotation axis M2 of the developing element, the force receiving portion is movable in a direction intersecting with an imaginary line N10 connecting the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M5 of the charging element.

86. The box according to claim 85, wherein at least a portion of the force receiving portion is disposed in a region defined by a tangent N11 at one of the intersections between the surface of the photosensitive member and the imaginary line N10 and the surface of the photosensitive member, the one intersection being further away from the rotation axis M5 than the other intersection, wherein the one region does not include the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis M2 or the rotation axis M5.

87. The box according to claim 82, wherein the movable portion and the force receiving portion are integral with each other.

88. The box according to claim 82, wherein the movable portion and the force receiving portion are interconnected and capable of taking a first state in which the force receiving portion can move relative to the movable portion and a second state in which the force receiving portion and the movable portion can move integrally with each other.

89. The box according to claim 88, wherein the connecting portion connecting the moving portion and the force receiving portion to each other is elastic, wherein the connecting portion is elastically deformable in the first state and the elastic deformation of the connecting portion is limited in the second state.

90. The box according to claim 71, further comprising: The first unit includes a photosensitive element and a first frame supporting the photosensitive element; And a second unit, the second unit including the developing member and a second frame supporting the developing member and the connecting member, wherein when viewed along the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive member or the rotation axis M2 of the developing member, the first unit and the second unit are movable relative to each other in a direction intersecting the direction of the imaginary line N2 connecting the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M2.

91. The box according to claim 90, wherein the movable portion is disposed on the second unit.

92. The cartridge of claim 71, wherein the force receiving portion is movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing member.

93. The cartridge of claim 92, wherein the force receiving portion is oscillating about an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the developing member.

94. An image forming apparatus, comprising: The main component includes a main component force application portion; as well as A housing capable of being detachably mounted to the main component, the housing comprising: Developing components, A connecting member capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member. The movable portion is movable between a drive force transmission position and a drive force interruption position, the drive force transmission position being for allowing drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member, and the drive force interruption position being for interrupting drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member. A retaining portion, the retaining portion being used to restrict the movement of the moving portion toward the driving force transmission position to hold the moving portion at the driving force interruption position, and The force receiving section is capable of receiving from the main component force applying section a force for moving the moving section from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position. After the moving part receives force from the main component force application part through the force receiving part and moves from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position, when the main component force application part separates from the force receiving part, the moving part is held by the holding part at the driving force interruption position.

95. An image forming apparatus, comprising: The main component includes a main component force application portion movable between a first main component position and a second main component position; as well as A housing capable of being detachably mounted to the main component, the housing comprising: Developing components, A connecting member capable of receiving a driving force for rotating the developing member. The movable portion is movable between a drive force transmission position and a drive force interruption position, the drive force transmission position being for allowing drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member, and the drive force interruption position being for interrupting drive force transmission from the connecting member to the developing member. A retaining portion, the retaining portion being used to restrict the movement of the moving portion toward the driving force transmission position to hold the moving portion at the driving force interruption position, and The force receiving section is capable of receiving a force from the force applying portion of the main component as it moves from the first main component position to the second main component position, for use in moving the moving portion from the drive force transmission position to the drive force interruption position. Wherein, after the moving part receives the force from the main component force applying part moving from the first main component position to the second main component position through the force receiving part and moves from the driving force transmission position to the driving force interruption position, when the main component force applying part moves from the second main component position to the first main component position, the moving part is held by the holding part at the driving force interruption position.

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