Cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a movable member that is movable relative to the photosensitive drum to control a tilt angle of a drive transmission member. The movable member is movable between a first position for reducing the tilt angle of the drive transmission member relative to the photosensitive drum and a second position that retreats from the first position. Thereby, a drive connection can be smoothly made.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application for invention entitled "Cartridge and image forming apparatus", international application No. PCT / JP2018 / 046670, filed on December 12, 2018, national application No. 201880079414.4. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a cartridge and an image forming apparatus.

[0003] The cartridge can be mounted to and detached from a device main assembly (main assembly of the image forming apparatus) of an image forming apparatus (electrophotographic image forming apparatus).

[0004] Further, the image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material by an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, an existing electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, etc. BACKGROUND

[0005] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter also simply referred to as "image forming apparatus"), an electrophotographic photosensitive member, i.e., a photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive drum) as an image bearing member and generally in a drum type, is uniformly charged. Then, the charged photosensitive drum is selectively exposed to light to form an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) on the photosensitive drum. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed into a toner image by a toner as a developer. Subsequently, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto a recording material such as a recording sheet or a plastic sheet, and heat or pressure is applied to the toner image carried on the recording material to form a toner image on the recording material, thereby performing an image recording operation.

[0006] Such an image forming apparatus generally requires replenishment of toner and maintenance of various processing devices thereof. In order to facilitate the replenishment of toner and the maintenance, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, etc. are collectively configured as a cartridge, which can be detachably mounted to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and such a cartridge has been put into practical use.

[0007] With such a cartridge system, a user can perform partial maintenance of the device without depending on a service person in charge of after-sales service. Therefore, operability of the device can be significantly improved, and an image forming apparatus having excellent usability can be provided. Therefore, the cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

[0008] The process cartridge is one example of the cartridge. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a process unit capable of acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed as a cartridge, and the cartridge is capable of being detachably mounted to a device main assembly of an image forming apparatus.

[0009] In the process cartridge described above, a structure in which a coupling member is provided at a free end of a photosensitive drum as a photosensitive member to transmit a driving force from the device main assembly to the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member is widely used. In JP 2016-40625 Figure 22 ), it is proposed that the coupling member is configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction, and a push lever arranged in the process cartridge is operated to provide a trigger for moving the coupling member back and forth. Further, a structure in which a pull cord fixed to the coupling member is exposed to the outside from a non-driving side by passing through the drum, and the pull cord is fed in and out to achieve the back and forth movement of the coupling member has been proposed. SUMMARY

[0010] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the present application is to further develop the prior art described above.

[0012] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0013] The typical structure according to the present application is a cartridge capable of being detachably mounted to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including an inclinable driving transmission member for transmitting a driving force in the cartridge, the cartridge including: a photosensitive drum; and a movable member capable of moving relative to the photosensitive drum to control an inclination angle of the driving transmission member, the movable member being movable between (a) a first position for reducing the inclination angle of the driving transmission member relative to the photosensitive drum and (b) a second position retreating from the first position.

[0014] EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The conventional technology can be further developed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a side view of the process cartridge B.

[0017] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge.

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge in a case where the opening and closing door has been opened.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

[0021] Figure 6 is a structural diagram of the drive-side flange unit.

[0022] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the cleaning unit including the operation unit.

[0023] Figure 8 is a longitudinal partial sectional view of the drive unit end of the drum unit.

[0024] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the cleaning unit including the operation unit.

[0025] Figure 10 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state before the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is opened and the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A.

[0026] Figure 11 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the process cartridge B is completely mounted to the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is not closed.

[0027] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment for explaining the process of the cartridge pressing member contacting the lever member.

[0028] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the outer cylindrical cam member, the inner cylindrical cam member, and the lever member.

[0029] Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the apparatus main assembly A.

[0030] Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the inclined drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the apparatus main assembly A.

[0031] Figure 16 is a partial enlarged view of the chamfered portion of the coupling member.

[0032] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the chamfered portion 64e provided on the end surface of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64.

[0033] Figure 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum unit according to Embodiment 2.

[0034] Figure 19 is a view showing the assembling method of the drum unit according to Embodiment 2.

[0035] Figure 20 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the cleaning unit including the operation unit.

[0036] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of Example 2.

[0037] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 2, for explaining the process in which the cartridge pressing member comes into contact with the lever member.

[0038] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the lever member 212, the outer cylindrical cam member 270, and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 according to Example 2.

[0039] Figure 24 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the apparatus main assembly A according to Example 2.

[0040] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the main assembly drive transmission member.

[0041] Figure 26 is a schematic view of the coupling structure between the coupling member and the drive side flange member.

[0042] Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge.

[0043] Figure 28 is a schematic view of the side surface of the cartridge and the contact member of the apparatus main assembly.

[0044] Figure 29 is a schematic view for explaining the electrical grounding of the photosensitive drum.

[0045] Figure 30 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drum unit of Example 3.

[0046] Figure 31 is a perspective view before assembly and a perspective view after assembly.

[0047] Figure 32 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drive side flange unit.

[0048] Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the assembly method of the drum unit and a partial detailed view showing the locking portion for the shaft coupling support member 552 and the drum bearing 573.

[0049] Figure 34 is a side view of the process cartridge.

[0050] Figure 35 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the apparatus main assembly.

[0051] Figure 36 is a partial detailed view of the main assembly of the device.

[0052] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

[0053] Figure 38 is an exploded view of the coupling unit.

[0054] Figure 39 is an exploded view of the coupling shaft and the coupling member.

[0055] Figure 40 is an exploded view of the outer cylindrical cam and the inner cylindrical cam.

[0056] Figure 41 is an exploded view of the outer cylindrical cam and the drum bearing.

[0057] Figure 42 is an exploded view of the inner cylindrical cam and the drum bearing.

[0058] Figure 43 is a sectional view of the coupling unit.

[0059] Figure 44 is a sectional view of the coupling unit.

[0060] Figure 45 is a schematic view of the coupling unit viewed from the axial direction.

[0061] Figure 46 is a schematic view of the coupling portion viewed from the axial direction.

[0062] Figure 47 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

[0063] Figure 48 is a perspective view of the coupling.

[0064] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the coupling.

[0065] Figure 50 is a sectional view of the coupling.

[0066] Figure 51 is a sectional view of the coupling.

[0067] Figure 52 is a perspective view of the drive transmission portion.

[0068] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the drive transmission portion.

[0069] Figure 54 is a perspective view of the drive transmission portion.

[0070] Figure 55 is a perspective view of the coupling.

[0071] Figure 56 is a perspective view of the coupling.

[0072] Figure 57 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling.

[0073] Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission portion.

[0074] Figure 59 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission portion.

[0075] Figure 60 is a perspective view of the alignment member.

[0076] Figure 61 is a perspective view of the pin receiving member.

[0077] Figure 62 is a perspective view of the drive input unit.

[0078] Figure 63 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drive input unit.

[0079] Figure 64 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drum unit and a partial enlarged view thereof.

[0080] Figure 65 is a schematic view of the assembly method of the drum unit.

[0081] Figure 66 is a partial perspective view of the actuating unit and the drive input unit.

[0082] Figure 67 is a partial perspective view of the operating unit.

[0083] Figure 68 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus viewed from the non-drive side of the cartridge.

[0084] Figure 69 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the apparatus main assembly and the cartridge.

[0085] Figure 70 is a partial enlarged view of the alignment member and the drive transmission member.

[0086] Figure 71 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the drive input unit.

[0087] Figure 72 is a perspective view of the drive input unit.

[0088] Figure 73 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drum unit and the drum bearing.

[0089] Figure 74is a longitudinal sectional view of the main assembly of the device and the cartridge.

[0090] Figure 75 is a partial enlarged view of the outer peripheral receiving alignment member and the drive transmission member 81.

[0091] Figure 76 is a perspective view of the cartridge.

[0092] Figure 77 is a perspective view of the developing unit.

[0093] Figure 78 is a sectional view of the drive transmission member and the processing cartridge.

[0094] Figure 79 is a perspective view of the developing unit.

[0095] Figure 80 is a sectional view of the drive transmission member and the processing cartridge.

[0096] Figure 81 is a sectional view of the drive transmission member and the processing cartridge.

[0097] Figure 82 is a sectional view of the drive transmission member and the processing cartridge.

[0098] Figure 83 is a perspective view of the cartridge.

[0099] Figure 84 is a sectional view of the drive transmission member and the processing cartridge.

[0100] Figure 85 is a perspective view of the developing unit.

[0101] Figure 86 is a sectional view of the drive transmission member and the processing cartridge.

[0102] Figure 87 is a sectional view of the drive transmission member and the processing cartridge.

[0103] In Figure 88 , subfigure (a) is a perspective view of the cartridge, and subfigure (b) is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge.

[0104] In Figure 89 , subfigure (a) is a side view of the cartridge, and subfigure (b) is a sectional view of the cartridge.

[0105] Figure 90 is a schematic view of the drive transmission member.

[0106] Figure 91 is a schematic view of the cartridge and the drive transmission member.

[0107] Figure 92 is a schematic view of the drive transmission member.

[0108] In Figure 93 part (a) is a schematic view of the drive transmission member, and part (b) is a schematic view of the cassette and the drive transmission member.

[0109] In Figure 94 part (a) is a schematic view of the drive transmission member, and part (b) is a schematic view of the cassette and the drive transmission member.

[0110] In Figure 95 part (a) is a schematic view of the drive transmission member, and part (b) is a schematic view of the cassette and the drive transmission member.

[0111] In Figure 96 part (a) is a schematic view of the drive transmission member, and part (b) is a schematic view of the cassette and the drive transmission member.

[0112] In Figure 97 part (a) is a schematic view of the drive transmission member, and part (b) is a schematic view of the cassette and the drive transmission member.

[0113] In Figure 98 part (a) is a schematic view of the drive transmission member, and part (b) is a side view of the cassette.

[0114] In Figure 99 part (a) is a perspective view of the cassette, and part (b) is a side view of the cassette.

[0115] In Figure 100 part (a) is a perspective view of the cassette, and part (b) is a perspective view of the cassette.

[0116] In Figure 101 parts (a) and (b) show the control member.

[0117] Figure 102 parts (a) and (b) are side views of the cassette.

[0118] In Figure 103 part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the cassette showing the positional relationship of the control member, and part (b) is a schematic view of the arrangement of the control member.

[0119] In Figure 104 part (a) is a side view of the cassette, and part (b) is a view showing the cassette and the drive transmission member as viewed from the front.

[0120] Figure 105 is a side view of the cassette.

[0121] Figure 106 is a side view of the cassette.

[0122] Figure 107is a side view of the box.

[0123] Figure 108 is a side view of the box.

[0124] Figure 109 is a side view of the box.

[0125] In Figure 110 , sub-figure (a) and sub-figure (b) are side views of the box.

[0126] Figure 111 is a side view of the box.

[0127] In Figure 112 , sub-figure (a) is an exploded perspective view of the box, and sub-figure (b) is a perspective view of the box.

[0128] In Figure 113 , sub-figure (a) and sub-figure (b) are side views of the box.

[0129] Figure 114 is a side view of the box.

[0130] Figure 115 is a side view of the box.

[0131] Figure 116 is a side view of the box.

[0132] Figure 117 is a side view of the box.

[0133] In Figure 118 , sub-figure (a) and sub-figure (b) are side views of the box.

[0134] Figure 119 is a perspective view of the box.

[0135] Figure 120 is a side view of the box.

[0136] Figure 121 is a side view of the box.

[0137] Figure 122 is a perspective view of the box.

[0138] Figure 123 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling component.

[0139] Figure 124 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0140] <EMBODIMENT 1>

[0141] Embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0142] Unless otherwise specified, the direction of the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (photosensitive member, photosensitive drum) is simply referred to as the longitudinal direction. The rotation axis direction (axis direction) is a direction parallel to the axis (rotation axis) of the photosensitive drum. The axis of the photosensitive drum is an imaginary straight line extending along the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum as a photosensitive member rotates around its rotation axis.

[0143] In the longitudinal direction, the side of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from which driving force is received from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is the driving side, and the opposite side is the non-driving side.

[0144] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The overall structure and image forming process will be described.

[0145] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a device main assembly (main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, main assembly of an image forming apparatus) A and a process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge B) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0146] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B.

[0147] Here, the device main assembly A is a portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus other than the cartridge B. The cartridge B is capable of being attached to and detached from the device main assembly A.

[0148] <Overall structure of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus>

[0149] Figure 2 The electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) illustrated is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic technique, in which the cartridge B is detachably attached to the device main assembly A. When the cartridge B is attached to the device main assembly A, an exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) is disposed for forming a latent image on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 as an image bearing member of the cartridge B. In addition, below the cartridge B, a sheet tray 4 that accommodates a recording material (hereinafter referred to as a sheet PA) as an image formation target is disposed. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 is a photosensitive member (electrophotographic photosensitive member) for electrophotographic image formation.

[0150] In the device main assembly A, along a conveyance direction D of the sheet PA, a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller pair 5b, a conveyance roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a conveyance guide 8, a fixing device 9, a discharge roller pair 10, and a discharge tray 11 are disposed in this order. The fixing device 9 includes a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

[0151] <Image forming process>

[0152] An overview of the image formation process will be described. In response to the print start signal, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum 62 or simply drum 62) is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow R at a predetermined circumferential speed (processing speed).

[0153] A charging roller (charging component) 66, which is biased by a voltage, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 and charges the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 uniformly. The charging roller 66 is a rotatable component (roller) that can rotate while in contact with the drum 62. The charging component is not limited to such a rotatable contact roller structure, and a charging component (charging device) fixed to the drum 62 with a certain distance between them can be used, such as a corona charging device.

[0154] Exposure device 3 outputs a laser beam L based on image information. The laser beam L travels through the laser opening 71h provided in the cleaning frame 71 of the housing B, and scans and exposes the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

[0155] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the developing unit 20, which is a developing apparatus, the toner T in the toner chamber 29 is stirred and fed by the rotation of the feeding member (stirring member) 43, and is fed into the toner supply chamber 28.

[0156] The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 is a developer-carrying component that carries developer (toner T) on its surface for developing the latent image (electrostatic latent image) formed on the drum 62. In this embodiment, a non-contact developing method is used, thereby developing the latent image by providing a small gap between the developing roller 32 and the drum 62. A contact developing system can also be used, in which the latent image is developed when the developing roller 32 comes into contact with the drum 62.

[0157] The toner T is tribocharged by the developing doctor blade 42 and controls the layer thickness on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 32, which serves as the developer carrier.

[0158] Toner T is supplied to drum 62 to develop the latent image based on the electrostatic latent image. Thus, the latent image is visualized as a toner image. Drum 62 is an image-bearing component that carries the latent image or an image (toner image, developer image) formed using toner (developer) on its surface.

[0159] Furthermore, the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 are rotatable components (rotating components) that can rotate while the developer (toner) is carried on their surfaces.

[0160] like Figure 2As shown, the sheet PA stored in the lower part of the main assembly A of the device is fed out from the sheet tray 4 by pick-up roller 5a, feed roller pair 5b, and feed roller pair 5c in a time-coordinated manner with the output of the emitted laser beam. Then, the sheet PA is fed to the transfer position between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 via the transfer guide 6. At this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum 62 onto the sheet PA.

[0161] The sheet PA, on which the toner image has already been transferred, separates from the drum 62 and is fed along the conveyor guide 8 to the fixing unit 9. The sheet PA then passes through a clamping section between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b (which form the fixing unit 9). A pressure / heat fixing process is performed in this clamping section to fix the toner image onto the sheet PA. The sheet PA, having undergone the toner image fixing process, is fed to the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged to the discharge tray 11.

[0162] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, residual toner on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 after transfer is removed by a cleaning blade 77 and reused in subsequent image formation processes. The residual toner removed from the drum 62 is stored in the waste toner chamber 71b of the toner cleaning unit 60. The cleaning unit 60 is a unit that includes the photosensitive drum 62.

[0163] In the above structure, the charging roller 66, the developing roller 32, the transfer roller 7, and the cleaning blade 77 are processing devices (processing components, acting components) that act on the drum 62.

[0164] <The overall structure of the box>

[0165] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 This will describe the overall structure of box B. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of box B. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of box B. In this embodiment, the description given omits the use of screws to connect the various parts.

[0166] The description of the actuation unit, which includes the lever component, will be omitted here, as it will be explained below.

[0167] Box B includes a cleaning unit (photosensitive component holding unit, drum holding unit, image carrier component holding unit, first unit) 60 and a developing unit (developer carrier component holding unit, second unit) 20.

[0168] The cartridge B of this embodiment is a process cartridge. Generally, a process cartridge is a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge, and the cartridge is capable of being attached to and detached from a main assembly (device main assembly) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the process means include a charging means, a developing means, and a cleaning means.

[0169] As shown in Figure 3 , the cleaning unit 60 includes a drum 62, a charging roller 66, a cleaning member 77, and a cleaning frame 71 that supports these members. On the drive side of the drum 62, a drive-side drum flange 63 provided on the drive side is rotatably supported by a hole 73a of a drum bearing 73. In a broad sense, the drum bearing 73, the side member 76, and the cleaning frame 71 can be collectively referred to as a cleaning frame. The drum bearing 73, the side member 76, and the cleaning frame 71 are all part of the frame that constitutes the cartridge. The drum bearing 73, the side member 76, and the cleaning frame 71 are frames for supporting the photosensitive drum 62, and thus they can be referred to as drum frames.

[0170] On the non-drive side, as shown in Figure 5 , the structure is such that a hole (not shown) of the non-drive-side drum flange is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 78 that is press-fitted into a hole 71c provided in the cleaning frame 71.

[0171] In the cleaning unit 60, the charging roller 66 and the cleaning member 77 are arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

[0172] The cleaning member 77 includes a rubber squeegee 77a, which is a blade-shaped elastic member made of rubber as an elastic material, and a support member 77b that supports the rubber squeegee. The rubber squeegee 77a is in contact with the drum 62 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the drum 62. That is, the rubber squeegee 77a is in contact with the drum 62 such that the surface of the free end faces the upstream side of the rotation direction of the drum 62.

[0173] As shown in Figure 3 , the waste toner removed from the surface of the drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 is stored in a waste toner chamber 71b formed by the cleaning frame 71 and the cleaning member 77.

[0174] Further, as shown in Figure 3 , a scooping sheet 65 for preventing leakage of waste toner from the cleaning frame 71 is provided at the edge of the cleaning frame 71 so as to contact the drum 62.

[0175] The charging roller 66 is rotatably installed in the cleaning unit 60 by charging roller bearings (not shown) at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71.

[0176] The longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71 (the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B) extends substantially in parallel with the direction in which the rotational axis of the drum 62 extends (the axial direction). Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction or the axial direction refers to the axial direction of the drum 62 (the direction parallel to the axis of the drum), unless otherwise specified.

[0177] The charging roller 66 is pressed against the drum 62 by the pressing member 68 pressing the charging roller bearing 67 against the drum 62. The charging roller 66 is rotated by the rotation of the drum 62.

[0178] As Figure 3 shown, the developing unit 20 includes a developing roller 32, a developing container 23 that supports the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, and the like. The developing roller 32 is rotatably mounted in the developing container 23 by bearing members 27 Figure 5 ) and bearing members 37 Figure 4 ) provided at respective end portions. The developing container 23, the bearing members 27, and the bearing members 37 are all parts of the frame of the cartridge. The developing container 23, the bearing members 27, and the bearing members 37 are the frame that constitutes the developing unit 20 (the frame that supports the developing roller 32), and thus, they can be collectively referred to as a developing frame.

[0179] A magnetic roller 34 is provided inside the developing roller 32. In the developing unit 20, a developing blade 42 for controlling the toner layer on the developing roller 32 is arranged. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, a gap maintaining member 38 is mounted to the developing roller 32 at each of opposite ends of the developing roller 32, and the developing roller 32 is maintained with a slight gap from the drum 62 by the gap maintaining member 38 and the drum 62 being in contact with each other. Further, as Figure 3 shown, a blowout prevention sheet 33 for preventing toner from leaking from the developing unit 20 is provided at the edge of the bottom member 22 so as to contact the developing roller 32. Further, a feeding member 43 is provided in a toner chamber 29 provided by the developing container 23 and the bottom member 22. The feeding member 43 stirs the toner accommodated in the toner chamber 29 and delivers the toner to a toner supply chamber 28.

[0180] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the cartridge B is combined from the cleaning unit (first unit) 60 and the developing unit (second unit) 20.

[0181] When the developing unit and the cleaning unit are connected to each other, first, the developing first support boss 26a of the developing container 23 is first aligned with respect to the center of the drive side first suspension hole 71i of the cleaning frame 71, and the developing second support boss 23b is first aligned with respect to the center of the non-drive side second suspension hole 71j. Specifically, by moving the developing unit 20 in the direction of the arrow G, the developing first support boss 26a and the developing second support boss 23b are fitted into the first suspension hole 71i and the second suspension hole 71j. Thereby, the developing unit 20 is movably connected with the cleaning unit 60. More specifically, the developing unit 20 is rotatably (pivotably) connected with the cleaning unit 60. Thereafter, the side member 76 is assembled to the cleaning unit 60, thereby forming the cartridge B.

[0182] In the present embodiment, the non-drive side urging member 46L Figure 4 ) and the non-drive side urging member 46R Figure 4 ) are compression springs. By the urging force of these springs, the developing unit 20 is urged by the cleaning unit 60, and the developing roller 32 is reliably pressed against the drum 62. The developing roller 32 is held at a predetermined distance from the drum 62 by the spacing holding members 38 mounted to opposite ends of the developing roller 32.

[0183] <Advance and retreat mechanism for coupling member>

[0184] The coupling member 64 and an advance and retreat mechanism portion for advancing and retreating the coupling member will be described. The coupling member 64 is a member (drive input member, input coupling) for receiving a driving force (rotational force) for rotating the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 from the outside of the cartridge (i.e., the main assembly of the image forming apparatus).

[0185] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the drive transmission member (drive output member) 81. As shown here, the drive transmission member 81 includes a recess (drive transmission portion 81a) having a substantially triangular shape. The driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 engages with this recess (drive transmission portion 81a), and the coupling member 64 receives the driving force. Referring to Figure 6 The drive side flange unit 69 will be described.

[0186] The coupling member 64 is provided at the end portion of the photosensitive drum 62. That is, the coupling member 64 is movably supported by the flange member 75 fixed to the end portion of the photosensitive drum 62.

[0187] The drive side flange unit 69 according to the present embodiment includes the coupling member 64, the drive side flange member 75, the cover member 58, and the first pressing member 59. The coupling member 64 includes a driven transmission portion (drive force receiving portion) 64a and a drive transmission portion 64b. The driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission member (drive output member) 81 of the device main assembly A to the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64.Figure 14 and 25 ) to the driven transmission portion 64a. The drive transmission portion 64b is supported by the drive-side flange member 75, and at the same time, transmits the drive to the drive-side flange member 75.

[0188] The drive-side flange member 75 includes a gear portion 75a that transmits the drive to a gear member 36 Figure 27 ) provided at the end portion of the developing roller, a coupling support portion 75b Figure 26 ) and the like. After the coupling member 64 is inserted into the inner periphery (coupling support portion 75b) of the drive-side flange member 75, the first pressing member 59 for pushing the coupling member 64 toward the drive side is inserted. Thereafter, the cover member 58 is fixed to the end portion 75c of the drive-side flange member 75 by welding or the like to form the drive-side flange unit 69.

[0189] Figure 26 A perspective view of the drive-side flange member 75 and the coupling member 64 is shown. The inner peripheral surface of the drive-side flange member 75 serves as the coupling support portion 75b. The drive-side flange member 75 supports the coupling member 64 by supporting the outer peripheral surface of the coupling member 64 on the inner peripheral surface (coupling support portion 75b). Then, among the outer peripheral surface of the coupling member 64, two surfaces that are symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotation axis are flat portions. This flat surface portion is the drive transmission portion 64b of the coupling member 64. The inner peripheral surface 75b of the flange member 75 is also provided with two flat surface portions 75b1 that correspond to the drive transmission portion 64b. The flat surface portion of the flange member 75 serves as the driven transmission portion 75b1 of the flange member 75. That is, by the drive transmission portion 64b of the coupling member 64 contacting the transmission portion 75b1 of the flange member 75, the drive force is transmitted from the coupling member 64 to the flange member 75.

[0190] The drive-side flange 75 of the drive-side flange unit 69 is fixed to the end portion Figure 8 ) of the photosensitive drum 62 by, for example, press fitting or clamping. Thereby, the drive force (rotational force) received by the coupling member 64 from the drive transmission member 81 Figure 14 and 25 ) is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 62 via the drive-side flange 75. That is, the coupling member 64 is connected to the end portion of the photosensitive drum via the drive-side flange member 75, and therefore, the coupling member 64 can transmit the drive to the photosensitive drum 62.

[0191] Next, Figure 27 An exploded perspective view of the cartridge is shown. As Figure 27As shown, the driving force (rotational force) is transmitted from the driving-side flange 75 to the developing roller 32 via the gear 75a. That is, the gear 75a engages with the developing roller gear 36 and transmits the rotation of the driving-side flange 75 to the developing roller gear 36. The developing roller gear 36 is a gear provided on the developing roller 32, and more specifically, it engages with the shaft portion of the developing roller flange 35 fixed to the end portion of the developing roller 32. Thus, the rotation of the developing roller gear 36 is transmitted to the developing roller 32 via the developing roller flange 35. Further, the developing roller gear 36 also transmits the driving to the feeding member gear 41 via the idler gear 39. The feeding member gear 41 is a gear provided on the feeding member 43 Figure 3 ) and also rotates when the feeding member gear 41 rotates.

[0192] That is, the driving-side flange 75 is a driving transmission member (cartridge-side driving transmission member) for transmitting driving from the coupling member 64 to the drum 62, the developing roller 32, the feeding member 43, and the like. In the present embodiment, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 has a substantially triangular cross section and a protruding shape (a convex portion). Specifically, a substantially triangular cross section twisted counterclockwise from the driving side to the non-driving side with respect to the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member is adopted. However, the driven transmission portion 64a is not limited to such a shape, and can be any shape that engages the driving transmission member 81 Figure 25 ) and is capable of receiving a driving force. In the present embodiment, the driving transmission member 81 of the device main assembly A is provided with a substantially triangular recess (driving transmission portion 81a: see Figure 25 ), which can engage with the driven transmission portion 64a. Thus, the driven transmission portion 64a has a protruding shape that engages with the recess. The protruding shape can be plural rather than one, and the protruding shape is not limited to a triangle. Further, the protruding shape has a twisted triangular shape, but the protruding shape is not necessarily twisted.

[0193] As shown in Figure 14 , the coupling member 64 is configured to be movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction (axial direction). Figure 14 Figure (a) of Figure 14 shows a state in which the coupling member retreats from and disengages from the driving transmission member 81. In Figure 14 Figure (c) of Figure 14 , the coupling member 64 is extended and engaged with the driving transmission member 81. This figure shows a matching state. Further, Figure 14 Figure (b) of Figure (a) of

[0194] and Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9An operation unit (operation mechanism, advancing / retracting unit, advancing / retracting mechanism) capable of realizing this longitudinal movement of the coupling member 64 is described.

[0195] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the operation unit provided in the cleaning unit 60 according to the present embodiment.

[0196] Figure 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the drive unit end of the drum unit according to the present embodiment.

[0197] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view showing the operation unit according to the present embodiment, similar to Figure 7

[0198] As shown in Figure 7 to 9 , the operation unit includes an outer cylindrical cam member 70, an inner cylindrical cam member 74, a lever member 12, a second pressing member (elastic member, push member) 14, and the like. The operation unit is a control mechanism (control unit) connected to the coupling member 64 and controlling the movement (advancing / retracting action) of the coupling member 64.

[0199] The outer cylindrical cam member 70 includes a cylindrical cam portion 70b and a lever member engaging portion 70a for engaging the lever member 12. Similar to the outer cylindrical cam member 70, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 is provided with a longitudinal position regulating surface 74d which contacts the cylindrical cam portion 70b and the coupling member 64 to restrict the longitudinal position of the coupling member 64.

[0200] As shown in Figure 7 and 8 , in the present embodiment, the outer cylindrical cam member 70 and the inner cylindrical cam member 74 are configured to be supported by the outer peripheral portion 73a of the drum bearing member 73. The lever member engaging portion 70a of the outer cylindrical cam member 70 is configured to be exposed to the outside of the drum bearing member 73 Figure 9 ).

[0201] After the developing unit 20 is supported by the cleaning unit 60, the lever member 12 is engaged with the lever member engaging portion 70a of the outer cylindrical cam member 70 at the engaged portion 12b provided at one end of the lever member 12. In addition, the lever member 12 is arranged such that the sliding portion 12c at the other end is positioned between the sliding ribs 71g provided on the cleaning frame 71. That is, the male engaging portion 70a enters the hole-shaped engaged portion 12b to engage with each other, and the lever member 12 is connected to the outer cylindrical cam member 70.

[0202] ​After the rod member 12 is disposed, the second pressing member 14 that presses and pushes the rod member 12 is disposed between the cleaning frame 71 and the rod member 12. In the present embodiment, a torsion coil spring is used as the second pressing member (pushing member) 14, but the present application is not limited to this example, and as another example, an elastic member (spring) having a different structure, such as a compression coil spring, can also be preferably used.

[0203] The process cartridge according to the present embodiment including the operation unit is provided by fixing the side member 76 to the cleaning frame 71.

[0204] The operation unit is connected with the coupling member 64 at the inner cylindrical cam 74, and the coupling member 64 can be moved (moved) back and forth by operating the rod member 12. Although the detailed operation principle will be described below, the rod member 12 is connected to the outer cylindrical cam member 70, and thus, when the rod member 12 moves substantially linearly, the outer cylindrical cam 70 rotates. The outer cylindrical cam 70 is in contact with the inner cylindrical cam 74, and the rotational movement of the outer cylindrical cam 70 causes the inner cylindrical cam 74 to move back and forth in the longitudinal direction. The inner cylindrical cam 74 is in contact with the coupling member 64, and the back-and-forth movement of the inner cylindrical cam 74 and the back-and-forth movement of the coupling member 64 are interlocked with each other.

[0205] That is, the rod member 12 is functionally (indirectly and operatively) connected with the coupling member 64 through the outer cylindrical cam member 70 and the inner cylindrical cam member 74, so that the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 are moved interlockingly.

[0206] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 10 to 14 The interlocking of the advance-and-retreat action of the coupling member 64 and the movement of the rod member 12 will be described. The rod member 12 is configured to move by abutting against and separating from a cartridge pressing member (pressing force applying member) provided in the device main assembly A.

[0207] Figure 1 is a side view of the process cartridge B according to the present embodiment.

[0208] Figure 10 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state after the opening and closing door 13 of the device main assembly is opened and before the process cartridge B is installed to the device main assembly A.

[0209] Figure 11 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the process cartridge B is completely installed to the device main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is not closed.

[0210] Figure 12Figure (a) is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus. In the state shown in the figure, during the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 of the main component A of the apparatus in the direction H in the figure, the box pressing member 1 begins to contact the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12.

[0211] Figure 12 Frame (b) is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus, in which the opening and closing door 13 of the main component A of the apparatus is completely closed.

[0212] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the rod member 12, the outer cylindrical cam member 70, and the inner cylindrical cam member 74 according to this embodiment. Figure 13 The sub-figure (a) shows the state before the box pressing member 1 comes into contact with the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12. Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 The perspective view of the sub-plot (a)). Figure 13 The diagram (c) shows the state with the door 13 fully closed and a predetermined pressure applied from the box spring 19 to the contact portion 12a of the rod member 12. Figure 12 The perspective view under the sub-figure (b)). Figure 13 The subplot (b) is in Figure 13 (a) state and Figure 13 (c) state ( Figure 12 Subplot (a) and Figure 12 A perspective view between the states of the sub-figures (b)).

[0213] Figure 14 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drive transmission component 81 and the connecting component 64 of the main component A of the device according to the embodiment described above. Here, similar to Figure 13 , Figure 14 The sub-figure (a) shows the state before the box pressing member comes into contact with the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12. Figure 10 , 11 and Figure 12 The longitudinal section view of (a)). Figure 14 Figure (c) shows the state where the door 13 is fully closed and the predetermined pressure of the spring 19 is applied to the contact portion 12a of the lever member 12. Figure 12 (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. Figure 14 The subplot (b) is in Figure 14 The states of subplots (a) and (c) Figure 12 Subplot (a) to Figure 12 The longitudinal cross-sectional view between the states in the sub-figure (b)). Figure 10As shown, after the opening / closing door 13 of the main assembly A is opened by rotating about the rotation center 13X, the processing box B is installed into the main assembly A. The opening / closing door 13 is an opening and closing component for opening and closing the box mounting portion (space for mounting the box) provided within the main assembly A. Guide rails (guide components) 15h and 15g for guiding the guided portions 76c and 76g of the processing box B are provided in the mounting portion, and the box B of the main assembly A is guided along the guide rails 15h and 15g so that it is inserted into the mounting portion (only the drive side is shown). Figure 11 As shown, the installation of the processing box B is completed when the positioned portions 73d and 73f provided on the drum bearing component 73 come into contact with or are inserted into the vicinity of the positioning portions 15a and 15b of the main component of the device.

[0214] Two box-pressing components 1 are installed axially to opposite ends of the opening / closing door 13. Figure 11 Each of the two box pressing components 1 can move relative to the opening / closing door 13 within a predetermined range.

[0215] Two box-pressing springs 19 are mounted at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the front plate 18, which is located in the main assembly A of the device. The cleaning frame 71 has box-pressed portions (the portions to be pressed in the box) 71e at opposite longitudinal ends, which serve as receiving portions for the pushing force of the box-pressing springs 19. As will be described below, when the opening and closing door 13 is fully closed, a predetermined pressure F2 is applied from the box-pressing springs 19 to the box-pressed portions 71e and the rod member-pressed portions 12a.

[0216] Next, the reciprocating movement of the connecting member 64 will be described. In the state before the box pressing member 1 contacts the rod member 12 ( Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the sub-figure (a), the rod component 12 is pressed by the second pressing component 14. Figure 9 ) along Figure 13 The E direction is pushed in the sub-diagram (a).

[0217] The outer cylindrical cam component 70, which engages with the rod component 12 and is supported to be rotatable about the drum axis, runs along... Figure 13 In diagram (a), the G direction is pushed. The outer cylindrical cam component 70's protruding surface 70c closest to the non-drive side contacts the innermost protruding surface 74c of the inner cylindrical cam component 74.

[0218] like Figure 14The coupling member 64 is pushed toward the drive side by the first pressing member 59, and the coupling contact portion 64c is pressed against the coupling member longitudinal position restricting surface 74d of the inner side cylindrical cam member 74. That is, the longitudinal position of the coupling member 64 depends on the longitudinal position (position in the longitudinal direction) of the inner side cylindrical cam member 74. The first pressing member 59 functions to operate the coupling member 64 on the drive side, and therefore, the first pressing member 59 can also be regarded as a part of the operation unit described above. In the present embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the first pressing member 59, but an elastic member having another shape can also be used to push the coupling member 64.

[0219] When the cartridge B is not mounted to the device main assembly A, the inner side cylindrical cam member 74 is arranged to retreat the coupling member 64 into the drum against the elastic force of the first pressing member 59. That is, in the state where the main assembly door 13 is released as shown in Figure 10 and 11 The coupling member 64 is located at the position closest to the non-drive side in the state where the main assembly door 13 is released, or in the state before the cartridge pressing member 1 abuts against the lever member 12. The position where the coupling member 64 retreats to the non-drive side (i.e., the inner side of the cartridge B) is referred to as the first position (retreating position, inner side position, disengaging position, releasing position). As shown in Figure 14 Fig. (a) of the drawing, this structure is such that the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 do not overlap in the longitudinal direction when the coupling member 64 is in the first position. That is, the processing cartridge B can be smoothly mounted to and detached from the device main assembly A without causing interference between the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 of the device main assembly.

[0220] When the opening and closing door 13 is closed after the cartridge B is mounted to the device main assembly A, the cartridge pressing member 1 provided on the opening and closing door 13 contacts the lever member 12. By being pressed by the pressing member 1, the lever member 12 starts to move. The coupling member 64 moves from the first position (retreating position) to the drive side in conjunction with the movement of the lever member 12. This movement will be described below.

[0221] As shown in Figure 12 Fig. (a) of the drawing, when the mounting of the processing cartridge B is completed and the opening and closing door 13 is closed along the direction H in Figure 12 Fig. (a), the contact between the cartridge pressing member 1 and the lever member 12 starts, so that the pressing force of the cartridge pressing spring 19 starts to act on the lever member 12. Due to this pressing force, the lever member 12 starts to move in the direction K in the drawing against the pushing force (elastic force) of the second pressing member 14. As shown in Figure 13As shown in Figure (b), when the lever component 12 moves in the K direction, the outer cylindrical cam component 70, which engages with the lever component 12, begins to rotate in the M direction shown in the figure.

[0222] The inner cylindrical cam member 74 is adjacent to the outer cylindrical cam member 70. The inner cylindrical cam member 74 is configured to be non-rotatable and only movable in the axial direction. Through rotation of the outer cylindrical cam member 70 in the M direction, the cylindrical cam portion 70b of the outer cylindrical cam member 70 and the cylindrical cam portion 74b of the inner cylindrical cam member 74 come into contact with each other at their inclined surfaces. Then, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 begins to move longitudinally toward the drive side (N direction) by the pressing force of the first pressing spring member 59. When the inner cylindrical cam member 74 moves in the N direction, the connecting member 64, pressed by the first pressing spring member 59, is also allowed to move longitudinally. Through this movement of the connecting member 64, the connecting member 64 extends toward the drive side (i.e., the outside of box B). Then, the driven transmission portion 64a of the connecting member 64 is in a relationship where it can engage with the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member of the main assembly of the device in the longitudinal direction. Figure 14 (Figure b)). When the opening / closing door 13 is fully closed ( Figure 12 In the state shown in Figure (b), the phases of the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam component 74 and the inner cylindrical cam component 70 are aligned with each other, as shown in Figure (b). Figure 13 As shown in Figure (c), this structure positions the inner cylindrical cam component 74 and the connecting component 64 closest to the drive side by the pushing force of the first pressing component 59. In this embodiment, the position where the connecting component 64 extends towards the drive side is referred to as the second position (extended position, outer position, engagement position, drive transmission position).

[0223] The connecting part 64 in the second position (extended position) can be considered to extend toward the outside of the photosensitive drum 62 (outside the box).

[0224] On the other hand, the connecting part 64 located in the first position (retracted position) can be considered to be retracted toward the interior of the photosensitive drum 62 (the interior of the box).

[0225] In this embodiment, the connecting member 64 moves substantially parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 62, which serves as a photosensitive element. However, the structure is not limited to this structure. For example, by moving the connecting member 64 in a direction inclined relative to the axis, the connecting member 64 can be moved to a first position (retracted position) and a second position (extended position).

[0226] like Figure 14The structure is such that when the coupling member 64 is in the second position, the required amount of longitudinal engagement can be ensured so that the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 and the driving transmission portion 81a of the driving transmission member 81 are in stable driving transmission.

[0227] When the coupling member 64 is held in the second position (extended position), the position of the lever member 12 can also be referred to as the second position (second position of the lever member). The second position of the lever member 12 is a position to which the lever member 12 moves when a force is applied to the lever member 12 from the outside of the cartridge B (operation position or action position), and an action position for acting on the coupling member 64. Furthermore, it is an engagement holding position and an extended holding position for holding the extended state of the coupling member 64 and for maintaining the engaged state of the coupling member 64 and the driving transmission member 81.

[0228] Furthermore, as described above, the driven transmission portion of the coupling member 64 according to the present embodiment has a twisted triangular shape. Therefore, when the lever member 12 is operated to the second position, the driving transmission portion 81a of the driving transmission member 81 of the device main assembly and the triangular phase of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 can not be aligned with each other. At this time, in the process of the coupling member 64 moving to the driving side second position, the driven transmission portion 64a comes into contact with the end surface 81c of the driving transmission member 81 and stops there. In other words, the driven transmission portion 64a cannot be engaged with the driving transmission portion 81a, and therefore, the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 interfere with each other, and the coupling member 64 cannot move to the second position. In this state, the first pressing member 59 is partially compressed.

[0229] Even in this case, a drive is input to the device main assembly A, and the driving transmission member 81 rotates so that the phase difference between the driving transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a falls within a certain range. Then, the driving transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a become capable of engaging with each other. At this time, the elastic deformation of the first pressing member 59 that has been compressed is partially released so that the coupling member 64 can move to the second position. As described above, when the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 interfere with each other, the first pressing member 59 is compressed so that the effect of the interference is applied to the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64. The first pressing member 59 is also a buffer member (cushion member, damper) for suppressing the effect of the interference. When the processing cartridge is pulled out to the outside by opening the main assembly door 13, the main assembly pressing member 1 is separated from the lever member 12 in the process of opening the opening and closing door 13. Thereafter, the lever member 12 is pushed by the pushing force of the second pressing member 14 Figure 9 ) from the Figure 13The state of the sub-figure (c) starts to move in the E direction. Thereby, the outer cylindrical cam member 70 rotates in the G direction, and the inner cylindrical cam member 74 and the coupling member 64 occupy the first position by the shapes 70b and 74b of the outer cylindrical cam portion and the inner cylindrical cam portion. That is, by the rod member 12 moving in the E direction, the coupling member 64 moves to the first position (the retreat position). When the coupling member 64 is located at the first position, the position of the rod member 12 can also be referred to as the first position. The first position of the rod member 12 is a position where no external force is applied to the rod member 12 from the outside of the cartridge (normal position, non-acting position). Furthermore, the first position of the rod member 12 is a retreat holding position and a retreat position for holding and allowing the retreat state of the coupling member 64, and an installation allowing position and a removal allowing position where the cartridge B can be installed to and detached from the main assembly A of the device.

[0230] Figure 13 The sub-figure (a) and Figure 14 The sub-figure (a) shows a state where the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 are respectively in the first position. Figure 13 The sub-figure (c) and Figure 14 The sub-figure (c) shows a state where the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 are respectively in the second position. Figure 13 The sub-figure (b) and Figure 14 The sub-figures (b) show positions (intermediate positions) in the process of moving the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 from the first position to the second position, respectively.

[0231] By moving the coupling member 64 to the first position (the retreat position), the processing cartridge B can be taken out of the device main assembly A.

[0232] As described above, the rod member 12 is an operating member (moving member) that is operated and moved by a force from the outside of the cartridge, i.e., the device main assembly A. Then, the movement of the rod member 12 is transmitted to the coupling member 64 through the two cam members 70 and 74, whereby the coupling member 64 moves between the first position (the retreat position) and the second position (the protruding position). That is, the rod member 12 is operated to move the coupling member 64.

[0233] The two cam members (the outer cylindrical cam member 70 and the inner cylindrical cam member 74) provided in the actuating unit constitute a cam mechanism for linking the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64. The rod member 12 is configured to move in a cross direction that intersects the longitudinal direction (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). The movement in the cross direction is converted by the cam mechanism into movement of the coupling member 64 along the longitudinal direction.

[0234] The first pressing member 59 is a pressing member that pushes the coupling member 64 toward a predetermined position (second position / protruding position). The second pressing member 14 is a pressing member that pushes the lever member 12 to a predetermined position (first position / normal position).

[0235] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 , the contact surface 82a of the charging roller contact member 82 faces toward the downstream side (one side shown by the arrow K in the drawing) with respect to the moving direction of the lever member 12 from the first position (normal position) to the second position (acting position). That is, the contact surface 82a faces the direction of the arrow J1 in the drawing.

[0236] The charging roller contact member 82 is an electrical contact that is electrically connected to the charging roller 66 to apply a charging bias voltage from the main assembly by contacting a charging bias voltage application contact member (main assembly side electrical contact) provided in the device main assembly A.

[0237] That is, the contact surface (exposed surface, exposed portion) 82a of the charging roller contact member 82 contacts the main assembly side contact member 101 shown in Figure 28 at a predetermined charging contact pressure. Thereby, a charging bias voltage is applied from the device main assembly A to the charging roller by the charging roller contact member 82. Figure 28 is a schematic view showing the electrical contacts (contact members) of the cartridge B and the device main assembly A.

[0238] As shown in Figure 1 , the cartridge B is provided with a developing roller contact member 83 that is electrically connected to the developing roller 32. The developing roller contact member 83 is supplied with a voltage from the device main assembly A by contacting a developing bias voltage application contact member (electrical contact, Figure 28 ) 102 provided in the device main assembly A. That is, by the contact surface (exposed surface, exposed portion) 83a of the developing roller contact member 83 contacting the contact member 102 on the device main assembly side, a developing bias voltage is applied from the device main assembly A to the developing roller 32 by the developing roller contact member 83.

[0239] The contact surface 83a of the developing roller contact member is also configured to face the downstream side (K direction in the drawing) with respect to the moving direction of the lever member 12. That is, the contact surface 83a faces the direction of the arrow I1 in Figure 28 .

[0240] When the opening and closing door 13 is closed and the cartridge pressing member 1 presses the lever member 12, a pressing force is applied in the moving direction of the lever member 12 toward the downstream side (the side indicated by the arrow K). As described above, the charging roller contact member 82 (contact surface 82a) and the developing roller contact member 83 (contact surface 83a) also face the downstream side. Therefore, by using the pressing force of the cartridge pressing member 1 (force acting in the direction of the arrow K), the charging roller contact member 82 (contact surface 82a) and the developing roller contact member 83 (contact surface 83a) can be pushed toward the corresponding main assembly contact of the main assembly of the device. Thus, it is possible to stabilize the contact state between the contact members (82, 83) on the cartridge side and the main assembly contact members.

[0241] Further, the positioned portions 73d and 73f of the cartridge B can be reliably pressed against the positioned portions 15a and 15b of the main assembly of the device by using the pressure received by the lever member 12. Figure 12 That is, generally, when contacting the corresponding main assembly contact member on the main assembly side, each of the charging roller contact member 82 and the developing roller contact member 83 receives a contact pressure (contact point pressure) from the main assembly in a direction perpendicular to the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a. In the present embodiment, the charging contact surface 82a receives a force in the direction of the arrow J2, and the developing contact surface 83a receives a force in the direction of the arrow I2. However, when the pressing force of the cartridge pressing member 1 applied to the cartridge B by the lever member 12 acts in the direction of the arrow K, it acts to cancel these contact pressures. Therefore, even if the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a receive the contact pressures (contact point pressures), it is possible to prevent the posture of the cartridge B from becoming unstable due to the contact pressures. Figure 28

[0242] By the force of the cartridge pressing member 1, the positioned portions 73d and 73f of the cartridge B can be more reliably pressed against the positioned portions 15a and 15b of the main assembly of the device, and the cartridge can be installed and positioned in the main assembly of the device in a stable posture. As described above, the positioning accuracy of the cartridge in the main assembly of the device is improved, and therefore, the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly of the device can be stably engaged.

[0243] When the electrical contact (contact member) such as the charging roller contact member 82 or the developing roller contact member 83 faces the downstream side (the side indicated by the arrow K) in the moving direction of the lever member 12, the direction in which the electrical contact faces does not need to be parallel to the arrow K. If the direction in which the electrical contact faces is less than 90 degrees (i.e., the angle is 0 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees) with respect to the arrow K, the electrical contact is in the moving direction of the lever member 12, and it can be regarded as facing the downstream side.

[0244] That is, in the present embodiment, the charging roller contact member 82 and the developing roller contact member 83 are arranged so that the contact surfaces 82a and 83a face the downstream side in the moving direction of the lever member 12. Figure 28 ​In this embodiment, the angle between the arrow K and the arrow J1 is less than 90 degrees, and the angle between the arrow K and the arrow I1 is less than 90 degrees.

[0245] In the present embodiment, the lever member 12 is arranged on the same side of the cartridge as each of the electrical contacts (the charging roller contact member 82 and the developing roller contact member 83) in the longitudinal direction (axial direction). That is, the lever member 12 and the electrical contacts 82 and 83 are all arranged on one end side (one side) of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction. The contact pressure received by each of the electrical contacts 82 and 83 and the pressing force applied to the lever member 12 by the cartridge pressing member 1 are both applied to the same end side of the cartridge. Therefore, the cartridge pressing member 1 is easily pushed against and positions the cartridge B by the pressing force of the lever member 12 against the contact pressure.

[0246] When the cartridge has a plurality of electrical contacts, each of the electrical contacts can be arranged on both ends of the cartridge, respectively. If the number of the electrical contacts is odd, the lever member 12 can be arranged on the side on which more electrical contacts are arranged.

[0247] In the present embodiment, the end of the cartridge on which the lever member 12 and the electrical contacts 82 and 83 are provided is the side (driving side) on which the coupling member 64 is provided. Even when vibration and the like are transmitted to the driving side of the cartridge B on which the coupling member 64 is provided in the case where the coupling member 64 receives a rotational force, the influence of the vibration and the like can be suppressed because the lever member 12 is pushed against the driving side of the cartridge B.

[0248] In the present embodiment, both of the two electrical contacts 82 and 83 provided in the cartridge B are pushed toward the main assembly side contact members 102 and 103 provided in the main assembly A of the device by using the pressing force of the lever member 12. However, it is not necessary to push all of the plurality of electrical contacts by using the pressing force of the lever member 12. As long as at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts of the cartridge B faces the downstream side in the moving direction of the lever, these electrical contacts can be pushed to the electrical contacts provided in the main assembly A by the pressing force received by the lever member 12.

[0249] Further, in the present embodiment, the device main assembly A is provided with two cartridge pressing members 1. One pressing member 1 presses the lever member 12 on the driving side of the cartridge B, and the other pressing member 1 presses the frame of the cartridge B on the other end side (the other side, the non-driving side) of the cartridge B. As described above, the posture of the cartridge B is stabilized by receiving forces at two points on both ends thereof, but the structure is not necessarily limited to such a structure, and the cartridge B can be configured to receive a force at one point. That is, it is enough that at least the lever member 12 receives a force by the pressing member 1.

[0250] Further, in the present embodiment, the lever member 12 is arranged between the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a in a plane perpendicular to the drum axis. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the lever member 12 is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the drum axis and between the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a. The lever member 12 is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the drum axis and between the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a. Figure 28As shown, when the lever member 12 is in the first position, the line segment Ll connecting both ends of the lever member 12 intersects the line segment L2 connecting the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a on the above-mentioned plane.

[0251] With this arrangement, the pressing force received by the lever member 12 from the pressing member 1 can be distributed to the two electric contacts 82, 83 in a well-balanced manner. That is, during the installation of the cartridge, when the forces received by each of the electric contacts 82 and 83 and the force received by the lever member 12 are applied to the cartridge B, the moment generated in the cartridge B by these forces is stabilized. Even if the lever member 12 is pressed, the posture of the cartridge B is not easily changed.

[0252] As a result, by using the force received by the lever member 12 against the contact pressure received from the plurality of electric contacts, the positioned portions 73d and 73f of the cartridge B are firmly pressed in the positioned portions 15a and 15b of the device main assembly (A) (see FIG. 6). Figure 12 ) That is, the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 of the device main assembly can be stably engaged with each other.

[0253] More specifically, the line segment connecting the contact portion 212a and the engaged portion 212b of the lever member 12 intersects the line segment L2.

[0254] The lever member 12 has a shape extending along the moving direction (K direction) of the lever member. Therefore, when the lever member 12 is pressed by the pressing member 1 of the device main assembly A and moves in the K direction, the force of the pressing member 1 is smoothly transmitted to the cartridge B via the lever member 12. Therefore, by using the force of the pressing member 1, it is easy to reliably bring the contact members 82 and 83 on the cartridge side into contact with the corresponding contact members on the main assembly side.

[0255] In addition, although the integral lever member 12 is used as the operating member, the operating member can also be configured by connecting a plurality of members.

[0256] The contact members (electrical contacts) can be referred to as first contact members (first electrical contacts), second contact members (second electrical contacts), and so on, respectively. In addition, in the present embodiment, the charging roller contact member 82 and the developing roller contact member 83 are connected to the charging roller 67 and the developing roller 30. That is, each of the electrical contacts 82 and 83 is connected to the processing members 67 and 30 that act on the photosensitive member, and serves to apply a voltage from the apparatus main assembly A to each of these processing members 67 and 30. However, the electrical contacts (contact members) are not limited to those for applying a voltage to such processing members. For example, in the case where a storage chip that stores information on the cartridge B is provided in the cartridge B, an electrical contact (contact member) that is electrically connected to the storage is provided in the cartridge B. This electrical contact serves to cause the apparatus main assembly A to read information from the storage or write new information to the storage by contacting an electrical contact of the apparatus main assembly A. The present embodiment can be preferably applied to such an electrical contact for information communication.

[0257] As described above, in the present embodiment, the cleaning frame 73 is provided with the pressed portion 71e that is pressed by the cartridge pressing member 1 in the apparatus main assembly. More specifically, the pressing member 1 presses the lever member 12 to move it from the first position to the second position, and then contacts the pressed portion 71e of the cleaning frame 73. Then, the pressing member 1 applies a pressing force to the cartridge B through the lever member 12 and the pressed portion 71e. However, the pressing member 1 does not necessarily have to be in contact with the cleaning frame 73, and the pressing member 1 can be in contact only with the abutment portion 12a of the lever member, thereby applying a pressing force to the cartridge B only through the lever member 12.

[0258] <Modification Example>

[0259] In addition, in the above description ( Figure 14 ), it is assumed that the rotation axes L2 and L1 are coaxial before the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are engaged ( Figure 14 , sub-figure (a)), but the structure is not limited thereto. The rotation axis of the driving transmission member 81 can be inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the coupling member 64 before the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are engaged with each other. However, since the coupling member 64 is configured to be able to move back and forth, the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 can be engaged even in such a case. Hereinafter, a modification example in which the driving transmission portion 81 of Embodiment 1 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable) will be described.

[0260] Referring to Figure 15 , in the case where the rotation axis L3 of the driving transmission member 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the coupling member 64 are different in axis before the coupling member 64 is engaged, how the coupling member 64 and the driving transmission member 81 are engaged with each other will be described.

[0261] Here,Figure 15 Fig. (a) is a longitudinal sectional view in a state where the process cartridge is inserted into the main assembly A of the apparatus and the opening and closing door 13 is closed. The driving force is input to the main assembly A of the apparatus, the driving transmission member 81 starts to rotate, and the phase of the driving transmission portion 81a and the phase of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 fall within a predetermined range. Figure 15 Fig. (b) is a longitudinal sectional view just after the above operation. Figure 15 Fig. (c) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the driving transmission portion 81a of the driving transmission member 81 and the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 are fully engaged. Figure 15 Figs. (a), (b) and (c) show a process in which the coupling member 64 engages with the driving transmission member 81 while reducing the inclination angle when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position (extended position).

[0262] Figure 16 is a partial detailed view showing a portion surrounded by the circle J in Fig. (a) of Figure 15 is an enlarged portion surrounded by the circle J in Fig. (a) of Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a chamfered portion 64e provided on an end surface of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64.

[0263] As shown in Fig. (a) of Figure 15 in this modification, the structure is such that the diameter of the supported portion 81b of the driving transmission member 81 and the diameter of the supported portion 85a of the driving transmission member support member 85 satisfy

[0264] Therefore, the driving transmission member 81 can move with respect to the support member 85. When the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 engage with each other, the driving transmission member 81 can move so that its axis aligns with the axis of the coupling member 64. That is, the rotational axis L3 of the driving transmission member 81 and the rotational axis LI of the coupling member 64 can be accurately aligned.

[0265] More specifically, as shown in Fig. (c) of Figure 15 the driving transmission member 81 is supported by the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64. At this time, since Therefore, a gap is provided between the supported portion 81b of the drive transmission member 81 and the supporting portion 85a of the drive transmission member support member 85. The drive transmission member 81 is able to move within this gap. By appropriately setting the size of this gap, when the drive transmission member 81 engages with the connecting member 64, the center position of the drive transmission member 81 on the free end side (the core position of the drive transmission member 81 on the free end side) can be aligned with the center position of the connecting member 64. As a result, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 can be precisely aligned with the rotation axis L1 of the connecting member 64.

[0266] On the other hand, such as Figure 15 As shown in sub-graph (a), due to Due to the relationship between the drive transmission member 81 and the connecting member 64, the drive transmission member 81 is tilted in the V direction in the figure by its own weight before engaging with the connecting member 64. As described above, when the rotatable door 13 of the main component A of the device is fully closed, the connecting member 64 should be able to move from the first position to the second position. However, in this variant, because the drive transmission member 81 is tilted in the V direction in the figure, the driven transmission portion 64a of the connecting member 64 cannot immediately engage with the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81.

[0267] In other words, the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 relative to the horizontal plane needs to be reduced to a degree that allows the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 to engage with the driven transmission portion 64a of the connecting member 64.

[0268] In this variant, the drive transmission member 81 is moved to reduce the tilt angle by applying a force from the connecting member 64 to the drive transmission member 81 during the process of moving the connecting member 64 to the second position. Therefore, as... Figure 16 and 17 As shown, a chamfered portion (inclined portion, tapered portion) 64e, inclined relative to the axis of the connecting member 64, is provided on the triangular ridge line of the drive side end of the connecting member 64. The chamfered portion 64e is an acting portion for acting on the drive transmission member 81, and the chamfered portion 64e can move by contacting the drive transmission member 81 under certain conditions.

[0269] like Figure 16 As shown, the chamfered portion 64e is configured such that when the drive transmission component 81 is tilted in the V direction ( Figure 15 In the sub-figure (a), a portion of the chamfered portion 64e is located radially inside the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81. For detailed description, in Figure 16 In the diagram, the position of the ridge line inside the chamfered portion 64e is indicated by L4, and the position of the edge (boundary line) of the recess used as the drive transmission portion 81a is indicated by L5. For example... Figure 16As shown, when the drive transmission member 81 is rotated, if a state in which the L5 is positioned radially outside the L4 occurs, the inclined portion of the chamfered portion 64e contacts the edge (recess) of the drive transmission portion 81a. In Figure 16 particular, the edge (L5) of the drive transmission portion 81a is positioned radially outside the ridge line (L4) inside the chamfered portion 64e by a distance x.

[0270] The inclined slope 64e applies a force to the drive transmission member 81 in a direction perpendicular to the surface thereof. Therefore, when the chamfered portion 64e contacts the edge of the drive transmission portion 81a, the chamfered portion 64e applies a force to the drive transmission member 81 in the upper left direction in the figure. Therefore, as shown in the sub-figure (b) of FIG. 8, Figure 15 the moment of force is applied to the drive transmission member 81 in the direction of the arrow W with the fixed end of the drive transmission member 81 as a fulcrum. Thereby, the drive transmission member 81 swings (pivots) in the direction of the arrow W.

[0271] When the drive transmission member 81 swings in the direction of the arrow W, the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a become capable of engaging with each other, and thus the coupling member 64 moves toward the second position on the drive side to be driven, thereby completing the engagement between the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a. When the engagement between the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 is completed, the rotational axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 is accurately aligned with the rotational axis LI of the coupling member 64.

[0272] As described above, since the chamfered portion 64e is inclined with respect to the advancing and retreating direction of the coupling member 64, the free end (free end side) of the drive transmission member 81 is linked to be raised with the extension action of the coupling member 64. This makes it possible to reduce the angle difference (the angle formed by the rotational axes thereof) between the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 to enable the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 to engage with each other. The chamfered portion (inclined portion) 64e is a pushing portion that pushes the drive transmission member 81, and is also an acting portion that acts on the drive transmission member 81. The chamfered portion (inclined portion) 64e is inclined so as to facilitate applying a force acting on the drive transmission member 81 in a direction in which the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 is reduced.

[0273] As shown in FIG. 9, Figure 16 the chamfered portion 64e is a slope (surface portion) provided close to the free end of the coupling member 64. The chamfered portion 64e is inclined so that the distance thereof from the axis of the coupling member 64 decreases as it approaches the free end of the coupling member 64. In other words, the chamfered portion 64e is inclined so that the distance thereof from the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member decreases as it approaches the free end of the coupling member 64.

[0274] As an example, a detailed description will be givenFigure 16 The chamfered portion 64e is inclined to descend leftward and downward. The left end of the chamfered portion 64e is the free end of the coupling member 64. In addition, the axis of the coupling member 64 and the axis of the photosensitive drum are located below the chamfered portion 64e. That is, the chamfered portion 64e is closer to the axis of the coupling member 64 located below as it approaches the free end of the coupling member located leftward.

[0275] The coupling member 64 is a movable member provided in the cartridge B so as to push the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 with respect to the coupling member 64. Thereby, the drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the coupling member 64.

[0276] In addition, when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position, the phases of the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a can be significantly different from each other. In this case, the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a cannot engage with each other, and thus, when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position, the coupling member 64 abuts against the drive transmission member 81 and temporarily stops. Even in this case, when drive is subsequently input to the device main assembly, the phase of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 changes with respect to the phase of the drive transmission portion 81a by the rotation of the drive transmission member 81. As a result, the phase difference between the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a is reduced, and the triangular posture of the drive transmission portion 81a and the triangular posture of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 become closer to each other. As a result, the coupling member 64 enters a state in which it can engage with the drive transmission member 81 (see FIG. 2(b)). Figure 15

[0277] At this time, the coupling member 64 presses the drive transmission member 81 by the chamfered portion 64e to swing the drive transmission member 81 inclined in the V direction in a direction in which the inclination angle is reduced (the W direction in the drawing). That is, by bringing the chamfered portion 64e into contact with the drive transmission member 81, the center position of the free end of the drive transmission member 81 can be closer to the center position of the free end of the coupling member 64. In this state, the coupling member 64 itself moves to the drive side to complete the engagement with the drive transmission member 81 (see FIG. 2(c)). Figure 15

[0278] In the above description, the inclination direction (V direction) of the drive transmission member 81 is the direction of gravity, but the inclination direction can be an arbitrary direction.

[0279] ​​In addition, even if the rotation axis of the coupling member 64 and the driving transmission member 81 are parallel and different in axis before engagement, the coupling member 64 can be engaged with the driving transmission member 81. That is, when the chamfered portion 64a contacts the driving transmission member 81, the center position of the free end of the driving transmission member 81 moves so as to approach the center position of the free end of the coupling member 64, as described above. That is, likewise, in the case where the driving transmission member 81 is inclined, even if the axis of the driving transmission member 81 deviates in an arbitrary direction, the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 can be engaged with each other.

[0280] In the present embodiment, the position of the coupling member 64 that retreats toward the inside of the photosensitive drum 62 (retreating position) is referred to as a first position, and the position of the coupling member 64 that protrudes toward the outside of the photosensitive drum (protruding position) is referred to as a second position. This is for convenience, and the retreating position can be referred to as the second position, and the protruding position can be referred to as the first position. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the normal position of the lever member 12 is referred to as a first position, and the active position of the lever member 12 is referred to as a second position. However, the normal position can be referred to as the second position of the lever member 12, and the active position can be referred to as the first position of the lever member. The same applies to the embodiments to be described hereinafter.

[0281] <Embodiment 2>

[0282] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. The description of the same points as those of the above-described Embodiment 1 can be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in the present embodiment, the components corresponding to those described in Embodiment 1 will be given the same names as those of the components of Embodiment 1, and only the points of difference from Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0283] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the operation member (lever member 12) is arranged on the driving side (the side on which the coupling member is arranged) of the cartridge B, but in the present embodiment, the operation member is arranged on the side opposite to the driving side in the longitudinal direction. The differences in structure and operation resulting from the difference in arrangement and operation of the operation member will be described in detail.

[0284] First, reference will be made to Figure 18 and 19 The driving side flange unit 269 and the drum unit according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0285] Figure 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum unit according to Embodiment 2. Figure 19 is a view showing the assembling method of the drum unit according to Embodiment 2.

[0286] As Figure 18 and 19As shown, the drive-side flange unit 269 according to this embodiment includes a connecting member 264, a drive-side flange member 275, a cover member 258, a first pressing member 259, etc. Furthermore, the drum unit includes the drive-side flange unit 269, a connecting member 261, a buffer member (buffering member, damper) 255, a non-drive-side flange member 254, and an inner cylindrical cam member 274. Similar to Embodiment 1, the connecting member 264 includes a driven transmission portion 264a, a drive transmission portion 264b that transmits driving force to the drive-side flange member 275, etc. The drive-side flange member 275 also has a gear portion 275a for transmitting drive to a developing roller gear disposed at the end of the developing roller, as in Embodiment 1. The connecting member 261 includes a buffer member support portion 261a, a connecting portion 261b connecting the connecting member 264 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274, a supported portion 261c supported by the inner cylindrical cam member, etc. The inner cylindrical cam component 274 includes a cylindrical cam portion 274a. Figure 23 ), connecting component support portion 274b, supported portion 274c supported by drum shaft 278, and outer diameter portion 274d inserted into the inner peripheral portion 254b of non-drive side flange component 254.

[0287] A first pressing member 259, in the form of a compression spring, is provided on the first component contact surface 264d of the connecting member 264. Figure 24 ) and the first component contact surface 275d of the drive side flange component 275 Figure 24 )between.

[0288] Similarly, in this embodiment, the connecting member 264 is disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum 62, which serves as a photosensitive element. That is, the drive-side flange unit 269, including the connecting member 264, is fixed to the drive-side end of the photosensitive drum 62 by, for example, press-fitting or clamping as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, as... Figure 19 As shown, the connecting member 261 of the supporting buffer member 255 is inserted into the drum from the non-drive side end 62b. The non-drive side flange member 254 is fixed to the non-drive side drum end 62b in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 by means such as clamping, wherein the inner cylindrical cam member 274 is fitted to the inner peripheral portion 254b. Figure 18 The structure of the drum unit in Embodiment 2 is as described above. The connecting member 264 is movably connected to the drive-side flange member 275.

[0289] Similarly, in this embodiment, the driven transmission portion 264a of the connecting member 264 adopts a protruding shape with a generally triangular cross-section. Specifically, it adopts a shape in which the generally triangular cross-section is twisted counterclockwise from the driving side to the non-driving side around the axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0290] Reference Figure 20 to 23 The operating unit that enables the connecting part 264 to move back and forth in the longitudinal direction will be described.

[0291] Figure 20 This is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the cleaning unit 260 including the operation unit according to this embodiment.

[0292] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the processing box in this embodiment.

[0293] Figure 22 Figure (a) is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus in a state in which, during the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 of the main component A of the apparatus in the direction H in the figure, the box pressing member 1 has begun to abut against the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212.

[0294] Figure 22 Frame (b) is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus, in which the opening and closing door 13 of the main component A of the apparatus is completely closed.

[0295] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the rod member 212, the outer cylindrical cam member 270, and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 according to this embodiment. Figure 23 The sub-figure (a) is a perspective view of the state before the box pressing member 1 comes into contact with the pressed portion 212a of the rod member 212. Figure 23 Figure (c) shows the state where the door 13 is fully closed and the predetermined pressure of the box pressing spring 19 is applied to the contact portion 212a of the rod member 212. Figure 22 The perspective view of the sub-figure (b)). Figure 23 The subplot (b) is in Figure 23 The state of the subplot (a) and Figure 23 The state of the sub-graph (c) Figure 22 Subplot (a) to Figure 22 A perspective view of the state between the sub-figures (b)).

[0296] like Figure 23 As shown, the actuation unit includes an outer cylindrical cam component 270, an inner cylindrical cam component 274, a lever component (operating component) 212, and a second pressing component 214. Figure 21 The outer cylindrical cam component 270 includes a cylindrical cam portion 270a and a rod component engagement portion 270b of the rod component 212. The rod component 212 includes: an abutment portion 212a, and a box pressing component 1 of the main assembly A of the device. Figure 21 The outer cylindrical cam component 270 engages with the abutting portion 212a, and the engaged portion (part to be engaged) 212b, etc. Figure 20As shown, the outer cylindrical cam member 270 engaged with the lever member 212 is mounted to the cleaning frame 271 from above to below in the drawing. Specifically, it is supported by the drum shaft 278 so as to be rotatable with the drum unit relative to the cleaning frame 271 through the supported portion 270c.

[0297] As Figure 21 shown, the second pressing member 214 and the developing unit 20 are mounted to the cleaning unit 260 to constitute the process cartridge of this embodiment.

[0298] Next, the back-and-forth movement of the coupling member 264 by the movement of the lever member 212 and the movement of the lever member 212 caused by the contact and separation of the cartridge pressing member 1 provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus with the lever member 212 will be described.

[0299] First, reference will be made to Figure 19 the longitudinal positioning structure of the coupling member 264 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the position of the coupling member 264 in the longitudinal direction is determined by the outer cylindrical cam member 270, the inner cylindrical cam member 274, and the connecting member 261.

[0300] Specifically, the coupling member 264 pressed to the non-driving side by the first pressing member 259 pushes the connecting member 261 in the s direction shown in the sub-figure (a) of Figure 23 , and its end surface 261d abuts against the longitudinal regulating surface 274d of the inner cylindrical cam member 274. This determines the longitudinal position of the coupling member. As will be described later, this structure makes the longitudinal position of the inner cylindrical cam member 274 determined by the phase of the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam member 270 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274, as shown in Figure 23 .

[0301] Referring to Figure 21 to 24 , the movement of the lever member 212 and the back-and-forth movement of the coupling member 264 in the longitudinal direction will be described.

[0302] Figure 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the apparatus and the coupling member 264 according to this embodiment. Similar to Figure 23 , Figure 24 the sub-figure (a) of is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state before the cartridge pressing member abuts against the pressed portion 212a of the lever member 212. Figure 24 the sub-figure (c) of is a longitudinal sectional view of the state in which the open / close door 13 is completely closed and the predetermined pressing force of the cartridge pressing spring 19 is applied to the contact portion 12a of the lever member 212 (the sub-figure (b) of Figure 22 ). Figure 24 the sub-figure (b) is the state in which Figure 24 the sub-figure (a) of is the state in whichFigure 24 The state of the sub-graph (c) Figure 22 Subplot (a) to Figure 22 The longitudinal cross-sectional view between the states of the two parts (b)).

[0303] like Figure 23 As shown in Figure (a), before the box pressing member 1 comes into contact with the rod member 212, the rod member 212 is pressed by the second pressing member 214 ( Figure 21 )along Figure 21 and Figure 23 In the sub-diagram (a), the direction of arrow E is pushed. At this time, the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam component 270 and the inner cylindrical cam component 274 are configured to have Figure 23 As shown in the phase diagram (a), the inner cylindrical cam member 274 is positioned closest to the non-drive side (S in the figure). For this purpose, the structure allows the connecting member 264, whose longitudinal position is determined by the connecting member 261 and the buffer member 255, to be positioned closest to the non-drive side. In other words, the operating unit, including the connecting member 261, allows the connecting member 264 to retract to the non-drive side by the pushing force of the first pressing member 259 (…). Figure 19 Similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the position in which the connecting member 264 is retracted to the non-driving side is referred to as the first position. The first pressing member (pushing member, elastic member) 259 that pushes the connecting member 264 toward the non-driving side can be regarded as part of the operating unit.

[0304] like Figure 24 As shown in Figure (a), this structure ensures that when the connecting member 264 is in the first position, the driven transmission portion 264a of the connecting member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 do not overlap each other in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the processing box B can be smoothly installed onto and removed from the main assembly A without any interference between the connecting member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81 of the main assembly.

[0305] Next, the action of the box pressing member 1 contacting the rod member 212, the rod member 212 starting to move, and the connecting member 264 moving from the first position to the drive side will be described.

[0306] like Figure 22 As shown in Figure (a), when the processing box B is installed and the opening / closing door 13 is closed in direction H, contact begins between the box pressing member 1 and the lever member 212, and the pressing force of the box pressing spring 19 begins to act on the lever member 212. The pressing force causes the lever member 212 to begin to... Figure 22 Subplot (a) and Figure 23As shown in Figure (b), it moves against the second pressing member 214 in the K direction. Figure 23 As shown in Figure (b), when the lever component 212 moves along the K direction, the outer cylindrical cam component 270, which engages with the lever component 212, begins to rotate along the M2 direction in the figure. When the outer cylindrical cam component 270 rotates along the M2 direction, the inner cylindrical cam component 274, through the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam component 270 and the inner cylindrical cam component 274, begins to rotate along... Figure 23 The movement is in the N direction (drive side) as shown in Figure (b). As in Embodiment 1, the inner cylindrical cam component 274 is supported so that it does not rotate but can only move in the longitudinal direction.

[0307] As the inner cylindrical cam component 274 moves in the longitudinal direction (N direction), the connecting component 261 connected to the inner cylindrical cam component 274 also begins to move against the pushing force of the first pressing portion 259. Figure 19 Then, the connecting member 264 also moves in the N direction due to the movement of the connecting member 261, and the driven transmission portion 264a of the connecting member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly of the device become capable of engaging in the longitudinal direction. Figure 24 (See diagram (b)). The connecting member 261 is not directly connected to the connecting member 264, but as described above, the connecting member 261 is connected via the buffer member 255 (…). Figure 19 The buffer member 255 is a retractable elastic member, and when the connecting member 261 moves in the N direction, the buffer member 255 is compressed, and the elastic force generated by the compression is used to move the connecting member 264 in the N direction. That is, the elastic force (pushing force) through the buffer member 255 exceeds that of the first pressing member 259. Figure 19 The elastic force (pushing force) of the first pressing member 259 causes the connecting member 264 to move outward of the box, overcoming the pushing force of the first pressing member 259. The buffer member 255 can also be considered as part of the operating unit.

[0308] Furthermore, this structure allows the opening / closing door 13 to be closed and fully closed when ( Figure 22 In the state shown in Figure (b), the longitudinal end faces of the cylindrical cam portions of the outer cylindrical cam component 270 and the inner cylindrical cam component 274 are in contact with each other, as shown in Figure (b). Figure 23 As shown in Figure (c), the inner cylindrical cam component 274 is located at the position closest to the drive side. That is, the connecting component 264 is also configured to be located at the position closest to the drive side via the connecting component 261. In this embodiment, the position where the connecting component 264 protrudes towards the drive side is also referred to as the second position.

[0309] likeFigure 24 As shown in Figure (c), this structure ensures the required longitudinal engagement between the driven transmission portion 264a of the connecting member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 when the connecting member 264 is in the second position.

[0310] In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, the positions of the rod component 212 corresponding to the first and second positions of the connecting component 264 are referred to as the first position and the second position, respectively. That is, Figure 23 Subplot (a) and Figure 24 Schematic diagram (a) shows the first positions of the rod component 212 and the connecting component 264, respectively. Figure 23 The subplot (c) and Figure 24 The sub-graph (c) shows the second positions of the rod component 212 and the connecting component 264, respectively. Figure 23 Subplot (b) and Figure 24 Figure (b) shows the intermediate positions during the process of moving the rod component 212 and the connecting component 264 from the first position to the second position.

[0311] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the driven transmission portion 264a of the connecting member 264 has a twisted triangular shape. Therefore, when the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 ( Figure 25 When the phases of the drive transmission portion 64 of the connecting member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81a are not aligned, the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a are not fully engaged, and therefore, the connecting member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81a interfere with each other. At this time, the connecting member 264 cannot move sufficiently to the second position (protruding position).

[0312] In other words, even if the lever component 212 moves to the second position via the pressing component 1 of the main assembly A of the device ( Figure 23 (See diagram (c)). The connecting component 264 cannot be moved to the second position. Figure 24 (See Figure (c)). At this time, the buffer member 255 is compressed significantly to absorb the positional deviation between the rod member 212 and the connecting member 264. That is, the buffer member 255 is a buffer member disposed between the rod member 212 and the connecting member 264, and is used to allow interference between the connecting member 264 and the drive transmission member 81.

[0313] Thus, the buffer member 255 is arranged between the connecting member 264 and the connecting member 261, and therefore, this structure allows the connecting member 264 to stop on the end face 81c of the drive transmission member 81 without strong resistance in the longitudinal direction.

[0314] When driving is input to the device main assembly A in this state, the driving transmission member 81 rotates so that the phase difference between the coupling member 264 and the driving transmission member 81 becomes to fall within the predetermined range as in Embodiment 1. Accordingly, the coupling member 264 can be moved to the second position. That is, when the phase difference between the coupling member 264 and the driving transmission member 81 falls within the predetermined range, the elastic deformation of the buffer member 255 is partially alleviated, and the elastic force of the buffer member 255 is used to move the coupling member 264 to the second position. Thereby, the coupling member 264 and the driving transmission member 81 engage with each other. In the present embodiment, a compression coil spring is used for the buffer member 255, but other elastic members such as rubber can be preferably used. In addition, the buffer member 255 can be arranged somewhere between the lever member 212 and the coupling member 264, and the buffer member 255 does not necessarily have to be arranged between the connecting member 261 and the coupling member 264. For example, a part of the resin forming the lever member 212 can be elastically deformed to serve as the buffer member. In this case, it can also be considered that the buffer member exists between the lever member 212 and the coupling member 264.

[0315] In the present embodiment, the buffer member 255 is mounted to the protruding portion of the coupling member 264 and a gap is left therebetween. Therefore, the buffer member 255 is rotatable with respect to the coupling member 264. In other words, when receiving a rotational force, the coupling member 264 slides and rotates with respect to the buffer member 255. When the coupling member 264 rotates, the buffer member 255 does not rotate, and the connecting member 261 connected to the buffer member 255 also does not rotate. In addition, in the present embodiment, the drum shaft 278 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 are configured not to rotate with respect to each other. Specifically, the cross section of the drum shaft 278 and the recess (support portion 274c) of the inner cylindrical cam member 274 have a non-circular cross section, and by the drum shaft 278 engaging (fitting) with the support portion 274c, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 does not rotate with respect to the drum shaft 278. That is, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 does not rotate, but can move back and forth in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) along the drum shaft 278. Furthermore, this structure makes the non-driving side flange member 254 fixed to the photosensitive drum 62 as a photosensitive member, but rotatable with respect to the outer diameter portion 274d of the inner cylindrical cam member 274. Figure 19

[0316] When driving is transmitted to the coupling member 264, the photosensitive drum 62 as a photosensitive member and the non-driving side flange member 254 rotate. Then, the non-driving side flange member 254 arranged so as to surround the inner cylindrical cam member 274 rotates while sliding on the inner cylindrical cam member 274. The non-driving side flange member 254 is supported by the drum shaft 278 through the inner cylindrical cam member 274. ​

[0317] In the present embodiment, unlike in Embodiment 1, the operation member (lever member 212), the cam mechanism (inner cylindrical cam member 274 and outer cylindrical cam member 270) are provided on the non-driving side. Therefore, the cartridge B is provided with a connecting member 261 for connecting the operation member and the cam mechanism on the non-driving side with the coupling member 264 on the driving side. This connecting member 261 can also be considered as a part of the operation unit for moving the coupling member 264. The connecting member 261 is an extension member extending in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B. In the present embodiment, by arranging the connecting member 261 inside the drum 62, the dead space inside the drum 62 is effectively utilized.

[0318] As described above, the first pressing member 259 is a pressing member for pressing the coupling member 264 to the first position (retracted position). When the lever member 212 is in the first position (normal position), the operation unit allows the coupling member 264 to be in the retracted position by the force of the first pressing member 259.

[0319] On the other hand, when the lever member 212 is moved to the second position (acting position), the cam mechanism (inner cylindrical cam member 274, outer cylindrical cam member 270) and the connecting member 261 are moved in interlocking relation with each other. The cam mechanism moves the coupling member 264 to the second position (projected position) against the pressing force of the first pressing member 259. The connecting member 261 is not directly connected to the coupling member 264, but as described above, the connecting member 261 and the coupling member 264 are connected through the buffer member 255. In the present embodiment, the drum shaft 278, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 and the non-driving side flange member 254 are made of an electrically conductive material. Thereby, the drum 62 and the drum shaft 278 are electrically connected to each other. The drum shaft 278 is a contact member (electric contact) electrically connected to the drum 62 and serves to electrically ground the drum 62. As shown, the drum shaft 278 is configured to be electrically connected to the metal sheet member of the device main assembly A through the contact member 103 provided in the device main assembly A. Figure 29 Figure 29 is an explanatory view showing the grounding of the photosensitive drum 62. The contact member 103 is an electric contact on the device main assembly A side, which is electrically connected to the metal sheet member (plate-shaped metal frame of the device main assembly A) 104.

[0320] Because a part of the operation unit is electrically connected to the drum 62 and the drum shaft 278, this structure makes the drum 62 and the metal sheet member of the device main assembly A electrically connected through the drum shaft 278 and the operation unit.

[0321] Thereby, because the drum shaft 278, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 and the non-driving side flange member 254 are made of an electrically conductive material, the drum can be stably connected (grounded) to the ground.

[0322] ​Further, similar to the modification example of Embodiment 1, the coupling member 264 in this embodiment has a structure in which the driving transmission member 81 can be engaged even when the rotational axis of the coupling member 264 is inclined with respect to the rotational axis of the driving transmission member 81 before engagement. That is, similar to the modification example of Embodiment 1, as the coupling member 264 is extended toward the driving transmission member 81, the coupling member 264 can reduce the inclination of the driving transmission member 81 (Figs. (a) to (c) of the modification example of Embodiment 1). Thereby, the driving transmission member 81 and the coupling member 264 are aligned so that they can be engaged with each other. Figure 15

[0323] Further, even when the rotational axes of the coupling member 264 and the driving transmission member 81 are parallel and different in axis before engagement, the coupling member 264 can be engaged with the driving transmission member 81.

[0324] As described above, in the present embodiment, the lever member 212 (operation member) is disposed on the non-driving side opposite to the side having the coupling member 264. The non-driving side of the cartridge B is not provided with a driving transmission member such as a gear (or the number of members disposed on this side is small) compared to the driving side, so that a space for disposing the lever member 212 can be easily secured. That is, by providing the lever member 212 on the non-driving side of the cartridge B, the design freedom with respect to the structure, shape, and arrangement of the lever member 212 can be enhanced. Further, since a part of the operation unit is disposed on the non-driving side, a part of the operation unit can effectively function as a path for electrically grounding the drum 62. Further, even if the lever member 212 is disposed on the non-driving side opposite to the side on which the electrical contacts 82, 83 are disposed, the electrical contacts 82, 83 can be pressed against the main assembly side electrical contacts 102, 103 by the pressure received by the lever member 212, although the degree of pressing is not as high as in Embodiment 1.

[0325] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the operation member 12 and the coupling member 64 are disposed on the same side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum ( Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 ). In other words, in Embodiment 1, the operation member 12 is disposed near the driving side end of the frame of the cartridge like the coupling member 64. That is, both the operation member 12 and the coupling member 64 are disposed near the drum bearing 73 (which is disposed on the driving side).

[0326] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the operation member 212 and the coupling member 264 are disposed on opposite sides of the cartridge ( Figure 21 ). That is, the operation member 212 is disposed near the non-driving side end of the cleaning frame 71.

[0327] ​Based on what has been described using Embodiment 1 and the present embodiment, it is appropriate to select whether the operation member is arranged on the driving side or the non-driving side in accordance with the function, structure, condition, and the like required of the cartridge B and the device main assembly A. In each of the embodiments to be described below, it is also appropriate to select whether the operation member is arranged on the driving side or the non-driving side of the cartridge.

[0328] <Embodiment 3>

[0329] Embodiment 3 will be described. In Embodiment 3, similar to the driving transmission member 81 shown in the modification example of Embodiment 1, a driving transmission member 581 having an axis inclined with respect to the axis of the photosensitive drum is shown.

[0330] A structure will be described in which the position and posture of the coupling member (driving input member) is determined to follow the axis of the inclined driving transmission member 581, so as to engage the coupling member (driving input member) with the inclined driving transmission member 581 (this will be described below in Figure 35 ).

[0331] First, referring to Figure 30 , Figure 31 and Figure 32 , the driving side flange unit 569 and the drum unit including the Oldham coupling 549, which is the shaft coupling according to the present embodiment, will be described.

[0332] Figure 30 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum unit.

[0333] Figure 31 is a perspective view showing the Oldham coupling 549 used in the present embodiment, Figure 31 subfigure (a) is a perspective view before assembly, Figure 31 subfigure (b) is a perspective view after assembly. Figure 32 is a longitudinal sectional view of the driving side flange unit 569.

[0334] As shown in Figure 30 , Figure 31 and Figure 32 , the driving side flange unit 569 according to the present embodiment includes a driving input member 564, an intermediate member 545, a driving force transmission pin 548, an output member 547, a cover member 558, a first pressing member 559, and the like. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30As shown, the drum unit of this embodiment includes a driving side flange unit 569, a connecting member 261, a buffer member 255, a non-driving side flange member 254, and an inner side cylindrical cam member 274. The connecting member 261, the buffer member 255, the non-driving side flange member 254, and the inner side cylindrical cam member 274, which serve as an operation member unit for moving the driving input member 564 back and forth, have the same structure as that of Embodiment 2, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0335] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the driving input member 564 of this embodiment includes a driven transmission portion (driving force receiving portion) 564a as described in the above embodiments. The driving input member 564 is a part of a coupling member (oldham coupling 549), and a driving force is input to the driving input member 564 through the driven transmission portion 564a. Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the drum unit of this embodiment includes a driving side flange unit 569, a connecting member 261, a buffer member 255, a non-driving side flange member 254, and an inner side cylindrical cam member 274. The connecting member 261, the buffer member 255, the non-driving side flange member 254, and the inner side cylindrical cam member 274, which serve as an operation member unit for moving the driving input member 564 back and forth, have the same structure as that of Embodiment 2, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0336] As the shape of the driven transmission portion 564a, the shape of a triangle is used as in the above embodiments. Further, the driving input member 564 is provided with a guided rib 564b which is locked to the oldham coupling 549 to be described hereinafter. As shown in Fig. 2, the oldham coupling 549 includes the driving input member (input disc, input member, input portion) 564, an intermediate member (intermediate member, intermediate disc, intermediate portion) 545, and a driving output member (output member, output disc, output portion) 547. Figure 31

[0337] The intermediate member 545 has a guide groove 545a and a guided rib 545b. Similarly to the intermediate member 545, the output member 547 is provided with a guided groove 547a and a hole portion 547b into which a driving transmission pin to be described hereinafter is inserted. As shown in Fig. 2, the driving transmission pin 553 is inserted into the hole portion 547b of the output member 547. Figure 31 As shown in Fig. 2, the driving input member 564 is locked to the intermediate member 545 by engaging the guided rib 564b provided in the driving input member with the guide groove 545a of the intermediate member 545. This allows the driving input member 564 to move relative to the intermediate member in the x1 direction in Fig. 2. That is, the input member 564 is engaged with the intermediate member 545 so as to be slidable relative to the intermediate member 545 in the x1 direction. Figure 31

[0338] The intermediate member 545 is locked to the output member 547 by engaging the guided rib 545b provided in the intermediate member with the guided groove 547a of the output member 547. Thereby, the intermediate member 545 is able to move relative to the output member 547 in the x2 direction in Fig. 2. That is, the intermediate member 545 is engaged with the output member 547 so as to be slidable relative to the output member 547 in the x2 direction. Figure 31 ​​moves in the x2 direction in FIG. (a). That is, the intermediate member 545 is engaged with the output member 547 so as to be slidable with respect to the output member 547 in the x2 direction.

[0339] The x1 direction and the x2 direction are different directions (i.e., directions orthogonal to each other), and therefore, the drive input member 564 is configured to be movable with respect to the output member 547 in either one of the x1 direction and the x2 direction. In addition, as Figure 31 As shown in FIG. (a), in the present embodiment, the guided width d5 of the guided rib 564b of the drive input member, the width d6 of the guide groove of the intermediate member, the guided width d7 of the intermediate member and the output member, and the width d8 of the sliding groove of the output member are selected so as to satisfy d5 < d6 and d7 < d8. Although details will be described below, the axis of the drive input member 564 is configured to be inclined with respect to the axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0340] A drive transmission pin 548 for transmitting a driving force received by the drive input member 564 to the drive side flange member 575 through the transmission surface 575d is inserted into the hole 547b of the output member 547. Thereby, a cross roller type coupling 549 including the drive input member 564 is completely constituted (see FIG. (b)). Figure 31

[0341] The input member 564 is a disc to which a driving force is inputted from the outside. The output member 547 is a disc for outputting a driving force from the cross roller type coupling 549 to the photosensitive drum. That is, the output member 547 has a drive transmission pin (drive transmission portion) 548 for outputting a driving force to the drive side flange member 575. The driving force outputted from the output member 547 via the drive transmission pin 548 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum through the drive side drum flange. The intermediate member (intermediate member) 545 is a disc provided between the input member 564 and the output member 547 so as to transmit a driving force from the input member 564 to the output member 547, and is engaged with the input member 564 and the output member 547.

[0342] Figure 32 A cross section of the drive side drum flange unit 569 is shown, and is a view before the cover member 558 is assembled.

[0343] As Figure 32 shown, the cross roller type coupling 549 including the drive input member 564 is inserted into the drive side flange member 575 together with the first pressing member 559, just as in Embodiment 2.

[0344] ​The first pressing member 559 is arranged between the contact surface 547c of the output member 547 and the contact surface 575c of the driving-side flange member 575. Thereby, the Oldham coupling 549 including the driving input member 564 is configured to be pushed to the first position, i.e., the retreat position, in the longitudinal direction. The axis x3 of the output member 547 and the axis x4 of the driving-side flange member 575 are configured to be coaxial. The cover member 558 is fixed to the driving-side flange member 575. The driving-side flange member 564 to which the cover member 558 is fixed is fixed to the photosensitive drum 62. The connecting member 261, the buffer member 255, the non-driving-side flange member 254, and the inner-side cylindrical cam member 274 described in Embodiment 2 are also attached to the drum unit Figure 30

[0345] As described above, the driving input member 564 is configured to take an arbitrary position in the x1 direction and the x2 direction with respect to the output member 547 Figure 31 . In addition, since the axis x3 of the output member 547 and the axis x4 of the driving-side flange member are coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum 62 which is a photosensitive member, the driving input member 564 in the present embodiment can take an arbitrary position in the x1 direction and the x2 direction with respect to the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 which is a photosensitive member.

[0346] Next, with reference to Figure 33 and 34 , a method for assembling the drum unit according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 33 Fig. 10(a) of the drawings is a perspective view showing a method for assembling the drum unit.

[0347] Figure 33 Fig. 10(b) of the drawings is a partial detailed view showing a locking portion between the coupling support member 552 and the drum bearing 573.

[0348] Figure 34 Fig. 11 is a side view of the process cartridge according to the present embodiment.

[0349] As shown in Figure 33 , the drum unit of the present embodiment is rotatably supported by the cleaning frame 571 through the drum bearing 573. In the present embodiment, the coupling support member 552 and the coupling pressing member 553 are attached to the drum bearing 573. As shown in Figure 33 Fig. 10(a), the coupling support member 552 is configured such that the locked portion 552b of the coupling support member 552 is locked by the cutout portion 573a provided in the drum bearing 573. In addition, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the width d3 of the locked portion 552b of the coupling support member 552 and the cutout width d4 of the cutout portion 573a of the drum bearing 573 is d4 > d3.

[0350] ​Thus, the axis of the coupling support member 552 is configured to be inclined with respect to the axis of the photosensitive drum, which is a photosensitive member. A torsion coil spring is used as the coupling urging member 553 of this embodiment, and the torsion coil spring is held by the boss portions 573c and 573d of the drum bearing 573. One end of the torsion coil spring is in contact with the contacted portion 552d of the coupling support member 552, and the coupling support member 552 is configured to be urged in the x5 direction in FIG. b) of Figure 34 .

[0351] As shown in Figure 30 and Figure 34 , the coupling support member 552 is configured to rotatably support the drive input member outer peripheral portion 564c by the inner peripheral portion 552a. Thus, the drive input member 564 supported by the coupling support member 552 is urged in the x5 direction in the figure by the urging force of the coupling urging member 553. As will be described below, the direction x5 is the direction in which the drive input member 564 engages with the drive transmission member 81 having an axis inclined with respect to the axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0352] Next, referring to FIG. a) of Figure 34 , the inclination of the drive transmission member 581 will be described. Similarly to the above-described modified example of Embodiment 1 and the like, the drive transmission member 581 is also inclinable in this embodiment. That is, similarly to the above-described embodiments, there is a gap (play) between the bearing portion supporting the drive transmission member 581 and the drive transmission member 581. The drive transmission member 581 can be inclined within this gap.

[0353] However, in this embodiment, the direction in which the drive transmission member 581 is inclined is different from the inclination direction in each of the above-described embodiments. That is, in the above-described embodiments, the drive transmission member is inclined downward due to gravity when the drive transmission member is not yet connected to the cartridge B ( Figure 15 and the like). However, in this embodiment, the drive transmission member 581 is inclined in a direction different from the direction of gravity (vertically downward). Specifically, as shown in FIG. a) of Figure 34 , the drive transmission member 581 is inclined such that the free end of the drive transmission member 581 points to the downstream side of the mounting direction KH of the cartridge B. The reason for this will be described.

[0354] As shown in Figure 34As shown in Figure (a), the box can be installed onto the main assembly of the device at a slightly tilted position relative to the main assembly. In this case, a portion of the box B slightly contacts and pushes against the free end of the drive transmission member 581, potentially causing the drive transmission member 581 to tilt downstream along the mounting direction KH. If the orientation and momentum of the box B during installation are different, the contact state between the box B and the drive transmission member 581 will also be different, and the tilt direction and tilt distance of the drive transmission member 581 may vary. In this situation, the orientation (tilt angle) of the drive transmission member 581 changes each time the box B is installed, potentially making it difficult to stably engage the drive transmission member 581 with the box B.

[0355] Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive transmission component 581 is pre-tilted downstream of the installation direction KH. That is, regardless of how the box B is installed, the drive transmission component 581 is always tilted in substantially the same direction, thus adopting substantially the same posture. As a result, the connection between the drive transmission component 581 and the box B remains stable each time.

[0356] With box B installed in the main assembly of the device, the free end of the drive transmission component 581 is relative to box B. Figure 34 The arrow x5 shown in sub-figure (b) is tilted in the direction of the arrow.

[0357] The direction of arrow x5 is the direction of extension of line x6 (a semi-straight line) when it is rotated 41 degrees counterclockwise from the center of the photosensitive drum to the center of the developing roller. Figure 34 The counterclockwise direction in sub-figure (b) is the direction in which the photosensitive drum rotates as a latent image and toner image are formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0358] In this embodiment, when the drive transmission member 581 is tilted along the x5 direction, the drive input member 564 moves relative to the photosensitive drum in the x5 direction. Thus, the drive transmission member 581 and the drive input member 564 engage (connect) with each other. (See reference) Figure 35 and 36 This will be described in detail.

[0359] Figure 35 The diagrams (a), (b), and (c) progressively illustrate how the drive input component 564 of this embodiment engages with the drive transmission component 581, which has an axis L6 that is inclined relative to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum.

[0360] Similar to Example 2, Figure 35 Layout (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the processing box is inserted into the main assembly A of the device and the opening / closing door 13 is closed. Figure 35Fig. (b) of the same is a longitudinal sectional view just after the driving force is input to the main assembly A of the device, the driving transmission member 581 starts to rotate, and the phases of the driving transmission portion 581a of the driving transmission member 581 and the driven transmission portion 564a of the driving input member 564 are within a predetermined range. Figure 35 Fig. (c) of the same is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the driving transmission portion 581a of the driving transmission member 581 and the driven transmission portion 564a of the driving input member 564 are completely engaged with each other.

[0361] Figure 36 Fig. (a) of the same is a partial detailed view of the y portion. Figure 35 Fig. (a) of the same is a partial detailed view of the y portion.

[0362] The coupling member (cross slide type coupling 549) of this embodiment has a structure capable of moving back and forth similarly to the coupling members of the above-described first and second embodiments. The structure for moving the cross slide type coupling 549 (driving input member 564, intermediate member 545, output member 547) in the longitudinal direction is the same as in Embodiment 2. That is, the output member 547 moves in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 62 which is a photosensitive member, similarly to the coupling member 264 shown in Figure 26 By this movement of the output member 547, the entire coupling member (cross slide type coupling 549) moves between the extended position (Fig. (c) of the same) and the retracted position (Fig. (a) of the same). Figure 35 Figure 35 As described above, in this embodiment, the driving input member 564 is urged in the x5 direction of Fig. (b) so that the driving input member 564 can be engaged with the driving transmission member 581 having an axis L6.

[0363] More specifically, the driving input member 564 is urged in the x5 direction so that a part of the chamfered portion 564e is located inside the driving transmission portion 581a of the driving transmission member 581 in the radial direction in a state in which the opening and closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device is closed. When the driving transmission member 581 further rotates, the driving input member 564 moves to a second position in the longitudinal direction, and the engagement between the input member 564 and the driving transmission member 581 of the cross slide type coupling is completed (Fig. (c) of the same). Figure 34

[0364] More specifically, the driving input member 564 is urged in the x5 direction so that a part of the chamfered portion 564e is located inside the driving transmission portion 581a of the driving transmission member 581 in the radial direction in a state in which the opening and closing door 13 of the main assembly of the device is closed. When the driving transmission member 581 further rotates, the driving input member 564 moves to a second position in the longitudinal direction, and the engagement between the input member 564 and the driving transmission member 581 of the cross slide type coupling is completed (Fig. (c) of the same). Figure 35

[0365] ​​​As described above, in the present embodiment, the axis of the drive input member (input member, input portion) 564 and the coupling support member (coupling bearing) 552 is configured to be able to be inclined with respect to the axis of the photosensitive drum. Therefore, when the engagement between the drive input member 564 and the drive transmission member 581 is completed, the axis of the drive input member 564 and the coupling support member 552 is coaxial with the axis of the drive transmission member 581.

[0366] The drive transmission member of the device main assembly transmits the drive to the photosensitive drum through the drive input member 564, the intermediate member (intermediate member, intermediate portion) 545, the output member (output portion) 547, the drive transmission pin 548, and the drive side flange member 575.

[0367] As described above, in the present embodiment, the drive input member 564 is urged in the x5 direction (x5 direction) by the urging member 566, whereby the drive input member 564 can be engaged with the drive transmission member 81 having an axis L6 inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum. Figure 34

[0368] The Oldham coupling 549 (drive input member 564, intermediate member 545, output member 547) is an axis misalignment allowing mechanism (misalignment accommodating mechanism) for allowing the axis of the drive transmission member 581 and the axis of the photosensitive drum to be misaligned with each other (axis misalignment state).

[0369] That is, the coupling member (Oldham coupling 549) has the input member 564 for inputting the drive force from the device main assembly and the output member 547 for outputting the drive force to the photosensitive drum. The axis of the output member 547 is substantially aligned with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and the input member 564 is movable with respect to the output member 547 in a direction (direction perpendicular to each other) intersecting the axis of the output member. That is, the axis (center of rotation) of the input member 564 can be displaced (offset or separated) from the axis (L1) of the output member 547. Thereby, the input member 564 can accommodate the deviation generated between the axis of the drive transmission member 581 and the axis of the photosensitive drum. That is, because the input member 654 is displaced in the direction intersecting the axis L1, the free end of the drive transmission member 581 and the input member 654 approach each other when the cartridge B is mounted in the device main assembly. In this state, the input member 654 further approaches the drive transmission member 581 along the axis L1 and is engaged with the drive transmission member 581.

[0370] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the center of the input member 654 is displaced with respect to the output member 547 and the photosensitive drum as a photosensitive member is the direction intersecting the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum. Figure 34 ​The arrow X5 direction is shown in Figure (b). The X5 direction is the direction in which the free end of the drive transmission member 581 is tilted as described above. The X5 direction is the direction after rotating counterclockwise (i.e., rotating downstream of the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum) by an angle X5 from the line X6 extending from the center of the photosensitive drum to the center of the developing roller.

[0371] In this embodiment, the free end of the drive transmission member 581 is tilted at an angle of 41 degrees in direction X5. Therefore, the angle X7 of the shifting direction of the input member 654 is also 41 degrees. However, the angle of the shifting direction of the drive transmission member 581 does not have to be exactly 41 degrees, but can be in the range of 11 degrees to 71 degrees (i.e., within ±30 degrees of the angle of the drive transmission member 581). In other words, the shifting direction of the input member 654 relative to the photosensitive drum, which is a photosensitive element, is in the range of greater than 11 degrees and less than 71 degrees relative to X6.

[0372] Input component 654 is held in a state of movement along the X5 direction by being pushed by coupling push component 553 (see reference). Figure 33 (See Figure (a)). An elastic element (spring) is used as the coupling push member 553. Although the coupling push member 553 in this embodiment is a torsion coil spring, it is not limited to this example and may have other structures.

[0373] In this embodiment, the axis of the input component 654 can be tilted relative to the axis (L1) of the output component 547 and the photosensitive drum 62, which serves as a photosensitive component. The input component 654 is also tilted along the tilted drive transmission component 581 to stabilize the engagement state between the drive transmission component 581 and the input component 654. Figure 35 As shown in Figures (a), (b), and (c), the axis of the input component 654 is inclined toward the axis of the drum towards the free end (i.e., the left side) of the cross-slider coupling. Figure 35 In the sub-figures (a), (b) and (c), the axis of the input component 654 is tilted towards the upper left.

[0374] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive transmission component 581 is tilted in the KH direction (X5 direction). Figure 34 (See Figures (a) and (b)). The drive transmission components of Embodiments 1 and 2 can also be tilted in the same direction as in this embodiment. Similarly, in the embodiments described below, the drive transmission components can be tilted in the same direction as in this embodiment.

[0375] <Example 4>

[0376] Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. The description of the same points as in the above-described embodiments can be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 1 will be given the same names as the components of Embodiment 1, and only the different points from Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0377] In the modification example of the above-described Embodiment 1, the slope of the free end of the coupling member 64 comes into contact with the drive transmission member 81 during movement of the coupling member 64 toward the drive transmission member 81. Thereby, the coupling member 64 urges the drive transmission member 81 to tilt so that the coupling member 64 engages with the drive transmission member 81.

[0378] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member engage with each other by controlling the phase of the coupling member to a certain state in accordance with the degree of tilt of the drive transmission member 81. That is, the coupling member is held at a phase that is favorable for engagement with the tilted drive transmission member 81. The differences in structure and operation resulting from the difference in the coupling engagement method will be described in detail.

[0379] (Explanation of process cartridge mounting / dismounting)

[0380] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the cartridge B according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0381] Figure 37 Subfigure (a) of is an overall view of the cartridge B. Figure 37 Subfigure (b) of is an exploded view of the cartridge B, showing the mechanism for operating the input member (drive input member, moving member) 764.

[0382] In Figure 37 Subfigure (a) of, the coupling unit U3 including the input member 764 is provided on the side surface of the cleaning frame 771. Further, on this side surface, a restriction member 790 that is fixed to the drum bearing 773 and governs the movement of the coupling unit U3 in the longitudinally outward direction LO, and the drum bearing 773 that rotatably supports the drum unit U1 are provided.

[0383] Figure 37 Subfigure (b) of is an exploded perspective view when the restriction member 790 and the drum bearing 773 are removed. The restriction member 790 is fixed to the drum bearing 773 with a screw 791. An end face 790a of the restriction member 790 can contact an end face 770a of the outer cylindrical cam 770 (this will be described later in connection with Figure 43 Subfigure (b) of is an exploded perspective view when the restriction member 790 and the drum bearing 773 are removed. The restriction member 790 is fixed to the drum bearing 773 with a screw 791. An end face 790a of the restriction member 790 can contact an end face 770a of the outer cylindrical cam 770 (this will be described later in connection with

[0384] Next, referring to Figure 38The internal structure of the coupling unit U3 that receives a rotational force from the driving transmission member 81 of the device main assembly A will be described. Figure 38 Fig. (a) of Figure 38 Fig. (b) is an exploded perspective view of the coupling unit U3. The outer side of the long side is LO, and the inner side of the long side is LI.

[0385] The coupling unit U3 includes a coupling shaft 793, a third pressing member 787, an input member 764, an outer side cylindrical cam 770, an inner side cylindrical cam 774, a first pressing spring 759, a driving side flange 775, a torsion spring 789, and a fixing screw 788.

[0386] The coupling shaft 793 is provided on the driving side flange 775. In the present embodiment, the coupling shaft 793 is fixed to the driving side flange 775 using the fixing screw 788. In the present embodiment, the coupling shaft 793 is provided coaxially with the rotational axis LI of the drum 62. More specifically, the fixing screw 788 is inserted into a hole 793al of the coupling shaft 793 through a hole 775a of the driving side flange 775 and is fixed by a screw. The coupling shaft 793 has a free end portion 793b (longitudinally outer end portion) as a restriction portion in the longitudinally outward direction LO and a shaft 793a in the longitudinally inward direction LI. In the longitudinally inward direction LI of the free end portion 793b, an engagement portion 793bl is provided, which includes a plurality of recesses and protrusions and functions as a driving transmission portion. An end face 793b2 is provided on the radially inner side of the engagement portion 793bl (enlarged view as shown in Figure 43 ).

[0387] In the present embodiment, the input member 764 has a driven transmission portion 764a, which is a roughly triangular twisted prism, at one end and a roughly triangular prism 764e at the other end. The input member 764 is provided with an engagement portion 764f, which is a driving force transmission portion, at the center of the rotational axis LI, the engagement portion 764f including a through hole 764c and a plurality of recesses and protrusions (Fig. (a) is an enlarged view). Figure 39 The engagement portion 764f is adjacent to the driven transmission portion 764a in the radially inward direction and is adjacent to the through hole 764c in the longitudinally outward direction LO. The coupling shaft 793 is inserted into the through hole 764c of the input member 764. The third pressing member 787 is mounted around the shaft 793a of the coupling shaft 793 and is provided between the input member 764 and the end face 793b2 of the free end portion 793b, which functions as a restriction portion of the coupling shaft 793. The engagement portion 793bl, which is a driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793, and the engaged portion 764f, which is a driving force transmission portion of the input member 764, are configured to be able to engage and disengage with each other. Thereby, the driving force is transmitted or interrupted between the input member 764 and the coupling shaft 793.

[0388] The coupling member of this embodiment includes an input member 764 and a coupling shaft 793. The input member 764 is a driving input member provided on the coupling member to receive a driving force input from the outside. Although described in detail below, the input member 764 is a moving member (movable coupling member) that is movable along the axis of the coupling member. On the other hand, the coupling shaft 793 is an output member (driving output member) for outputting a driving force from the coupling member to the photosensitive drum. The coupling shaft 793 is a connecting member connected to the driving-side flange 775 so as to be able to transmit a driving force, and is a fixed member fixed to the driving-side flange 775 and the photosensitive drum.

[0389] Here, the engaging portion 793bl functions as a restricting portion, and the engaging portion 764f functions as a controlled portion. The coupling shaft 793 can control the movement of the input member 764 by contact between the restricting portion (engaging portion 793bl) and the controlled portion (engaging portion 764f). That is, it is possible to restrict the movement of the input member 764 in the direction away from the driving-side flange 775 (or the drum 62).

[0390] The outer-side cylindrical cam 770 is provided around the outer periphery of the input member 764. The outer-side cylindrical cam 770 has an end face 770a on the outer side with respect to the longitudinal outward direction LO. The outer-side cylindrical cam 770 is provided with an end face 770b on the inner side of the longitudinal inward direction LI, the end face 770b having a cam 770e and a cylindrical portion 770c provided with a through hole 770d at the center.

[0391] The inner-side cylindrical cam 774 has a cylindrical portion 774a, a hole 774j, an outer end face 774b, a hole 774c, a cam 774d, a hole 774e, a shaft 774f, an inner end face 774g, a wall 774h, and a hole 774i. The hole 774j is provided at the center of the cylindrical portion 774a. The cam 774d protrudes from the outer end face 774b in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The hole 774c is arranged around the cylindrical portion 774a. The hole 774e is provided at least in the outer end face 774b. The hole 774e can be penetrated. The shaft 774f and the wall 774h are arranged to protrude from the inner end face 774g in the longitudinal inward direction LI. The hole 774i is provided in the inner-side cylindrical cam 774 on the longitudinal inward direction LI side. The shaft 793a of the coupling shaft 793 is in the hole 774i.

[0392] The shaft 764d of the input member 764 is in the hole 774j. The cylindrical portion 770c of the outer-side cylindrical cam 770 is in the hole 774c. The cam 774d of the inner-side cylindrical cam 774 and the end face 770b of the outer-side cylindrical cam 770 including the slope 770e are configured to be in contact with each other.

[0393] The torsion spring 789 has a hole 789a, an arm 789b, and an arm 789c. The torsion spring 789 is held by the shaft 774f by inserting the hole 789a of the torsion spring 789 into the shaft 774f. The arm 789c contacts the radially inner surface of the wall 774h of the inner cylindrical cam 774. The arm 789b contacts the substantially triangular prism 786e provided on the input member 764.

[0394] In the present embodiment, two cams 774d and two holes 774e are provided, and three shafts 774f and three walls 774h are provided.

[0395] The drive-side flange 775 is provided with a hole 775a on the inner side with respect to the longitudinal inward direction LI. The drive-side flange 775 has a gear 775b, a hole 775c, and an outer end surface 775d with respect to the longitudinal outward direction LO.

[0396] The first pressing spring 759, which is a pushing member, is housed in the hole 775c of the drive-side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 contacts the end surface 775d of the drive-side flange 775 in the longitudinal inward direction LI, and contacts the end surface 774g of the inner cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinal outward direction LO.

[0397] Figure 39 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupling shaft 793, the third pressing member 787, which is a pushing member, and the input member 764. This is to explain the free end portion 793b, which is a regulated portion of the coupling shaft 793.

[0398] The engagement portion 793b1, which is a driving force receiving portion including a plurality of recesses and protrusions, is provided at the free end portion 793b, which is a regulated portion of the coupling shaft 793. An arbitrary protrusion of the free end portion 793b has a surface 793b3 on one side in the circumferential direction and a surface 793b4 on the opposite side in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the surface 793b3 is a driving transmission surface (a shaft-side driving force receiving portion or a flange-side driving force receiving portion).

[0399] The third pressing member 787 is provided around the shaft 793a. In the assembled state, the end surface 787a of the third pressing member 787 contacts the end surface 793b2 of the free end portion 793b.

[0400] Next, the input member 764 will be described.

[0401] Any convex portion of the joint portion 764f has a surface 764j on one side in the circumferential direction and a surface 764k on the opposite side in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the surface 764j is a drive transmission surface (drive force transmission portion). When the coupling shaft 793 and the input member 764 are in the drive transmission state, the surface 793b3, which is the drive force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793, and the surface 764j, which is the drive force transmission portion of the input member 764, contact each other, and the input member 764 transmits the drive force to the coupling shaft 793. The input member 764 has an end surface 7641. In the assembled state, the end surface 7641 contacts the end surface 787b of the third pressing member 787. Figure 43

[0402] The input member 764 has a through-hole 764c centered on the axis L1.

[0403] Figure 40 is a schematic view of a contact portion between the outer cylindrical cam 770 and the inner cylindrical cam 774. The cylindrical portion 770c of the outer cylindrical cam 770 is housed and supported in the hole 774c of the inner cylindrical cam 774. The end surface 770b of the outer cylindrical cam 770 has a slope 770e, an end surface 770g, and an end surface 770h. The cam 774d of the inner cylindrical cam 774 has a slope 774k and an end surface 7741.

[0404] In a state in which the input member 764 is retracted in the longitudinal inward direction LI (non-drive side) (part (a) of Figure 43 , the end surface 770g of the outer cylindrical cam 770 contacts the end surface 7741 of the inner cylindrical cam 774.

[0405] In a state in which the input member 764 protrudes in the longitudinal outward direction LO (drive side) (part (b) of Figure 43 , the end surface 770h of the outer cylindrical cam 770 contacts the end surface 7741 of the inner cylindrical cam 774.

[0406] During movement of the input member 764 from the retracted state (part (a) of Figure 43 to the protruded state (part (b) of Figure 43 , the slope 770e of the outer cylindrical cam 770 and the slope 774k of the inner cylindrical cam 774 contact each other.

[0407] Figure 41 is a schematic view of the structure of the drum bearing 773 that houses the outer cylindrical cam 770.

[0408] ​The outer cylindrical cam 770 includes a cylindrical portion 770c, an outer cylindrical portion 770i, an engaging portion 770f, and an end face 770b. The drum bearing 773 includes a sector-shaped hole 773c that accommodates the cylindrical portion 770c, a hole 773d that accommodates the outer cylindrical portion 770i, an end face 773e that contacts the end face 770b, and a slit 773f that accommodates the engaging portion 770f. The outer cylindrical cam 770 is rotatably mounted to the drum bearing 773.

[0409] Figure 42 FIG. 17 is a structural schematic view of the inner cylindrical cam 774 and the drum bearing 773.

[0410] The inner cylindrical cam 774 includes a cam 774d, a hole 774e, and an outer end face 774b. The drum bearing 773 includes a rib 773f, a hole 773g, and an end face 773h. The rib 773f of the drum bearing 773 is accommodated in the hole 774e of the inner cylindrical cam 774. Thus, the inner cylindrical cam 774 is configured to be slidable along the rotation axis LI of the drum 62 while being prevented from rotating with respect to the drum bearing 773. The cam 774d of the inner cylindrical cam 774 is accommodated in the hole 773g of the drum bearing 773. The outer end face 774b of the inner cylindrical cam 774 is configured to be in contact with the end face 773h of the drum bearing 773.

[0411] Figure 43 FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling unit U3 and the drum bearing 773 taken along the section line in FIG. 17. Figure 37

[0412] Figure 43 FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling unit U3 and the drum bearing 773 taken along the section line in FIG. 17.

[0413] The coupling shaft 793 is held to the drive-side flange 775 by a fixing screw 788.

[0414] ​The input member 764 is supported by the coupling shaft 793 so as to be rotatable about the axis Ll and movable in the direction of the axis Ll. The engaging portion 793bl of the coupling shaft 793 and the engaging portion 764f of the input member 764 are not engaged with each other. A third pressing member 787 as a pressing member is provided between the coupling shaft 793 and the input member 764. The third pressing member 787 functions to relatively move the input member 764 in the longitudinal inward direction LI with respect to the coupling shaft 793. An end surface 787a of the third pressing member 787 contacts an end surface 793b2 of the coupling shaft 793. An end surface 787b of the third pressing member 787 contacts an end surface 764l of the input member 764. An inner side cylindrical cam 774 is provided between the input member 764 and the drive side flange 775. A first pressing spring 759 for pressing the inner side cylindrical cam is provided between the inner side cylindrical cam 774 and the drive side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 functions to relatively move the inner side cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinal outward direction LO with respect to the drive side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 is provided inside the drive side flange 775. An outer side cylindrical cam 770 governs the movement of the inner side cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinal outward direction LO. A restriction member 790 governs the movement of the outer side cylindrical cam 770 in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The restriction member 790 is fixed to a drum bearing 773. The drum bearing 773 rotatably supports the drive side flange 775 and the outer side cylindrical cam 770.

[0415] Figure 43 Fig. 10(b) shows a state in which the input member 764 is retracted in the longitudinal inward direction LI (a state in which the input member 764 is located at the retracted position). In this state, the inner side cylindrical cam 774 receives a force in the longitudinal outward direction LO by the pressing force of the first pressing spring 759. By this, the cam 774l of the inner side cylindrical cam 774 contacts the end surface 770g of the outer side cylindrical cam 770. By this, the outer side cylindrical cam 770 receives a force in the longitudinal outward direction LO by the inner side cylindrical cam 774. The end surface 770a of the outer side cylindrical cam 770 is restricted from moving in the longitudinal outward direction LO by the end surface 790a of the restriction member 790. The third pressing member 787 pushes the input member 764 in the longitudinal inward direction LI so that the end surface 764n (in the longitudinal inward direction LI) and the end surface 774m of the inner side cylindrical cam 774 abut against each other. At this time, the connection between the engaging portion 793bl as the drive force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793 and the engaging portion 764f as the drive force transmitting portion of the input member 764 is disconnected (in a disengaged state). Therefore, at this time, the rotational drive force of the input member 764 cannot be transmitted to the coupling shaft 793. In other words, the input member 764 at this time is located at the (drive force) non-transmission position. Therefore, the input member 764 and the coupling shaft 793 function as a clutch.

[0416] Figure 43 Fig. 10(a) of the drawings shows a state in which the input member 764 protrudes (is in a protruding position or an extended position) in the longitudinal outward direction LO.

[0417] The lever member 712 rotates the outer cylindrical cam 770 to a predetermined phase (Figs. 10(a) and (b)). Figure 45 The end surface 7741 of the inner cylindrical cam 774 then moves from a state in which it is in contact with the end surface 770h of the outer cylindrical cam 770 to a state in which it is in contact with the end surface 770n (see also Fig. 10(c)). Figure 14 The end surface 774m of the inner cylindrical cam 774 pushes the end surface 764n (in the longitudinal inward direction LI) of the input member 764. The pushing force of the first pressing spring 759, which is a pushing member, is set to be greater than the pushing force of the third pressing member 787, which is a pushing member, and thus the input member 764 moves in the longitudinal outward direction LO. At this time, the engaging portion 793b1, which is a driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793, engages (connects) with the engaging portion 764f, which is a driving force transmission portion of the input member 764. As a result, the rotational driving force of the input member 764 becomes able to be transmitted to the coupling shaft 793. The input member 764 and the coupling shaft 793 constitute the coupling member of this embodiment.

[0418] The free end portion 793b of the coupling shaft 793 restricts the movement of the input member 764 in the longitudinal outward direction LO.

[0419] Referring to Figure 44 The phase control mechanism of the input member 764 will be described. The phase control mechanism is a mechanism that sets the input member 764 to a phase at which it is easy to engage with the driving transmission member 81 of the device main assembly.

[0420] Figure 44 Figs. 10(a) and (b) of the drawings are cross-sectional views of the coupling unit U3. The torsion spring 789 is supported by inserting the shaft 774f of the inner cylindrical cam 774 into the hole 789a of the torsion spring 789. One of the two torsion springs 789 (the arm 789c) is in contact with the wall 774h of the inner cylindrical cam 774.

[0421] Figure 44Partial diagram (a) shows the state of the input component 764 after image formation is complete, stopped at a certain phase. The arm 789b of the torsion spring 789 contacts the approximately triangular prism 764e of the input component 764. More specifically, the arm 789b contacts near the vertex 764h of the prism 764e. Here, the torsion spring 789 is configured such that the pushing force acts in the direction of the expansion of the arms 789b and 789c. Therefore, in Figure 44 In sub-figure (a), the pushing force of the torsion spring 789, received by the input component 764 through the arm 789b, acts in the direction of clockwise rotation of the input component 764.

[0422] In practice, when the input component 764 is connected (engaged) with the drive transmission component 81, the input component 764 does not rotate. However, when the user opens the opening / closing door 13 of the main component A of the device ( Figure 12 In the sub-figure (a), the input component 764 retracts in the longitudinal inward direction LI. That is, the input component 764 retracts from the extended position (drive transmission position, protruding position). Figure 43 The sub-graph (a) moves to the retreat position (non-drive transmission position: Figure 43 The input component 764 is disengaged from the drive transmission component 81, as shown in Figure (b). Furthermore, at this time, the input component 764 also disengages from the connecting shaft 793. That is, the engagement portion 793b1, which is the drive force receiving portion of the connecting shaft 793, and the engagement portion 764f, which is the drive force transmitting portion of the input component 764, disengage from each other. Then, the input component 764 becomes able to rotate freely relative to the connecting shaft 793.

[0423] Therefore, the input component 764 rotates under the pushing force of the torsion spring 789, and the phase changes from... Figure 44 The phase change shown in the sub-plot (a) is as follows: Figure 44 The phase shown in the sub-plot (b) is as follows. Figure 44 The phase of the input component 764 shown in Figure (b) is the phase when the arm 789b contacts the arcuate portion 764p of the input component 764. In this state, the rotational torque of the input component 764 received from the torsion spring 789 is balanced so that the input component 764 stops rotating. That is, the input component 764 is held by the torsion spring 789. Figure 44 The predetermined phase is shown in Figure (b). The torsion spring 789 is a phase determining component for determining the input component 764 at the predetermined phase.

[0424] The prism 764e of the input component 764 has a roughly triangular shape and is approximately rotationally symmetric (symmetrical) by 120 degrees. Therefore, when the input component 764 rotates one full revolution (360 degrees), it stops rotating every 120 degrees via a torsion spring. That is, assuming... Figure 44As shown in Figure (b), the input component 764 is in phase 0 degrees. When the input component 764 is at positions of 120 degrees and 240 degrees, the rotational torque received by the input component 764 is balanced, and the input component 764 stops rotating. In other words, the input component 764 is held (stopped from rotating) by the torsion spring 789 at any of the three different phases (0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees in this embodiment).

[0425] The phase control device is not limited to the above structure and may have other structures. For example, although three torsion springs 789 are provided in this embodiment, the number of torsion springs 789 is not limited to this number, and even if the number of torsion springs 789 is one or two, the phase of the input component 764 can be any of the three phases. The prism of the input component 764 has a rotational symmetry of 120 degrees, but strict symmetry is not required. That is, although the input component 764 is to be held at any of the three phases, these phases do not need to be exactly 0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees.

[0426] refer to Figure 45 , 38 And 44 will be described further. Figure 45 This is a view of the drive transmission unit taken from the axial direction LO. In this embodiment, the input component 764a is approximately a triangular prism 764e with three vertices 764h ( Figure 38 , 44 The phase arrangement is substantially the same as the phase arrangement of the three vertices 764u of the roughly triangular driven transmission part 764a. In this case, the direction faced by each vertex 764u is substantially the same as the direction faced by each vertex 764h.

[0427] By performing phase control of the connection component (input component) as described above, the drive transmission component 81 of the main component A of the device is smoothly connected to the connection component (input component 764) of the box B as will be described below.

[0428] Similar to the drive transmission component 581 in Embodiment 3 above, in this embodiment, the drive transmission component 81 is held in a state inclined towards the downstream side in the box mounting direction. Figure 34 Specifically, when the opening / closing door 13 is opened ( Figure 12 (a) of the diagram shows the drive transmission component 81 moving towards Figure 45The direction of arrow AZ shown in sub-graph (a) is inclined. The direction of arrow AZ is the direction of the line drawn from the center of drum 62 to the developing roller 32 (i.e., the 0-degree reference line) inclined 41 degrees downstream of drum 62 in the rotational direction. The rotational direction of drum 62 is the direction in which drum 62 rotates during image formation (during toner image formation). Specifically, this rotational direction is the direction in which the surface of drum 62 sequentially contacts or approaches charging roller 66 ( Figure 3 And then contact or approach the developing roller 32 in the direction of arrow AX.

[0429] Because the drive transmission component 81 is tilted, when the box B is inserted into the main assembly A of the device, the center of the driven transmission portion 764a of the input component 764 and the center of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission component 81 are not aligned. However, through the phase control described above, any one of the three triangular vertices 764u of the driven transmission portion 764a of the input component 764 is located in the AZ direction of the tilt of the drive transmission component 81. Figure 45 (See Figure (a)). In other words, in the driven transmission section 764a, the part that protrudes the most radially from the center of the drum 62 (apex 764u) is located in the AZ direction of the inclined drive transmission component 81. By keeping the input component 764 in such a phase, it is easy to engage them even if the input component 764 and the drive transmission component 81 are not aligned.

[0430] In other words, when the drive transmission component 81 is from Figure 45 When rotating as shown in Figure (a), the phase of the approximately triangular-shaped drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 is substantially aligned with the phase of the triangular-shaped driven transmission portion 764a of the input member 764 (see reference). Figure 45 (See diagram (b)). Then, the driven transmission portion 764a of the input component 764 enters the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission component 81, thereby establishing engagement.

[0431] The following will refer to Figure 46 The sub-graphs (a)-(f) illustrate why phase control makes it easier for input component 764 to engage with tilted drive transmission component 81. Figure 46 Subplot (a) Figure 46 Subplot (b) Figure 46 The subplot (d) Figure 46 The subplot (e) and Figure 46 The sub-figure (f) is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission unit viewed from the axial direction LO. Figure 46 Layout (c) is a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive transmission unit.

[0432] As described above, in this embodiment, the main component of the device is provided with a drive transmission component 81, and the housing is provided with a power input component 764, and these are connecting members that are connected to each other. Figure 46 As shown, these connectors (81, 764) have engaging portions, the engaging portions being generally triangular recesses 81a (see...). Figure 25 , Figure 46 (a) and convex part 764a Figure 38 Subplot (a) and Figure 46 (See Figure (a)). The ends (corners, vertices) of these triangular shapes (81a, 764a) are the parts used to transmit driving force; therefore, they are rounded to maintain the necessary strength. Figure 46 As shown in Figure (a), when the triangular shapes are joined together in a coaxial state and are in phase aligned with each other, the triangular gap is defined as follows. The gap between the ends of these triangular shapes (81a, 764a) (the distance between free end 81r and free end 764y) is LB, and the gap between these sides (the distance between side 81s and side 764x) is LA. Then the following relationship exists:

[0433] LA>LB (Formula A)

[0434] That is, in these triangular shapes (81a, 764a), the gap LA between the sides of the triangle (81a, 764a) is greater than the gap LB between the ends (gap LA has a margin greater than gap LB). In this case, as Figure 46 As shown in Figures (d), (e), and (f), preferably, the vertex 764y of the triangular shape (protrusion 764a) on the box side is inclined in the direction of the drive transmission member 81 (lower left AZ direction in the figure). This corresponds to pointing the side 764x of the protrusion 764a to the side opposite to the AZ direction of the inclination of the drive transmission member 81. By doing so, the protrusion 764a of the input member 764 can smoothly engage with the recess 81a of the inclined drive transmission member 81.

[0435] like Figure 46 As shown in Figure (d), when the recess 81a and the protrusion 764a are not engaged, their phases are misaligned. When the drive transmission component 81 in this state rotates clockwise from this state, the phases of the triangular shapes 81a and 764a are aligned, as shown in Figure (d). Figure 46Figure (d) of the drawings. However, the drive transmission member 81 is inclined in the AZ direction, and thus the recess 81a is displaced in this inclined direction, and there is a region in which the gap between the recess 81a and the convex portion 764a narrows. Nevertheless, in the present embodiment, the side edge of the recess 81a and the side edge of the convex portion 764a are located in the region in which the gap narrows (i.e., on the side opposite to the direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is inclined). The gap between the side edge of the recess 81a and the side edge of the convex portion 764a is ensured to be relatively large (LA), as defined in Formula A and Figure 46 Figure (a) of the drawings. Thus, even if this gap is shortened due to the inclination of the drive transmission member 81, the positional relationship required for engagement between the operation drive transmission member and the input member can be ensured. Thus, when the recess 81a and the convex portion 764a are aligned in phase, the convex portion 764a can enter the recess 81a by the force of the first pressing spring 759 Figure 38 Figures (a) and (b) of the drawings). Furthermore, the drive transmission member 81 continues to rotate, and the recess 81a and the convex portion 764a engage with each other, as shown in Figure 46 Figure (d) of the drawings, and the convex portion 764a receives the driving force from the recess 81a.

[0436] In summary, even if the gap between the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 764 becomes small due to the inclination of the drive transmission member 81, the phase of the member 764 is set so that the gap between the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 764 is ensured to be a certain degree or more. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to pointing the side edge of the triangle (convex portion 764a) of the input member 764 to the side opposite to the direction AZ in which the drive transmission member 81 is inclined (i.e., the upper right side in Figure (d)). In other words, it corresponds to pointing any one of the three vertices 764y of the triangular shape (convex portion 764a) of the input member 764 to the direction AZ of inclination of the drive transmission member 81 (lower left). The three vertices (three-arc segments 764y) of the convex portion 764a correspond to the driving force receiving portions for receiving the driving force from the drive transmission member 81. Figure 46 As shown in Figure (a) of the drawings, the reason why the gap LA between the side edges is set to be larger than the gap LB between the vertices will be described below.

[0437] Figure 46 The gaps LA and LB between the triangular shapes (convex portion 81a and recess 764a) are set taking into account the dimensional tolerances of the recess 81a and the recess 764a. However, in view of the fact that not only the dimensional tolerances but also the fact that the input member 764 is to be engaged with the rotating drive transmission member 81 more easily are taken into account, the gap LA between the side edges is set to be larger.

[0438] The gaps LA and LB between the triangular shapes (convex portion 81a and recess 764a) are set taking into account the dimensional tolerances of the recess 81a and the recess 764a. However, in view of the fact that not only the dimensional tolerances but also the fact that the input member 764 is to be engaged with the rotating drive transmission member 81 more easily are taken into account, the gap LA between the side edges is set to be larger. ​

[0439] When the driving transmission member 81 is rotated and the phase difference between the triangular shape (recessed portion 81a) of the driving transmission member 81 and the triangular shape (protruded portion 764a) of the input member 764 is smaller than a certain angle, the driving transmission member 81 and the input member 764 are in an engageable state. As shown in Figure 46 As shown in FIG. 7(b), when the protruded portion 764a is between the phases indicated by the solid line and the phases indicated by the broken line, the recessed portion 81a and the protruded portion 764a can engage with each other. The larger the gap LA between the side of the recessed portion 81a and the side of the protruded portion 764a, the larger the phase difference that allows engagement, so that the recessed portion 81a and the protruded portion 764a are more easily engaged.

[0440] Here, when the driving transmission member 81 is rotated, a force can act in a direction in which the coupling member 764 is moved away from the driving transmission member 81 at a stage in which the recessed portion 81a and the protruded portion 764a are not sufficiently engaged. That is, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the input member 764 can contact the chamfer 81p of the recessed portion 81a, as a result of which the input member 764 receives a force from the driving transmission member 81 in a direction that hinders engagement. The above-described gap LA is set to be large, so that such a force does not occur. If the gap LA is large, the above-described force does not act when the driving transmission member 81 is rotated, and thus the state in which the recessed portion 81a and the protruded portion 764a can engage with each other is continued for a long time, so that engagement is facilitated. Figure 46

[0441] When the inclined direction AZ of the driving transmission member 81 and the direction of the triangular free end (arc-shaped portion 764y) of the input member 764 are completely aligned, they are most easily engaged with each other. However, as long as the free end (arc-shaped portion 764y) of the triangular shape (protruded portion 764a) is inclined within ±30° with respect to the direction of the inclined direction of the driving transmission member 81, the effect of facilitating engagement between the coupling members can be enhanced.

[0442] As described above, the inclined direction of the driving transmission member 91 (the direction of the arrow AZ) is a direction in which a line drawn from the center of the drum 62 to the center of the developing roller 32 is inclined by 41° toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the drum 62. In view of this, it is preferable that the vertex of the protruded portion (protruded portion) 764 be in a range of 11° to 71° inclined toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the drum 62 from the line passing through the center of the drum 62 and the center of the developing roller 32.

[0443] Further, in the above description, the engagement portions (recessed portion 81a and protruded portion 764a) of the driving transmission member 81 and the input member 764 are similar to each other and are substantially equilateral triangles. That is, each of the recessed portion 81a and the protruded portion 764a has rotational symmetry of 120°.

[0444] ​However, even if the engaging portion can not have such a shape, the basic idea is the same, and by controlling the phase of the input member 764, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained. For example, the shape of the convex portion 764a can be a triangle with a portion cut off, can not be a triangular shape, and can not be 120-degree rotational symmetry.

[0445] However, assuming that the shape of the recess 81a is a substantially equilateral triangle as described in the present embodiment ( Figure 25 ), it is desirable that the convex portion 764a contacts the recess 81a at three points and receives the driving force. More desirably, the three points are uniformly arranged. That is, even when the shape of the convex portion 764a is different from that of the present embodiment, it is desirable that the convex portion 764a has a driving force receiving portion at a position corresponding to the three apexes (circular arc portions 764y) of the present embodiment. That is, it is preferable that the distance between adjacent driving force receiving portions is approximately 120 degrees with respect to the axis of the convex portion 764a (driving force receiving portion).

[0446] <Embodiment 5>

[0447] Embodiment 5 will be described below. The coupling member 664 shown in the present embodiment includes an input member (driving force receiving portion, driving input member, input unit) 610 that receives a driving force from the outside of the cartridge, a push member 620 (pushing member) that governs the attitude of the input member 610, and a reciprocating member 630 that can advance and retreat in the direction of the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0448] Three such input members 610 and three such push members 620 are supported by a support member (support portion) 640 and are arranged along the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the photosensitive drum.

[0449] Similarly, in the present embodiment, the structure for moving the coupling member 664 back and forth by the operation member (lever member 12) and its operation are the same as in Embodiment 1 ( Figure 7 、 9 , 10, 11, 12, and Figure 13 ). The description of them is omitted.

[0450] First, referring to Figure 49 , the components of the coupling member 664 of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0451] The cylindrical shape 611 of the input member 610 engages with the recessed shape 641 of the support member 640a, and is rotatably (swingably) supported. The input member 610 can change the inclination angle with respect to the axis of the cylindrical shape 611. The cylindrical shape 612 of the input member 610 engages with and is supported by one end 621 of the push member 620. The other end 622 of the push member 620 engages with and is supported by the cylindrical shape 642 of the support member 640a.

[0452] The support members 640a and 640b are in a coupled relationship with each other, and the input member 610 and the push member 620 are enclosed and supported between the support members 640a and 640b, so that the positions of the input member 610 and the push member 620 are regulated.

[0453] The push member 620 is a tension spring, and the force of the tension spring regulates the input member 610 in the rotation direction around the cylindrical shape 611 as the axis.

[0454] The advance and retreat member 630 includes an advance and retreat member 630a having an advance and retreat contact portion 631 that can contact the input member 610 at the time of advance and retreat, and an advance and retreat member 630b that receives the advance and retreat drive of the lever member 12. These are joined together by welding or the like, and have a coupled relationship with each other. As the advance and retreat member 630 moves back and forth, the entire coupling member 664 also moves back and forth.

[0455] The input member 610 has a free end portion (drive receiving portion) 613 for engaging with the drive transmission member 81 of the device main assembly A. The input member 610 receives the rotational drive through the free end portion 613, and transmits the rotational drive to the support member 640a that supports itself.

[0456] The surface 640c of the support member 640a and the surface 640d of the support member 640b are joined by welding or the like, and have a coupled relationship with each other, and the support member 640a and the support member 640b rotate as one support member 640.

[0457] The support member 640b has a first rotation receiving portion 643, and can engage with a second rotation receiving portion 632 of the advance and retreat member 630b to transmit the rotational drive. That is, the advance and retreat member 630 and the support member 640 are configured to be able to relatively slide with respect to each other in the drum axis direction LI while being able to rotate as one.

[0458] Further, the advancing / retreating member 630b has a third rotation receiving portion 633, and in the present embodiment, a fourth rotation receiving portion (not shown) corresponding to the third rotation receiving portion 633 is provided in the drive side flange 75, so as to be engaged therewith to transmit the driving force.

[0459] Thus, it has a member structure capable of transmitting the rotational drive to the rotating body.

[0460] Referring to Figure 50 The operation of the coupling member 664 moving back and forth in conjunction with the lever member 12 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0461] Figure 50 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 664, and shows steps (a) to (f) of the extension operation of the coupling member 664 in conjunction with the movement of the lever member 12. Figure 14

[0462] Figure 50 Fig. 50(a) shows a state of the retreat position in which the coupling member 664 moves to the inside of the case to the maximum in conjunction with the movement of the lever member 12.

[0463] Figure 50 Fig. 50(d) shows a state of the extension position in which the coupling member 664 moves to the outside of the case to the maximum in conjunction with the movement of the lever member 12.

[0464] Figure 50 Figs. 50(b) and 50(c) show a state of moving from the retreat position to the extension position and a state of moving from the extension position to the retreat position.

[0465] Figure 50 Figs. 50(e) and 50(f) show a state of moving from the extension position to the retreat position. In Figure 50 In the coupling member 664, the order of the change of the state in one reciprocating motion is as shown in the order of Figs. 50(a)→(b)→(c)→(d)→(e)→(f)→(a) or (a)→(b)→(c)→(d)→(c)→(b)→(a).

[0466] Hereinafter, the behavior of the coupling member 664 when the above state changes will be described.

[0467] First, an outline of the behavior will be described.

[0468] When the lever 12 (Fig. 1) is operated to the retreat position (Fig. 50(a)), the coupling member 664 is in the retreat position. Figure 12 ​) and the input member 610 is pressed in the H direction in the drawing. Until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 and the support member 640a come into contact with each other, the input member 610 is not opened because it is pushed in the closing direction by the force of the extension spring of the push member 620. Then, the cylindrical shape 611 presses the recessed shape 641 of the support member 640a that supports it in the H direction in the drawing, and the entire coupling member 664 is extended in the H direction. That is, until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 and the support member 640a come into contact with each other in a state in which the free end 613 of the input member 610 is not opened, the support member 640, the input member 610, and the advance and retreat member 630 are integrally moved in the H direction in the drawing. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 enters the second extended position in which the free end 613 of the input member 610 can be engaged with the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a.

[0469] Next, details of the behavior will be described.

[0470] [1] First, the state change from (a) to (b) in FIG. 10 will be described. Figure 50 The longitudinal restriction portion 74d of the cylindrical cam member 74 is moved in the direction H in the drawing, and the advance and retreat members 630a and 630b, which have received the elastic force of the first pressing member 59, are extended so that the advance and retreat contact portions 631 come into contact with the input member 610, whereby the input member 610 is pressed in the H direction in the drawing. Until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 and the support member 640a come into contact with each other, the input member 610 is not opened because it is pushed in the closing direction by the force of the extension spring of the push member 620. Then, the cylindrical shape 611 presses the recessed shape 641 of the support member 640a that supports it in the H direction in the drawing, and the entire coupling member 664 is extended in the H direction. That is, until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 and the support member 640a come into contact with each other in a state in which the free end 613 of the input member 610 is not opened, the support member 640, the input member 610, and the advance and retreat member 630 are integrally moved in the H direction in the drawing. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 enters the second extended position in which the free end 613 of the input member 610 can be engaged with the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a. Figure 25 ) and the input member 610 is pressed in the H direction in the drawing. Until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 and the support member 640a come into contact with each other, the input member 610 is not opened because it is pushed in the closing direction by the force of the extension spring of the push member 620. Then, the cylindrical shape 611 presses the recessed shape 641 of the support member 640a that supports it in the H direction in the drawing, and the entire coupling member 664 is extended in the H direction. That is, until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing member 73 and the support member 640a come into contact with each other in a state in which the free end 613 of the input member 610 is not opened, the support member 640, the input member 610, and the advance and retreat member 630 are integrally moved in the H direction in the drawing. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 enters the second extended position in which the free end 613 of the input member 610 can be engaged with the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a.

[0471] [2] Next, the state change from (b) to (c) in FIG. 10 will be described. Figure 50The state change is from (b) to (c). The cylindrical cam component 74 moves in direction H in the figure, and the advancing and retracting components 630a and 630b, which receive the spring force of the first pressing component 59, extend. Thus, during extension and retraction, the contact portion 631 contacts the input component 610 and presses it in direction H in the figure. At this time, the stop shape 698 and the support component 640a provided on the drum bearing component 73 contact each other, and the support component 640a no longer extends further in direction H in the figure. As a result, the input component 610 rotates because the force of rotation about the cylindrical shape 611 in direction R in the figure becomes greater than the force of the tension spring of the pressing component 620, and the tilt angle in direction R in the figure changes. In other words, the free end 613 of the input component 610 begins to open radially outward in the second extended position. The radial direction is the radial direction of the connecting component 664 (rotational radial). That is, the free end of the input component 610 begins to move away from the axis of the connecting component 664.

[0472] [3] Next, we will describe Figure 50 The state change from (c) to (d). Figure 50 In the state shown in diagram (c), the advancing and retracting components 630a and 630b extend further, and the input component 610 changes its tilt angle in the R direction as shown in [2], reaching the extended position outside the box to the maximum extent. Figure 50 In the state shown in Figure (d), the free end 613 of the input component 610 opens outward in the radial direction, so that the free end 613 of the input component 610 engages with the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a (drive transmission component 81). Figure 25 Thus, drive transmission is possible, and the drive transmission component 81 is rotated by a motor (not shown), so that the rotation drive is transmitted to the input component 610.

[0473] [4] Next, we will describe Figure 50 The state changes from (d)→(e)→(f)→(a). When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, after the entire connecting part 664 has retracted, the tilt angle of the input part 610 changes in the direction of L in the figure. First, from... Figure 50 The subplot (d) to Figure 50In the state change shown in Figure (e), the cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the G direction, the spring of the first pressing component 59 is compressed, and the advancing and retracting components 630a and 630b retract. At this time, when the spring force of the advancing component 620 is applied to the contact point 631 as a pressing force in the L direction during the advancing and retracting process, and when the frictional force between the input component 610 and the advancing and retracting component 630 at the contact point 631 is large during the advancing and retracting process, the overall connecting component 664 follows and retracts in the G direction. As a result, the free end 613 of the input component 610 and the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission component 81... Figure 25 The connection between them is released. Next, the process from... Figure 50 The state changes are shown in sub-graphs (e) to (f) to (a). Similar to the above, the retracting member 630 retracts, and the entire connecting member 664 tends to retract, but the support member 640b and the stop shape 699 provided on the drum bearing member 73 abut against each other, and therefore, the support member 640b does not retract further in the G direction shown in the figure. Subsequently, as the retracting member 630 retracts, the contact state between the input member 610 and the retracting member 630 changes, and the input member 610 rotates about the cylindrical shape 611, which is the axis, by the force of the tension spring of the pushing member 620, causing the tilt angle to change in the direction shown in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input member 610 closes inward in the radial direction. That is, the free end 613 of the drive transmission member 610 approaches the axis of the connecting member 664.

[0474] [5] will describe from Figure 50 The state changes in the diagrams (d) → (c) → (b) → (a). When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the advance / retractor 630 retracts first, and the tilt angle of the input component 610 changes in the direction of L in the diagram, then the support component 640 retracts. First, in the process of moving from... Figure 50 The subplot (d) to Figure 50 In the state change shown in sub-figure (c), the cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the direction G in the figure, and the spring of the first pressing component 59 is compressed, causing the advancing and retracting components 630a and 630b to retract. Then, the input component 610 rotates about the cylindrical shape 611, which is the axis, by the force of the tension spring of the pushing component 620, and the tilt angle changes in the direction L in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input component 610 and the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission component 81... Figure 25 The connection between them is released. Next, from Figure 50 The subplot (c) to Figure 50In the state change of sub-graph (b), as described above, the tilt angle of the input component 610 changes in the direction L in the figure due to the retraction of the advance / retreat component 630. From... Figure 50 Subplot (b) to Figure 50 In the state change shown in sub-graph (a), when the retracting component 630 retracts, the retracting component 630b and the supporting component 640b abut at the abutment portion 697. Subsequently, when the retracting component 630 retracts, the supporting component 640b also follows and retracts. As a result, the entire connecting component 664 retracts in the G direction in the figure and reaches the first retracted position.

[0475] The structure of the entire connecting component 664, capable of reciprocating along the axial direction, has already been described. However, as... Figure 51 Subplot (a) and Figure 51 As shown in Figure (b), even in a structure in which the connecting member 664 does not move back and forth along the axial direction as a whole, the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can engage with each other.

[0476] Figure 51 Subplot (a) and Figure 51 Subplot (b) illustrates such an example. As shown in these figures, the change in the tilt angle of the input component 610 ( Figure 51 In the sub-diagram (a), P can be set to a larger value. Then, when the free end of the input component 610 moves outward in the radial direction, the amount of protrusion of the input component 610 outward from the box ( Figure 51 The X in sub-figure (b) is increased. The engagement width in the axial direction between the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be increased. Then, even if the entire coupling member 664 does not slide along the axial direction, the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged simply by tilting the input member 610.

[0477] exist Figure 51 In diagrams (a) and (b), the connecting member 664 moves back and forth by moving (tilting) only a portion of it (i.e., only the input member 610). That is, by tilting (tilting) the input member 610 alone, the connecting member 664 can assume an extended position for engaging the drive transmission member 81. Figure 51 (b) of the diagram and the retraction position for disconnecting from the drive transmission component 81. Figure 51 (a) of the subplot.

[0478] However, in addition to the tilting of the input component 610, a more efficient approach is to employ a structure in which the entire connecting component 664 can extend and retract, as... Figure 50The state changes from FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(b). That is, a greater engagement width between the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be ensured. Therefore, it is more desirable that the coupling member 664 is able to move back and forth.

[0479] Next, with reference to Figure 52 the conditions for engaging the drive transmission portion (recess) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the free end portion (drive reception portion) 613 of the input member 610 will be described. As Figure 52 shown, when the free end portions 613 of the three input members 610 are maximally close to the rotation axis of the coupling member 664 by the urging member 620, a circle 688 passing through the farthest points of the three end portions 613 drawn around the rotation axis is closest to the rotation axis. The circle 688 is a circumscribed circle of the free end portions 613. Next, a circle 686 passing through the point of the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 closest to the rotation axis of the coupling member 664 is drawn around the rotation axis of the coupling member 664. The circle 686 is an inscribed circle of the drive transmission portion 81a. Both the circle 688 and the circle 686 are perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0480] At this time, it is sufficient that the circle 688 formed by the free end portions 613 is smaller than the circle 686 formed by the drive transmission portion 81a. That is, in this case, regardless of the phase combination formed by the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664, the input member 610 enters the inside of the drive transmission portion 81a. Thereafter, by changing the inclination angle of the input member 610, the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 are able to reliably engage with each other.

[0481] However, in Figure 52 , as an example, the case where the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 664 are aligned with each other has been described. Actually, as shown in Figure 50 FIG. 10(a) and Figure 50 FIG. 10(b), the drive transmission member 81 is inclined with respect to the axis of the coupling member 664, as shown in the modification example of Embodiment 1. Even in such a case, the input member 610 can be engaged with the drive transmission member 81 if the following conditions are satisfied.

[0482] For better understanding, Figure 53 a state in which the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 is greater than the actual inclination is shown. In Figure 53In this case, a circle 687 is drawn through the point of the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 closest to the rotational axis of the coupling member 664, with the rotational axis of the coupling member 664 as the center. This circle 687 is perpendicular to the rotational axis. Because the drive transmission member 81 is inclined, the circle 687 is smaller than the circle 686 described above. Figure 52

[0483] At this time, it is sufficient that the circle 687 formed by the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 be larger than the circle 688 formed by the free end portion 613 of the input member 610. That is, in this case, the input member 610 of the coupling member 664 can enter the drive transmission portion 81a regardless of the phase combination of the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664. That is, after the coupling member 664 is extended, the input member 610 is engaged with the drive transmission member 81 by changing the inclination angle of the input member 610. As the inclination angle of the input member 610 changes, the drive transmission member 81 becomes substantially coaxial with the coupling member 664 by reducing the inclination angle of the input member 610. The drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the coupling member 664.

[0484] In addition, depending on the phase combination of the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664, the change in the inclination angle of the input member 610 can be stopped halfway before the engagement of the drive transmission portion 81a and the input member 610 is completed. That is, as shown in FIG. 22, when the inclination angle of the input member 610 is changed, the input member 610 is temporarily stopped until the smallest inner diameter portion (circle 686) of the drive transmission portion 81a and the input member 610 come into contact with each other. Figure 54

[0485] ​​At this time, even if the lever member 12 is operated to a position where the coupling member 664 is held in the extended position, the first pressing member 59 functions as a damper so that the advance and retreat member 630 is no longer further extended. The first pressing member 59 holds the compression reaction force in the extension direction of the advance and retreat member 630. Therefore, the drive transmission member 81 rotates by the drive of the device main assembly, and when the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664 are in phase, the advance and retreat member 630 is extended, and the inclination angle of the input member 610 also changes. That is, the inclination angle of the input member 610 changes until the free end of the input member 610 is positioned at a position corresponding to the maximum inner diameter circle 685 of the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81. Thereby, the drive transmission member 81 is pushed by the input member 610, and the drive transmission member 81 rotates (swings) so as to reduce the inclination angle thereof. The drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the input member 610, and the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be reliably engaged with each other.

[0486] The input member (drive input member) 610 of this embodiment has a different moving direction from the input member (coupling member 64) shown in the modified example of Embodiment 1, and also moves in the radial direction. Even with such a structure, the input member 610 moves to the inner surface of the recess of the drive transmission member 81 to push the drive transmission member 81 so as to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81. Thereby, the input member 610 can be engaged with the inclined drive transmission member 81 similarly to the coupling member 64 shown in the modified example of Embodiment 1.

[0487] In this embodiment, although three input members 610 including the same shape and three pushing members 620 using extension springs are arranged along the circumferential direction, the structure is not limited to this example. Further, the shape of the advance and retreat member 630 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment. Further, a structure as in Embodiment 2, in which an advance and retreat mechanism for advancing and retreating the coupling member is positioned on the non-drive side of the cartridge, can also be employed.

[0488] <Embodiment 6>

[0489] Next, Embodiment 6 will be described. The description of the same points as the above-described embodiments can be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 1 will be given the same names as the components of Embodiment 1, and only the different points from Embodiment 1 can be described.

[0490] In the above-described Embodiment 1, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 has a substantially triangular cross section and a protruding shape (a convex portion) (see Figure 17 ). However, in this embodiment, the driven transmission portion includes a plurality of components ( Figure 55 ).

[0491] The differences in structure and operation resulting from this distinction will be described in detail.

[0492] First, referring to Figure 55 , 56 and 57, the coupling member 864 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0493] Figure 55 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the coupling member 864 of Embodiment 6.

[0494] Figure 56 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the operation unit of Embodiment 6.

[0495] Figure 57 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the drive unit end of the drum unit according to Embodiment 6.

[0496] Figure 58 is a side view showing the operation of the coupling member of Embodiment 6.

[0497] Figure 59 is a sectional view of the joint portion, showing the operation of the coupling member according to Embodiment 6.

[0498] As in Embodiment 1, the drum bearing member 873 is supported by the cleaning unit 860. As shown in Figure 55 and 56 , the coupling member 864 includes a plurality of lugs 801, a lug support member (support member) 802, a lug pressing member 803, a cover member 858, and the like. Although details will be described below, the lugs 801 are input members (drive input members) to which a driving force is input from the outside of the coupling member 864 (i.e., from the drive transmission member of the device main assembly).

[0499] As shown in Figure 56 and 57 , in the present embodiment, the outer cylindrical cam member 870 and the inner cylindrical cam member 874 are configured to be supported by the outer peripheral portion 873b of the drum bearing member 873, just as in Embodiment 1.

[0500] Further, the inner cylindrical surface 802c of the support member 802 is configured to be supported by the hole portion 873a of the drum bearing member 873. As shown in Figure 56 and 57 , a plurality of lugs 801 are provided on the inner peripheral portion of the support member 802. The support member 802 is a holding member (support member) for holding and supporting the plurality of lugs 801.

[0501] The drive receiving portion 801a for receiving a drive transmission force from the drive portion side, the longitudinal position control surface 801b, and the press cylinder shaft 801c are provided on each of the plurality of protrusions 801.

[0502] The protrusion press member 803 is provided on each of the press cylinder shafts 801c of the plurality of protrusions 801. The side of the protrusion press member 803 opposite the protrusion 801 is supported by the plurality of cylinder shafts 858a provided on the cover member 858.

[0503] The cover member 858 is fixed to the end portion 875c of the drive side flange member 875 by welding or the like.

[0504] The drive receiving portion 801a of the protrusion 801 is engaged with and supported by the engagement hole 802a, and is thereby able to move in the axial direction.

[0505] The protrusion 801 pressed in the arrow N direction by the pressing force of the protrusion press portion 803 has its longitudinal position control surface 801b abut against the longitudinal control surface 802d of the support member 802, and is thereby restricted from moving in the arrow N direction.

[0506] The outer side cylindrical surface 802b of the support member 802 is supported by the inner peripheral surface 875b of the drive side flange 875, and is thereby able to move in the arrow N direction.

[0507] The plurality of protrusions 801 receiving the pressing force of the plurality of protrusion press members 803 causes the support member 802 to be pressed in the arrow N direction. The support member 802 receives the pressing force in the arrow N direction, and the longitudinal control surface 802e abuts against the longitudinal control surface 874d of the inner side cylindrical cam member 874. The inner side cylindrical cam member 874 receiving the pressing force in the arrow N direction abuts against and presses the outer side cylindrical cam member 870 in the arrow N direction.

[0508] The outer side cylindrical cam member 870 abuts against the drum bearing member 873 fixed to the cleaning unit 860 in the direction of the axis N, and the longitudinal position is restricted.

[0509] Like the coupling member 64 of Embodiment 1, the coupling member 864 of the present embodiment can move back and forth between the projected position and the retracted position. Specifically, the support member 802 of the coupling member 864 moves back and forth in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, so that the coupling member 864 moves between the projected position and the retracted position Figure 13 ).

[0510] In the present embodiment, as Figure 57As shown, the support member 802 is pushed toward the drive side (arrow N side) by the protrusion pressing member 803, and the longitudinal regulating surface 802e is pressed against the longitudinal regulating surface 874d of the inner cylindrical cam member 874.

[0511] When the cartridge B is not installed in the device main assembly A, the inner cylindrical cam member 874 is arranged to retreat the support member 802 into the drum against the elastic force of the protrusion pressing member 803. This is a state in which the support member 802 of the coupling member 864 is in the first position (retreated position).

[0512] When the opening and closing door 13 is closed after the cartridge B is installed to the device main assembly A, the cartridge pressing member 1 provided on the opening and closing door 13 contacts the lever member 12 (Figs. (a) and (b) of Figure 12 In conjunction with the movement of the lever member 12, the support member 802 of the coupling member 864 moves from the first position (retreated position) to the drive side second position (projected position).

[0513] That is, the longitudinal position of the support member 802 also depends on the longitudinal position (position in the longitudinal direction) of the inner cylindrical cam member 874. Because the protrusion pressing member 803 operates the support member 802 on the drive side, the protrusion pressing member 803 can be regarded as a part of the above-described operation unit. In the present embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the protrusion pressing member 803, but an elastic member having another shape can also be used to push the support member 802.

[0514] The drive transmission member 881 of the present embodiment is inclined as shown in the drive transmission member 81 of the modification example of Embodiment 1. When the drive transmission member 881 is inclined, the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 are arranged non-axially. Then, a case in which the rotational axis L3 of the drive transmission member 881 and the rotational axis L1 of the coupling member 864 are non-axial before engagement will be described how the coupling member 864 and the drive transmission member 881 engage with each other.

[0515] Figure 58 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 of the device main assembly A according to the example.

[0516] Here, Figure 58 Fig. (a) of

[0517] Figure 58 Fig. (b) of

[0518] Figure 58Figure (c) shows a state in which driving force is input to the main component A of the device, the drive transmission component 881 begins to rotate, and a portion of the protrusion 801 of the coupling component 864 begins to engage with a portion of the drive input coupling 881.

[0519] Figure 58 The diagram (d) is a schematic diagram after the phase of the drive transmission section 881a and the phase of the protrusion 801 of the connecting member 864 fall within a predetermined range.

[0520] Figure 58 Partial view (e) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the drive transmission portion 881a of the drive transmission member 881 and the protrusion 801 of the connecting member 864 are fully engaged with each other.

[0521] exist Figure 58 In the sub-figures (c), (d) and (e), as the multiple protrusions 801 of the connecting member 864 engage with the drive transmission member 881 in sequence, the engagement operation is completed, and at the same time the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 881 decreases.

[0522] Figure 59 The subplots (a) to (e) are related to Figure 58 The timing corresponding drive transmission component 881 and connecting component 864 in the sub-figures (a) to (e) are cross-sectional views in the direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0523] Similar to Embodiment 1, the drive transmission component 881 is supported by the drive transmission component support component 85. At this time, because... Due to the relationship between the drive transmission member 881 and the drive transmission member support member 85, a gap is formed between the supported portion 881b and the support portion 85a. The drive transmission member 881 can move within this gap. By appropriately selecting the size of this gap, when the drive transmission member 881 and the connecting member 864 are engaged, the center position of the free end side of the drive transmission member 881 can be aligned with the center position of the connecting member 864. As a result, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 881 can be precisely aligned with the rotation axis L1 of the connecting member 864.

[0524] according to Relationships, such as Figure 58 As shown in Figure (a), the drive transmission component 881 tilts in the V direction by its own weight.

[0525] When the rotatable door 13 of the main unit A is fully closed, the support member 802 of the coupling member 864 moves from the first position to the second position through the lever member 12, the outer cylindrical cam member 870, and the inner cylindrical cam member 874. At this time, the plurality of protrusions 801 whose longitudinal positions are governed by the support member 802 also protrude in the direction of the arrow N along with the movement of the support member 802.

[0526] In the present variant, a part of the plurality of protrusion members 801 is pressed against the drive transmission member 881 inclined in the direction V in the drawing at the drive transmission portion 881a by the pressing force of the protrusion pressing member 803, and a part thereof is pressed against the end surface 881c Figure 57 the subfigure (b) of FIG. 8, Figure 58 the subfigure (b) of FIG. 8).

[0527] Here, for ease of explanation, the plurality of (six) protrusions 801 are shown as 801A to 801F Figure 59 the subfigure (b) of FIG. 8). Each of these protrusions 801 can be independently moved back and forth.

[0528] When the drive transmission member 881 is located Figure 58 the subfigure (b) of FIG. 8, and Figure 59 the subfigure (b) of FIG. 8). The protrusions 801B, 801C, and 801E among the protrusions 801 abut against the drive transmission portion 881a, and 801A, 801D, and 801F abut against the end surface 881C.

[0529] Thereafter, as shown in Figure 58 the subfigure (c) of FIG. 8, and Figure 59 the subfigure (c) of FIG. 8). When the drive transmission member 881 rotates in the direction of the arrow R, a part of the protrusion 801D and the protrusion 801F abut against the drive transmission portion 881a by the pressing force of the protrusion pressing member 803. When the drive transmission member 881 is further rotated from this state, a part of the surface of the drive transmission portion 881a (surface 881d) engages with the protrusion 801F (f) in the direction of rotation. At this time, the surface 881d of the drive transmission member 881 receives a reaction force in the direction of the arrow HA, and the drive transmission member 881 tends to move in the direction of the arrow HA. Meanwhile, the other surfaces 881g and 881i of the drive transmission member 881 abut against a part of the protrusions 801C and 801D, and movement to the outside of the alignment direction is restricted. Thus, the drive transmission member 881 continues to rotate while moving in the direction of the arrow HB as the alignment direction.

[0530] Further, as shown in Figure 58 the subfigure (d) of FIG. 8, and Figure 59As shown in sub-figure (d), the drive transmission component 881 rotates in the direction of arrow R and moves in the direction of arrow HB, such that all protrusions 801 abut against the drive transmission component.

[0531] Furthermore, when the drive transmission member 881 rotates, the surfaces 881d, 881e, and 881f, which are the drive transmission parts, abut against the protrusions 801A, 801D, and 801F, respectively.

[0532] At this time, since the protrusions 801A, 801D and 801F are arranged in the appropriate positions, the drive transmission component 881 engages while being aligned in the direction of arrow HB.

[0533] In other words, the protrusion 801 is arranged such that when the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission component 881 and the rotation axis L1 of the connecting component 864 are arranged coaxially, the protrusion 801 simultaneously abuts against the surfaces 881d, 881e, and 881f of the drive transmission component 881. Thus, a centering effect can be obtained.

[0534] Therefore, the alignment of the drive transmission component 881 is accomplished by the protrusion 801, thereby realizing the drive transmission.

[0535] Since each of the plurality of protrusions 801 is pressed by a corresponding spring (protrusion pressing member 803), each protrusion 801 can move independently of each other. According to the rotation of the drive transmission member 881, each protrusion 801 moves back and forth and engages with the drive transmission member 881 sequentially. That is, the number of protrusions 801 engaging with the drive transmission member 881 gradually increases. As a result, the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 881 gradually decreases, and finally the engagement (connection, link) between the drive transmission member 881 and the connecting member 864 is completed. In this state, the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 881 relative to the photosensitive drum can be set to a value close to 0 degrees. That is, the drive transmission member 881 can be aligned with the photosensitive drum.

[0536] Furthermore, when box B is removed from the main component A of the device, the support member 802... Figure 58 The part moves in the direction of arrow S as shown in sub-graph (a). Then, the convex part 801 retracts to Figure 58 Subplot (a) and Figure 59 The position shown in Figure (a) is disengaged from the drive transmission component 881.

[0537] In the above description, the tilting direction (V direction) of the drive transmission member 881 is the direction of gravity, but this tilting direction can be any direction. For example, the drive transmission member 881 can tilt in the direction shown in Embodiment 3, etc.

[0538] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the plurality of protrusions (input member) 801 is six is adopted, but as long as there are at least three protrusions 801, engagement with the drive transmission member 881 while obtaining the centering effect is possible.

[0539] Further, as described above, in order for the protrusions 801 to exhibit the function of centering the drive transmission member 881, it is preferable to satisfy the following relationship. That is, it is preferable that, when the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 are arranged coaxially, at least three of the plurality of protrusions 801 are disposed at positions at which they can simultaneously engage with the drive transmission member 881. If the plurality of protrusions 801 includes protrusions other than the engaging protrusions that engage with the rotational trajectories of the surfaces 881d, 881e, and 881f of the drive transmission member 881, the drive transmission member 881 first engages the protrusions other than the engaging protrusions, and it can be difficult to obtain the effect of centering. In the present embodiment, the plurality of (six) protrusions 801 of the coupling member 864 are arranged to form a substantially triangular shape (see FIG. 8, sub-figure (e)). In this case, since the recess 81a (see FIG. 8, sub-figure (a)) of the drive transmission member 881 is substantially triangular, six protrusions 801 are arranged accordingly. By arranging the plurality of protrusions 801 to correspond to the shape of the recess of the drive transmission member 881, the number of protrusions 801 that engage with the recess 81a increases as the drive transmission member 881 rotates (see FIG. 8, sub-figures (a) to (e)). Thereby, the amount of tilt of the drive transmission member 881 decreases, as shown in FIG. 8, sub-figures (a) to (e), and connection between the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 can be achieved. Figure 59 Figure 59 Figure 59 Figure 58

[0540] <Embodiment 7>

[0541] Next, Embodiment 7 will be described. The description of the same points as in the above-described embodiments can be omitted. Specifically, among the elements disclosed in the present embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in the first and second embodiments will be given the same names as the components in Embodiments 1 and 2, and only the different points from the above will be described.

[0542] ​​​​In the present embodiment, as in the modification example of Embodiment 1, a case where the drive transmission portion 81 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable) will be described. In Embodiment 1, the chamfered portion 64e is provided to be inclined with respect to the advancing and retreating direction of the coupling member 64 so that the angle difference between the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 is reduced, and the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member are able to be coupled to each other. Engagement with the coupling member 64 is now possible. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail below, the drive input unit 300 including the alignment member 301 and the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged with each other. In the present embodiment, the drive input unit 300 corresponds to the coupling member.

[0543] Of course, according to the present embodiment, even in the case where the respective rotational axes of the drive transmission member 81 and the drive input unit 300 are coaxial before they are engaged with each other, they can be engaged with each other.

[0544] In the present embodiment, the operation member (lever member 12) as described in Embodiment 1 is arranged on the drive side of the cassette B, and the operation member (lever member 212) as described in Embodiment 2 is arranged on the non-drive side of the cassette B. As will be described below, the lever member 12 causes the pin receiving member 303 to protrude and retreat, and the lever member 212 causes the alignment member 301 to protrude and retreat. The pin receiving member 303 and the alignment member 301 can be moved back and forth independently of each other.

[0545] Reference Figure 60 , 61 , 62 and 63, the drive input unit 300 including the alignment member 301, the pin (projection, drive input member, input portion) 302, and the pin receiving member (support portion, output portion) 303 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0546] Figure 60 is a perspective view of the alignment member 301 according to the present embodiment.

[0547] Figure 61 is a perspective view of the pin receiving member 303 according to the present embodiment.

[0548] Figure 62 is a perspective view of the drive input unit 300 according to the present embodiment.

[0549] Figure 63 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the drive input unit 300 according to the present embodiment.

[0550] As Figure 60As shown, the alignment member 301 is provided with a bevel 301a, a cylindrical portion 301b, a cutout portion 301c, a longitudinal control surface 301d, a coupling member receiving portion 301e, and an end surface 301f. At this time, three cutout portions 301c are provided at equal intervals along the cylindrical portion 301b.

[0551] Further, as Figure 61 shown, the pin receiving member 303 is provided with a pin receiving portion 303a, a drive transmission portion 303b, a cylindrical receiving portion 303c, a hole portion 303d, a groove portion 303e, a spring seat surface 303f, and a longitudinal restriction surface 303h. At this time, three pin receiving portions 303a are provided at equal intervals along the cylindrical receiving portion 303c.

[0552] As Figure 62 and 63 shown, the drive input unit 300 in this embodiment includes the alignment member 301, the pin 302, and the pin receiving member 303. The cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 is inserted into and engaged with the cylindrical receiving portion 303c of the pin receiving member 303. Further, the pin 302 is engaged with the pin receiving portion 303a of the pin receiving member 303. At this time, the pin 302 is inserted to a position in contact with the longitudinal control surface 303h, and can be firmly fixed by applying an adhesive or the like to the groove portion 303e from the spring seat surface 303f side. Further, as a means of secure fixation, means such as a press fit or a screw can be used. Here, the pin 302 is provided with a flange portion 302a, and the pin 302 is engaged with the cutout portion 301c of the alignment member 301 at the flange portion 302a. When the alignment member 301 is pushed in the direction V by the drive input unit coupling member 304 (this will be described below), the longitudinal control surface 301d of the alignment member 301 and the flange portion 302a of the pin 302 come into contact with each other, and the alignment member 301 is restricted in the longitudinal direction. Further, as Figure 62 shown, one pin is provided in each of the three cutout portions of the alignment member 301.

[0553] Further, as described above, the drive transmission portion 303b is provided on the pin receiving member 303. Similar to the case where the drive transmission portion 64b of the coupling member 64 of Embodiment 1 is supported by the drive side flange member 75 and transmits drive to the drive side flange member 75, the drive transmission portion 303b transmits drive to the drive side flange member 75. The structure in which the drive transmission portion 303b is supported by the drive side flange member 75 and the structure in which the drive side flange member 75 is supported by the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member are the same as in Embodiment 1. Next, with reference to Figure 21 、 23, 64 and 65, a driving-side flange unit 269 and a drum unit according to the present embodiment, and an operation unit capable of moving the alignment member 301 longitudinally will be described.

[0554] Figure 64 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drum unit according to Embodiment 7 and a partial enlarged view thereof. Figure 65 is a view showing an assembling method of the drum unit according to Embodiment 7.

[0555] As shown in Figure 64 and 65 , the driving-side flange unit 269 according to the present embodiment includes a driving input unit 300 (which includes an alignment member 301, a pin 302, and a pin receiving member 303), a driving-side flange member 275, a cover member 258, and a first pressing member 259, etc. The driving input unit 300 is provided in place of the coupling member 64 of Embodiment 1 and the coupling member 264 of Embodiment 2. Further, the drum unit includes the driving-side flange unit 269, a driving input unit connecting member 304, a buffer member 255, a non-driving-side flange member 254, and an inner-side cylindrical cam member 274. The driving-side flange member 275 has the same structure as that of Embodiment 1, and the inner-side cylindrical cam member 274, the non-driving-side flange member 254, and the cover member 258 have the same structures as those of Embodiment 2.

[0556] The driving input unit connecting member 304 includes an alignment member support portion 304a, a buffer member support portion 304b, a coupling portion 304c connecting the driving input unit 300 and the inner-side cylindrical cam member 274, and a supported portion 304d supported by the inner-side cylindrical cam member 274.

[0557] The first pressing member 259 including a compression spring, etc. is provided between a spring seat surface 303f of the pin receiving member 303 and the cover member 258.

[0558] As in Embodiment 1, the driving-side flange unit 269 is fixed to the driving-side end portion of the photosensitive drum 62 by means such as press fitting or clamping. Further, as in Embodiment 2, Figure 65As shown, the drive input unit connecting member 304, in which the buffer member 255 is supported by the buffer member support portion 304b, is inserted into the drum from the non-drive side end portion 62b. At this time, the buffer member 255 supported by the drive input unit connecting member 304 contacts the spring seat surface 303f of the pin receiving member 303, and the alignment member support portion 304a engages with the connecting member receiving portion 301e of the alignment member 301. Here, the alignment member support portion 304a of the drive input unit connecting member 304 and the connecting member receiving portion 301e of the alignment member 301 are firmly fixed by press fitting, screwing, adhesion, or the like. Then, in a state in which the inner side cylindrical cam member 274 is fitted to the inner peripheral portion 254b, the non-drive side flange member 254 is fixed to the non-drive side drum end portion 62b by, for example, the clamping method in Embodiment 1. At this time, the drive input unit connecting member 304 is rotatably supported by the supported portion 304d on the connecting member support portion 274b of the inner side cylindrical cam member 274. The structure of the drum unit of Embodiment 7 is as described above.

[0559] Further, as in Embodiment 2, the operation unit on the non-drive side of the cassette includes the outer side cylindrical cam member 270, the inner side cylindrical cam member 274, the lever member (operation member) 212, the second pressing member 214, and the like Figure 21 、 Figure 23 ). The operation unit on the non-drive side of the cassette will be referred to as a non-drive side operation unit. The structure and operation of this non-drive side operation unit are the same as those of the operation unit of Embodiment 2. The difference from Embodiment 2 is that, as described above, the buffer member 255 supported by the connecting member 261 contacts the pin receiving member 303 instead of the coupling member 264. The alignment member support portion 304a of the drive input unit connecting member 304 is firmly fixed to the alignment member 301.

[0560] In Embodiment 2, the outer side cylindrical cam member 270, the inner side cylindrical cam member 274, and the connecting member 261 are configured to determine the longitudinal position of the coupling member 264. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal position of the alignment member 301 is determined by the outer side cylindrical cam member 270, the inner side cylindrical cam member 274, and the drive input unit connecting member 304. At this time, as Figure 64As shown, the alignment member 301 is configured to be located at a position closest to the non-driving side in a state before the cartridge pressing member abuts against the lever member 212 of the non-driving side operation unit. The position to which the alignment member 301 retreats to the non-driving side is referred to as an alignment member retreat position (retreat position of the alignment member, non-acting position). Further, as will be described in detail below, when the opening and closing door 13 is fully closed, the cartridge pressing member 1 contacts the lever member 212 of the non-driving side operation unit. Then, the inner side cylindrical cam member 74, the drive input unit 300, and the alignment member 301 are configured to be located at a position closest to the driving side by the urging force of the buffer member 255. In the present embodiment, the position to which the alignment member 301 projects to the driving side is referred to as an alignment member projection position (projection position of the alignment member, acting position) in the present embodiment.

[0561] Referring to Figure 64 , 66 and 67, an operation unit that enables the pin receiving member 303 to move back and forth in the longitudinal direction will be described.

[0562] Figure 66 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the operation unit and the drive input unit 300 provided in the cleaning unit 60 according to the present embodiment.

[0563] Figure 67 is a partial perspective view showing the operation unit according to the present embodiment.

[0564] As shown in Figure 64 , 66 and 67, an operation unit similar to that of Embodiment 1 is connected to the pin receiving member 303 and controls the movement (advance and retreat action) of the pin receiving member 303 (control unit). Here, as in Embodiment 1, the operation unit is provided on the driving side of the cartridge. The driving side operation unit of the cartridge will be referred to as a driving side operation unit. In addition, as in Embodiment 1, the driving side operation unit includes the outer side cylindrical cam member 70, the inner side cylindrical cam member 74, the lever member 12, the second pressing member (elastic member, urging member) 14, and the like.

[0565] The inner side cylindrical cam member 74 abuts against the cylindrical cam portion 70b and the drive input unit 300, so that in Embodiment 1, the longitudinal position of the coupling member 64 is restricted by the coupling member longitudinal position regulating surface 74d. Alternatively, in the present embodiment, the inner side cylindrical cam member 74 restricts the longitudinal position of the drive input unit 300 by the coupling member longitudinal position regulating surface 74d.

[0566] The drive side operation unit is connected to the drive input unit 300 at the inner cylindrical cam 74, and the pin receiving member 303 can be moved (moved) back and forth by the operation lever member 12. As the pin receiving member 303 moves, the pin 302 that is firmly fixed to the pin receiving member 303 also moves. This operation mode is the same as that of the operation unit for the coupling member 64 in Embodiment 1.

[0567] Further, as Figure 64 shown, when the cartridge is not mounted to the device main assembly A, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 is arranged to retreat the pin receiving member 303 into the drum against the elastic force of the first pressing member 259. That is, in a state where the door 13 of the main assembly is released or in a state before the cartridge pressing member 1 abuts on the lever member 12, the pin receiving member 303 is configured to be located at a position closest to the non-drive side. The pin receiving member 303 retreats to the position of the non-drive side is referred to as a pin receiving member retreat position. As Figure 64 shown, when the pin receiving member 303 is in the pin receiving member retreat position, the pin 302 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the device are configured not to overlap in the longitudinal direction. That is, when the alignment member 301 is also in the alignment member retreat position, the processing cartridge B can be smoothly mounted and dismounted without causing interference between the pin 302 and the drive transmission member 81 of the device main assembly. Further, as will be described in detail later, when the opening and closing door 13 is fully closed, the cartridge pressing member 1 contacts the lever member 12 of the drive side operation unit. Then, the structure is such that the inner cylindrical cam member 74, the pin receiving member 303, and the pin 302 are located at a position closest to the drive side by the pushing force of the first pressing member 259. In this embodiment, the position of the pin receiving member 303 that protrudes to the drive side is referred to as a pin receiving member protruding position. The pin receiving member 303 moves between the retreat position and the protruding position along the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 that is a photosensitive member.

[0568] Referring to Figure 68 , the positional relationship between the lever member 12 of the drive side operation unit and the lever member 212 of the non-drive side operation unit will be described.

[0569] Figure 68 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming device seen from the non-drive side of the cartridge, in which the cartridge pressing members 1 approach the lever member 12 and the lever member 212 in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 of the device main assembly A in the direction H in the drawing. In the drawing, the lever member 12 located at the drive side is indicated by a broken line.

[0570] The two cartridge pressing members 1 are arranged at positions such that they can contact the lever member 12 and the lever member 212, respectively. That is, one cartridge pressing member 1 is configured to press the drive side of the cartridge, and the other cartridge pressing member 1 is configured to press the driven side of the cartridge.

[0571] The two cartridge pressing members 1 arranged at the driving side and the non-driving side in this way are arranged to overlap each other when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum. As shown in Figure 68 the arrangement makes the pressed portion 212a of the lever member 212 contact the cartridge pressing member 1 before the pressed portion 12a of the lever member 12 contacts the cartridge pressing member 1 during closing of the shutter door 13 in the direction H in the drawing. Therefore, during closing of the shutter door 13, the non-driving side operation unit operates before the driving side operation unit operates. Therefore, as will be described below, the extension / retraction of the alignment member 301 is performed by the non-driving side operation unit before the extension / retraction of the pin receiving member 303 is performed by the driving side operation unit.

[0572] Reference will be made to Figure 69 , 70 and 71 to describe how the driving input unit 300 and the driving transmission member 81 engage with each other when the rotational axes L3 and L1 of the driving input unit 300 and the driving transmission member 81 are not coaxial before the two engage with each other.

[0573] Here, Figure 69 Figure (a) of is a longitudinal sectional view of the device main assembly A and the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the device main assembly A and the shutter door 13 is fully open. Figure 69 Figure (b) of is a longitudinal sectional view when the lever member 212 of the non-driving side operation unit starts to be pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1 during closing of the shutter door 13 after the cartridge is inserted into the device main assembly A. Figure 69 Figure (c) of is a longitudinal sectional view when the shutter door 13 is further closed, the lever member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the alignment member 301 reaches the alignment member extended position.

[0574] Figure 69 Figure (d) of is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state in which the driving transmission portion 81a of the driving transmission member 81 and the pin 302 of the driving input unit 300 are fully engaged. Figure 69 Figure (d) of shows the state in which the shutter door 13 is fully closed, the lever member 12 of the driving side operation unit is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, the driving force is further input to the device main assembly A, and the driving transmission member 81 has rotated. As a result, the driving transmission portion 81a and the pin 302 engage with each other.

[0575] In Figure 69 Figures (a), (b), (c), and (d) of, as the alignment member 301 of the driving input unit 300 moves toward the alignment member extended position, the angle of inclination of the driving transmission member 81 decreases. However, the process of engaging the driving transmission member 81 is shown.

[0576] Figure 70 This is a partial enlarged view of the portion where the inclined surface 301a of the alignment component 301 contacts the end face 81c of the drive transmission component 81 just before the alignment component 301 and the drive transmission component 81 come into contact with each other.

[0577] Figure 71 The drive transmission component 81 and the drive input unit 300 are in the engaged state along Figure 69 The cross-sectional view taken from the cross-section Z in the sub-figure (d) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box.

[0578] like Figure 69 As shown in Figure (a), similar to the first embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 tilts in the V direction in the figure by its own weight before engaging with the pin 302. At this time, the alignment member 301 and the pin 302 are in a retracted position and neither is in contact with the drive transmission member 81. Next, during the closing of the opening / closing door 13, the pressed portions 212a of the box pressing member 1 and the rod member 212 come into contact with each other. Then, the outer cylindrical cam member 270 rides on the inner cylindrical cam member 274, causing the inner cylindrical cam member 274, the drive input unit connecting member 304, and the alignment member 301 to begin moving towards the drive side of the box.

[0579] At this time, as Figure 70 As shown, the inclined surface 301a of the alignment member 301 contacts the ridge 81d of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81. Then, the alignment member 301 moves towards the drive side, simultaneously displacing the drive transmission member 81. Here, by providing sufficiently large pressure to the buffer member 255, the alignment member 301 is able to move to the drive side against the torque acting in the direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is tilted due to its own weight. Then, as... Figure 69 As shown in Figure (b), the alignment member 301 rotates the drive transmission member 81 in the W direction, i.e., moves towards the drive side, while simultaneously reducing the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81. Then, after the inclined plane 301a passes the ridge line 81d of the drive transmission member 81, the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 and the ridge line of the drive transmission portion 81a abut against each other. Here, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the drive input unit 300 are aligned with each other through the engagement of the cylindrical portion 301b and the drive transmission portion 81a. Thereafter, as... Figure 69 As shown in Figure (c), the alignment member 301 moves to the drive side, that is, to the alignment member extension position, until its end face 301f contacts the drive transmission member 81.

[0580] Next, as the door 13 closes further, the pressed portion 12a of the box pressing component 1 and the lever component 12 of the drive-side operating unit comes into contact with each other. At this time, as... Figure 69 As shown in sub-figure (d), the outer cylindrical cam 70 and the inner cylindrical cam 74 operate as in Embodiment 1, and the pushing force of the first pressing member 259 causes the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 to move integrally from the retreat position to the driving side.

[0581] At this time, as shown in Figure 71 if the phase of the driving transmission portion 81a matches the phase of the pin 302 of the driving input unit 300, the pin 302 engages with the driving transmission portion 81a at this time point. However, in the case of other phases, the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 at most move to the driving side until the pin 302 contacts the end surface 81c of the driving transmission member 81. However, even in this case, when driving is input to the device main assembly, the driving transmission member 81 rotates, and the phase difference of the phase of the pin 302 of the driving input unit 300 with respect to the phase of the driving transmission unit 81a decreases. When the phases become matched with each other, the pin 302 engages with the driving transmission portion 81a by the pushing force of the first pressing member 59.

[0582] Thereby, the pin 302 can receive the driving force from the driving transmission portion 81a. The pin 302 is an input member (driving input member) to which the driving force is input. At the time of driving, the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 rotate by the driving force from the driving transmission portion 81, and at this time, the alignment member 301 rotates by receiving the driving force from the flange portion 302a of the pin 302 to the cutout portion 301c. At this time, the driving input unit connecting member 304 also rotates integrally with the alignment member 301 while sliding on the connecting member support portion 274b of the inner cylindrical cam member 274.

[0583] As described above, the inclined surface 301a and the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 engage with the driving transmission portion 81a. Thereby, even when the rotation axes of the driving transmission member 81 and the driving input unit (coupling member) 300 are offset from each other, the rotation axes of the driving transmission member 81 and the driving input unit (coupling member) 300 can be accurately aligned.

[0584] In the present embodiment, the three pins (input member, input portion) 302 and the pin receiving member (output member, output portion, support portion) 303 correspond to the coupling member. The driving force input to the pin 302 is transmitted to the pin receiving member 303 and output from the pin receiving member 303 to the photosensitive drum 62. Further, the coupling member of this embodiment is also movably supported by the flange member 75, and is provided at the end portion of the photosensitive drum.

[0585] In a broad sense, not only the three pins 202 and the pin receiving member 303, but also the alignment member 301 can be referred to as a coupling member. That is, the drive input unit 300 other than the alignment member 301 has been referred to as a coupling member, but the drive input unit 300 as a whole can be referred to as a coupling member in a broad sense.

[0586] In the modification example of Embodiment 1, the coupling member 64 itself engages with the drive transmission member 81 by reducing the inclination of the drive transmission member 81.

[0587] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the movable member (alignment member) 301 disposed near the input member (pin 302) of the coupling member moves from the retreat position (non-acting position) toward the drive transmission member 81, that is, to the extended position (acting position). This corresponds to Figure 69 the processes shown in Figs. (a), (b), and (c) of Figure 69 the state shown in Fig. (c) of

[0588] That is, after the alignment member 301 moves from the retreat position to the extended position to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81, the coupling member (pin 302 and pin receiving member 303) moves from the retreat position to the extended position Figure 69 Fig. (d) of

[0589] As in the modification example of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, in the case where the rotational axis of the drive transmission member 81a is aligned with the rotational axis of the drum by the chamfered portion 64e of the coupling member 64, the engagement width between the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member is reduced by the amount of the chamfered portion 64e. However, according to the method of the present embodiment, the member that directly receives the driving force of the drive transmission member 81 is the pin 302, and the alignment member 301 aligns the rotational axis of the drive transmission member 81 with the rotational axis of the drum, and thus it is not necessary to provide a chamfer or the like on the pin 302 itself. Therefore, a sufficient engagement width can be provided, and more reliable drive transmission can be performed.

[0590] <Modification example of Embodiment 7>

[0591] Hereinafter, a modification example in which the structure of this embodiment is partially modified will be described. In the foregoing description Figure 69), the slope 301a and the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 engage with the ridge 81d of the drive transmission portion 81. This enables the drive transmission member 81 to be rotated (swung) and the rotational axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 to be aligned with the rotational axis LI of the drive input unit 300. However, in order to rotate the drive transmission member 81 to align the rotational axis with the drive input unit 300, it is not necessary to use the ridge line 81d of the recess 81a of the drive transmission portion 81, but it is possible to use the drive transmission portion outer periphery 81e Figure 25 ) Hereinafter, a modification example will be described in which the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 is provided instead of the alignment member 301 of Embodiment 7, and the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 and the drive transmission unit outer periphery 81e engage with each other, and the rotational axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the rotational axis LI of the drive input unit 300.

[0592] First, reference will be made to Figure 72 and 73 the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 and the drum unit composed thereof will be described.

[0593] Figure 72 is a perspective view of the drive input unit 300 according to this modification example.

[0594] Figure 73 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the drum unit and the drum bearing 73 according to this modification example.

[0595] As shown in Figure 72 and 73 , the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 is provided with a slope 305a, a cylindrical portion 305b, a base 304c, and a hole portion 305d. The hole portion 305d is provided at the center of the base 304c on the disc. Further, three cylindrical portions 305b are provided on the base 304c outside the hole portion 305d in the radial direction and at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The slope 305a is provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 304b. The slope 305a is inclined so as to approach the base 304c on the inner side of the base 304c in the radial direction.

[0596] Further, differences from the above-described Embodiment 7 except for the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 will be described, and the drum unit including the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 will be described. The drive input unit 300 is provided with the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 instead of the alignment member 301.

[0597] As described above, the portion of the drive input unit 300 other than the alignment member 305 corresponds to the coupling member of the present embodiment, but in a broad sense, the entire drive input member 300 can also be referred to as the coupling member.

[0598] As Figure 73 As shown, the drive input unit connecting member 304 is provided with a base support portion 304e. The hole 305d of the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is inserted into the base support portion 304, and is fixed with a screw or an adhesive. At the time of assembly of the drum unit, the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is inserted into the drum in a state of being assembled to the drive input unit connecting member 304.

[0599] Further, the pin receiving member 303 is provided with an outer side cylindrical receiving portion 303i. It is provided at a position corresponding to the cylindrical portion 305b of the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305, and can be engaged by aligning the phases at the time of insertion of the drive input unit connecting member 304. The cover member 258 is also provided with a cylindrical receiving portion 258a at a position corresponding to the cylindrical portion 305b of the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305. Thus, the cylindrical portion 305b of the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is configured to protrude from the inside of the drum to the outside of the drum by the cylindrical receiving portion 258a of the cover member 258 and the outer peripheral cylindrical receiving portion 303i of the pin receiving member 303. The drum bearing 73 supports the drive side flange 275 instead of the pin receiving member 303.

[0600] In addition, the first pressing member 259, the outer side cylindrical cam 70, and the inner side cylindrical cam 74 avoid the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 by increasing the inner diameter, but the basic structure is the same as the above. The structure of the pin 302, the buffer member 255, and the non-drive side flange 254 is the same as the above. Further, similarly to the alignment member 301 described above, the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is capable of moving together with the drive input unit connecting member 304 in the longitudinal direction of the cassette with the operation of the non-drive side operation unit. At this time, in this modification example, the position where the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is maximally stretched to the drive side will also be referred to as the alignment member stretched position.

[0601] Next, with reference to Figure 74 and 75 how the drive input unit 300 and the drive transmission member 81 are engaged with each other will be described in the case where the rotational axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotational axis L1 of the drive input unit 300 are different in axis before they are engaged with each other.

[0602] Here, Figure 74 Fig. (a) of is a longitudinal sectional view of the device main assembly A and the cassette when the cassette is inserted into the device main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is fully opened. Figure 74 Fig. (b) of is a longitudinal sectional view when the lever member 212 of the non-drive side operation unit starts to be pushed by the cassette pressing member 1 in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 after the cassette is inserted into the device main assembly A. Figure 74Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state in which the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the lever member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position. Figure 74 Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state in which the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the lever member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position. Figure 74 Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state in which the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the lever member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position.

[0603] In Figure 74 Figs. 10(a), (b), (c), and (d) are longitudinal sectional views in which the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 of the drive input unit 300 engages with the drive transmission member 81, at which time the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81 is reduced while moving to the alignment member extended position.

[0604] Figure 75 Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state in which the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the lever member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position.

[0605] As Figure 74 Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state in which the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the lever member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position.

[0606] At this time, as Figure 75 Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state in which the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the lever member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extended position. Figure 69As shown in FIG. 6B, the driving transmission member 81 rotates in the direction W in the drawing along the driving transmission member 81, that is, the driving transmission member 81 moves toward the driving side while the inclination angle of the driving transmission member 81 decreases. Thereafter, the inclined surface 305a passes the outer peripheral ridge 81f of the driving transmission member 81, and then the cylindrical portion 305b of the alignment member 301 and the outer peripheral ridge 81f of the driving transmission member 81 come into contact with each other. Here, the rotation axis of the driving transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the driving input unit 300 are aligned by the engagement between the three cylindrical portions 305b Figure 72 ) and the driving transmission portion 81a. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6C, the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 moves toward the driving side until the end surface of the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 contacts the driving transmission member 81, that is, moves to the alignment member projected position. Figure 74

[0607] The operation after the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 has moved to the alignment member projected position is the same as described above. When the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 are integrally moved from the pin receiving member retreat position to the driving side by the action of the driving side operation unit. When the driving is further input to the device main assembly A, the driving transmission portion 81 and the pin 302 are engaged with each other.

[0608] During the driving, the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 rotate by the driving force from the driving transmission portion 81, and at this time, the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 moves from the outer side cylindrical receiving portion 303i of the pin receiving member 303 to the cylindrical portion 305b by receiving the driving force. At this time, the driving input unit connecting member 304 also rotates integrally with the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 while sliding with respect to the connecting member support portion 274b of the inner side cylindrical cam member 274.

[0609] In the above-described manner, the inclined surface 301a and the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 are engaged with the driving transmission portion 81a. Thereby, even when the rotation axis of the driving transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the driving input unit 300 are deviated from each other, the rotation axis of the driving transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the driving input unit 300 can be accurately aligned.

[0610] ​In this modification example, the shape in which the rotational axis of the drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the rotational axis of the drum is provided at a position different from the drive transmission portion 81a that transmits the driving force of the drive transmission member 81, that is, at the outer peripheral ridge 81f. Therefore, the shape of the pin 302 that receives the driving force directly from the drive transmission member 81 is less restricted, and it is possible to increase the diameter of the pin 302 or provide a shape that matches the drive transmission portion 81a. Therefore, according to this modification example, it is possible to perform more reliable drive transmission based on the shape of the pin 302 and to increase the strength of the pin 302.

[0611] Further, although the outer peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is aligned by three cylindrical portions, it can be, for example, the shape of a circular tube, and the shape is not limited as long as it can be aligned. Even in such a case, the same effect can be obtained.

[0612] <Embodiment 8>

[0613] Next, Embodiment 8 will be described. The drive transmission member of the present embodiment is configured to be tiltable (capable of tilting), as with the drive transmission portion 81 shown in the modification example of Embodiment 1.

[0614] The description of the same points as in the above-described embodiments can be omitted. Specifically, among the elements on the cartridge side disclosed in the present embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 2 will be given the same names as in Embodiment 2, and only the parts different from Embodiment 2 can be explained. Figure 76 and Figure 77 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of Embodiment 1. Likewise, in the present embodiment, the cartridge is provided with a coupling member (drive input member) 264 for receiving the driving force from the device main assembly. In the present embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 2, a lever 212 ( Figure 21 ) for moving the coupling member 264 back and forth is provided on the non-driving side of the cartridge. Therefore, the coupling member 64 can be moved back and forth like the coupling member 264 described in Embodiment 2 ( Figure 24 Figs. (a) to (c)).

[0615] As shown in Figure 76 , the drive side bearing member 401 is provided with a control member 402. The drive side bearing member 401 is part of the frame of the cartridge, and is a member for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum on the drive side of the cartridge. The bearing member 401 is also part of the side surface constituting the frame of the cartridge. In other words, the drive side bearing member 401 is part of the end portion of the frame in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0616] The control member 402 is disposed on the same side (driving side) of the cartridge as the coupling member 64 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. The control member 402 is disposed near the end (bearing member 401) of the frame of the cartridge in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

[0617] As shown in Figure 77 , the control member 402 is provided with a restriction portion 402a, a contact portion 402b, and an initial contact portion 402c. The control member 402 is disposed so as to be able to rotate around the axis MX on the driving side bearing member 401, and is fixed by the initial contact portion 402c and the control member contact portion 401a contacting each other. At this time, the position of the control member 402 is referred to as a non-acting position (retreat position). As shown in Figure 76 , the control member 402 is disposed on the outer side of the free end of the coupling member 64 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum (arrow LO side).

[0618] Figure 78 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is installed in the device main assembly. As shown in Figure 78 part (a), the control member 402 is disposed downstream of the line Ml connecting the rotation axis of the drum 62 and the rotation axis of the developing roller 32 in the direction of gravity. Further, the control member 402 has a moment of force acting in the arrow MA direction around the axis MX as a rotation center due to its own weight, and the initial contact portion 402c is in contact with the control member contact portion 401a of the driving side bearing member 401.

[0619] Next, when the process cartridge is inserted as shown in Figure 78 part (b), the contact portion (cartridge side guide portion) 402b of the control member 402 is in contact with the main assembly guide portion 403 provided in the device main assembly A. When the process cartridge is further inserted, the contact portion 402b moves along the main assembly guide portion 403, and the control member 402 rotates around the axis MX in the arrow MB direction. When the process cartridge is further inserted, the restriction portion 402a comes into contact with the side surface 81f of the drive transmission member 81 as shown in Figure 78 part (c). Then, the restriction portion (pushing portion, acting portion) 402a presses and pushes the side surface 81f of the drive transmission member in the direction of the arrow MC.

[0620] Thus, in the drive transmission member 81, a moment of force in the arrow W direction as shown in Figure 15 is generated as in Embodiment 1, so that the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced. At this time, the distance L2 between the drum rotation axis and the restriction portion 402a is larger than Figure 78The distance Ll between the drum rotation axis and the restriction portion 402a in the sub-figure (a) is short. The position of the control member 402 at this time is referred to as an action position (contact position).

[0621] When the control member 402 is in the action position, the restriction portion 402a of the control member 402 is adjacent to the outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral face) of the photosensitive drum 62 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 62. In other words, when the cartridge is viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum 62, the restriction portion 402a of the control member 402 is adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62.

[0622] The restriction portion 402a is a portion of the surface of the control member 402 whose distance to the axis of the photosensitive drum is variable. When the control member 402 is in the action position, the restriction portion 402a faces the side on which the photosensitive drum is provided as the photosensitive member, as viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 which is the photosensitive member.

[0623] Figure 79 is a perspective view of a structure in which the initialization spring 404 is provided on the control member 402 and the drive-side bearing member 401 of Embodiment 8. By providing the initialization spring 404, the initial contact portion 402c of the control member 402 can more reliably contact the control member contact portion 401a of the drive-side bearing member 401. Therefore, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be more stably reduced.

[0624] By reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81, the angle difference between the axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the axis of the coupling member 64 is reduced. That is, the center of the output coupling portion 81a (provided at the free end of the drive transmission member 81) Figure 25 ) approaches the center of the coupling member 264, and therefore, the output coupling portion 81a becomes able to engage with the coupling member 264.

[0625] As described above, the coupling member 264 can move back and forth similarly to the coupling member 264 shown in Embodiment 2. Therefore, similarly to Figure 24 the coupling member 264 shown in the sub-figures (a) to (c), in the present embodiment, the coupling member 264 can also engage with the drive transmission member 81 by approaching the drive transmission member 81 (sub-figure (c) of Figure 24 ).

[0626] The control member 402 is an alignment assisting member (assisting member, alignment member, movable member) for assisting the alignment of the drive transmission member 81 with respect to the coupling member 264. The restriction portion 402a is an action portion (contact portion) which contacts and acts on the drive transmission member 81. The restriction portion 402a is a pushing portion which pushes the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81.

[0627] refer to Figure 78 This will describe the movement trajectory of the control unit 402. The control unit 402 is capable of moving between two positions. Figure 78 The position of the control component 402 shown by the solid line in sub-graph (d) is its position acting on the drive transmission component 81 (the aforementioned position of action: Figure 78 (See Figure (c)). The limiting portion 402a of the control member 402 is located near the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62, which is a photosensitive member, on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum. On the other hand, by Figure 78 The position of control component 402, indicated by the dashed line in sub-diagram (d), is a position retracted from the operating position (as mentioned above for the non-operating position and the retracted position). Figure 78 (See Figure (a)). When the control component 402 is in the non-operating position, the control component 402 is further away from the center (axis) of the photosensitive drum 462, which is a photosensitive component, than when it is in the operating position.

[0628] The operating position of control component 402 ( Figure 78 The sub-graph (c) and the non-active location ( Figure 78 One of the sub-figures (a) can be referred to as the first position of the control component, and the other as the second position of the control component. The active position of the control component 402 is the position in which it acts on the drive transmission component 81 (more specifically, the position in which it pushes the drive transmission component 81 to reduce the tilt of the drive transmission component 81). The inactive position is the position away from the active position.

[0629] Regardless of the position of the control component 402, the control component 402 is located axially outward relative to the free end of the connecting component 264 in the retracted position. Figure 76 (The direction of arrow LO in the text). Although in the embodiment described herein, tension spring 404 ( Figure 79 The spring (elastic member) shown is used to hold the control member 402 in its initial position (non-active position, retracted position), but any structure can be used as long as it can be initialized. For example, in addition to a tension spring, a compression spring, a torsion coil spring, etc., can be provided as the spring (elastic member). That is, when the box is installed, the control member 402 is set to the predetermined initial position (non-active position, retracted position) by pushing the control member 402 in the direction of arrow MA by the elastic member (pushing member). Figure 78 (See Figure (a)). As an alternative approach, a structure can be considered in which a counterweight is mounted to the free end of the control component, and when the box is installed, the weight of the counterweight holds the control component in its initial position. This method is not limited.

[0630] Further, in order to avoid interfering with an image forming process performed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 62, the control member 402 is arranged not to cover the surface of the photosensitive drum 62 and not to contact the surface thereof. At least when the control member 402 is in the active position (Fig. 8 Figure 78 , sub (c) of Fig. 8), the surface of the photosensitive drum 62 is not covered or contacted by the control member 402.

[0631] <Embodiment 8>

[0632] Next, a modification of the present embodiment (Modification 1 of Embodiment 8) will be described, in which the above-described structure is partially modified. In Modification 1, the drive transmission portion 81 is also configured to be tiltable (capable of tilting) similarly to the above-described structure.

[0633] Figure 80 is a sectional view of the process cartridge of this modification.

[0634] As shown in Figure 80 , the control member 412 is provided between the cleaning frame 71 and the drum bearing 73 so as to be slidable in the directions MD and ME.

[0635] The control member 412 is disposed on the downstream side in the direction of gravity with respect to a line M1 connecting the rotational axis of the drum 62 and the rotational axis of the developing roller 32.

[0636] The control member 412 is provided with a restriction portion (active portion, urging portion) 412a, a contact portion 412b, and an initial contact portion 412c. The control member 412 is urged in the direction of the arrow ME by its own weight, and is fixed by the contact of the initial contact portion 412c with the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73. This is a state in which the control member 412 is in the inactive position (retreating position).

[0637] Figure 81 is a sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted to the device main assembly. As shown in Figure 81 , sub (a) of Fig. 10, the initial contact portion 412c of the control member 412 is in contact with the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73 by its own weight.

[0638] The control member 412 is disposed on the downstream side in the direction of gravity with respect to a line M1 connecting the rotational axis of the drum 62 and the rotational axis of the developing roller 32.

[0639] When the process cartridge is inserted, the contact portion 412b is in contact with the main assembly guide portion 413, as shown in Figure 81 , sub (b) of Fig. 10.

[0640] When the process cartridge is further inserted, the control member 412 receives a reaction force from the main assembly guide portion 413 and moves in the direction of the arrow MD, as shown in Figure 81shown in Fig. 10B. By this operation, the restriction portion 412a comes into contact with the side surface 81g of the coupling portion of the drive transmission member 81. When the process cartridge is further inserted, the restriction portion 412a presses the coupling portion side surface 81g in the direction of the arrow MD. Thereby, in the drive transmission member 81, a moment in the direction of the arrow W as shown in Fig. 10B is generated, so that the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced. This is a state in which the control member 412 is located at the active position. At this time, the distance L4 between the drum rotation axis and the restriction portion 412a is shorter than the distance L3 in Fig. 10A. Figure 15 Figure 81 Figure 82 is a sectional view of a structure in which the initialization spring 414 is provided between the control member 412 and the cleaning frame 71. By providing the initialization spring 414, the control member 412 is pushed in the ME direction by the initialization spring 414. Thereby, the initial contact portion 412c of the control member 412 can more reliably come into contact with the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73.

[0641] In Embodiment 7, the alignment member 301 is provided at the end portion of the photosensitive drum 62. That is, the alignment member 301 is disposed in the vicinity of the pin (drive input member) 301 of the coupling member. Figure 62 On the other hand, the control member 412 of this embodiment is not provided in the vicinity of the coupling member 264 but in the frame of the cartridge. Even if the control member (centering assisting member, movable member, alignment member) 412 is provided away from the coupling member 264 in this way, it can move toward the drive transmission member 81, and the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced by pushing the drive transmission member 81. Thereby, the control member 412 can engage and connect the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 264.

[0642] <Variant 2 of Embodiment 8>

[0643] Next, another variant (Variant 2) which partially modifies the structure of the present embodiment (Embodiment 8) will be described. Also in this variant, the drive transmission portion 81 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable).

[0644] Figure 83 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of this variant. Further, Figure 84 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 13B when the process cartridge is mounted to the device main assembly. Figure 83 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 13B when the process cartridge is mounted to the device main assembly. Figure 87 is a longitudinal sectional view of the structure of Fig. 13A. Figure 83

[0645] ​​​like Figure 87 As shown, the control unit 422 is positioned on the downstream side of the gravity direction relative to the rotation axis of the connecting drum 62 and the rotation axis of the developing roller 32.

[0646] like Figure 84 As shown in Figure (a), the cleaning frame 71 is provided with an initial limiting portion 711, a post-insertion limiting portion 771m, and a frame side push pressure receiving portion 71n. The control member 422 is rotatably supported on the cleaning frame 71 about axis MY. Furthermore, the control member 422 is provided with a limiting portion (acting portion, pushing portion) 422a, a contact portion 422b, an initial contact portion 422c, a post-insertion contact portion 422d, and a control member side push pressure receiving portion 422e. A tension spring 424, serving as a pushing member, is provided on the control member side push pressure receiving portion 422e and the frame side push pressure receiving portion 71n.

[0647] Before being inserted into the main assembly of the device, a force in the direction of arrow MF acts from the tension spring 424 on the control member 422. This results in a torque in the direction of MG acting on the control member 422, causing it to rotate about axis MY and come to rest by abutting against each other through the initial contact portion 422c and the initial limiting portion 71l of the cleaning frame 71. This is the state where the control member 422 is in the non-operating position (retracted position).

[0648] Next, when the processing box is inserted, the contact portion (box-side guide portion) 422b of the control component 422 contacts the main component frame (main component-side guide portion) 423, as... Figure 84 As shown in Figure (b), the control component 422 rotates about the rotation axis MY in the direction of arrow MH due to the reaction force received from the main component guide portion 423 via the contact portion 422b. When the processing box... Figure 84 When further inserted as shown in sub-graph (c), the control member 422 rotates in the MH direction by the force received from the tension spring 424 in the direction of arrow MF, contacts the side surface 81f of the drive transmission member 81, and pushes the drive transmission member 81 in the direction of arrow MI. Thus, as in Embodiment 1, a force is generated in the drive transmission member 81 such as... Figure 15 The torque shown in the direction of arrow W reduces the tilt angle of the drive transmission component 81. At this time, the control component 422 (control unit) is in the active position.

[0649] At this time, as Figure 87 As shown, Figure 87 The distance L6 between the drum rotation axis and the limiting part 422a in sub-figure (c) is... Figure 87 In diagram (a), the distance L5 between the drum's rotation axis and the limiting part 422a is short. For example...Figure 87 As shown in Figure (c), the limiting portion 422a is located near the outer peripheral surface of the drum in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum. When the control component 422 is in the active position ( Figure 84 The subplot (c) and Figure 87 In the diagram (c), at least a portion of the control component (i.e., the contact portion 422b) is located outside the free end of the connecting component 264 in the axial direction (LO direction).

[0650] The control component 402 described in Embodiment 8 and the first variant of Embodiment 8 ( Figure 77 ) and control unit 412 ( Figure 80 The control unit 402 moves along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum (see Figure (a)), but it cannot move along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. That is, the control unit 402 revolves around a axial portion MX parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum, which is the photosensitive component (see Figure (a)). Figure 77 The control component 412 rotates and slides linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum, which serves as the photosensitive component. Figure 80 (a) of the subplot.

[0651] On the other hand, in the second variant, when the control unit 442 is in the non-operating position ( Figure 84 The sub-image (a) is moved to the active position ( Figure 84 In the sub-figure (c), the limiting part (acting part, pushing part) 422a of the control unit 442 is displaced in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. That is, when the control unit 442 moves to the acting position, the limiting unit 422a is displaced outward in the axial direction, i.e., in Figure 84 Move to the left in subplot (c).

[0652] <Variation 3 of Example 8>

[0653] Furthermore, another variation (Variation 3) according to this embodiment will be described. Similarly, in this variation, the drive transmission portion 81 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable) as in the structure described above.

[0654] like Figure 85 As shown, the control component 432 is equipped with a compression spring 435 as a pressing unit.

[0655] Figure 86 This is a cross-sectional view when the processing box is installed into the main body of the device. For example... Figure 86 As shown in Figure (a), the drum bearing 73 has a contact portion 73g. When the processing box is inserted into the main assembly of the device, the compression spring 435 contacts the guide portion 433 of the main assembly, as shown in Figure (a). Figure 86and the compression spring 435 pushes the control member 432 in the arrow MJ direction. Thereby, the contact portion 432b of the control member 432 contacts the side surface 81f of the drive transmission member 81, and presses the drive transmission member 81 in the arrow MJ direction. Thereby, as in Embodiment 1, the drive transmission member 81 generates a moment in the direction of the arrow W shown in FIG. 12, and the drive transmission member 81 comes into contact with the restriction portion 73g provided on the drum bearing 73, so that the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced. Figure 15

[0656] When the installation of the process cartridge on the device main assembly is completed and the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are engaged, the rotational axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotational axis of the coupling member 64 are aligned. At this time, the drive transmission member 81 moves in the direction of the arrow MK, as shown in the sub-figure (c) of FIG. 11. Figure 86

[0657] In addition, although the mechanism of Embodiment 1 or the mechanism disclosed in Embodiment 2 is used as the mechanism for the protrusion and retreat of the coupling member in Embodiments 3 to 8, the method of the protrusion and retreat is not limited to this method, and other methods can be used.

[0658] <Embodiment 9>

[0659] Next, Embodiment 9 will be described. The description of the same points as in the above-described embodiments can be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 8 will be given the same names as in Embodiment 8, and only the different points from Embodiment 8 can be described.

[0660] In the following embodiments, as in the case of Embodiment 8, the drive transmission portion 1081 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable) Figure 92 , and in addition, the control member (centering auxiliary member, movable member, pushing member, alignment member) 1001 Figure 88 is provided in the cartridge.

[0661] In each of the above-described embodiments including Embodiment 8, the drive force is transmitted to the developing roller 32 Figure 27 ) through the developing roller gear 36 engaged with the gear portion 75a provided on the drive-side flange member 75. That is, the drive force input to the coupling member (drive input member) of the cartridge from the device main assembly is branched within the cartridge, and is transmitted not only to the photosensitive drum but also to the developing roller 32. However, the cartridge and the image forming device main assembly do not necessarily have such a structure. That is, a structure in which the developing roller 32 receives the drive force directly from the image forming device main assembly independently of the photosensitive drum 62 can also be conceived.

[0662] ​​As an example, this embodiment has a structure in which the developing roller gear 36 is exposed outside the cartridge to directly engage with the drive transmission member 1081 of the main assembly A of the device and directly receive the driving force from the drive transmission member 1081.

[0663] Furthermore, although in the above-described embodiments, including embodiment 8, the connecting member 64 is configured to extend and retract relative to the drum 62 in the longitudinal direction ( Figure 6 and 8 However, this is not necessarily necessary. The connecting component can be fixed to the end of the photosensitive drum. Therefore, in this embodiment, a connecting component fixed to the photosensitive drum is introduced.

[0664] Furthermore, in embodiment 8, the drive transmission component 81 moves along its own weight. Figure 15 The arrow V shown is tilted in direction, but this is not necessarily required. As described in Embodiment 3, the drive transmission component can be tilted by forces other than gravity, and the drive transmission component can be tilted in a direction different from the direction of gravity. Therefore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 92 As shown, the drive transmission component 1081 is tilted in the direction of arrow VV by the elastic force F22. This reduces the resistance when installing the processing box B to and removing the processing box B from the main assembly A of the device (details will be described below).

[0665] (Structure of connecting and control components)

[0666] First refer to Figure 88 to 91 and Figure 98 The structure of the connecting component 1064 and the control component 1001 will be described.

[0667] Figure 88 The sub-image (a) is a perspective view of box B according to this embodiment. Figure 88 Layout (b) is an exploded perspective view of box B according to this embodiment. Figure 89 Figure (a) is a side view of box B according to this embodiment. Figure 89 The subplot (b) is along Figure 89 The cross-sectional view taken by line XX-XX at the drive side end of box B in Figure (a).

[0668] like Figure 88 As shown in Figures (a) and (b), the control unit 1001 (which is used to control the drive transmission unit 1081) Figure 92 The component that controls the orientation of the photosensitive drum 62 is arranged near the end of the frame of the box. The control component 1001 is a movable component that can move relative to the photosensitive drum 62.

[0669] The control member 1001 is provided with a hole 1001c. The hole 1001c is supported by a support boss 1071a provided on the cleaning frame 1071. In addition, a drum bearing 1073 is fixed integrally to the cleaning frame 1071. The drum bearing 1073 and the cleaning frame 1071 form a part of the frame of the cartridge. In particular, the drum bearing 1073 and the cleaning frame 1071 are the frame that forms the cleaning unit 60 (see Figure 4 ). The control member 1001 is rotatably mounted to the drum bearing 1073 about the axis AA of the support boss 1071a.

[0670] A push spring 1002, which is a torsion coil spring, is mounted to the support boss 1071a, and one end 1002a of the push spring 1002 is in contact with a pressed portion 1001d of the control member 1001. The other end 1002b of the push spring 1002 is in contact with a contacted portion 1073c of the drum bearing 1073. Thus, the control member 1001 is pushed by a pushing force FF1 of the push spring 1002 in the direction of the arrow BB.

[0671] On the other hand, the drum bearing 1073 is provided with a control member contact portion (stopping portion) 1073a that defines the range of rotation of the control member 1001. The control member 1001 is pushed by the push spring 1002 in the direction of the arrow BB, and thus the contacted portion 1001b of the control member 1001 is in a posture in which it contacts the control member contact portion 1073a. That is, the movement of the control member 1001 is stopped by the control member contact portion 1073a contacting the control member 1001.

[0672] Further, as shown in Figure 89 part (a), the control member 1001 is provided with a restriction portion (pushing portion, acting portion) 1001a that is disposed adjacent to the surface 62a of the drum 62, that is, at a distance DA from the surface 62a of the drum 62 as viewed in the direction of the arrow HH that is parallel to the axis of the drum 62 (part (a) of Figure 88 ). The position of the control member 1001 in this state is referred to as the acting position of the control member.

[0673] Further, as shown in Figure 89 part (b), the control member 1001 is provided with the restriction portion 1001a at a position at a distance DB from the outer side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the driven transmission portion 1064a of the coupling member 1064.

[0674] In addition, as shown in Figure 98 part (a) and Figure 98As shown in Figure (b), when an external force is applied to the limiting portion 1001a of the control member 1001, the control member 1001 can rotate about axis AA in the BB2 direction. At this time, the control member 1001 rotates in the BB2 direction against the pushing force of the push spring 1002. In this state, the contacted portion 1001b of the control member 1001 does not contact the contact portion 1073a of the control member. The control member 1001 can rotate a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow BB2.

[0675] As described above, in embodiment 8, the connecting member 64 is mounted to the drum 62 via the drive-side flange member 75, thereby enabling it to move back and forth in the longitudinal direction (see [link]). Figure 6 and Figure 8 On the other hand, in this embodiment, such as Figure 89 As shown in Figure (b), the connecting member 1064 is integrally fixed to the drum 62. Therefore, the connecting member 1064 does not include a mechanism for reciprocating relative to the drum 62 in the longitudinal direction. In Embodiment 1, the connecting member 64 transmits drive to the developing roller gear 36 via the gear portion 75a of the drive side flange member 75. Figure 27 On the other hand, in this embodiment, the connecting member 1064 does not have a gear portion and does not transmit drive to the developing roller gear 36. Furthermore, the tooth surface 36a of the developing roller gear 36 is located outward in the longitudinal direction relative to the connecting member 1064, and the tooth surface 36a is exposed to the outer surface of the cartridge B, such as... Figure 88 As shown.

[0676] On the other hand, such as Figure 90 As shown, the drive transmission component 1081 of the main component A of the device has a drive transmission part (output connection part) 1081a and a gear part (output gear part) 1081b. Figure 91 The diagram illustrates the engagement state of the coupling member 1064 and the drive transmission member 1081 according to this em...

Claims

1. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: (i) a photosensitive drum; and (ii) a coupling member provided on an end portion of the photosensitive drum, the coupling member including (ii-i) a plurality of input portions for receiving a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum and (ii-ii) a support portion supporting the input portions, wherein the coupling member is movable between (a) an extended position, in which the coupling member is extended to an outside of the photosensitive drum, and (b) a retracted position, in which the coupling member is retracted to an inside of the photosensitive drum, by movement of the support portion relative to the photosensitive drum, wherein the input portions are independently movable relative to the support portion, and one input portion is movable relative to another input portion.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising an operation member configured to be operated to move the coupling member between the extended position and the retracted position.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the operation member extends away from the photosensitive drum as viewed along an axis of the photosensitive drum, and one end portion of the operation member protrudes from a frame of the cartridge.

4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the driving force received by the input portions is transmitted to the photosensitive drum through the support portion.

5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion is movable along an axis of the photosensitive drum.

6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input portions are arranged to define a shape of a triangle as viewed along an axis of the photosensitive drum.

7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coupling member is provided with a plurality of push portions that push the respective input portions.

8. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of input portions includes at least six input portions.

9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion includes a plurality of holes into which the plurality of input portions are respectively inserted.

10. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input portions are independently movable relative to the support portion in an axial direction of the coupling member.

11. An image forming apparatus including a main assembly and the cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the main assembly including a driving transmission member for transmitting a driving force to the cartridge. ​

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