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 invention patent application with the invention name “Box and Image Forming Device”, the international application date is December 12, 2018, the international application number is PCT / JP2018 / 046670, and the national application number is 201880079414.4. Technical Field

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

[0003] The cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main assembly (main assembly of an image forming apparatus) of an image forming apparatus (electrophotographic image forming apparatus).

[0004] In addition, image forming apparatuses use an electrophotographic image forming process to form images on recording materials, such as electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (such as LED printers and laser beam printers), fax machines, and word processors. Background Art

[0005] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to simply as an "image forming apparatus"), a photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive drum), which is typically a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member and serves as an image bearing member, is uniformly charged. The charged photosensitive drum is then selectively exposed to light to form an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) on the drum. The electrostatic latent image formed on the drum is then developed into a toner image using toner as a developer. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is then transferred to a recording material, such as a recording sheet or plastic sheet. Heat or pressure is applied to the toner image carried on the recording material to form the toner image on the recording material, thereby performing an image recording operation.

[0006] Such image forming apparatuses generally require toner replenishment and maintenance of their various processing devices. To facilitate toner replenishment and maintenance, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, and the like are collectively constructed into a cartridge that can be detachably mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and such cartridges have been put into practical use.

[0007] This cartridge system allows users to perform partial maintenance on the device without relying on after-sales service personnel. This significantly improves the device's operability and provides an image forming device with excellent usability. Consequently, this cartridge system is widely used in image forming devices.

[0008] An example of the cartridge is a process cartridge, which 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 which is detachably mountable to an apparatus main assembly of an image forming apparatus.

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

[0010] Issues to be resolved

[0011] The object of the present invention is to further develop the above-mentioned prior art.

[0012] Means used to solve the problem

[0013] A typical structure according to the present application is a box that can be detachably mounted to a main component of an image forming device, the main component including a tiltable drive transmission component for transmitting driving force in the box, the box including: a photosensitive drum; and a movable component that can move relative to the photosensitive drum to control the inclination angle of the drive transmission component, the movable component being able to move between (a) a first position for reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission component relative to the photosensitive drum and (b) a second position retreating from the first position.

[0014] [Effects of the present invention]

[0015] Enables further development of conventional technologies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

[0019] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the apparatus main assembly and process cartridges with the access door opened.

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

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

[0022] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of a cleaning unit including an operating unit.

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

[0024] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of a cleaning unit including an operating unit.

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

[0026] Figure 11 It is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state in which 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 a process in which the cartridge pressing member contacts the lever member.

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

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

[0030] Figure 15 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmitting member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the apparatus main assembly A, with the oblique view.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a partial enlarged view of the chamfered portion of the connecting component.

[0032] Figure 17 1 is a perspective view showing a chamfered portion 64 e provided on an end surface of the driven transmission portion 64 a of the coupling member 64 .

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

[0034] Figure 19 2 are views illustrating an assembling method of the drum unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG.

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

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

[0037] Figure 22 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2, for explaining a process in which the cartridge pressing member and the lever member come into contact.

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

[0039] Figure 24 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmitting member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the apparatus main assembly A according to Embodiment 2.

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

[0041] Figure 26 It is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the connection component and the driving side flange component.

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

[0043] Figure 28 It is a schematic diagram of the side surface of the box and the contact parts of the main assembly of the device.

[0044] Figure 29 A schematic diagram for explaining the electrical grounding of the photosensitive drum.

[0045] Figure 30 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drum unit of Example 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] Figure 40 Exploded views of the outer and inner cylindrical cams.

[0056] Figure 41 An exploded view of the outboard cylindrical cam and drum bearing.

[0057] Figure 42 An exploded view of the inboard cylindrical cam and drum bearing.

[0058] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the connection unit.

[0059] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of the connection unit.

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

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

[0062] Figure 47 is a perspective view of a 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 It is a cross-sectional view of the coupling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0080] Figure 65 This is a diagram showing how to assemble the drum unit.

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

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

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

[0084] Figure 69 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the main assembly of the device and the box.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0093] Figure 78 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge.

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

[0095] Figure 80 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge.

[0096] Figure 81 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge.

[0097] Figure 82 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge.

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

[0099] Figure 84 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge.

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

[0101] Figure 86 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge.

[0102] Figure 87 It is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge.

[0103] exist Figure 88 , component (a) is a perspective view of the box, and component (b) is an exploded perspective view of the box.

[0104] exist Figure 89 , sub-figure (a) is a side view of the box, and sub-figure (b) is a cross-sectional view of the box.

[0105] Figure 90 It is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission components.

[0106] Figure 91 It is a schematic diagram of the box and drive transmission components.

[0107] Figure 92 It is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission components.

[0108] exist Figure 93 In the figure, sub-figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and sub-figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the box and the drive transmission component.

[0109] exist Figure 94 In the figure, sub-figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and sub-figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the box and the drive transmission component.

[0110] exist Figure 95 In the figure, sub-figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and sub-figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the box and the drive transmission component.

[0111] exist Figure 96 In the figure, sub-figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and sub-figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the box and the drive transmission component.

[0112] exist Figure 97 In the figure, sub-figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and sub-figure (b) is a schematic diagram of the box and the drive transmission component.

[0113] exist Figure 98 In the figure, sub-figure (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive transmission component, and sub-figure (b) is a side view of the box.

[0114] exist Figure 99 , sub-figure (a) is a perspective view of the box, and sub-figure (b) is a side view of the box.

[0115] exist Figure 100 , sub-figure (a) is a perspective view of the box, and sub-figure (b) is a perspective view of the box.

[0116] exist Figure 101 , sub-figures (a) and (b) show the control components.

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

[0118] exist Figure 103 In FIG, component (a) is a cross-sectional view of the box, which shows the positional relationship of the control components, and component (b) is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the control components.

[0119] exist Figure 104 , component (a) is a side view of the box, and component (b) is a view showing the box and the drive transmission component viewed from the front.

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

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

[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 rotational axis direction of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (photosensitive member, photosensitive drum) is referred to as the longitudinal direction. The rotational axis direction (axial direction) is parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum (rotational axis). The photosensitive drum axis is an imaginary straight line extending along the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum, serving as the photosensitive member, rotates about its rotational axis.

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

[0144] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the overall structure and image formation process will be described.

[0145] Figure 2 It is a sectional view of an apparatus 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 cartridge B) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

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

[0147] Here, the apparatus main assembly A is a portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus excluding the cartridge B. The cartridge B is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main assembly A.

[0148] <Overall Structure of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus>

[0149] Figure 2 The illustrated electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) is a laser beam printer using electrophotographic technology, in which a cartridge B is detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly A. When the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, an exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) is arranged for forming a latent image on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62, which serves as an image bearing member, of the cartridge B. Furthermore, below the cartridge B, a sheet tray 4 is arranged for accommodating a recording material (hereinafter referred to as a sheet PA) that is the subject of image formation. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 62 is a photosensitive member (electrophotographic photosensitive member) used for electrophotographic image formation.

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

[0151] <Image Formation Process>

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

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

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

[0155] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown, in the developing unit 20 as the developing device, the toner T in the toner chamber 29 is stirred and fed by the rotation of the feeding member (stirring member) 43 , and is fed to 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 member that carries the 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 development method is used, whereby the latent image is developed by providing a small gap between the developing roller 32 and the drum 62. A contact development system can also be employed in which the latent image is developed when the developing roller 32 is in contact with the drum 62.

[0157] The toner T is frictionally charged by the developing blade 42 , and the layer thickness on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 32 as a developer carrying member is regulated.

[0158] Toner T is supplied to the drum 62 in response to the electrostatic latent image to develop the latent image. This allows the latent image to be visualized as a toner image. The drum 62 is an image-bearing member that carries a 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 members (rotating members) that can rotate while carrying the developer (toner) on the surfaces thereof.

[0160] like Figure 2As shown, the sheet PA stored in the lower portion of the apparatus main assembly A is fed out from the sheet tray 4 by the pickup roller 5a, the feed roller pair 5b, and the feed roller pair 5c in a timed relationship with the output of the emitted laser beam. The sheet PA is then fed to a transfer position between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 by the transfer guide 6. At this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum 62 to the sheet PA.

[0161] The sheet PA onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the drum 62 and fed to the fixing device 9 along the conveying guide 8. The sheet PA then passes through the nip portion between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b (which form the fixing device 9). A pressure / heat fixing process is performed in this nip portion to fix the toner image on the sheet PA. The sheet PA that has 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, Figure 3 As shown, the residual toner on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 after transfer is removed by the cleaning blade 77 and reused in the subsequent image forming process. 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-described structure, the charging roller 66 , the developing roller 32 , the transfer roller 7 , and the cleaning blade 77 are process means (processing members, acting members) acting on the drum 62 .

[0164] <Structure of the entire box>

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

[0166] Description on the actuating unit including the lever member will be omitted here because it will be explained later.

[0167] The cartridge B includes a cleaning unit (photosensitive member holding unit, drum holding unit, image bearing member holding unit, first unit) 60 and a developing unit (developer bearing member holding unit, second unit) 20 .

[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 device acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge, and the cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the main assembly (device main assembly) of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the process device include a charging device, a developing device, and a cleaning device.

[0169] like Figure 3 As shown in Figure 1, cleaning unit 60 comprises drum 62, charging roller 66, cleaning member 77 and the cleaning frame 71 that supports these members.On the driving side of drum 62, the driving side drum flange 63 that is arranged on the driving side is rotatably supported by the hole 73a of drum bearing 73. In a broad sense, drum bearing 73, side member 76 and cleaning frame 71 can be collectively referred to as cleaning frame. Drum bearing 73, side member 76 and cleaning frame 71 are all part of the frame that constitutes box. Drum bearing 73, side member 76 and cleaning frame 71 are the frames that are used to support photosensitive drum 62, and therefore, they can be referred to as drum frame.

[0170] On the non-drive side, such as Figure 5 As shown, the structure is such that a hole (not shown) of the non-driving side drum flange is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 78 press-fitted into a hole 71 c 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 scraper 77a, which is a blade-shaped elastic member made of rubber as an elastic material, and a support member 77b, which supports the rubber scraper. The rubber scraper 77a contacts the drum 62 in the opposite direction relative to the rotation direction of the drum 62. In other words, the rubber scraper 77a contacts the drum 62 so that the surface of the free end faces the upstream side of the rotation direction of the drum 62.

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

[0174] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, a scooping sheet 65 for preventing waste toner from leaking from the cleaning frame 71 is provided at an edge of the cleaning frame 71 so as to contact the drum 62 .

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

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

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

[0178] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing unit 20 includes a developing roller 32, a developing container 23 supporting the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, etc. The developing roller 32 is supported by bearing members 27 ( Figure 5 ) and bearing component 37( Figure 4 ) is rotatably mounted in the developing container 23. The developing container 23, the bearing member 27, and the bearing member 37 are all part of the frame of the cartridge. The developing container 23, the bearing member 27, and the bearing member 37 are the frame constituting the developing unit 20 (the frame supporting the developing roller 32), and therefore, they can be collectively referred to as a developing frame.

[0179] The magnetic roller 34 is provided inside the developing roller 32. In the developing unit 20, a developing blade 42 for regulating the toner layer on the developing roller 32 is provided. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the spacing member 38 is attached to the developing roller 32 at each of the opposite ends of the developing roller 32, and the developing roller 32 maintains a slight gap with the drum 62 by the spacing member 38 and the drum 62 being in contact with each other. Figure 3 As 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. In addition, a feeding member 43 is provided in the toner chamber 29 provided by the developing container 23 and the bottom member 22. The feeding member 43 stirs the toner contained in the toner chamber 29 and conveys the toner to the toner supply chamber 28.

[0180] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cartridge B is composed of a cleaning unit (first unit) 60 and a developing unit (second unit) 20 in combination.

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

[0182] In this embodiment, the non-driving side pressing member 46L ( Figure 4 ) and the non-driving side pressing 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 spacing members 38 attached to opposite ends of the developing roller 32.

[0183] <Advance and Retraction Mechanism for Connecting Components>

[0184] The coupling member 64 and the advancing and retreating 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 the recess (drive transmission portion 81a), and the coupling member 64 receives the driving force. Figure 6 , the driving 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 driving side flange unit 69 according to the present embodiment includes a coupling member 64, a driving side flange member 75, a cover member 58, and a first pressing member 59. The coupling member 64 includes a driven transmission portion (driving force receiving portion) 64a and a driving transmission portion 64b. The driving force is transmitted from the driving transmission member (driving output member) 81 ( Figure 14 and 25 The drive transmission portion 64b is supported by the driving side flange member 75 and transmits the drive to the driving side flange member 75 at the same time.

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

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

[0190] The driving side flange 75 of the driving side flange unit 69 is fixed to the end portion ( Figure 8 ). Thus, the coupling member 64 is driven from the drive transmission member 81 ( Figure 14 and 25 ) receives the driving force (rotational force) and transmits it to the photosensitive drum 62 via the driving side flange 75. That is, the coupling member 64 is connected to the end of the photosensitive drum via the driving side flange member 75, so that 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. 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 operating unit (operating mechanism, advancing and retreating unit, advancing and retreating mechanism) that enables such longitudinal movement of the coupling member 64 will be described.

[0195] Figure 7 1 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of an operating 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 similar to Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing an operating unit according to the present embodiment.

[0198] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the operating unit includes the outer cylindrical cam member 70, the inner cylindrical cam member 74, the lever member 12, the second pressing member (elastic member, pushing member) 14, etc. The operating unit is a control mechanism (control unit) connected to the coupling member 64 and controlling the movement (advance and retreat) of the coupling member 64.

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

[0200] like Figure 7 and 8 As shown, in this 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 rod member 12 is engaged with the rod member engaging portion 70a of the outer cylindrical cam member 70 at the engaged portion 12b provided at one end of the rod member 12. In addition, the rod member 12 is arranged so that the sliding portion 12c at the other end is located between the sliding ribs 71g provided on the cleaning frame 71. That is, the convex engaging portion 70a enters the hole-shaped engaged portion 12b to engage with each other, and the rod member 12 is connected to the outer cylindrical cam member 70.

[0202] After the rod member 12 is arranged, the second pressing member 14 that presses and pushes the rod member 12 is arranged 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 invention is not limited to this example, and as another example, an elastic member (spring) having a different structure, such as a compression coil spring, may also be preferably used.

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

[0204] The operating unit is connected to the coupling member 64 at the inner cylindrical cam 74, and the coupling member 64 can be moved back and forth (moved) by operating the lever member 12. Although the detailed operating principle will be described below, the lever member 12 is connected to the outer cylindrical cam member 70, so when the lever member 12 moves substantially linearly, the outer cylindrical cam 70 rotates. The outer cylindrical cam 70 contacts 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 contacts 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 linked to each other.

[0205] That is, the rod member 12 is functionally (indirectly and operatively) connected to 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 move in conjunction with each other.

[0206] Reference Figure 1 and Figures 10 to 14 Next, the linkage of the advancing and retreating motions of the coupling member 64 and the movement of the lever member 12 will be described. The lever member 12 is configured to move by abutting against and separating from a cartridge pressing member (pressing force applying member) provided in the apparatus main assembly A.

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

[0208] Figure 10 1 and 2. It is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state after the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly is opened and before the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A.

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

[0210] Figure 12FIG (a) is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus. In the state shown in the figure, in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 of the main component A of the apparatus along 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 Component (b) of FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus, in which the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is fully closed.

[0212] Figure 13 : is a perspective view of the lever member 12, the outer cylindrical cam member 70 and the inner cylindrical cam member 74 according to the present embodiment. Here, Figure 13 FIG (a) is a state before the box pressing member 1 contacts the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12 ( Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 Perspective view of component (a) of . Figure 13 FIG (c) is a state in which the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed and a predetermined pressure is applied from the cartridge pressing spring 19 to the contact portion 12a of the rod member 12 ( Figure 12 Perspective view under sub-figure (b)). Figure 13 The sub-graph (b) is in Figure 13 (a) Status and Figure 13 (c) Status Figure 12 Graph (a) and Figure 12 Perspective view of the state between the sub-figure (b)).

[0213] Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 of the apparatus main assembly A according to this embodiment as described above. Figure 13 , Figure 14 FIG (a) is a state before the box pressing member contacts the pressed portion 12a of the rod member 12 ( Figure 10 、 11 and Figure 12 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the component (a)). Figure 14 FIG (c) is a state in which the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed and a predetermined pressure of the cartridge pressing spring 19 is applied to the contact portion 12a of the rod member 12 ( Figure 12 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the component (b)). Figure 14 The sub-graph (b) is in Figure 14 The status of sub-graph (a) and sub-graph (c) ( Figure 12 Figure (a) to Figure 12 The longitudinal cross-section diagram of the state between the sub-graph (b)). Figure 10As shown, after the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is opened by rotating around the rotation center 13X, the process cartridge B is installed to the apparatus main assembly A. The opening and closing door 13 is an opening and closing member for opening and closing the cartridge installation portion (space for installing the cartridge) provided in the apparatus main assembly A. Guide rails (guide members) 15h, 15g for guiding the guided portions 76c, 76g of the process cartridge B are provided in the installation portion, and the cartridge B of the apparatus main assembly A is guided along the guide rails 15h, 15g so that it is inserted into the installation portion (only the drive side is shown). As shown Figure 11 As shown, when the positioned portions 73d and 73f provided on the drum bearing member 73 come into contact with or are inserted into the vicinity of the apparatus main assembly positioning portions 15a and 15b, the mounting of the process cartridge B is completed.

[0214] Two cartridge pressing members 1 are mounted to opposite ends of the opening and closing door 13 in the axial direction ( Figure 11 Each of the two cartridge pressing members 1 is movable relative to the opening and closing door 13 within a predetermined range.

[0215] Two cartridge pressing springs 19 are mounted at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of a front plate 18 provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus. The cleaning frame 71 is provided at opposite longitudinal ends with cartridge pressed portions (portions in the cartridge to be pressed) 71 e, which serve as urging force receiving portions of the cartridge pressing springs 19. As will be described below, by fully closing the opening and closing door 13, a predetermined pressure F2 is applied from the cartridge pressing springs 19 to the cartridge pressed portions 71 e and the lever member pressed portion 12 a.

[0216] Next, the back-and-forth movement of the coupling member 64 will be described. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 FIG (a)), the rod member 12 is pressed by the second pressing member 14 ( Figure 9 ) Along Figure 13 Pushing in the E direction in the sub-figure (a).

[0217] The outer cylindrical cam member 70, which is engaged with the rod member 12 and supported so as to be rotatable about the drum axis, is arranged along the Figure 13 The protruding surface 70 c closest to the non-driving side of the outer cylindrical cam component 70 contacts the innermost protruding surface 74 c of the inner cylindrical cam component 74 .

[0218] like Figure 14As shown in the sub-figure (a) of , the coupling part 64 is pushed toward the driving side by the first pressing part 59, and the coupling contact portion 64c is pressed against the coupling part longitudinal position limiting surface 74d of the inner cylindrical cam part 74. That is, the longitudinal position of the coupling part 64 depends on the longitudinal position (position in the longitudinal direction) of the inner cylindrical cam part 74. The first pressing part 59 is used to operate the coupling part 64 on the driving side, and therefore, the first pressing part 59 can also be regarded as part of the above-mentioned operating unit. In this embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the first pressing part 59, but the coupling part 64 can also be pushed by using an elastic part having another shape.

[0219] When the cartridge B is not mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 is arranged to retract the coupling member 64 into the drum against the elastic force of the first pressing member 59. Figure 10 and 11 In the state shown in which the main assembly door 13 is released, or in the state before the cartridge pressing member 1 abuts against the lever member 12, the coupling member 64 is located at the position closest to the non-driving side. The position in which the coupling member 64 retreats to the non-driving side (i.e., the inside of the cartridge B) is referred to as the first position (retreat position, inside position, disengaged position, released position). Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B , the structure is such that when the coupling member 64 is in the first position, 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. In other words, the process cartridge B can be smoothly mounted to and removed from the apparatus main assembly A without causing interference between the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly.

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

[0221] like Figure 12 As shown in FIG (a), when the installation of the processing box B is completed and the opening and closing door 13 is moved along Figure 12 When the direction H in the sub-diagram (a) is closed, the contact between the cartridge pressing member 1 and the rod member 12 begins, so that the pressure of the cartridge pressing spring 19 begins to act on the rod member 12. Due to this pressure, the rod member 12 begins to move in the direction K in the figure against the pushing force (elastic force) of the second pressing member 14. Figure 13As shown in FIG. 2 (b), when the rod member 12 moves in the K direction, the outer cylindrical cam member 70 engaged with the rod member 12 starts to rotate in the M direction in the figure.

[0222] The inner cylindrical cam component 74 is adjacent to the outer cylindrical cam component 70. The inner cylindrical cam component 74 is configured to be non-rotatable and to be movable only in the axial direction. By the rotation of the outer cylindrical cam component 70 in the M direction, the cylindrical cam portion 70b of the outer cylindrical cam component 70 and the cylindrical cam portion 74b of the inner cylindrical cam component 74 contact each other at their inclined surfaces. Then, the inner cylindrical cam component 74 begins to move toward the driving side (N direction) along the longitudinal direction by the pressing force of the first pressing spring component 59. When the inner cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the N direction, the coupling component 64 pressed by the first pressing spring component 59 is also allowed to move in the longitudinal direction. By this movement of the coupling component 64, the coupling component 64 extends toward the driving side (i.e., the outside of the box B). Then, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling component 64 is in a relationship capable of engaging with the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission component of the main component of the device in the longitudinal direction ( Figure 14 When the door 13 is completely closed ( Figure 12 (b) of the state), 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 Figure 13 (c) of FIG. This structure positions the inner cylindrical cam member 74 and the coupling member 64 closest to the driving side due to the pressing force of the first pressing member 59. In this embodiment, the position in which the coupling member 64 extends toward the driving side is referred to as the second position (extended position, outer position, engaged position, drive transmission position).

[0223] The coupling member 64 located in the second position (extended position) can be regarded as extending toward the outside of the photosensitive drum 62 (the outside of the cartridge).

[0224] On the other hand, the coupling member 64 located in the above-described first position (retracted position) can be regarded as being retracted toward the inside of the photosensitive drum 62 (the inside of the cartridge).

[0225] In this embodiment, the coupling member 64 moves substantially parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member along the axis thereof. However, the structure is not limited to such a structure, and for example, the coupling member 64 can be moved to the first position (retracted position) and the second position (extended position) by moving the coupling member 64 in a direction inclined with respect to the axis thereof.

[0226] like Figure 14As shown in sub-figure (c), this structure ensures the required longitudinal engagement amount when the connecting component 64 is in the second position, so that the driven transmission part 64a of the connecting component 64 and the driving transmission part 81a of the driving transmission component 81 are in stable drive transmission.

[0227] When the coupling member 64 is held in the second position (extended position), the position of the lever member 12 may 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 (operating position or action position) to which the lever member 12 moves when a force is applied to the lever member 12 from outside the cartridge B, and is an action position for acting on the coupling member 64. Furthermore, it is an engagement holding position and an extension holding position for holding the coupling member 64 in the extended state and for maintaining the engagement between the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81.

[0228] In addition, 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 rod member 12 is operated to the second position, the triangular phases of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly of the device and the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 may be misaligned with each other. At this time, in the process of the coupling member 64 moving to the second position on the driving side, the driven transmission portion 64a contacts the end face 81c of the drive transmission member 81 and stops there. In other words, the driven transmission portion 64a cannot engage with the drive transmission portion 81a, and therefore, the drive 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, the drive is input to the main component A of the device, and the drive transmission component 81 rotates so that the phase difference between the drive transmission part 81a and the driven transmission part 64a falls within a specific range. Then, the drive transmission part 81a and the driven transmission part 64a become able to engage with each other. At this time, the elastic deformation of the first pressing component 59 that has been compressed is partially released, so that the connecting component 64 can move to the second position. As described above, when the drive transmission component 81 and the connecting component 64 interfere with each other, the first pressing component 59 is compressed so that the influence of the interference is applied to the drive transmission component 81 and the connecting component 64. The first pressing component 59 is also a buffer component (buffer member, damper) for suppressing the influence of interference. When the processing box is pulled out to the outside by opening the main component door 13, the main component pressing component 1 is separated from the rod component 12 during the opening process of the opening and closing door 13. Thereafter, the rod component 12 is pressed by the second pressing component 14 ( Figure 9 ) push pressure from Figure 13, the rod member 12 is moved to the first position (the retreat position) by the shape of the outer cylindrical cam portion and the inner cylindrical cam portion. When the rod member 12 is moved in the first position, the rod member 12 is moved to the first position (the retreat position). When the rod member 12 is in 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 box (normal position, non-action position). In addition, the first position of the rod member 12 is a retreat holding position and a retreat position for maintaining and allowing the retreat state of the coupling member 64, and an installation allowing position and a removal allowing position in which the box B can be installed to the main component A of the device and can be disassembled from the main component A of the device.

[0230] Figure 13 Graph (a) and Figure 14 FIG. 1 (a) shows a state in which the rod component 12 and the coupling component 64 are respectively in the first position. Figure 13 's sub-graph (c) and Figure 14 FIG (c) shows a state where the rod component 12 and the coupling component 64 are respectively in the second position. Figure 13 's sub-graph (b) and Figure 14 FIG. 2 (b) shows the positions (intermediate positions) of the rod member 12 and the coupling member 64 during the process of moving from the first position to the second position.

[0231] The process cartridge B can be taken out of the apparatus main assembly A by moving the coupling member 64 to the first position (retracted position).

[0232] As described above, the lever member 12 is an operating member (moving member) that is operated and moved by a force from outside the cartridge (i.e., the apparatus main assembly A). The movement of the lever member 12 is then transmitted to the coupling member 64 via the two cam members 70 and 74, whereby the coupling member 64 moves between a first position (retracted position) and a second position (extended position). In other words, the lever member 12 is operated to move the coupling member 64.

[0233] The two cam members (outer cylindrical cam member 70 and inner cylindrical cam member 74) provided in the actuating unit constitute a cam mechanism for interlocking the lever member 12 with the coupling member 64. The lever member 12 is configured to move in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). This movement in the intersecting 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 box pressing member 1 presses the rod member 12, pressure is applied toward the downstream side (the side indicated by the arrow K) in the moving direction of the rod member 12. 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 utilizing the pressing force of the box pressing member 1 (the 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 component contact points of the device main component. Thus, the contact state between the contact members (82, 83) on the box side contact member and the main component contact member can be stabilized.

[0241] Furthermore, the positioned portions 73d and 73f of the cartridge B can be reliably pressed against the positioning portions 15a and 15b ( Figure 12 ). That is, normally, when contacting the corresponding main component contact part on the main component side, each of the charging roller contact part 82 and the developing roller contact part 83 receives a contact pressure (contact point pressure) in a direction perpendicular to the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a, respectively, from the main component. Figure 28 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the charging contact surface 82 a receives a force in the direction of arrow J2, while the developing contact surface 83 a receives a force in the direction of arrow I2. However, when the pressing force applied to the cartridge B by the cartridge pressing member 1 via the lever member 12 acts in the direction of arrow K, it acts to counteract these contact pressures. Therefore, even if the charging contact surface 82 a and the developing contact surface 83 a receive contact pressure (contact pressure), the posture of the cartridge B can be prevented from becoming unstable due to the contact pressure.

[0242] By the force of the cartridge pressing member 1, the positioned portions 73d and 73f of the cartridge B can be pressed more reliably against the positioning portions 15a and 15b of the apparatus main assembly, and the cartridge can be mounted and positioned in a stable posture in the apparatus main assembly A. As described above, the positioning accuracy of the cartridge in the apparatus main assembly is improved, and therefore, the coupling member 64 and the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly 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 rod member 12, the direction faced by the electrical contact does not need to be parallel to the arrow K. If the direction faced by the electrical contact is less than 90 degrees relative to the arrow K (i.e., the angle is 0 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees), the electrical contact is in the moving direction of the rod member 12 and can be regarded as facing the downstream side.

[0244] That is to say, in Figure 28In 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 Figure 28As shown, when the lever member 12 is in the first position, the line segment L1 connecting both ends of the lever member 12 and the line segment L2 connecting the charging contact surface 82a and the developing contact surface 83a intersect 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 electrical contacts 82 and 83 in a well-balanced manner. That is, during the installation of the cartridge B, when the force received by each of the electrical 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 is stabilized by these forces. Even if the lever member 12 is subjected to pressure, the posture of the cartridge B is not easily changed.

[0252] As a result, the positioned portions 73d and 73f of the cartridge B are firmly pressed against the positioning portions 15a and 15b ( Figure 12 That is, the coupling member 64 and the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly can be stably engaged with each other.

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

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

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

[0256] The contact members (electrical contacts) may be referred to as first contact members (first electrical contacts), second contact members (second electrical contacts), etc., 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 acting on the photosensitive member, and is used to apply voltage from the device main component A to each of these processing members 67 and 30. However, the electrical contacts (contact members) are not limited to those used to apply voltage to such processing members. For example, in the case where a memory chip storing information about box B is provided in box B, an electrical contact (contact member) electrically connected to the memory is provided in box B. The electrical contact is used to enable the device main component A to read information from the memory or write new information to the memory by contacting the electrical contact of the device main component A. The present embodiment can be preferably applied to such electrical contacts for information communication.

[0257] As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaning frame 73 is provided with a pressed portion 71e, which is pressed by the cartridge pressing member 1 in the main assembly of the apparatus. 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 via the lever member 12 and the pressed portion 71e. However, the pressing member 1 does not necessarily have to contact the cleaning frame 73, and the pressing member 1 may only contact the abutted portion 12a of the lever member, thereby applying a pressing force to the cartridge B via the lever member 12 alone.

[0258] <Modifications>

[0259] In addition, in the above description ( Figure 14 ), it is assumed that before the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are engaged ( Figure 14 ), the rotation axes L2 and L1 are coaxial, but the structure is not limited to this. Before the drive transmission component 81 and the coupling component 64 are engaged with each other, the rotation axis of the drive transmission component 81 can be tilted relative to the rotation axis of the coupling component 64. However, since the coupling component 64 is configured to be able to move back and forth, the drive transmission component 81 and the coupling component 64 can be engaged even in such a case. Hereinafter, a modified example in which the drive transmission part 81 of Example 1 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable) will be described.

[0260] Reference Figure 15 , a description will be given of how the coupling member 64 and the drive transmitting member 81 engage with each other in the case where the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmitting member 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the coupling member 64 are not coaxial before the coupling member 64 engages.

[0261] here, Figure 15 FIG. 1A is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus in a state where the process cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is closed. Driving force is input to the apparatus main assembly A, the drive transmission member 81 starts to rotate, and the phase of the drive transmission portion 81 a and the phase of the driven transmission portion 64 a of the coupling member 64 fall within a predetermined range. Figure 15 Component (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view just after the above operation. Figure 15 FIG. 8( c ) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the drive transmission portion 81 a of the drive transmission member 81 and the driven transmission portion 64 a of the coupling member 64 are completely engaged. Figure 15 Component figures (a), (b) and (c) show a process in which the coupling member 64 engages with the drive 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 detailed view showing the Figure 15 The enlarged part surrounded by circle J in the sub-graph (a) of Figure 17 1 is a perspective view showing a chamfered portion 64 e provided on an end surface of the driven transmission portion 64 a of the coupling member 64 .

[0263] like Figure 15 As shown in FIG. (a), in this modification, the structure makes the diameter of the supported portion 81b of the drive transmission component 81 and the diameter of the support portion 85a of the drive transmission member support member 85 satisfy .

[0264] Therefore, the drive transmission member 81 can move relative to the support member 85. When the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are engaged with each other, the drive transmission member 81 can move so that its axis is aligned with the axis of the coupling member 64. That is, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the coupling member 64 can be accurately aligned.

[0265] More specifically, if Figure 15 As shown in FIG. (c), the drive transmission component 81 is supported by the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling component 64. , thereby providing a gap between the supported portion 81b of the drive transmission component 81 and the supporting portion 85a of the drive transmission component supporting component 85. The drive transmission component 81 is able to move within the range of this gap. By appropriately setting the size of this gap, when the drive transmission component 81 is engaged with the coupling component 64, the center position of the drive transmission component 81 on the free end side (the core position of the drive transmission component 81 on the free end side) can be aligned with the center position of the coupling component 64. As a result, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission component 81 can be accurately aligned with the rotation axis L1 of the coupling component 64.

[0266] On the other hand, Figure 15 As shown in Figure (a), due to , the drive transmission member 81 is tilted in the direction V in the figure by its own weight before engaging with the coupling member 64. As described above, when the rotatable door 13 of the main assembly A of the apparatus is fully closed, the coupling member 64 should be able to move from the first position to the second position. However, in this modified example, since the drive transmission member 81 is tilted in the direction V in the figure, the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 cannot immediately engage with the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81.

[0267] That is, the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 with respect to the horizontal plane needs to be reduced to such an extent that the drive transmission portion 81 a of the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged with the driven transmission portion 64 a of the coupling member 64 .

[0268] In this modification, the drive transmission member 81 is moved so as to reduce the tilt angle by applying a force from the coupling member 64 to the drive transmission member 81 during the process of moving the coupling member 64 to the second position. Figure 16 and 17 As shown, a chamfered portion (inclined portion, tapered portion) 64e that is inclined relative to the axis of the coupling member 64 is provided on the triangular ridge line of the driving side end of the coupling 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 specific conditions.

[0269] like Figure 16 As shown, the chamfered portion 64e is configured so that when the drive transmission member 81 is inclined 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. Figure 16 In FIG. 8 , the position of the ridge line inside the chamfered portion 64e is represented by L4, and the position of the edge (boundary line) of the recess serving as the drive transmission portion 81a is represented by L5. Figure 16As shown, when the drive transmission member 81 rotates, if a state occurs in which L5 is located radially outside L4, the inclined portion of the chamfered portion 64e contacts the edge (recess) of the drive transmission portion 81a. Figure 16 , an edge (L5) of the drive transmission portion 81a is located radially outward at a distance x relative to a ridge line (L4) on the inner side of the chamfered portion 64e.

[0270] The inclined surface 64e applies a force to the drive transmission member 81 in a direction perpendicular to its surface. 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. Figure 15 As shown in FIG (b), the torque is applied to the drive transmission member 81 in the direction of arrow W with the fixed end of the drive transmission member 81 as a fulcrum. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 swings (pivots) in the direction of arrow W.

[0271] When the drive transmission member 81 is swung in the direction of arrow W, the drive transmission portion 81a and the driven transmission portion 64a become engageable with each other, thereby moving the coupling member 64 toward the second position on the driving side for driving, 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 rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 is precisely aligned with the rotation axis L1 of the coupling member 64.

[0272] As described above, since the chamfered portion 64e is inclined relative to the advance and retreat direction of the coupling member 64, the free end (free end side) of the drive transmission member 81 is linked to rise with the extension action of the coupling member 64. This makes it possible to reduce the angular difference between the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 (the angle formed by their rotation axes) so that the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 can 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 apply a force acting on the drive transmission member 81 in a direction that reduces the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81.

[0273] like Figure 16 As shown, the chamfered portion 64e is an inclined surface (surface portion) provided near the free end of the coupling member 64. The chamfered portion 64e is inclined so that the distance 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 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, the following will be described in detail Figure 16 The chamfered portion 64e shown in FIG. is inclined so as to descend leftward and downward. The left end of the chamfered portion 64e is the free end of the coupling member 64. Furthermore, the axis of the coupling member 64 and the axis of the photosensitive drum are located below the chamfered portion 64e. In other words, the chamfered portion 64e approaches the free end of the coupling member on the left side, and approaches the axis of the coupling member 64 located below.

[0275] The coupling member 64 is a movable member movably provided in the cartridge B to push the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 relative to the coupling member 64. Thus, 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 may 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 therefore, when the coupling member 64 moves to the second position, the coupling member 64 abuts the drive transmission member 81 and stops temporarily. Even in this case, when the drive is subsequently input to the main component of the device, the phase of the driven transmission portion 64a of the coupling member 64 changes relative 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 is able to engage with the drive transmission member 81 ( Figure 15 Component (b)).

[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 tilted in the V direction in the direction of reducing the tilt angle (W direction in the figure). That is, by making the chamfered portion 64e 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 driving side to complete the engagement with the drive transmission member 81 ( Figure 15 Component (c)).

[0278] In the above description, the tilt direction (V direction) of the drive transmission member 81 is the gravity direction, but the tilt direction may be any direction.

[0279] Furthermore, even if the rotational axes of the coupling member 64 and the drive transmission member 81 are parallel and non-coaxial before engagement, the coupling member 64 can engage with the drive transmission member 81. Specifically, when the chamfered portion 64a contacts the drive transmission member 81, the center position of the free end of the drive transmission member 81 moves so as to approach the center position of the free end of the coupling member 64, as described above. Similarly, even if the drive transmission member 81 is tilted, the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 can engage with each other even if the axis of the drive transmission member 81 deviates in any direction.

[0280] In this embodiment, the position of the coupling member 64 that is retracted toward the inside of the photosensitive drum 62 (the retracted position) is referred to as the first position, and the position of the coupling member 64 that is extended toward the outside of the photosensitive drum (the extended position) is referred to as the second position. This is for convenience, and the retracted position may be referred to as the second position, and the extended position may be referred to as the first position. Similarly, in this embodiment, the normal position of the rod member 12 is referred to as the first position, and the active position of the rod member 12 is referred to as the second position. However, the normal position may be referred to as the second position of the rod member 12, and the active position may be referred to as the first position of the rod member. The same applies to the embodiments to be described below.

[0281] <Example 2>

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

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

[0284] First reference 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 a drum unit according to Embodiment 2. Figure 19 2 are views illustrating an assembling method of the drum unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG.

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

[0287] The first pressing member 259 in the form of a compression spring or the like is provided on the first member contact surface 264d ( Figure 24 ) and the first member contact surface 275d ( Figure 24 )between.

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

[0289] Likewise, in this embodiment, the driven transmission portion 264a of the coupling member 264 has a protruding shape having a substantially triangular cross section. Specifically, it has a shape in which the substantially triangular cross section is twisted counterclockwise from the drive side to the non-drive side around the axis of the photosensitive drum.

[0290] Reference Figures 20 to 23 , the operating unit that enables the coupling member 264 to move back and forth in the longitudinal direction will be described.

[0291] Figure 20 is a partial perspective view illustrating the structure of the cleaning unit 260 including the operating unit according to the present embodiment.

[0292] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of this embodiment.

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

[0294] Figure 22 Component (b) of FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus, in which the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is fully closed.

[0295] 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 the present embodiment. Here, Figure 23 FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view of a state before the cartridge pressing member 1 comes into contact with the pressed portion 212a of the lever member 212. FIG. Figure 23 FIG (c) is a state in which the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed and a predetermined pressure of the cartridge pressing spring 19 is applied to the contact portion 212a of the rod member 212 ( Figure 22 Perspective view of component (b)). Figure 23 The sub-graph (b) is in Figure 23 The state of the sub-graph (a) and Figure 23 The state of the sub-graph (c) ( Figure 22 Figure (a) to Figure 22 Perspective view of the state between the sub-figure (b)).

[0296] like Figure 23 As shown, the actuating unit includes an outer cylindrical cam component 270, an inner cylindrical cam component 274, a lever component (operating component) 212, a second pressing component 214 ( Figure 21 ) etc. The outer cylindrical cam member 270 includes a rod member engaging portion 270b etc. which engages the cylindrical cam portion 270a and the rod member 212. The rod member 212 includes: an abutting portion 212a, a cartridge pressing member 1 ( Figure 21 ) abuts against the abutting portion 212a; the engaged portion (to-be-engaged portion) 212b with which the outer cylindrical cam component 270 engages, etc. Figure 20As shown, the outer cylindrical cam member 270 engaged with the lever member 212 is mounted to the cleaning frame 271 from top to bottom in the figure. Specifically, it is supported by the drum shaft 278 so as to be rotatable relative to the cleaning frame 271 together with the drum unit through the supported portion 270c.

[0297] like Figure 21 As 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, it will be described that the coupling member 264 moves back and forth by the movement of the lever member 212 and the movement of the lever member 212 is caused by the cartridge pressing member 1 provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus coming into contact with and separating from the lever member 212.

[0299] First reference 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 is Figure 23 The connecting member 261 is pushed in the s direction shown in the sub-diagram (a) of FIG. 2 , and its end face 261d abuts against the longitudinal control surface 274d of the inner cylindrical cam member 274. This determines the longitudinal position of the connecting member. As will be described below, this structure allows the longitudinal position of the inner cylindrical cam member 274 to be determined by the phase of the cylindrical cam portion of the outer cylindrical cam member 270 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274, as shown in FIG. Figure 23 shown.

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

[0302] Figure 24 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drive transmitting member 81 and the coupling member 264 of the apparatus main assembly A according to the present embodiment. Figure 23 , Figure 24 FIG. 1A is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state before the box pressing member abuts against the pressed portion 212 a of the lever member 212 . Figure 24 FIG (c) is a state in which the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed and a predetermined pressure of the cartridge pressing spring 19 is applied to the contact portion 12a of the rod member 212 ( Figure 22 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of component (b)). Figure 24 The sub-graph (b) is in Figure 24 The state of the sub-graph (a) and Figure 24 The state of the sub-graph (c) ( Figure 22 Graph (a) to Figure 22 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the state between the sub-figure (b)).

[0303] like Figure 23 As shown in FIG (a), before the box pressing member 1 contacts the rod member 212, the rod member 212 is pressed by the second pressing member 214 ( Figure 21 )along Figure 21 and Figure 23 At this time, the cylindrical cam parts of the outer cylindrical cam component 270 and the inner cylindrical cam component 274 are constructed to have Figure 23 The phase shown in the sub-diagram (a) of FIG, therefore, the inner cylindrical cam component 274 is in the position closest to the non-driven side (S in the figure). For this reason, the structure allows the coupling component 264, whose longitudinal position is determined by the connecting component 261 and the buffer component 255, to be located closest to the non-driven side. That is, the operating unit including the connecting component 261 and the like allows the coupling component 264 to retreat to the non-driven side ( Figure 19 ). Similar to embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the position where the coupling member 264 retreats to the non-driving side in this manner is referred to as the first position. The first pressing member (pressing member, elastic member) 259 that pushes the coupling member 264 toward the non-driving side can be regarded as part of the operating unit.

[0304] like Figure 24 As shown in FIG. 2 (a), this structure is such that when the coupling member 264 is in the first position, the driven transmission portion 264a of the coupling 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 process cartridge B can be smoothly mounted to and removed from the apparatus main assembly A without any interference between the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly.

[0305] Next, an action in which the cartridge pressing member 1 comes into contact with the lever member 212, the lever member 212 starts to move, and the coupling member 264 moves from the first position to the driving side will be described.

[0306] like Figure 22 As shown in FIG (a), when the installation of the processing cartridge B is completed and the opening and closing door 13 is closed in the direction H in the figure, the cartridge pressing member 1 and the rod member 212 begin to contact each other, and the pressing force of the cartridge pressing spring 19 begins to act on the rod member 212. The pressing force causes the rod member 212 to start to move in the direction H. Figure 22 Graph (a) and Figure 23As shown in FIG. (b), the second pressing member 214 moves in the K direction. Figure 23 As shown in FIG. 2( b ), when the rod member 212 moves in the K direction, the outer cylindrical cam member 270 engaged with the rod member 212 begins to rotate in the M2 direction in the figure. When the outer cylindrical cam member 270 rotates in the M2 direction, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 begins to rotate in the M2 direction through the cylindrical cam portion of the outer cylindrical cam member 270 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274. Figure 23 As in the first embodiment, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 is supported so as not to rotate but to move only in the longitudinal direction.

[0307] By the movement of the inner cylindrical cam member 274 in the longitudinal direction (N direction), the connecting member 261 connected to the inner cylindrical cam member 274 also starts to move against the urging force of the first pressing portion 259 ( Figure 19 Then, the coupling member 264 is also moved in the N direction by the movement of the connecting member 261, and the driven transmission portion 264a of the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 of the apparatus main assembly become engageable in the longitudinal direction ( Figure 24 The connecting member 261 is not directly connected to the coupling member 264, but as described above, the connecting member 261 is connected to the coupling member 264 via the buffer member 255 ( Figure 19 ) is connected to the coupling member 264. The buffer member 255 is a retractable elastic member, and when the coupling 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 coupling member 264 in the N direction. That is, the elastic force (pushing force) of the buffer member 255 exceeds the first pressing member 259 ( Figure 19 ) by the elastic force (pushing force) of the coupling member 264, which overcomes the pushing force of the first pressing member 259 and moves to the outside of the box. The buffer member 255 can also be regarded as a part of the operating unit.

[0308] In addition, this structure makes it possible to close the opening and closing door 13 and fully close the opening and closing door 13 ( Figure 22 (b) of the state), the longitudinal end surfaces 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 Figure 23 As shown in sub-figure (c) of FIG. At this time, the inner cylindrical cam component 274 is located closest to the driving side. In other words, the coupling component 264 is also configured to be located closest to the driving side via the connecting component 261. In this embodiment, the position where the coupling component 264 protrudes toward the driving side is also referred to as the second position.

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

[0310] In this embodiment, similar to the embodiment 1, the positions of the rod member 212 corresponding to the first position and the second position of the coupling member 264 are referred to as the first position and the second position, respectively. That is, Figure 23 Graph (a) and Figure 24 FIG (a) shows the first position of the rod member 212 and the coupling member 264, respectively, and Figure 23 's sub-graph (c) and Figure 24 FIG. 2( c ) shows the second positions of the rod member 212 and the coupling member 264 , respectively. Figure 23 's sub-graph (b) and Figure 24 FIG. 2( b ) shows intermediate positions of the rod member 212 and the coupling member 264 during the process of moving the rod member 212 and the coupling member 264 from the first position to the second position, respectively.

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

[0312] That is, even if the lever member 212 is moved to the second position ( Figure 23 FIG (c)), the coupling member 264 cannot move to the second position ( Figure 24 (c) of FIG. ). At this time, the buffer member 255 is greatly compressed to absorb the positional deviation between the rod member 212 and the coupling member 264. In other words, the buffer member 255 is a buffer member provided between the rod member 212 and the coupling member 264, and is used to allow interference between the coupling member 264 and the drive transmission member 81.

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

[0314] When drive is input to the main assembly A of the apparatus in this state, the drive transmission component 81 rotates so that the phase difference between the coupling component 264 and the drive transmission component 81 falls within the predetermined range, as in Example 1. Accordingly, the coupling component 264 can move to the second position. That is, when the phase difference between the coupling component 264 and the drive transmission component 81 falls within the predetermined range, the elastic deformation of the buffer component 255 is partially relieved, and the elastic force of the buffer component 255 is used to move the coupling component 264 to the second position. As a result, the coupling component 264 and the drive transmission component 81 engage with each other. In this embodiment, a compression coil spring is used for the buffer component 255, but other elastic components such as rubber may also be preferably used. Furthermore, the buffer component 255 can be arranged somewhere between the rod component 212 and the coupling component 264, and does not necessarily need to be arranged between the connecting component 261 and the coupling component 264. For example, a portion of the resin forming the rod component 212 can be elastically deformed to function as a buffer component. In this case, it can also be considered that the buffer component exists between the rod component 212 and the coupling component 264.

[0315] In the present embodiment, the buffer member 255 is mounted to the protrusion of the coupling member 264 with a gap therebetween. Therefore, the buffer member 255 can rotate relative to the coupling member 264. In other words, when receiving a rotational force, the coupling member 264 slides and rotates relative 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 does not rotate either. In addition, in the present embodiment, the drum shaft 278 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 are configured not to rotate relative 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 the inner cylindrical cam member 274 does not rotate relative to the drum shaft 278 by engaging (matching) the drum shaft 278 with the support portion 274c. 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 allows the non-driving side flange member 254 to be fixed to the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member, but can be moved relative to the outer diameter portion 274d ( Figure 19 )rotate.

[0316] When the drive is transmitted to the coupling member 264, the photosensitive drum 62 and the non-driving side flange member 254 as the photosensitive member rotate. Then, the non-driving side flange member 254 arranged around 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, different from Example 1, operating member (rod member 212), cam mechanism (inboard cylindrical cam member 274 and outside cylindrical cam member 270) are arranged on the non-driven side. Therefore, box B is provided with connecting member 261 to be used for the operating member and cam mechanism of non-driven side being connected with the coupling member 264 of driven side. This connecting member 261 also can be considered as a part for the operating unit of mobile coupling member 264. Connecting member 261 is the extension member extending in the longitudinal direction of box B. In the present embodiment, by connecting member 261 being arranged in the drum 62, the dead zone in 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 operating 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 rod part 212 moves to the second position (acting position), the cam mechanism (inner cylindrical cam part 274, outer cylindrical cam part 270) and the connecting part 261 move in conjunction with each other. The cam mechanism moves the connecting part 264 to the second position (extended position) against the pushing force of the first pressing part 259. The connecting part 261 is not directly connected to the connecting part 264, but as described above, the connecting part 261 and the connecting part 264 are connected through the buffer part 255. In this embodiment, the drum shaft 278, the inner cylindrical cam part 274 and the non-drive side flange part 254 are made of conductive material. Thus, the drum 62 and the drum shaft 278 are electrically connected to each other. The drum shaft 278 is a contact part (electrical contact) electrically connected to the drum 62, and is used to electrically ground the drum 62. As Figure 29 As shown, the drum shaft 278 is configured to be electrically connected to the metal sheet member of the apparatus main component A through the contact member 103 provided in the apparatus main component A. Figure 29 104 is an explanatory diagram showing grounding of the photosensitive drum 62. The contact member 103 is an electrical contact on the apparatus main assembly A side, and is electrically connected to a sheet metal member (a plate-like metal frame of the apparatus main assembly A) 104.

[0320] Since a portion of the operating unit is electrically connected to the drum 62 and the drum shaft 278 , this structure allows the drum 62 and the metal sheet member of the apparatus main assembly A to be electrically connected via the drum shaft 278 and the operating unit.

[0321] Thus, since the drum shaft 278, the inner cylindrical cam member 274 and the non-driving side flange member 254 are made of conductive materials, 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 possible to appropriately select whether the operating member is disposed on the drive side or the non-drive side, depending on the functions, structures, conditions, etc. required for the cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly A. In each embodiment to be described below, it is also possible to appropriately select whether the operating member is disposed on the drive side or the non-drive side of the cartridge.

[0328] <Example 3>

[0329] A description will be given of Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, similarly to the drive transmission member 81 shown in the modification of Embodiment 1, a drive 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 coupling member (drive input member) is engaged with the inclined drive transmission member 581 by determining the position and posture of the coupling member (drive input member) to follow the axis of the inclined drive transmission member 581 (this will be described later). Figure 35 (described in ).

[0331] First reference Figure 30 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32 , a driving side flange unit 569 and a drum unit including an Oldham coupling 549, which is a 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 1 is a perspective view showing an Oldham coupling 549 used in this embodiment, Figure 31 Component (a) is a perspective view before assembly. Figure 31 Component (b) is a perspective view after assembly. Figure 32 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the driving side flange unit 569 .

[0334] like Figure 30 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32 As shown, the driving side flange unit 569 according to this embodiment includes a driving input component 564, an intermediate component 545, a driving force transmission pin 548, an output component 547, a cover component 558 and a first pressing component 559. Figure 30As shown in FIG. 5 , 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 cylindrical cam member 274. The connecting member 261, the buffer member 255, the non-driving side flange member 254, and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 (which serve as an operating member unit for moving the drive input member 564 back and forth) have the same structure as in Embodiment 2, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0335] like Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the drive input member 564 of this embodiment includes a driven transmission portion (drive force receiving portion) 564a as described in the above embodiment. The drive input member 564 is part of the coupling member (Oldham coupling 549), and the drive force is input to the drive input member 564 through the driven transmission portion 564a.

[0336] As the shape of the driven transmission portion 564a, a triangular shape is used as in the above embodiment. In addition, the drive input member 564 is provided with a guided rib 564b, which is locked to the Oldham coupling 549 to be described below. Figure 31 As shown, the Oldham coupling 549 includes a drive input component (input disc, input component, input part) 564, an intermediate component (intermediate member, intermediate disc, intermediate part) 545, and a drive output component (output component, output disc, output part) 547.

[0337] The intermediate member 545 has a guide groove 545a and a guided rib 545b. Similar to the intermediate member 545, the output member 547 is provided with a guided groove 547a and a hole portion 547b into which a drive transmission pin to be described later is inserted. Figure 31 As shown in FIG. 5( a ), the drive input member 564 is locked to the intermediate member 545 by engaging the guided rib 564b provided in the drive input member with the guide groove 545a of the intermediate member 545. This allows the drive input member 564 to be locked relative to the intermediate member. Figure 31 That is, the input member 564 is engaged with the intermediate member 545 so as to be able to slide relative to the intermediate member 545 in the x1 direction.

[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. Thus, the intermediate member 545 can be moved relative to the output member 547. Figure 31moves 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 the sub-diagram (a) of , the box can be installed to the main assembly of the device in a state that is slightly tilted relative to the main assembly of the device. At this time, a part of box B slightly contacts the free end of the drive transmission component 581 and pushes it, and the possible result is exactly that the drive transmission component 581 tilts to the downstream side along the installation direction KH. If the posture and momentum when installing box B are different, the contact state between box B and the drive transmission component 581 will also be different, and the inclination direction and the tilt distance of the drive transmission component 581 may be different. In this case, when box B is installed each time, the posture (inclination) of the drive transmission component 581 will change, and as a result, it may be difficult to make the drive transmission component 581 and box B stably engage with each other.

[0355] Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive transmission member 581 is tilted in advance toward the downstream side of the installation direction KH. In other words, no matter how the cartridge B is installed, the drive transmission member 581 always tilts in substantially the same direction, thereby assuming substantially the same posture. Thus, the connection between the drive transmission member 581 and the cartridge B remains stable at all times.

[0356] In the state where the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly, the free end of the drive transmission member 581 is in contact with the cartridge B. Figure 34 It is tilted in the direction of arrow x5 shown in the sub-figure (b).

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

[0358] In this embodiment, when the drive transmission member 581 is tilted in the x5 direction, the drive input member 564 moves in the x5 direction relative to the photosensitive drum. As a result, the drive transmission member 581 and the drive input member 564 are engaged (connected) with each other. Figure 35 and 36 , which will be described in detail.

[0359] Figure 35 Component figures (a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 1 show step by step how the drive input member 564 of this embodiment engages with the drive transmission member 581 having an axis L6 inclined relative to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum.

[0360] Similar to Example 2, Figure 35 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the process cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and 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 first and second embodiments described above. 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 this embodiment, the axes of the drive input member (input member, input portion) 564 and the coupling support member (coupling bearing) 552 are configured to be tiltable relative to the axis of the photosensitive drum. Therefore, when the drive input member 564 and the drive transmission member 581 are engaged, the axes of the drive input member 564 and the coupling support member 552 become coaxial with the axis of the drive transmission member 581.

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

[0367] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive input member 564 is pushed in the x5 direction ( Figure 34 ), whereby the drive input member 564 can engage with the drive transmission member 81, which has an axis L6 inclined relative to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum.

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

[0369] That is, the coupling component (Oldham coupling 549) has an input component 564 for inputting driving force from the main assembly of the device and an output component 547 for outputting driving force to the photosensitive drum. The axis of the output component 547 is substantially aligned with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and the input component 564 is movable relative to the output component 547 in a direction intersecting the axis of the output component (a direction perpendicular to each other). In other words, the axis (rotational center) of the input component 564 can be displaced (offset or separated) from the axis (L1) of the output component 547. Thus, the input component 564 can adapt to the deviation between the axis of the drive transmission component 581 and the axis of the photosensitive drum. In other words, because the input component 654 is displaced in a direction intersecting with the axis L1, when the cartridge B is installed in the main assembly of the device, the free end of the drive transmission component 581 and the input component 654 approach each other. In this state, the input component 654 further approaches the drive transmission component 581 along the axis L1 and engages with the drive transmission component 581.

[0370] In this embodiment, the direction in which the center of the input member 654 is displaced relative to the output member 547 and the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member is Figure 34The direction of arrow X5 shown in FIG. 1 (b) is the direction in which the free end of the drive transmission member 581 is tilted. The direction X5 is the direction of rotation of a line X6 extending from the center of the photosensitive drum toward the center of the developing roller counterclockwise (i.e., toward the downstream side in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum) by an angle X5.

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

[0372] The input member 654 is held in a state of being moved in the X5 direction by being pressed by the coupling pressing member 553 (see Figure 33 Component (a) of FIG). An elastic member (spring) is used as the coupling pressing member 553. Although the coupling pressing member 553 of this embodiment is a torsion coil spring, it is not limited to this example and may have another structure.

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

[0374] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive transmission member 581 is inclined in the KH direction (X5 direction) ( Figure 34 1 and 2. The drive transmission components of Examples 1 and 2 may also be tilted in the same direction as in this example. Similarly, in the example to be described below, the drive transmission components may be tilted in the same direction as in this example.

[0375] <Example 4>

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

[0377] In the modification of the above-described first embodiment, during the process of moving the coupling member 64 toward the drive transmission member 81, the inclined surface of the free end of the coupling member 64 contacts the drive transmission member 81. Thus, the coupling member 64 causes 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 are engaged with each other by controlling the phase of the coupling member to a specific state according to the inclination of the drive transmission member 81. In other words, the coupling member is held in a phase that facilitates engagement with the tilted drive transmission member 81. The differences in structure and operation resulting from these differences in the coupling engagement method will be described in detail.

[0379] (Instructions for installing / removing the process cartridge)

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

[0381] Figure 37 Figure (a) is an overall view of box B. Figure 37 Sub-figure (b) is a disassembled view of box B, showing the mechanism for operating the input component (driving input component, moving component) 764.

[0382] exist Figure 37 In FIG. 7A , the coupling unit U3 including the input member 764 is provided on a side surface of the cleaning frame 771. In addition, on the side surface, a restriction member 790 and a drum bearing 773 that rotatably supports the drum unit U1 are provided. The restriction member 790 is fixed to the drum bearing 773 and controls the movement of the coupling unit U3 in the longitudinal outward direction LO.

[0383] Figure 37 FIG (b) is an exploded perspective view with the limiting member 790 and the drum bearing 773 removed. The limiting member 790 is fixed to the drum bearing 773 with screws 791. The end surface 790a of the limiting member 790 can contact the end surface 770a of the outer cylindrical cam 770 (this will be combined with Figure 43 ) and restricts the outer cylindrical cam 770 from moving in the longitudinal outward direction LO.

[0384] Next, refer to Figure 38, the internal structure of the coupling unit U3 for receiving the rotational force from the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A will be described. Figure 38 Graph (a) and Figure 38 FIG (b) is an exploded perspective view of the connection 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 cylindrical cam 770 , an inner 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 arranged on the driving side flange 775. In the present embodiment, the coupling shaft 793 is fixed to the driving side flange 775 using a fixing screw 788. In the present embodiment, the coupling shaft 793 is coaxially arranged with the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62. More specifically, the fixing screw 788 passes through the hole 775a of the driving side flange 775, is inserted into the hole 793a1 of the coupling shaft 793, and is fixed by the screw. The coupling shaft 793 has a free end 793b (longitudinal outer end) serving as a limiting portion in the longitudinal outward direction LO and an axis 793a in the longitudinal inward direction LI. In the longitudinal inward direction LI of the free end 793b, a coupling portion 793b1 is provided, which includes a plurality of recesses and protrusions and serves as a drive transmission portion. The end face 793b2 is arranged on the radial inner side of the coupling portion 793b1 (enlarged view as shown in FIG. Figure 43 shown).

[0387] In this embodiment, the input member 764 has a driven transmission portion 764a at one end that is a generally triangular twisted prism and a generally triangular prism 764e at the other end. The input member 764 is provided with a coupling portion 764f as a driving force transmission portion at the center of the rotation axis L1. The coupling portion 764f includes a through hole 764c and a plurality of concave and convex portions ( Figure 39 Component (a) is an enlarged view). The engaging portion 764f is adjacent to the driven transmission portion 764a in the inward radial direction and is adjacent to the through hole 764c in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The coupling shaft 793 is inserted into the through hole 764c of the input component 764. The third pressing component 787 is installed around the shaft 793a of the coupling shaft 793 and is arranged between the input component 764 and the end face 793b2 of the free end 793b serving as the limiting portion of the coupling shaft 793. The engaging portion 793b1 serving as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793 and the engaged portion 764f serving as the driving force transmitting portion of the input component 764 are configured to be able to engage with and disengage from each other. Thus, the driving force is transmitted or interrupted between the input component 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 drive input member provided on the coupling member for receiving a driving force input from the outside. Although described in detail below, the input member 764 is a movable member (movable coupling member) that can move along the axis of the coupling member. On the other hand, the coupling shaft 793 is an output member (drive 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 drive side flange 775 so as to be able to transmit the driving force, and is a fixed member fixed to the drive side flange 775 and the photosensitive drum.

[0389] Here, the engaging portion 793b1 serves as a restricting portion, and the engaging portion 764f serves as a regulated portion. The coupling shaft 793 can regulate the movement of the input member 764 through contact between the restricting portion (engaging portion 793b1) and the regulated portion (engaging portion 764f). In other words, the movement of the input member 764 away from the drive-side flange 775 (or drum 62) can be restricted.

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

[0391] The inner cylindrical cam 774 includes a cylindrical portion 774a, a hole 774j, an outer end surface 774b, a hole 774c, a cam 774d, a hole 774e, a shaft 774f, an inner end surface 774g, a wall 774h, and a hole 774i. The hole 774j is located at the center of the cylindrical portion 774a. The cam 774d protrudes from the outer end surface 774b in the longitudinal outward direction L0. The hole 774c is arranged around the cylindrical portion 774a. The hole 774e is located at least in the outer end surface 774b. The hole 774e can be passed through. The shaft 774f and the wall 774h are arranged so as to protrude from the inner end surface 774g in the longitudinal inward direction L1. The hole 774i is located on the longitudinal inward direction L1 side of the inner cylindrical cam 774. The shaft 793a of the coupling shaft 793 is located in the hole 774i.

[0392] The shaft 764d of the input member 764 is positioned in the hole 774j. The cylindrical portion 770c of the outer cylindrical cam 770 is positioned in the hole 774c. The cam 774d of the inner cylindrical cam 774 and the end surface 770b of the outer cylindrical cam 770, including the inclined surface 770e, are configured to contact each other.

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

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

[0395] The driving side flange 775 is provided with a hole 775a on the inner side with respect to the longitudinal inward direction LI. The driving 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] A first pressing spring 759 as an urging member is accommodated in a hole 775c of the driving side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 contacts an end surface 775d of the driving side flange 775 in the longitudinal inward direction LI and contacts an end surface 774g of the inner cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinal outward direction LO.

[0397] Figure 39 793, the third pressing member 787 as the pushing member, and the input member 764. This is for explaining the free end portion 793b as the restricting portion of the coupling shaft 793.

[0398] An engaging portion 793b1, which serves as a drive force receiving portion including a plurality of recesses and projections, is provided at the free end portion 793b, which serves as the regulated portion of the coupling shaft 793. Any projection of the free end portion 793b has a surface 793b3 on one circumferential side and a surface 793b4 on the opposite circumferential side. In this embodiment, the surface 793b3 is a drive transmission surface (either a shaft-side drive force receiving portion or a flange-side drive 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 section 764 will be described.

[0401] Any convex portion of the engaging 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 component 764 are in a drive transmission state, the surface 793b3 as the drive force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793 and the surface 764j as the drive force transmission portion of the input component 764 contact each other, and the input component 764 transmits the drive force to the coupling shaft 793. The input component 764 has an end face 764l. In the assembled state, the end face 764l is in contact with the end face 787b ( Figure 43 ) are in contact.

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

[0403] Figure 40 Schematic diagram of the contact portion between outer cylindrical cam 770 and inner cylindrical cam 774. Cylindrical portion 770c of outer cylindrical cam 770 is received and supported in hole 774c of inner cylindrical cam 774. End surface 770b of outer cylindrical cam 770 has inclined surface 770e, end surface 770g, and end surface 770h. Cam 774d of inner cylindrical cam 774 has inclined surface 774k and end surface 774l.

[0404] In a state where the input member 764 is retracted in the longitudinal inward direction LI (non-driving side) ( Figure 43 In the sub-figure (a), the end face 770g of the outer cylindrical cam 770 contacts the end face 774l of the inner cylindrical cam 774.

[0405] In a state where the input member 764 protrudes in the longitudinal outward direction LO (driving side) ( Figure 43 In the sub-figure (b), the end surface 770h of the outer cylindrical cam 770 contacts the end surface 774l of the inner cylindrical cam 774.

[0406] When the input component 764 is brought out of the retreat state ( Figure 43 The sub-image (a)) moves to the highlighted state ( Figure 43 During the process of the sub-figure (b)), the inclined surface 770e of the outer cylindrical cam 770 and the inclined surface 774k of the inner cylindrical cam 774 contact each other.

[0407] Figure 41 Schematic diagram of the structure of the drum bearing 773 that accommodates 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 surface 770b. The drum bearing 773 includes a fan-shaped hole 773c that accommodates the cylindrical portion 770c, a hole 773d that accommodates the outer cylindrical portion 770i, an end surface 773e that contacts the end surface 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 It is a schematic structural diagram 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 surface 774b. The drum bearing 773 includes a rib 773f, a hole 773g, and an end surface 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 slide along the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62 while being prevented from rotating relative 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 surface 774b of the inner cylindrical cam 774 is configured to contact the end surface 773h of the drum bearing 773.

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

[0412] Figure 43 FIG (b) shows a state in which the input component 764 is retracted in the longitudinal inward direction LI (a state in which the input component 764 is located at the retracted position).

[0413] The coupling shaft 793 is retained on the drive side flange 775 by the fixing screw 788 .

[0414] The input member 764 is supported by the coupling shaft 793 so as to be rotatable about the axis L1 and movable in the direction of the axis L1. The engaging portion 793b1 of the coupling shaft 793 and the engaging portion 764f of the input member 764 do not engage with each other. A third pressing member 787, serving as a pressing member, is disposed between the coupling shaft 793 and the input member 764. The third pressing member 787 is configured to move the input member 764 relative to the coupling shaft 793 in the longitudinal inward direction L1. The end surface 787a of the third pressing member 787 contacts the end surface 793b2 of the coupling shaft 793. The end surface 787b of the third pressing member 787 contacts the end surface 764l of the input member 764. The inner cylindrical cam 774 is disposed between the input member 764 and the drive-side flange 775. A first pressing spring 759 for pressing the inner cylindrical cam is disposed between the inner cylindrical cam 774 and the drive-side flange 775. The first pressing spring 759 is used to move the inner cylindrical cam 774 relative to the drive-side flange 775 in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The first pressing spring 759 is provided inside the drive-side flange 775. The outer cylindrical cam 770 regulates the movement of the inner cylindrical cam 774 in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The restricting member 790 regulates the movement of the outer cylindrical cam 770 in the longitudinal outward direction LO. The restricting member 790 is fixed to the drum bearing 773. The drum bearing 773 rotatably supports the drive-side flange 775 and the outer cylindrical cam 770.

[0415] Figure 43 FIGURE (b) shows the input member 764 retracted in the longitudinal inward direction L1 (the input member 764 is in the retracted position). In this state, the inner cylindrical cam 774 receives a force in the longitudinal outward direction L0 due to the urging force of the first pressure spring 759. Consequently, the cam 774l of the inner cylindrical cam 774 contacts the end face 770g of the outer cylindrical cam 770. Consequently, the outer cylindrical cam 770 receives a force in the longitudinal outward direction L0 via the inner cylindrical cam 774. The end face 770a of the outer cylindrical cam 770 is restricted from moving in the longitudinal outward direction L0 by the end face 790a of the restriction member 790. The third pressing member 787 presses the input member 764 in the longitudinal inward direction L1, causing the end face 764n (in the longitudinal inward direction L1) and the end face 774m of the inner cylindrical cam 774 to abut against each other. At this point, the connection between the engaging portion 793b1, which serves as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793, and the engaging portion 764f, which serves as the driving force transmitting portion of the input member 764, is disconnected (disengaged). Therefore, at this point, the rotational driving force of the input member 764 cannot be transmitted to the coupling shaft 793. In other words, the input member 764 is now in a non-transmitting position. Therefore, the input member 764 and the coupling shaft 793 function as a clutch.

[0416] Figure 43 FIG. 7 (a) shows a state in which the input member 764 protrudes in the longitudinal outward direction LO (is located in the protruding position or the extended position).

[0417] The lever member 712 rotates the outer cylindrical cam 770 to a predetermined phase ( Figure 45 Then, the end face 7741 of the inner cylindrical cam 774 moves from the state of contacting the end face 770h of the outer cylindrical cam 770 to the state of contacting the end face 770n (see also Figure 14 ). As a result, the inner cylindrical cam 774 moves in the longitudinal outward direction LO by the pushing force of the first pressing spring 759 of the translation cam. The end face 774m of the inner cylindrical cam 774 pushes the end face 764n (in the longitudinal inward direction LI) of the input component 764. The pushing force of the first pressing spring 759 as the pushing component is set to be greater than the pushing force of the third pressing component 787 as the pushing component, so that the input component 764 moves in the longitudinal outward direction LO. At this time, the engaging portion 793b1 as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793 is engaged (connected) with the engaging portion 764f as the driving force transmitting portion of the input component 764. As a result, the rotational driving force of the input component 764 becomes capable of being transmitted to the coupling shaft 793. The input component 764 and the coupling shaft 793 constitute the coupling component of this embodiment.

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

[0419] refer to Figure 44 , description will be made of the phase control mechanism of the input member 764. The phase control mechanism is a mechanism that sets the input member 764 to a phase at which it is easily engaged with the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly.

[0420] Figure 44 Figures (a) and (b) 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 (arm 789c) contacts the wall 774h of the inner cylindrical cam 774.

[0421] Figure 44FIG (a) shows a state in which the input component 764 stops at a certain phase after image formation is completed. The arm 789b of the torsion spring 789 contacts the roughly triangular prism 764e of the input component 764. More specifically, the arm 789b contacts the vicinity of the vertex 764h of the prism 764e. Here, the torsion spring 789 is set so that the pushing force acts in the direction in which the arms 789b and 789c expand. Therefore, in Figure 44 In the sub-figure (a) of FIG. 1 , the urging force of the torsion spring 789 received by the input member 764 through the arm 789b acts in a direction of rotating the input member 764 clockwise.

[0422] Actually, when the input member 764 is coupled (engaged) with the drive transmission member 81, the input member 764 does not rotate. However, when the user opens the opening and closing door 13 of the main assembly A of the apparatus ( Figure 12 In FIG. (a), the input member 764 retreats in the longitudinal inward direction LI. That is, the input member 764 retreats from the extended position (drive transmission position, protruding position: Figure 43 Figure (a)) moves to the retreat position (non-drive transmission position: Figure 43 (b) of FIG. 1 ) causes the input member 764 to disengage from the drive transmission member 81. Furthermore, at this time, the input member 764 also disengages from the coupling shaft 793. That is, the engaging portion 793b1, which is the drive force receiving portion of the coupling shaft 793, and the engaging portion 764f, which is the drive force transmission portion of the input member 764, disengage from each other. The input member 764 then becomes freely rotatable relative to the coupling shaft 793.

[0423] Therefore, the input member 764 is rotated by the urging force of the torsion spring 789, and the phase is changed from Figure 44 The phase change shown in the sub-graph (a) is Figure 44 The phase shown in the sub-graph (b). Figure 44 The phase of the input member 764 shown in the sub-figure (b) is the phase in which the arm 789b contacts the arcuate portion 764p of the input member 764. In this state, the rotational torque of the input member 764 received from the torsion spring 789 is balanced, so that the input member 764 stops rotating. That is, the input member 764 is held in the position by the torsion spring 789. Figure 44 The torsion spring 789 is a phase determining member for determining the input member 764 at a predetermined phase.

[0424] The prism 764e of the input member 764 has a substantially triangular shape, which is substantially 120 degrees rotationally symmetrical (symmetrical). Therefore, when the input member 764 rotates one circle (360 degrees), the rotation is stopped every 120 degrees by the torsion spring. That is, assuming Figure 44As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the phase of the input member 764 is 0 degrees. When the input member 764 is at positions 120 degrees and 240 degrees, the rotational torque received by the input member 764 is balanced, and the input member 764 stops rotating. In other words, the input member 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-described structure and may have another structure. For example, while three torsion springs 789 are provided in this embodiment, the number of torsion springs 789 need not be limited to this number. Even if there are only one or two torsion springs 789, the phase of the input member 764 can be any of the three phases described above. The prism of the input member 764 has 120-degree rotational symmetry, but strict symmetry is not required. In other words, while the input member 764 is to be maintained 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, which will be further described. Figure 45 1 is a view of the drive transmission unit viewed from the axial direction LO. In this embodiment, the three vertices 764h ( Figure 38 、 44 ) are arranged in substantially the same phase as the three vertices 764u of the substantially triangular driven transmission portion 764a. In this case, the direction facing each vertex 764u is substantially the same as the direction facing each vertex 764h.

[0427] By performing the phase control of the coupling member (input member) as described above, the drive transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A and the coupling member (input member 764) of the cartridge B are smoothly connected as will be described later.

[0428] Similar to the drive transmission member 581 of the above-described embodiment 3, in this embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 is held in a state of being inclined toward the downstream side in the cartridge mounting direction ( Figure 34 Specifically, when the opening and closing door 13 is opened ( Figure 12 Figure (a) shows the driving transmission component 81. Figure 45The direction of the arrow AZ shown in the sub-diagram (a) of FIG. 1 is inclined. The direction of the arrow AZ is the direction of a line drawn from the center of the drum 62 to the developing roller 32 (i.e., the reference line of 0 degrees) and tilted 41 degrees downstream of the drum 62 in the rotation direction. The rotation direction of the drum 62 is the direction in which the drum 62 rotates during image formation (during toner image formation). Specifically, this rotation direction is the direction in which the surface of the drum 62 sequentially contacts or approaches the charging roller 66 ( Figure 3 ) and then contacts or approaches the developing roller 32 (the direction of arrow AX).

[0429] Since the drive transmission member 81 is tilted, when the cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A, the center of the driven transmission portion 764a of the input member 764 and the center of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 are misaligned. However, by the above-mentioned phase control, any one of the three triangle vertices 764u of the driven transmission portion 764a of the input member 764 is located in the AZ direction of the tilt of the drive transmission member 81 ( Figure 45 In other words, in the driven transmission portion 764a, the portion (apex 764u) that protrudes most radially from the center of the drum 62 is located in the AZ direction of the tilt of the drive transmission member 81. By maintaining the input member 764 in such a phase, the input member 764 and the drive transmission member 81 can be easily engaged even if they are misaligned.

[0430] That is, when the drive transmission member 81 is Figure 45 When the state shown in the sub-diagram (a) is rotated, the phase of the roughly triangular shape of the driving transmission part 81a of the driving transmission member 81 is substantially aligned with the phase of the triangular shape of the driven transmission part 764a of the input member 764 (reference Figure 45 Then, the driven transmission portion 764a of the input member 764 enters the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81, thereby establishing engagement.

[0431] In the following we will refer to Figure 46 Components (a)-(f) of , describe why phase control makes it easier for the input member 764 to engage with the tilted drive transmission member 81. Figure 46 Component (a), Figure 46 's sub-graph (b), Figure 46 's sub-graph (d), Figure 46 The sub-graph (e) and Figure 46 FIG (f) is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission unit viewed from the axial direction LO. Figure 46 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive transmission unit.

[0432] As described above, in this embodiment, the apparatus main assembly is provided with the drive transmission member 81, the cartridge is provided with the power input member 764, and these are coupling members connected to each other. Figure 46 As shown, these couplings (81, 764) have engaging portions in the form of substantially triangular recesses 81a (see Figure 25 、 Figure 46 Figure (a) etc.) and convex portion 764a ( Figure 38 Graph (a) and Figure 46 The ends (corners, vertices) of these triangular shapes (81a, 764a) are the parts for transmitting driving force, so they are rounded to maintain the necessary strength. Figure 46 As shown in FIG. 1 (a), when the triangular shapes are coaxially coupled and aligned, the triangular gap is defined as follows. The gap between the ends of the triangular shapes (81a, 764a) (the distance between free end 81r and free end 764y) is LB, and the gap between the sides (the distance between side 81s and side 764x) is LA. The following relationship holds:

[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 larger than the gap LB between the ends (the gap LA has a margin larger than the gap LB). In this case, as Figure 46 As shown in the sub-figures (d), (e) and (f) of FIG, it is preferable that the vertex 764y of the triangular shape (convex portion 764a) on the cartridge side is inclined in the direction (the lower left AZ direction in the figure) in which the drive transmission member 81 is tilted. This corresponds to pointing the side 764x of the convex portion 764a to the side opposite to the AZ direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is tilted. By doing so, the convex portion 764a of the input member 764 can smoothly engage with the concave portion 81a of the tilted drive transmission member 81.

[0435] like Figure 46 As shown in FIG. 5(d), when the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a are not engaged, their phases are not aligned. 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 FIG. Figure 46However, the drive transmission component 81 is tilted in the AZ direction, and therefore, the recess 81a is displaced in the tilted direction, and there is a region where the gap between the recess 81a and the convex portion 764a is narrowed. Nevertheless, in this embodiment, the side of the recess 81a and the side of the convex portion 764a are located in the region where the gap is narrowed (i.e., on the side opposite to the tilted direction of the drive transmission component 81). The gap between the side of the recess 81a and the side of the convex portion 764a is ensured to be relatively large (LA), as defined in Formula A and Figure 46 As shown in FIG. (a) of FIG. Therefore, even if the gap is shortened due to the inclination of the drive transmission member 81, the positional relationship required for the engagement between the operation drive transmission member and the input member can be ensured. Therefore, when the phases of the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a are aligned, the convex portion 764a can enter the concave portion 81a ( Figure 38 Furthermore, the drive transmission member 81 continues to rotate, and the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a engage with each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 46 As shown in the sub-figure (d) of , the convex portion 764a receives the driving force from the concave portion 81a.

[0436] In short, even if the gap between the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 764 is reduced 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 maintained at a certain level or more. In the present embodiment, this corresponds to directing the side of the triangle (convex portion 764a) of the input member 764 to the side opposite to the inclination direction AZ of the drive transmission member 81 (i.e., Figure 46 In other words, it corresponds to directing any one of the three vertices 764y of the triangular shape of the input member 764 (the convex portion 764a) toward the inclined direction AZ (lower left) of the drive transmission member 81. The three vertices of the convex portion 764a (the three circular arcs 764y) correspond to the driving force receiving portion for receiving the driving force from the drive transmission member 81.

[0437] As (Formula A) and Figure 46 As shown in FIG. 5( a ), 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.

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

[0439] When the drive transmission member 81 rotates and the phase difference between the triangular shape of the drive transmission member 81 (the concave portion 81a) and the triangular shape of the input member 764 (the convex portion 764a) is less than a certain angle, the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 764 are in an engageable state. Figure 46 As shown in FIG. 7( b ), when the convex portion 764a is between the phase indicated by the solid line and the phase indicated by the dotted line, the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a can engage with each other. The larger the gap LA between the side of the concave portion 81a and the side of the convex portion 764a, the greater the phase difference allowing engagement, making it easier for the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a to engage with each other.

[0440] Here, when the drive transmission member 81 rotates, at a stage where the concave portion 81a and the convex portion 764a are not fully engaged, a force may act in a direction to move the coupling member 764 away from the drive transmission member 81. That is, as Figure 46 As shown in FIG. 8 (c), the input member 764 can contact the chamfer 81p of the recessed portion 81a, resulting in the input member 764 receiving a force from the drive transmission member 81 in a direction that would hinder engagement. The aforementioned gap LA is set relatively large to prevent such a force from being generated. If the gap LA is relatively large, the aforementioned force is not exerted when the drive transmission member 81 rotates, allowing the recessed portion 81a and the protruding portion 764a to remain engaged for a longer period of time, thereby promoting engagement.

[0441] When the inclination direction AZ of the drive 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 direction of the free end (arc-shaped portion 764y) of the triangular shape (protrusion 764a) relative to the inclination direction of the drive transmission member 81 is within ±30°, the effect of promoting engagement between the coupling members can be enhanced.

[0442] As described above, the inclination direction of the drive 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 41 degrees toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the drum 62. In view of this, it is preferable that the apex of the convex portion (projection) 764 is located within a range of 11 to 71 degrees from a line passing through the center of the drum 62 and the center of the developing roller 32 toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the drum 62.

[0443] In the above description, the engaging portions (the recessed portion 81a and the convex portion 764a) of the drive 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 convex portion 764a has 120-degree rotational symmetry.

[0444] However, even if the engaging portion does not have such a shape, the basic concept is the same, and the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained by controlling the phase of the input member 764. For example, the shape of the protrusion 764a may be a partially cut-away triangle, may not be a triangle, and may not be rotationally symmetrical at 120 degrees.

[0445] However, it is assumed that the shape of the recess 81a is a substantially equilateral triangle ( Figure 25 ), it is ideal that the convex portion 764a contacts the concave portion 81a at three points and receives the driving force. More ideally, these three points are evenly 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 the position corresponding to the three vertices (arc portions 764y) of the present embodiment. That is, it is preferred that the distance between adjacent driving force receiving portions is approximately 120 degrees relative to the axis of the convex portion 764a (driving force receiving portion).

[0446] <Example 5>

[0447] Next, description will be given of Embodiment 5. The coupling member 664 shown in this embodiment includes an input member (drive receiving portion, drive input member, input unit) 610 that receives a driving force from outside the cartridge, an urging member 620 (urging member) that controls the posture of the input member 610, and an advancing and retreating 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 urging members 620 are supported by a supporting member (supporting portion) 640 and are arranged along the circumferential direction (rotational direction) of the photosensitive drum.

[0449] Likewise, in this embodiment, the structure for moving the coupling member 664 back and forth by the operating member (lever member 12) and its operation are the same as those in Embodiment 1 ( Figure 7 、 9 , 10, 11, 12 and Figure 13 ). Their description is omitted.

[0450] First reference Figure 49 , the components of the coupling part 664 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0451] The cylindrical shape 611 of the input member 610 engages with the concave shape 641 of the support member 640a and is rotatably (swingably) supported. The input member 610 can change its inclination angle about 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 pushing member 620. The other end 622 of the pushing member 620 engages with and is supported by the cylindrical shape 642 of the support member 640a.

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

[0453] The urging member 620 is a tension spring, the force of which regulates the input member 610 in the rotational direction around the cylindrical shape 611 as an axis.

[0454] The advance / retract member 630 includes an advance / retract member 630a and an advance / retract member 630b. The advance / retract member 630a has an advance / retract contact portion 631 that contacts the input member 610 during advance / retract movement. The advance / retract member 630b receives the advance / retract drive of the rod member 12. The two members are joined together by welding or similar means and are in a coupled relationship with each other. As the advance / retract 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 transmitting member 81 of the apparatus main assembly A. The input member 610 receives rotational drive through the free end portion 613 and transmits the rotational drive to the supporting member 640a supporting itself.

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

[0457] The support member 640b has a first rotation receiving portion 643 and is capable of engaging with the second rotation receiving portion 632 of the advance and retreat member 630b to transmit rotational drive. In other words, the advance and retreat member 630 and the support member 640 are configured to be able to slide relative to each other in the drum axis direction L1 while being able to rotate integrally.

[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 ​), the advancing and retreating member 630 can be slid along the drum axis L1 by rotating the cylindrical cam 74. The sliding of the advancing and retreating member 630 changes the position of the support member 640 in the L1 direction on the drum axis and the opening amount (radial movement amount) of the free end 613 of the input member 610.

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

[0470] [1] First, we will describe Figure 50 , the state changes from (a) to (b). The longitudinal limiting portion 74d of the cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the direction H in the figure, and the advance and retreat components 630a and 630b that have received the elastic force of the first pressing component 59 extend so that the advance and retreat contact portion 631 contacts the input component 610, whereby the input component 610 is pressed in the direction H in the figure. Until the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing component 73 and the support component 640a contact each other, the input component 610 is pushed in the closing direction by the force of the tension spring of the pushing component 620, so that it does not open. Then, the cylindrical shape 611 presses the recessed shape 641 of the support component 640a that supports it in the direction H in the figure, and the entire connecting component 664 extends in the direction H. 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 where the free end 613 of the input member 610 is not opened, the support member 640, the input member 610 and the advancing and retreating member 630 all move integrally in the direction H in the figure. As a result, the drive transmitting member 81 enters the second extended position in which the free end 613 of the input member 610 can engage with the triangular recess (drive transmitting portion) 81a ( Figure 25 ).

[0471] [2] Next, we will describe Figure 50The state changes from (b) to (c) in the figure. The cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the direction H in the figure, and the advance and retreat components 630a and 630b, which receive the spring force of the first pressing component 59, extend. As a result, when extending and retreating, the contact portion 631 contacts the input component 610 and presses it in the direction H in the figure. At this time, the stopper shape 698 provided on the drum bearing component 73 and the support component 640a contact each other, and the support component 640a no longer extends further in the direction H in the figure. As a result, the input component 610 rotates because the force of rotation in the direction R in the figure about the cylindrical shape 611 becomes greater than the force of the tension spring of the pushing component 620, and the inclination angle in the 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 (rotational radial direction) of the coupling component 664. In other words, the free end of the input component 610 begins to move away from the axis of the coupling component 664.

[0472] [3] Next, we will describe Figure 50 The state changes from (c) to (d). Figure 50 In the state of the sub-figure (c), the advance and retreat parts 630a, 630b are further extended, and the input part 610 changes the tilt angle in the R direction shown in the same manner as in [2], and reaches the extended position moved to the outside of the box to the greatest extent. Figure 50 In the state of the sub-figure (d), the free end 613 of the input member 610 is opened outward in the radial direction, so that the free end 613 of the input member 610 is engaged with the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a (drive transmission member 81) ( Figure 25 ). Thus, drive transmission is enabled, and the drive transmission member 81 is rotated by the motor (not shown), so that the rotational drive is transmitted to the input member 610.

[0473] [4] Next, we will describe Figure 50 When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, after the entire coupling member 664 is retracted, the tilt angle of the input member 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure. First, when moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the tilt angle of the input member 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure. Figure 50 Graph (d) to Figure 50In the state change of the sub-diagram (e), the cylindrical cam component 74 moves in the G direction in the figure, the spring of the first pressing component 59 is compressed, and the advance and retreat components 630a and 630b retreat. At this time, when the spring force of the propulsion component 620 is applied to the contact point 631 as a pressing force in the L direction in the figure during the advance and retreat process, and the friction force between the input component 610 and the advance and retreat component 630 at the contact point 631 during the advance and retreat process is large, the overall coupling component 664 follows and retreats in the G direction in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input component 610 and the triangular recess (drive transmission portion) 81a ( Figure 25 ) is released. Next, the Figure 50 : The state changes from sub-figure (e) to (f) to (a). Similar to the above, the advance and retreat component 630 retreats, and the entire connecting component 664 tends to retreat, but the support component 640b and the stopper shape 699 provided on the drum bearing component 73 abut each other, and therefore, the support component 640b will not retreat further in the G direction in the figure. Thereafter, as the advance and retreat component 630 retreats, the contact state between the input component 610 and the advance and retreat component 630 changes, and the input component 610 rotates around the cylindrical shape 611 as the axis by the force of the tension spring of the pushing component 620, so that the inclination angle changes in the direction shown in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input component 610 is closed inwardly in the radial direction. That is, the free end 613 of the drive transmission component 610 approaches the axis of the connecting component 664.

[0474] [5] will describe Figure 50 When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the advance and retreat component 630 retreats first, and the inclination angle of the input component 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure, and then the support component 640 retreats. Figure 50 Graph (d) to Figure 50 In the state change of the sub-diagram (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, so that the advance and retreat components 630a and 630b retreat. Then, the input component 610 rotates around the cylindrical shape 611 as the axis by the force of the tension spring of the pushing component 620, and the inclination angle changes toward the direction L in the figure. As a result, the free end 613 of the input component 610 and the triangular recess (drive transmission part) 81a ( Figure 25 ) is released. Figure 50 Graph (c) to Figure 50In the state change of the sub-graph (b), as described above, the inclination angle of the input component 610 changes toward the L direction in the figure by the retreat of the advance and retreat component 630. Figure 50 Graph (b) to Figure 50 In the state change of the sub-figure (a), when the advancing and retreating member 630 retreats, the advancing and retreating member 630b and the supporting member 640b abut against the abutment portion 697. Thereafter, when the advancing and retreating member 630 retreats, the supporting member 640b also follows and retreats. As a result, the entire coupling member 664 retreats in the G direction in the figure and reaches the first retreat position.

[0475] The structure in which the entire coupling member 664 can move back and forth in the axial direction has been described. Figure 51 Graph (a) and Figure 51 As shown in FIG. 5( b ), even in a structure in which the coupling member 664 as a whole does not move back and forth in the axial direction, the recess (drive transmission portion) 81 a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can engage with each other.

[0476] Figure 51 Graph (a) and Figure 51 FIG (b) of FIG. 6 shows such an example. As shown in these figures, the change in the tilt angle of the input component 610 ( Figure 51 Then, when the free end of the input member 610 moves outward in the radial direction, the protrusion amount ( Figure 51 The X in sub-diagram (b) is increased. The axial engagement width between the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 can be increased. Then, even without the entire coupling member 664 sliding in the axial direction, the drive transmission member 81 can be engaged simply by tilting the input member 610.

[0477] exist Figure 51 In the figures (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , the coupling member 664 is moved back and forth by moving (tilting) only a portion thereof (i.e., only the input member 610). That is, the coupling member 664 can take the extended position ( Figure 51 FIG (b)) and the retracted position for disconnecting the engagement with the drive transmission member 81 ( Figure 51 Component (a)).

[0478] However, in addition to the inclination of the input member 610, it is more effective to adopt a structure in which the entire coupling member 664 can be extended and retracted, as shown in FIG. Figure 50The state changes from (a) to (b) in FIG. That is, a larger engagement width can be ensured between the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610. Therefore, it is more ideal that the coupling member 664 can move back and forth.

[0479] Next, refer to Figure 52 , the conditions for engaging the drive transmitting portion (recess) 81a of the drive transmitting member 81 and the free end portion (drive receiving portion) 613 of the input member 610 will be described. Figure 52 As shown, when the free ends 613 of the three input members 610 are brought closest to the rotation axis of the coupling member 664 by the push member 620, a circle 688 drawn around the rotation axis, passing through the farthest points of the three ends 613, is closest to the rotation axis. Circle 688 is the circumscribed circle of the free ends 613. Next, a circle 686 is drawn around the rotation axis of the coupling member 664, passing through the point in the recessed portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 closest to the rotation axis of the coupling member 664. Circle 686 is the inscribed circle of the drive transmission portion 81a. Both circles 688 and 686 are perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0480] At this point, it is sufficient that the circle 688 formed by the free end portion 613 is smaller than the circle 686 formed by the drive transmission portion 81a. In other words, in this case, regardless of the phase combination formed by the recessed portion (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81 and the input member 610 of the coupling member 664, the input member 610 will enter the interior 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 can reliably engage with each other.

[0481] However, in Figure 52 In the embodiment, the case where the rotation axes of the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 664 are aligned with each other has been described as an example. Figure 50 Graph (a) and Figure 50 The drive transmission member 81 shown in FIG. 6 (b) is tilted relative to the axis of the coupling member 664, just like the drive transmission member shown in the modified example of Example 1. Even in such a case, the input member 610 can engage with the drive transmission member 81 as long as the following conditions are met.

[0482] For better understanding, Figure 53 The figure shows a state where the inclination of the drive transmission member 81 is greater than the actual inclination. Figure 53In FIG. 6 , a circle 687 is drawn with the rotation axis of the coupling member 664 as the center, passing through the point closest to the rotation axis of the coupling member 664 in the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission member 81. The circle 687 is perpendicular to the rotation axis. Since the drive transmission member 81 is tilted, the circle 687 is smaller than the circle 686 ( FIG. 6 ). Figure 52 ).

[0483] At this time, it is sufficient as long as the circle 687 formed by the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission component 81 is larger than the circle 688 formed by the free end 613 of the input component 610. That is, in this case, regardless of the phase combination formed by the recess (drive transmission portion) 81a of the drive transmission component 81 and the input component 610 of the coupling component 664, the input component 610 of the coupling component 664 can enter the drive transmission portion 81a. That is, after the coupling component 664 extends, the input component 610 is engaged with the drive transmission component 81 by changing the inclination angle of the input component 610. As the inclination angle of the input component 610 changes, the drive transmission component 81 becomes approximately coaxial with the coupling component 664 by reducing the inclination angle of the input component 610. The drive transmission component 81 is aligned with the coupling component 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 tilt angle of the input member 610 may be stopped midway before the engagement of the drive transmission portion 81a and the input member 610 is completed. Figure 54 As shown, when the inclination angle of the input member 610 changes, the input member 610 does not temporarily stop until the minimum inner diameter portion (circle 686) of the drive transmitting portion 81a and the input member 610 come into contact with each other.

[0485] At this time, even if the rod member 12 is operated to a position in which the coupling member 664 is maintained in the extended position, the first pressing member 59 acts as a damper so that the advance and retreat member 630 does not extend further. The first pressing member 59 maintains a compressive reaction force in the extension direction of the advance and retreat member 630. Therefore, the drive transmission member 81 is rotated by the drive of the main assembly of the device, and when the recess (drive transmission part) 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 extends, 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 located at a position corresponding to the maximum inner diameter circle 685 of the recess (drive transmission part) 81a of the drive transmission member 81. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 is pushed by the input member 610, and the drive transmission member 81 rotates (sways) to reduce its inclination angle. 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 movement direction than the input member (coupling member 64) shown in the modified example of Example 1, and also moves in the radial direction. Even with this structure, the input member 610 moves toward the inner surface of the recessed portion of the drive transmission member 81, pressing against the drive transmission member 81, thereby reducing the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81. Thus, the input member 610 can engage with the tilted drive transmission member 81, similar to the coupling member 64 shown in the modified example of Example 1.

[0487] In this embodiment, although three input members 610 of identical shape and three urging members 620 using tension springs are arranged circumferentially, the structure is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the shape of the advancing and retracting member 630 is not limited to that of this embodiment. Furthermore, a structure such as that in Embodiment 2 may be employed in which the advancing and retracting mechanism for advancing and retracting the coupling member is located on the non-driving side of the cartridge.

[0488] <Example 6>

[0489] Next, Example 6 will be described. The description of the same points as those in the above-mentioned examples may be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this example, the components corresponding to those described in Example 1 will be given the same names as those of Example 1, and only the differences from Example 1 will 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 (convex portion) (see Figure 17 However, in this embodiment, the driven transmission portion includes a plurality of components ( Figure 55 ).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0499] like Figure 56 and 57 As shown, in this 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] Furthermore, 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. Figure 56 and 57 As shown, a plurality of convex portions 801 are provided on the inner peripheral portion of a support member 802. The support member 802 is a holding member (support member) for holding and supporting the plurality of convex portions 801.

[0501] A drive receiving portion 801 a for receiving a drive transmission force from the drive portion side, a longitudinal position regulating surface 801 b , and a pressing cylindrical shaft 801 c are respectively provided on the plurality of convex portions 801 .

[0502] The projection pressing member 803 is provided on each pressing cylindrical shaft 801c of the plurality of projections 801. The side of the projection pressing member 803 opposite to the projection 801 is supported by a plurality of cylindrical shafts 858a provided on the cover member 858.

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

[0504] The drive receiving portion 801 a of the projection 801 is engaged with and supported by the engagement hole 802 a so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0505] The convex portion 801 pressed in the arrow N direction by the pressing force of the convex portion pressing part 803 has its longitudinal position regulating surface 801 b abutted against the longitudinal regulating surface 802 d of the support member 802 , thereby restricting its movement in the arrow N direction.

[0506] The outer cylindrical surface 802 b of the support member 802 is supported by the inner peripheral surface 875 b of the driving-side flange 875 so as to be movable in the arrow N direction.

[0507] The plurality of projections 801, receiving the pressing force of the plurality of projection pressing members 803, press the support member 802 in the direction of arrow N. The support member 802 receives the pressing force in the direction of arrow N, and the longitudinal regulating surface 802e abuts against the longitudinal regulating surface 874d of the inner cylindrical cam member 874. The inner cylindrical cam member 874, receiving the pressing force in the direction of arrow N, abuts against the outer cylindrical cam member 870 and presses the outer cylindrical cam member 870 in the direction of arrow N.

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

[0509] Similar to the coupling member 64 of embodiment 1, the coupling member 864 of this embodiment can move back and forth between the extended 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 extended position and the retracted position ( Figure 13 ).

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

[0511] When cartridge B is not mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, the inside cylindrical cam member 874 is arranged to retract the support member 802 into the drum against the elastic force of the projection pressing member 803. This is a state in which the support member 802 of the coupling member 864 is in the first position (retracted position).

[0512] When the opening and closing door 13 is closed after the cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly A, the cartridge pressing member 1 provided on the opening and closing door 13 contacts the lever member 12 ( Figure 12 In conjunction with the movement of the rod member 12, the support member 802 of the coupling member 864 moves from the first position (retracted position) to the second position (extended position) on the driving side.

[0513] In other words, 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 convex portion pressing member 803 operates the support member 802 on the driving side, the convex portion pressing member 803 can be regarded as part of the above-mentioned operating unit. In this embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the convex portion pressing member 803, but an elastic member having a different shape can also be used to push the support member 802.

[0514] The drive transmission member 881 of this embodiment is tilted like the drive transmission member 81 shown in the modified example of Example 1. When the drive transmission member 881 is tilted, the drive transmission member 881 and the coupling member 864 are not coaxially arranged. Next, how the coupling member 864 and the drive transmission member 881 engage with each other when the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 881 and the rotation axis L1 of the coupling member 864 are not coaxial before engagement will be described.

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

[0516] here, Figure 58 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the process cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A. FIG.

[0517] Figure 58 Part (b) of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the opening and closing door 13 (not shown) is closed after the process cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A. FIG.

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

[0519] Figure 58 Component (d) of FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram just after the phase of the drive transmission portion 881a and the phase of the convex portion 801 of the coupling member 864 fall within a predetermined range.

[0520] Figure 58 FIG. 8( e ) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the drive transmission portion 881 a of the drive transmission member 881 and the convex portion 801 of the coupling member 864 are completely engaged with each other.

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

[0522] Figure 59 The sub-graphs (a) to (e) are related to Figure 58 1 and 2. The timing of the sub-figures (a) to (e) corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission component 881 and the coupling component 864 in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0523] Similar to the embodiment 1, the drive transmission member 881 is supported by the drive transmission member support member 85. , thereby forming a gap between the supported portion 881b of the drive transmission component 881 and the supporting portion 85a of the drive transmission component supporting component 85. The drive transmission component 881 can move within the range of this gap. By appropriately selecting the size of this gap, when the drive transmission component 881 and the coupling component 864 are engaged, the center position of the free end side of the drive transmission component 881 (the position of the center of the free end side of the drive transmission component 881) can be aligned with the center position of the coupling component 864. As a result, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission component 881 can be accurately aligned with the rotation axis L1 of the coupling component 864.

[0524] according to relationship, such as Figure 58 As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the drive transmission component 881 is tilted in the V direction due to its own weight.

[0525] When the rotatable door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A is fully closed, the support member 802 of the coupling member 864 moves from the first position to the second position via the lever member 12, the outer cylindrical cam member 870, and the inner cylindrical cam member 874. At this time, the plurality of projections 801, whose longitudinal positions are regulated by the support member 802, also project in the direction of arrow N as the support member 802 moves.

[0526] In this modification, a portion of the plurality of protruding members 801 abuts against the drive transmission member 881 inclined in the direction V in the figure at the drive transmission portion 881a by the pressing force of the convex portion pressing member 803, and a portion thereof abuts against the end surface 881c ( Figure 57 's sub-graph (b), Figure 58 Component (b)).

[0527] Here, for the sake of convenience, the plurality of (six) convex portions 801 shown are 801A to 801F ( Figure 59 Each of these protrusions 801 can move back and forth independently.

[0528] When the drive transmission component 881 is located Figure 58 's sub-graph (b) and Figure 59 When the position is shown in the sub-figure (b), the protrusions 801B, 801C and 801E in the protrusion 801 abut the drive transmission portion 881a, and 801A, 801D and 801F abut the end surface 881C.

[0529] Afterwards, if Figure 58 's sub-graph (c) and Figure 59 As shown in FIG. (c), when the drive transmission component 881 rotates in the direction of arrow R, a portion of the convex portion 801D and the convex portion 801F abuts against the drive transmission portion 881a due to the pressing force of the convex portion pressing component 803. When the drive transmission component 881 rotates further from this state, a portion of the surface of the drive transmission portion 881a (surface 881d) engages with the convex portion 801F (f) in the direction of rotation. At this time, the surface 881d of the drive transmission component 881 receives the reaction force in the direction of arrow HA, and the drive transmission component 881 tends to move in the direction of arrow HA. At the same time, the other surfaces 881g and 881i of the drive transmission component 881 abut against a portion of the convex portions 801C and 801D, and movement to the outside of the alignment direction is restricted. Therefore, the drive transmission component 881 continues to rotate while moving in the direction of arrow HB, which is the alignment direction.

[0530] In addition, if Figure 58 's sub-graph (d) and Figure 59As shown in FIG. 5( d ), the drive transmission component 881 rotates in the direction of arrow R and moves in the direction of arrow HB at the same time, so that all the protrusions 801 abut against the drive transmission portion.

[0531] Furthermore, when the drive transmission member 881 rotates, the surfaces 881 d , 881 e , and 881 f as the drive transmission portions come into contact with the convex portions 801A, 801D, and 801F, respectively.

[0532] At this time, since the convex portions 801A, 801D, and 801F are arranged at appropriate positions, the drive transmission member 881 is engaged while being aligned in the direction of arrow HB.

[0533] That is, the projection 801 is positioned so that when the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 881 and the rotation axis L1 of the coupling member 864 are coaxially arranged, the projection 801 simultaneously abuts against the surfaces 881d, 881e, 881f of the drive transmission member 881. Thus, a centering effect can be obtained.

[0534] Therefore, the alignment of the drive transmission member 881 is completed by the protrusion 801 and the drive transmission is achieved.

[0535] Since each of the multiple convex parts 801 is pushed by the corresponding spring (convex part pressing part 803), each convex part 801 can move independently of each other. According to the rotation of the drive transmission part 881, each convex part 801 moves back and forth and engages with the drive transmission part 881 in turn. In other words, the number of convex parts 801 engaged with the drive transmission part 881 gradually increases. As a result, the inclination angle of the drive transmission part 881 gradually decreases, and the engagement (connection, link) between the drive transmission part 881 and the coupling part 864 is finally completed. In this state, the inclination angle of the drive transmission part 881 relative to the photosensitive drum can be set to a value close to 0 degrees. In other words, the drive transmission part 881 can be aligned with the photosensitive drum.

[0536] Furthermore, when the cartridge B is taken out of the main assembly A of the apparatus, the support member 802 is Figure 58 Then, the convex portion 801 retreats to Figure 58 Graph (a) and Figure 59 , and the engagement with the drive transmission component 881 is released.

[0537] In the above description, the tilt direction (V direction) of the drive transmission member 881 is the gravity direction, but the tilt direction may be any direction. For example, the drive transmission member 881 may be tilted in the direction shown in Embodiment 3 and the like.

[0538] In addition, in this embodiment, the number of the plurality of convex portions (input members) 801 is six. However, as long as there are at least three convex portions 801 , it is possible to engage with the drive transmission member 881 while achieving a centering effect.

[0539] In addition, as described above, in order for the protrusion 801 to perform the function of centering the drive transfer component 881, the following relationship may preferably be satisfied. That is, preferably, when the drive transfer component 881 and the coupling component 864 are coaxially arranged, at least three of the plurality of protrusions 801 are provided at positions where they can engage with the drive transfer component 881 at the same time. If the plurality of protrusions 801 include protrusions other than the engaging protrusions that engage with the rotational trajectory of the surfaces 881d, 881e, and 881f of the drive transfer component 881, it may be difficult to obtain a centering effect if the drive transfer component 881 first engages with the protrusions other than the engaging protrusions. In the present embodiment, the plurality (six) protrusions 801 of the coupling component 864 are arranged to form a roughly triangular shape ( Figure 59 In this case, due to the recess 81a ( Figure 59 The sub-figure (a) is roughly triangular, so six convex parts 801 are arranged accordingly. By arranging the plurality of convex parts 801 to correspond to the shape of the concave part of the drive transmission member 881, the number of convex parts 801 engaging with the concave part 81a increases as the drive transmission member 881 rotates ( Figure 59 As a result, the tilt of the drive transmission component 881 is reduced, as shown in FIG. Figure 58 As shown in the sub-figures (a)-(e), the connection between the drive transmission component 881 and the connecting component 864 can be realized.

[0540] <Example 7>

[0541] Next, Example 7 will be described. The description of the same points as in the above embodiments may be omitted. Specifically, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in the first and second embodiments will be given the same names as the components in Examples 1 and 2, and only the differences from the above will be described.

[0542] In the present embodiment, as in the modified example of Example 1, a case will be described in which the drive transmission part 81 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable). In Example 1, the chamfered portion 64e is arranged to be inclined relative to the advance and retreat direction of the coupling part 64, so that the angular difference between the drive transmission part 81 and the coupling part 64 is reduced, and the drive transmission part 81 and the coupling part can be coupled to each other. Engagement with the coupling part 64 is now possible. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail below, the drive input unit 300 including the alignment part 301 and the drive transmission part 81 can be engaged with each other. In the present embodiment, the drive input unit 300 corresponds to the coupling part.

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

[0544] In this embodiment, the operating member (lever member 12) as described in Embodiment 1 is arranged on the driving side of the cartridge B, and the operating member (lever member 212) as described in Embodiment 2 is arranged on the non-driving side of the cartridge B. As will be described below, the lever member 12 extends and retracts the pin receiving member 303, and the lever member 212 extends and retracts the alignment member 301. The pin receiving member 303 and the alignment member 301 can move back and forth independently of each other.

[0545] refer to Figure 60 、 61 , 62 and 63, the drive input unit 300 including the alignment member 301, the pin (protrusion, drive input member, input portion) 302 and the pin receiving member (support portion, output portion) 303 in this 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] like Figure 60As shown, the alignment member 301 is provided with an inclined surface 301a, a cylindrical portion 301b, a cutout portion 301c, a longitudinal control surface 301d, a connecting member receiving portion 301e, and an end surface 301f. At this time, the three cutout portions 301c are provided at equal intervals along the cylindrical portion 301b.

[0551] In addition, if Figure 61 As 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, the three pin receiving portions 303a are arranged at equal intervals along the cylindrical receiving portion 303c.

[0552] Such as Figure 62 and 63 As shown, the drive input unit 300 in this embodiment includes an alignment member 301, a pin 302, and a 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. Furthermore, the pin 302 engages with the pin receiving portion 303a of the pin receiving member 303. At this point, the pin 302 is inserted into a position contacting the longitudinal control surface 303h and can be securely fixed by applying an adhesive or the like to the groove portion 303e from the spring seat surface 303f. Alternatively, a press fit or screws can be used as a means of securely securing the pin 302. Here, the pin 302 is provided with a flange portion 302a, and the pin 302 engages 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 connecting member 304 (which will be described later), the longitudinal regulating 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. Figure 62 As shown, a pin is provided in each of the three cutout portions of the alignment member 301 .

[0553] Furthermore, 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 driving side flange member 75 and transmits the drive to the driving side flange member 75, the drive transmission portion 303b transmits the drive to the driving side flange member 75. The structure in which the drive transmission portion 303b is supported by the driving side flange member 75 and the structure in which the driving side flange member 75 is supported by the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Next, referring to Figure 21 、 23, 64 and 65, the driving side flange unit 269 and the drum unit according to the present embodiment, and the operation unit capable of longitudinally moving the registration member 301 will be described.

[0554] Figure 64 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drum unit according to Embodiment 7 and a partially enlarged view thereof. Figure 65 3. It is a view showing an assembling method of the drum unit according to Embodiment 7.

[0555] like Figure 64 and 65 As shown, the driving side flange unit 269 according to this 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. The driving input unit 300 is provided to replace the coupling member 64 of Example 1 and the coupling member 264 of Example 2. In addition, the drum unit includes the driving side flange unit 269, the driving input unit connecting member 304, the buffer member 255, the non-driving side flange member 254 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274. The driving side flange member 275 has the same structure as in Example 1, and the inner cylindrical cam member 274, the non-driving side flange member 254 and the cover member 258 have the same structure as in Example 2.

[0556] The driving input unit connecting member 304 includes an aligning member supporting portion 304 a , a buffering member supporting portion 304 b , a coupling portion 304 c connecting the driving input unit 300 and the inner cylindrical cam member 274 , and a supported portion 304 d supported by the inner cylindrical cam member 274 .

[0557] A first pressing member 259 including a compression spring or the like is provided between the spring seat surface 303 f 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. Figure 65As shown, the drive input unit connecting component 304 (the buffer component 255 of which is supported by the buffer component support portion 304b) is inserted into the drum from the non-driven side end 62b. At this time, the buffer component 255 supported by the drive input unit connecting component 304 contacts the spring seat surface 303f of the pin receiving component 303, and the alignment component support portion 304a engages with the connecting component receiving portion 301e of the alignment component 301. Here, the alignment component support portion 304a of the drive input unit connecting component 304 and the connecting component receiving portion 301e of the alignment component 301 are firmly fixed by means of press fit, screw connection, bonding, etc. Then, under the state that the inner cylindrical cam component 274 is assembled to the inner peripheral portion 254b, the non-driven side flange component 254 is fixed to the non-driven side drum end 62b by the clamping method in Example 1, for example. At this time, the drive input unit connecting component 304 is rotatably supported on the connecting component support portion 274b of the inner cylindrical cam component 274 by the supported portion 304d. The structure of the drum unit of Embodiment 7 is as described above.

[0559] Furthermore, as in Embodiment 2, the operating unit on the non-driving side of the cartridge includes the outer cylindrical cam member 270, the inner cylindrical cam member 274, the lever member (operating member) 212, the second pressing member 214, etc. ( Figure 21 、 Figure 23 ). The operating unit on the non-drive side of the cartridge will be referred to as the non-drive side operating unit. The structure and operation of this non-drive side operating unit are the same as those of the operating unit of Example 2. The difference from Example 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 supporting portion 304a of the drive input unit connecting member 304 is firmly fixed to the alignment member 301.

[0560] In Embodiment 2, the outer cylindrical cam component 270, the inner cylindrical cam component 274, and the connecting component 261 are configured to determine the longitudinal position of the coupling component 264. Similarly, in this embodiment, the longitudinal position of the alignment component 301 is determined by the outer cylindrical cam component 270, the inner cylindrical cam component 274, and the drive input unit connecting component 304. Figure 64As shown in FIG. 2 , the alignment component 301 is configured to be positioned closest to the non-driven side under the state before the box pressing component abuts on the rod component 212 of the non-driven side operating unit. The position that the alignment component 301 retreats to the non-driven side is referred to as the alignment component retreat position (the retreat position of the alignment component, the non-action position). In addition, as will be described in detail below, when the opening and closing door 13 is fully closed, the box pressing component 1 contacts the rod component 212 of the non-driven side operating unit. Then, the inside cylindrical cam component 74, the drive input unit 300 and the alignment component 301 are configured to be positioned closest to the driven side by the pushing force of the buffer component 255. In the present embodiment, the position that the alignment component 301 stretches out to the driven side is referred to as the alignment component extended position (the extended position of the alignment component, the action position) in the present embodiment.

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

[0562] Figure 66 1 is a partial perspective view illustrating the structures 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] like Figure 64 、 66 As shown in Figure 67, the operating unit similar to that of embodiment 1 is connected to the pin receiving component 303 and controls the movement (advance and retreat action) of the pin receiving component 303 (control unit).Here, as in embodiment 1, this operating unit is arranged on the drive side of box.The drive side operating unit of this box will be referred to as the drive side operating unit.In addition, just as in embodiment 1, the drive side operating unit comprises outside cylindrical cam component 70, inside cylindrical cam component 74, rod component 12, second pressing component (elastic component, pushing component) 14 etc.

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

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

[0567] In addition, if Figure 64 As shown, when the cartridge is not mounted to the main assembly A of the apparatus, the inner cylindrical cam member 74 is arranged to resist the elastic force of the first pressing member 259 to cause the pin receiving member 303 to retreat into the drum. That is, in a state where the door 13 of the main assembly is released or before the cartridge pressing member 1 abuts against the rod member 12, the pin receiving member 303 is configured to be located at a position closest to the non-driving side. The position where the pin receiving member 303 retreats to the non-driving side is referred to as a pin receiving member retreat position. Figure 64 As shown, when the pin receiving member 303 is in the pin receiving member retracted position, the pin 302 and the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly A of the apparatus are configured to not overlap in the longitudinal direction. In other words, when the alignment member 301 is also in the alignment member retracted position, the process cartridge B can be smoothly installed and removed without interference between the pin 302 and the drive transmission member 81 of the main assembly. Furthermore, as will be described in detail below, when the door 13 is fully closed, the cartridge pressing member 1 contacts the lever member 12 of the drive-side operating unit. This structure then positions the inner cylindrical cam member 74, the pin receiving member 303, and the pin 302 closest to the drive side due to the pushing force of the first pressing member 259. In this embodiment, the position in which the pin receiving member 303 extends toward the drive side is referred to as the pin receiving member extended position. The pin receiving member 303 moves between the retracted position and the extended position along the axis of the photosensitive drum 62, which serves as the photosensitive member.

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

[0569] Figure 68 1 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the non-driving side of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge pressing member 1 approaches the lever member 12 and the lever member 212 during closing of the opening and closing door 13 of the apparatus main assembly A in the direction H in the figure. In the figure, the lever member 12 on the driving side is indicated by a dotted line.

[0570] The two cartridge pressing members 1 are arranged so as to contact the lever member 12 and the lever member 212. That is, one cartridge pressing member 1 is configured to press the driving 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 on the driving side and the non-driving side in this manner are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum. Figure 68 As shown, during the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 in the direction H in the figure, this arrangement causes the pressed portion 212a of the lever member 212 to contact the cartridge pressing member 1 before the pressed portion 12a of the lever member 12 contacts the cartridge pressing member 1. Therefore, during the process of closing the opening and closing door 13, the non-driven side operating unit is operated before the driven side operating unit. Therefore, as will be described below, the alignment member 301 is extended / retracted by the non-driven side operating unit before the pin receiving member 303 is extended / retracted by the driven side operating unit.

[0572] refer to Figure 69 、 70 71, a description will be given of how the drive input unit 300 and the drive transmission member 81 are engaged with each other when the rotation axes L3 and L1 of the drive transmission member 81 and the drive input unit 300 are not coaxial before the two are engaged with each other.

[0573] here, Figure 69 Component (a) of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus main assembly A and the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is fully opened. Figure 69 Component (b) is a longitudinal sectional view when the lever member 212 of the non-driving side operation unit begins to be pressed by the cartridge pressing member 1 in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 after the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A. Figure 69 FIG. 5 (c) is a longitudinal sectional view when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the rod member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the aligning member 301 reaches the aligning member extending position.

[0574] Figure 69 FIG. 5 (d) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the drive transmission portion 81 a of the drive transmission member 81 and the pin 302 of the drive input unit 300 are completely engaged. Figure 69 FIG. 10 (d) shows a state in which the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed, the lever member 12 of the drive-side operating unit is pressed by the cartridge pressing member 1, the driving force is further input to the apparatus main assembly A, and the drive transmission member 81 has rotated. As a result, the drive transmission portion 81a and the pin 302 are engaged with each other.

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

[0576] Figure 70 It is a partially enlarged view of a portion where the inclined surface 301 a of the alignment member 301 contacts the end surface 81 c of the drive transmission member 81 just before the alignment member 301 and the drive transmission member 81 contact each other.

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

[0578] like Figure 69 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of , as in the case of the first embodiment, the drive transmission component 81 is tilted in the V direction in the figure by its own weight before engaging with the pin 302. At this time, the alignment component 301 and the pin 302 are in the retreat position and neither is in contact with the drive transmission component 81. Next, in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13, the box pressing component 1 and the pressed portion 212a of the rod component 212 come into contact with each other. Then, the outer cylindrical cam component 270 rides on the inner cylindrical cam component 274, so that the inner cylindrical cam component 274, the drive input unit connecting component 304 and the alignment component 301 begin to move toward the driving side of the box.

[0579] At this time, if 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 toward the driving side, while displacing the drive transmission member 81. Here, by applying a sufficiently large pressure to the buffer member 255, the alignment member 301 can resist the torque acting in the direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is tilted due to its own weight and move to the driving side. Then, as Figure 69 As shown in the sub-figure (b) of , the alignment component 301 rotates the drive transfer component 81 in the W direction, that is, moves toward the driving side, while reducing the inclination angle of the drive transfer component 81. Then, after the inclined surface 301a passes the ridge line 81d of the drive transfer component 81, the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment component 301 and the ridge line of the drive transfer portion 81a immediately abut against each other. Here, the rotation axis L3 of the drive transfer component 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the drive input unit 300 are aligned with each other by the engagement of the cylindrical portion 301b and the drive transfer portion 81a. Thereafter, as Figure 69 As shown in the sub-figure (c), the alignment member 301 does not move to the driving side, that is, moves to the alignment member extended position, until the end surface 301f of the alignment member 301 contacts the drive transmission member 81.

[0580] Next, when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the cartridge pressing member 1 and the pressed portion 12a of the lever member 12 of the drive side operating unit come into contact with each other. Figure 69 As shown in FIG. 5 (d), the outer cylindrical cam 70 and the inner cylindrical cam 74 operate as in Example 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 retracted position to the driving side.

[0581] At this time, if Figure 71 As shown, if the phase of the drive transmission portion 81a matches the phase of the pin 302 of the drive input unit 300, the pin 302 engages the drive transmission portion 81a at that point in time. However, in the case of other phases, the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303 do not move to the driving side until the pin 302 contacts the end surface 81c of the drive transmission member 81. However, even in this case, when the drive is input to the main assembly of the device, the drive transmission member 81 rotates, and the phase difference between the pin 302 of the drive input unit 300 and the phase of the drive transmission portion 81a decreases. When the phases become matched, the pin 302 engages the drive transmission portion 81a due to the pushing force of the first pressing member 59.

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

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

[0584] In this 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 pins 302 is transmitted to the pin receiving member 303 and output from the pin receiving member 303 to the photosensitive drum 62. In addition, the coupling member of this embodiment is also movably supported by the flange member 75 and is provided at the end of the photosensitive drum.

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

[0586] In the modification 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 this embodiment, the movable member (alignment member) 301 arranged near the input member (pin 302) of the coupling member moves from the retracted position (non-action position) toward the drive transmission member 81, that is, moves to the extended position (action position). This corresponds to Figure 69 The process is shown in the sub-diagrams (a), (b) and (c) of FIG. When the alignment member 301 moves in this way, the alignment member 301 pushes the drive transmission member 81, thereby reducing the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81. As a result, the drive input member (302) and the drive transmission member 81 enter an engageable state. This is exactly Figure 69 The state shown in the sub-figure (c).

[0588] That is, after the alignment member 301 moves from the retracted position to the extended position to reduce the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81, the coupling member (the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303) moves from the retracted position to the extended position ( Figure 69 d). Thus, the coupling member is engaged with the drive transmission member 81. The alignment member 301 and the coupling member (the pin 302 and the pin receiving member 303) are configured to be able to move back and forth at different times.

[0589] As in the modified example of Example 1 and Example 2, when the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81a is aligned with the rotation 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 this 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 rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 with the rotation axis of the drum. Therefore, it is unnecessary 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 achieved.

[0590] <Variations of Example 7>

[0591] Hereinafter, a modification example in which the structure of this embodiment is partially modified will be described. Figure 69), the inclined surface 301a and the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 engage with the ridge 81d of the drive transmission portion 81. This makes it possible to rotate (swing) the drive transmission member 81 and align the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 with the rotation axis L1 of the drive input unit 300. However, in order to rotate the drive transmission member 81 so as to align the rotation axis with the drive input unit 300, it is not necessary to use the ridge line 81d of the recessed portion 81a of the drive transmission portion 81, but the drive transmission portion outer periphery 81e ( Figure 25 ). Hereinafter, a modification will be described in which a peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is provided in place of the alignment member 301 of Example 7, and the peripheral receiving alignment member 305 and the drive transmission unit periphery 81e are engaged with each other, and the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 is aligned with the rotation axis L1 of the drive input unit 300.

[0592] First, refer to Figure 72 and 73 , the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 and the drum unit constituted thereby will be described.

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

[0594] Figure 73 2 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the drum unit and the drum bearing 73 according to this modification.

[0595] like Figure 72 and 73 As shown, the peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is provided with a sloped surface 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 disk. Furthermore, three cylindrical portions 305b are provided radially outside the hole portion 305d and at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the base 304c. The sloped surface 305a is provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 304b. The sloped surface 305a is inclined so as to approach the base 304c toward the inside of the base 304c in the radial direction.

[0596] Furthermore, the differences from the above-described embodiment 7 will be described except for the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305, and a 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 excluding the alignment member 305 corresponds to the coupling member of the present embodiment, but in a broad sense, the entire drive input member 300 may also be referred to as a coupling member.

[0598] like Figure 73 As shown, the drive input unit connecting member 304 is provided with a base support portion 304e. The hole 305d of the peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is inserted into the base support portion 304 and fixed with screws or adhesive. When assembling the drum unit, the peripheral receiving alignment member 305 is inserted into the drum in a state assembled to the drive input unit connecting member 304.

[0599] In addition, the pin receiving component 303 is provided with an outer cylindrical receiving portion 303i. It is arranged at a position corresponding to the cylindrical portion 305b of the outer periphery receiving alignment component 305, and can be engaged by aligning the phases when the drive input unit connecting component 304 is inserted. The cover component 258 is also provided with a cylindrical receiving portion 258a at a position corresponding to the cylindrical portion 305b of the outer periphery receiving alignment component 305. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 305b of the outer periphery receiving alignment component 305 is configured to protrude from the interior of the drum to the exterior of the drum through the cylindrical receiving portion 258a of the cover component 258 and the outer periphery cylindrical receiving portion 303i of the pin receiving component 303. The drum bearing 73 supports the drive side flange 275 instead of the pin receiving component 303.

[0600] In addition, the first pressing member 259, the outside cylindrical cam 70 and the inside cylindrical cam 74 avoid the periphery receiving alignment member 305 by increasing the inner diameter, but the basic structure is the same as above-mentioned content. The structure of the pin 302, the buffer member 255 and the non-drive side flange 254 is the same as above-mentioned content. In addition, similar to the above-mentioned alignment member 301, along with the operation of the non-drive side operating unit, the periphery receiving alignment member 305 can move in the longitudinal direction of the box together with the drive input unit connecting member 304. At this time, in this modified example, the position where the periphery receives the alignment member 305 and extends to the drive side to the greatest extent will also be referred to as the alignment member extending position.

[0601] Next, refer to Figure 74 and 75 , a description will be given of how the drive input unit 300 and the drive transmission member 81 are engaged with each other in the case where the rotation axis L3 of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis L1 of the drive input unit 300 are not coaxial before they are engaged with each other.

[0602] here, Figure 74 FIG. 1A is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus main assembly A and the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is fully opened. Figure 74 Component (b) is a longitudinal sectional view when the lever member 212 of the non-driving side operation unit begins to be pressed by the cartridge pressing member 1 in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13 after the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A. Figure 74FIG. 2 (c) is a longitudinal sectional view when the opening and closing door 13 is further closed, the rod member 212 is pushed by the cartridge pressing member 1, and the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 reaches the alignment member extending position. Figure 74 FIG. 5 (d) is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the drive transmission portion 81 a of the drive transmission member 81 and the pin 302 of the drive input unit 300 are completely engaged. Figure 74 FIG (d) shows the state after the opening and closing door 13 is completely closed, the lever member 12 of the driving side operating unit is pushed by the box pressing member 1, the driving force is input to the main component A of the device, and the drive transmission member 81 rotates.

[0603] exist Figure 74 In the sub-figures (a), (b), (c) and (d), the peripheral receiving alignment component 305 of the drive input unit 300 is engaged with the drive transmission component 81, at which time the inclination angle of the drive transmission component 81 is reduced and the alignment component is moved to the extended position.

[0604] Figure 75 It is a partial enlarged view of a portion where the inclined surface 305a of the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 abuts against the end surface 81c of the drive transmission member 81 just before the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 and the drive transmission member 81 abut against each other.

[0605] like Figure 74 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of , as in the case of Example 1, the drive transmission component 81 is tilted in the V direction in the figure by its own weight before engaging with the pin 302. At this time, the peripheral receiving alignment component 305 and the pin 302 are in the retreat position and are not in contact with the drive transmission component 81. Next, in the process of closing the opening and closing door 13, the box pressing component 1 and the pressed portion 212a of the rod component 212 contact each other. Then, the outer cylindrical cam component 270 rides on the inner cylindrical cam component 274, so that the inner cylindrical cam component 274, the drive input unit connecting component 304 and the outer peripheral receiving alignment component 305 begin to move the cylindrical cam toward the driving side of the box.

[0606] At this time, if Figure 75 As shown, the inclined surface 305a of the peripheral receiving alignment member 305 contacts the peripheral ridge 81f of the drive transmission portion 81a of the drive transmission member 81. Thereafter, the alignment member 301 moves toward the driving side while moving the drive transmission member 81 away. Here, by applying a sufficiently large pressure to the buffer member 255, the alignment member 301 is able to resist the torque acting in the direction in which the drive transmission member 81 is tilted due to its own weight and move toward the driving side. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 69As shown in the sub-figure (b) of FIG, the drive transmission component 81 rotates along the direction W in the figure of the drive transmission component 81, that is, the drive transmission component 81 moves toward the driving side, and the inclination angle of the drive transmission component 81 decreases. Thereafter, the inclined surface 305a passes through the peripheral ridge 81f of the drive transmission component 81, and then the cylindrical portion 305b of the alignment component 301 and the peripheral ridge 81f of the drive transmission component 81 contact each other. Here, the rotation axis of the drive transmission component 81 and the rotation axis of the drive input unit 300 pass through the three cylindrical portions 305b ( Figure 72 ) and the drive transmission portion 81a are aligned. Thereafter, as Figure 74 As shown in FIG (c), the peripheral receiving alignment component 305 moves toward the driving side until the end surface of the peripheral receiving alignment component 305 contacts the drive transmission component 81, that is, moves to the alignment component extended position.

[0607] The operation after the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 has been moved to the alignment member extended 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 moved integrally from the pin receiving member retracted position to the drive side by the action of the drive-side operating unit. When further drive is input to the apparatus main assembly A, the drive transmission portion 81 and the pin 302 engage with each other.

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

[0609] In this manner, the inclined surface 301a and the cylindrical portion 301b of the alignment member 301 engage with the drive transmission portion 81a. Thus, even when the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the drive input unit 300 deviate from each other, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation axis of the drive input unit 300 can be accurately aligned.

[0610] In this modification, the shape of the drive transmission member 81, which aligns the rotational axis of the drum 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, namely, at the peripheral ridge 81f. Therefore, there are fewer restrictions on the shape of the pin 302 that directly receives the driving force from the drive transmission member 81, and the diameter of the pin 302 can be increased or a shape that matches the drive transmission portion 81a can be provided. Therefore, according to this modification, it is possible to achieve more reliable drive transmission based on the shape of the pin 302 and increase the strength of the pin 302.

[0611] In addition, although the outer periphery receiving alignment member 305 is aligned by three cylindrical parts, it may be in the shape of a circular tube, for example, 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] <Example 8>

[0613] Next, a description will be given of Embodiment 8. Just like the drive transmission portion 81 shown in the modification of Embodiment 1, the drive transmission member of this embodiment is configured to be tiltable (able to tilt).

[0614] The description of the same points as in the above-mentioned embodiment can be omitted. Specifically, among the elements of the box side disclosed in this embodiment, the components corresponding to the components described in Example 2 will be given the same names as in Example 2, and only the parts different from Example 2 can be explained. Figure 76 and Figure 77 1 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of embodiment 1. Similarly, in this embodiment, the cartridge is provided with a coupling member (drive input member) 264 for receiving a driving force from the apparatus main assembly. In this embodiment, similarly to embodiment 2, a rod 212 ( Figure 21 ) 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 Example 2 ( Figure 24 Figures (a) to (c)).

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

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

[0617] like Figure 77 As shown, the control component 402 is provided with a limiting portion 402a, a contact portion 402b and an initial contact portion 402c. The control component 402 is provided on the driving side bearing component 401 so as to be rotatable around the axis MX, and is fixed by the initial contact portion 402c and the control component contact portion 401a contacting each other. The position of the control component 402 at this time is called the non-action position (retraction position). Figure 76 As shown, the control member 402 is arranged outside the free end of the coupling member 64 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum (arrow LO side).

[0618] Figure 78 1 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main assembly. Figure 78 As shown in FIG. 4( a ), the control member 402 is disposed downstream of the line M1 connecting the rotation axis of the drum 62 and the rotation axis of the developing roller 32 in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the control member 402 has a moment acting in the direction of arrow MA about the axis MX as the center of rotation due to its own weight, and the initial contact portion 402 c contacts the control member contact portion 401 a of the drive-side bearing member 401.

[0619] Next, when the process cartridge is Figure 78 As shown in FIG. (b) of FIG. 4 , when the process cartridge is inserted, the contact portion (cartridge side guide portion) 402b of the control member 402 contacts the main component guide portion 403 provided in the main component A of the apparatus. When the process cartridge is further inserted, the contact portion 402b moves along the main component guide portion 403, and the control member 402 rotates around the axis MX in the direction of the arrow MB. When the process cartridge is further inserted, the limiting portion 402a contacts the side surface 81f of the drive transmission member 81, as shown in FIG. Figure 78 Then, the limiting portion (pressing portion, acting portion) 402a presses and pushes the side surface 81f of the drive transmission member in the direction of arrow MC.

[0620] Thus, in the drive transmission member 81, Figure 15 The moment in the direction of the arrow W shown is generated as in the 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 limiting portion 402a is smaller 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 , the moving trajectory of the control component 402 will be described. The control component 402 can move between two positions. Figure 78 The position of the control component 402 shown by the solid line in the sub-graph (d) is the position where it acts on the drive transmission component 81 (the above-mentioned action position: Figure 78 The limiting portion 402a of the control member 402 is located near the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 62 as the photosensitive member on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member. Figure 78 The position of the control component 402 shown by the dotted line in the sub-figure (d) is a position retreated from the action position (the above-mentioned non-action position and retreat position: Figure 78 When the control member 402 is in the non-operating position, the control member 402 is further away from the center (axis) of the photosensitive drum 462 as the photosensitive member than in the operating position.

[0628] The action position of the control component 402 ( Figure 78 's sub-graph (c)) and non-active position ( Figure 78 One of the control member 402 positions in FIG. 4A can be referred to as the first position of the control member, while the other can be referred to as the second position of the control member. The active position of the control member 402 is a position in which it acts on the drive transmission member 81 (more specifically, a position in which it pushes the drive transmission member 81 to reduce the tilt of the drive transmission member 81). The inactive position is a position retracted from the active position.

[0629] Regardless of the position of the control member 402, the control member 402 is located outside in the axial direction relative to the free end of the coupling member 264 located in the retracted position ( Figure 76 In the embodiment described here, although the tension spring 404 ( Figure 79 ) is shown as an initialization spring (elastic member) for keeping the control member 402 in the initial position (non-action position, retreat position), but any structure can be used as long as the structure can be initialized. For example, in addition to the tension spring, a method of providing a compression spring, a torsion coil spring, etc. as the spring (elastic member) can be considered. That is, when the box is installed, the control member 402 is set to a predetermined initial position (non-action position, retreat position: Figure 78 As another method, a structure can be considered in which a weight component is attached to the free end of the control component, and when the box is installed, the weight of the weight component holds the control component in the initial position. This method is not limited.

[0630] Furthermore, in order to avoid interfering with the image forming process performed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 62, the control member 402 is arranged so as 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 ( Figure 78 In the sub-figure (c), the surface of the photosensitive drum 62 is not covered or contacted by the control component 402.

[0631] <Variation 1 of Example 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 (able to tilt) similarly to the above-described structure.

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

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

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

[0636] The control member 412 is provided with a restricting portion (acting portion, pressing portion) 412a, a contact portion 412b, and an initial contact portion 412c. The control member 412 is pressed in the direction of arrow ME by its own weight and is fixed by the initial contact portion 412c contacting the contact portion 73g of the drum bearing 73. This is the state in which the control member 412 is in the non-acting position (retracted position).

[0637] Figure 81 1 is a cross-sectional view of the drive transmission member and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main assembly. Figure 81 As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B , the initial contact portion 412 c of the control member 412 contacts the contact portion 73 g of the drum bearing 73 by its own weight.

[0638] The control member 412 is provided on the downstream side in the direction of gravity with respect to a line M1 connecting the rotation axes of the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 to each other.

[0639] When the process cartridge is inserted, the contact portion 412b contacts the main assembly guide portion 413, as shown in FIG. Figure 81 As shown in Figure (b).

[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. 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 member 422 is provided on the downstream side in the direction of gravity with respect to a line M1 connecting the rotation axis of the drum 62 and the rotation axis of the developing roller 32 .

[0646] like Figure 84 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of , the cleaning frame 71 is provided with an initial limiting portion 711, a limiting portion 771m after insertion and a frame side pushing pressure receiving portion 71n. The control component 422 is rotatably supported on the cleaning frame 71 around the axis MY. In addition, the control component 422 is provided with a limiting portion (action portion, pushing portion) 422a, a contact portion 422b, an initial contact portion 422c, a contact portion 422d after insertion and a control component side pushing pressure receiving portion 422e. A tension spring 424 as a pushing component is provided on the control component side pushing pressure receiving portion 422e and the frame side pushing pressure receiving portion 71n.

[0647] Before being inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus, a force in the direction of arrow MF acts on the control member 422 from the tension spring 424. As a result, a moment in the direction of MG acts on the control member 422, causing the control member 422 to rotate about the axis MY and come to a stop by the initial contact portion 422c and the initial restriction portion 711 of the cleaning frame 71 abutting against each other. This is a state in which the control member 422 is in the inactive position (retracted position).

[0648] Next, when the process cartridge is inserted, the contact portion (cartridge side guide portion) 422b of the control member 422 comes into contact with the main assembly frame (main assembly side guide portion) 423, as shown in FIG. Figure 84 As shown in FIG. (b) of FIG. 422, the control member 422 rotates in the direction of the arrow MH around the rotation axis MY by the reaction force received by the contact portion 422b from the main component guide portion 423. Figure 84 When the control member 422 is further inserted as shown in the sub-figure (c), the control member 422 rotates in the direction of MH by the force in the direction of arrow MF received from the tension spring 424, contacts the side surface 81f of the drive transmission member 81, and pushes the drive transmission member 81 in the direction of arrow MI. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 is generated as in the embodiment 1. Figure 15 The moment in the direction of arrow W shown can reduce the tilt angle of the drive transmission member 81. At this time, the control member 422 (control unit) is in the active position.

[0649] At this time, if Figure 87 As shown, Figure 87 The distance L6 between the drum rotation axis and the limiting portion 422a in the sub-graph (c) is greater than Figure 87 The distance L5 between the drum rotation axis and the limiting portion 422a in the sub-diagram (a) is short. Figure 87 As shown in FIG. (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 member 422 is in the active position ( Figure 84 's sub-graph (c) and Figure 87 Component (c)), at least a portion of the control component (ie, the contact portion 422b) is located outside the free end of the coupling component 264 in the axial direction (LO direction).

[0650] The control section 402 ( Figure 77 ) and control component 412( Figure 80 The control member 402 moves in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum, but it cannot move in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. That is, the control member 402 moves around the shaft portion MX (see FIG. Figure 77 ) rotates, and the control member 412 linearly slides in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum as the photosensitive member ( Figure 80 Component (a)).

[0651] On the other hand, in the second modification, when the control member 442 is moved from the inactive position ( Figure 84 Figure (a)) moves to the action position ( Figure 84 In the sub-figure (c)), the limiting portion (action portion, pushing portion) 422a of the control component 442 is displaced in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. That is, when the control unit 442 moves to the action position, the limiting unit 422a is displaced outward in the axial direction, that is, Figure 84 In the sub-figure (c), it moves toward the left.

[0652] <Variation 3 of Example 8>

[0653] Further, another modification (modification 3) according to the present embodiment will be described. Also in this modification, the drive transmission portion 81 is configured to be pivotable (tiltable) as in the above-described structure.

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

[0655] Figure 86 is a cross-sectional view when the process cartridge is installed in the apparatus main body. Figure 86 As shown in FIG. (a), the drum bearing 73 is provided with a contact portion 73g. When the process cartridge is inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus, the compression spring 435 contacts the main assembly guide portion 433, as shown in FIG. Figure 86As shown in FIG. (b), the compression spring 435 pushes the control member 432 in the direction of the arrow MJ. As a result, 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 direction of the arrow MJ. As a result, the drive transmission member 81 is pressed in the same manner as in Example 1. Figure 15 A moment is generated in the direction of arrow W shown in , and the drive transmission member 81 comes into contact with the restriction portion 73 g provided on the drum bearing 73 , so that the inclination angle of the drive transmission member 81 can be reduced.

[0656] When the installation of the process cartridge on the main assembly of the apparatus is completed and the drive transmission member 81 and the coupling member 64 are engaged, the rotation axis of the drive transmission member 81 and the rotation 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 FIG. Figure 86 As shown in Figure (c).

[0657] In addition, although the mechanism of Example 1 or the mechanism disclosed in Example 2 is used as the mechanism for extension and retraction of the connecting member in Examples 3 to 8, the method of extension and retraction is not limited to this method, and other methods may be used.

[0658] <Example 9>

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

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

[0661] In each of the above-described embodiments including Embodiment 8, the driving force is transmitted to the developing roller 32 ( FIG. 1 ) via the developing roller gear 36 meshing with the gear portion 75 a provided on the driving side flange member 75. Figure 27 ). That is, the driving force input from the main assembly of the apparatus to the coupling member (drive input member) of the cartridge is transmitted not only to the photosensitive drum but also to the developing roller 32 by branching within the cartridge. However, the cartridge and the main assembly of the image forming apparatus do not necessarily have such a structure. In other words, a structure in which the developing roller 32 receives the driving force directly from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus independently of the photosensitive drum 62 is also conceivable.

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

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

[0664] In addition, in the eighth embodiment, the drive transmission member 81 moves along the Figure 15 The drive transmission member is tilted in the direction of the arrow V shown in FIG. 3 , but this is not necessarily necessary. As described in Example 3 and the like, the drive transmission member may be tilted by a force other than gravity, and the drive transmission member may be tilted in a direction different from the direction of gravity. Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 92 As shown, the drive transmission member 1081 is tilted in the direction of arrow VV by the elastic force F22. Thus, the resistance when the process cartridge B is mounted to and removed from the apparatus main assembly A can be reduced (details will be described later).

[0665] (Structure of connecting parts and control parts)

[0666] First reference Figures 88 to 91 and Figure 98 , the structures of the connecting component 1064 and the control component 1001 will be described.

[0667] Figure 88 FIG (a) is a perspective view of box B according to this embodiment. Figure 88 Component (b) is an exploded perspective view of box B according to this embodiment. Figure 89 FIG (a) is a side view of box B according to this embodiment. Figure 89 The sub-graph (b) is along Figure 89 A sectional view taken along line XX-XX of the driving side end of box B in sub-figure (a).

[0668] like Figure 88 As shown in the sub-figures (a) and (b), the control component 1001 (which is used to control the drive transmission component 1081 ( Figure 92 The control member 1001 is a movable member 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, the drum bearing 1073 is integrally fixed 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 frames that form the cleaning unit 60 (see FIG. 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 pressing spring 1002 (which is a torsion coil spring) is attached to the support boss 1071a, and one end 1002a of the pressing spring 1002 contacts the pressed portion 1001d of the control member 1001. The other end 1002b of the pressing spring 1002 contacts the contacted portion 1073c of the drum bearing 1073. Therefore, the control member 1001 is pressed in the direction of arrow BB by the pressing force FF1 of the pressing spring 1002.

[0671] On the other hand, the drum bearing 1073 is provided with a control member contact portion (stop portion) 1073a that limits the rotational range of the control member 1001. The control member 1001 is urged in the direction of arrow BB by the urging spring 1002, so that the contacted portion 1001b of the control member 1001 is in contact with the control member contact portion 1073a. In other words, the movement of the control member 1001 is stopped by the contact of the control member contact portion 1073a with the control member 1001.

[0672] In addition, if Figure 89 As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the limiting portion (pushing portion, acting portion) 1001a of the control member 1001 is arranged adjacent to the surface 62a of the drum 62, that is, from the direction of arrow HH parallel to the axis of the drum 62 ( Figure 88 As shown in FIG. (a), the distance DA from the surface 62a of the drum 62 is shown. The position of the control member 1001 in this state is referred to as the active position of the control member.

[0673] In addition, if Figure 89 As shown in FIG. 2 ( b ), the restriction portion 1001 a of the control member 1001 is provided at a position at a distance DB outside the driven transmission portion 1064 a of the coupling member 1064 in the longitudinal direction.

[0674] In addition, if Figure 98 Graph (a) and Figure 98As shown in FIG. 1 (b), when an external force is applied to the restricting portion 1001a of the control component 1001, the control component 1001 can rotate about the axis AA in the direction BB2. In this state, the control component 1001 rotates in the direction BB2 against the urging force of the urging spring 1002. In this state, the contacted portion 1001b of the control component 1001 does not contact the control component contact portion 1073a. The control component 1001 can rotate in the direction of arrow BB2 by a predetermined angle.

[0675] As described above, in Embodiment 8, the coupling member 64 is mounted to the drum 62 via the driving side flange member 75 so as to be movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction (see Figure 6 and Figure 8 ). On the other hand, in this embodiment, as Figure 89 As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the coupling member 1064 is integrally fixed to the drum 62. Therefore, the coupling member 1064 does not include a mechanism for moving back and forth in the longitudinal direction relative to the drum 62. In Example 1, the coupling member 64 transmits the drive to the developing roller gear 36 ( Figure 27 ). On the other hand, in this embodiment, the coupling member 1064 does not have a gear portion and does not transmit drive to the developing roller gear 36. In addition, the tooth surface 36a of the developing roller gear 36 is located outside in the longitudinal direction relative to the coupling member 1064, and the tooth surface 36a is exposed to the outer surface of the cartridge B, as shown in FIG. Figure 88 shown.

[0676] On the other hand, Figure 90 As shown, the drive transmitting member 1081 of the apparatus main assembly A has a drive transmitting portion (output coupling portion) 1081a and a gear portion (output gear portion) 1081b. Figure 91 FIG. 1 shows a state in which the coupling member 1064 is engaged with the drive transmission member 1081 according to the present embodiment. Figure 91 As shown, the drive transmission member 1081 is provided coaxially with the drum 62. Then, the drive transmission portion 1081a meshes with the driven transmission portion 1064a of the coupling member 1064, and at the same time, the gear portion 1081b meshes with the tooth surface (drive input portion) 36a of the developing roller gear 36. Therefore, the drive transmission member 1081 can transmit the driving force to the coupling member 1064 and the developing roller gear 36 at the same time.

[0677] Similar to the coupling member 1064, the developing roller gear 36 is a drive input member (gear member) to which the driving force is input from the outside of the cartridge B (i.e., the drive transmission member 1081 of the apparatus main assembly). In particular, the developing roller gear 36 can be referred to as a drive input gear member.

[0678] (Structure of drive transmission component)

[0679] Reference Figure 89 and Figure 92 , the structure of the drive transmission member 1081 of the apparatus main assembly A will be described.

[0680] Similar to Example 8, box B is moved along guide rails 15h and 15g ( Figure 10 and Figure 11 ) is inserted into the mounting portion of the device main assembly A. At this time, Figure 89 As shown in the sub-figure (a) of , the direction CC followed by which the box B is finally installed to the main component A of the device is substantially perpendicular to the cutting line XX connecting the center PP of the drum 62 and the center QQ of the developing roller 32.

[0681] on the other hand, Figure 92 1081 is a cross-sectional view showing a support structure of the drive transmission member 1081 according to the present embodiment. Figure 92 1 and 2 show a state in which the cartridge B is not mounted to the apparatus main assembly A and the opening and closing door 13 is open. Figure 92 As shown, the supported portion 1081f of the cylindrical drive transmission member 1081 is supported by the supporting portion 1085a of the spherical drive transmission member supporting member 1085. Therefore, the drive transmission member 1081 can be tilted at the center RR of the supporting portion 1085a, and at the same time, the drive transmission member 1081 can be moved along the cylindrical axis EE of the supported portion 1081f.

[0682] In addition, the door 13 can be opened / closed in the direction of the arrow KK and the direction of the arrow TT ( Figure 96 The advance / retract member 1003 that moves on the main assembly A of the apparatus is attached to the drive transmission member 1081 by a device not shown. The advance / retract member 1003 is provided with an inclined spring 1006 (which is a compression spring) and uses the urging force FF2 in the pressed portion 1081c to push the drive transmission member 1081. Due to the urging force FF2 of the inclined spring 1006, the contacted portion 1081d of the drive transmission member 1081 contacts the protrusion 1004 provided on the main assembly A of the apparatus, while the contacted portion 1081e contacts the protrusion 1005. As a result, the drive transmission member 1081 adopts a posture that is inclined in the direction of arrow VV.

[0683] At this time, when viewed in the direction of arrow HH (which is a direction parallel to the axis of the drum 62), the inclination direction of the drive transmission member 1081 includes the direction parallel to the axis of the drum 62. Figure 89 Preferably, the convex portion 1004 and the convex portion 1005 are arranged at a position where the tilt direction of the drive transmission component 1081 is within 45 degrees relative to the arrow GG ( Figure 93's sub-graph (b) and Figure 94 Component (b)).

[0684] (Process of installing / removing the cartridge from the device main assembly)

[0685] refer to Figures 93 to 96 , describing the process of mounting the cartridge B in the apparatus main assembly A and the operation of the control section 1001. In these figures, the control section 1001 is indicated by hatching.

[0686] Figure 93 Figures (a) and (b) show the state just before the control unit 1001a of the control component 1001 contacts the gear unit 1081b of the drive transmission component 1081 during the process of opening the opening and closing door 13 and installing the box B into the main component A of the device.

[0687] Figure 94 Figures (a) and (b) show the box B from Figure 93 The states of the sub-figures (a) and (b) are inserted into the mounting portion of the device main component A.

[0688] Figure 95 Figures (a) and (b) show the Figure 94 The states of the sub-figures (a) and (b) are states in which the opening and closing door 13 is closed.

[0689] Figure 96 Figures (a) and (b) show the Figure 95 The states of the sub-figures (a) and (b) are the states after the drive is applied.

[0690] like Figure 93 As shown in FIG. 1 (a), before the control portion 1001a of the control member 1001 contacts the gear portion 1081b of the drive transmission member 1081, the drive transmission member is the same as when the cartridge B has not yet been mounted to the main assembly A of the apparatus, that is, the drive transmission member 1081 is tilted in the direction of the arrow VV...

Claims

1. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: Photosensitive drum; a coupling member provided on an end portion of the photosensitive drum to receive a rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum, the coupling member being movable between a retracted position retracted toward an interior of the photosensitive drum and an extended position extended toward an exterior of the photosensitive drum; as well as a movable member disposed adjacent to the coupling member and movable relative to the coupling member between a retracted position retracted toward the interior of the cartridge and an extended position extended toward the exterior of the cartridge, The movable member is provided with an inclined portion facing outward in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

2. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: Photosensitive drum; a coupling member provided on an end portion of the photosensitive drum to receive a rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum, the coupling member being movable between a retracted position retracted toward an interior of the photosensitive drum and an extended position extended toward an exterior of the photosensitive drum; as well as a movable member disposed adjacent to the coupling member and movable relative to the coupling member between a retracted position retracted toward the interior of the cartridge and an extended position extended toward the exterior of the cartridge, wherein the coupling member is engageable with a drive transmission member provided in the main assembly, and wherein the movable member is capable of contacting the drive transmission member.

3. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: Photosensitive drum; a coupling member provided on an end portion of the photosensitive drum to receive a rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum, the coupling member being movable between a retracted position retracted toward an interior of the photosensitive drum and an extended position extended toward an exterior of the photosensitive drum; as well as a movable member disposed adjacent to the coupling member and movable relative to the coupling member between a retracted position retracted toward the interior of the cartridge and an extended position extended toward the exterior of the cartridge, wherein after the movable member moves from the retracted position of the movable member to the extended position of the movable member, the coupling member is movable from the retracted position of the coupling member to the extended position of the coupling member. 4 . The cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising an operating member configured to be operated to move the coupling member. 5 . The cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising an operating member configured to be operated to move the movable member.

6. A cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the operating member extends away from the photosensitive drum as viewed along the axis of the photosensitive drum, and an end portion of the operating member projects from a frame of the cartridge.

7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first operating member configured to be operated to move the movable member and a second operating member configured to be operated to move the movable member.

8. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling member is movable from the retracted position of the coupling member to the extended position of the coupling member after the movable member moves from the retracted position of the movable member to the extended position of the movable member.

9. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 3, wherein said coupling member is engageable with a drive transmitting member provided in said main assembly, and The movable member is capable of acting on the drive transmitting member.

10. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: Photosensitive drum; a coupling member provided on an end portion of the photosensitive drum to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum; a movable member disposed adjacent to the coupling member and movable relative to the photosensitive drum and the coupling member between a retracted position retracted toward an interior of the photosensitive drum and an extended position extended toward an exterior of the photosensitive drum; as well as an operating member configured to be operated to move the movable member, The movable member is provided with an inclined portion facing outward in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

11. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: Photosensitive drum; a coupling member provided on an end portion of the photosensitive drum to receive a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum; a movable member disposed adjacent to the coupling member and movable relative to the photosensitive drum and the coupling member between a retracted position retracted toward an interior of the photosensitive drum and an extended position extended toward an exterior of the photosensitive drum; as well as an operating member configured to be operated to move the movable member, wherein the coupling member is engageable with a drive transmission member provided in the main assembly, and wherein the movable member is capable of contacting the drive transmission member.

12. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10 and 11, wherein the operating member (a) extends away from the photosensitive drum as viewed in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and (b) an end portion of the operating member protrudes from the cartridge.

13. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10 and 11, wherein the movable member is provided at an end portion of the photosensitive drum.

14. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10 and 11, wherein the coupling member and the movable member are configured to rotate when the coupling member receives a driving force.

15. A cartridge according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 11, wherein said movable member is provided with an inclined portion facing outward in the axial direction of said photosensitive drum.

16. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10 and 11, wherein the coupling member includes an input portion for receiving a driving force, wherein at least a portion of the input portion is located outside the movable member in a radial direction of the photosensitive drum.

17. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10 and 11, wherein the coupling member includes an input portion for receiving a driving force, wherein at least a portion of the movable member is located outside the input portion in a radial direction of the photosensitive drum.

18. An image forming apparatus comprising a main assembly and a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 17, said main assembly including a drive transmitting member for transmitting a driving force to said cartridge.

Images